Chapter 5: Fate Leads Them Towards One Destination
Foreword- Hello, Mayflower Productions here with another installment of Infinite Loner. This time we have the last chapter before the Prologue! Are you excited, scared, bored? I'm looking forward to next week because *redacted* so I'll hope you'll put up with me for just a bit longer. Now for my thought process behind this update... well to put it simply, I forgot that this story was an Infinite Stratos crossover so if you're a fan of the franchise you may recognize some of the characters mentioned later on. Last time I thanked the reviewers for my consistent updating, but now I'd like to show my appreciation for all the great people leaving favorites and follows to both the story and my account. We're now ever lurching towards that elusive 100 follower count, and I can't wait to make it there and further beyond. Now with all that out of the way... Get Ready for Infinite Loner: Chapter 5- Fate Leads Them Towards One Destination.
Infinite Loner- POV shift, line break "I'm the Monster of Logic."- Dialogue.
Disclaimer: I do not own Oregairu, Infinite Stratos, or any other intellectual properties that may appear in this story. Please don't sue me.
"Likely story." This situation seemed too good to be true: a perfect escape plan from the toxic Chiba student body and a school for giant fighting robots. What else could I ask for, a free Georgia Max vending machine or dartboard with my classmates' faces on it? However, that security had a cost, IS Academy was the world's capital of pushy women, and the technology hates my guts with a passion; it was the best and worst outcome I could hope for.
"But, what if I..." As a man of logic and sound reasoning, I tried to argue against attending using numerous valid counterarguments. The school had a heavily skewed gender imbalance, which would make it a male student's nightmare. I lacked formal training in IS and would only slow all the other students down. My grades were pedestrian, unworthy for such a prestigious institution. The list goes on and on.
Against most, those concerns would be enough to shut a discussion down...
"Hikigaya Hachiman, did you hear what I said? Or do you have something more to add?" but I was up against Orimura Chifuyu, the famed Brunhilde, and once she had her mind made up, there's nothing that can stop her. She effortlessly countered all my points, rendering my argument moot.
"Yes, nee-san," I sighed in defeat. There was no other option; I had to apply and pass the written and practical entrance exam for IS Academy scheduled in two weeks. Nee-san said that if I failed, there would be dire consequences. I knew better than to ask for an explanation, so I ran away to study...
"Heh, I like boys who understand," I thought I heard a quiet chuckle behind me, but it was probably the wind. There's no way nee-san could be interested in someone like me, right?
Infinite Loner
I spent the next few days learning everything about Infinite Stratos; who made it, what it does, how it's built, the whole nine yards, as it would probably be the basis of the exams. School transformed into a large timeslot for this routine as I let my grades slide a little with my current academic success secured and IS Academy prospects on the line. If that meant ignoring Orimoto even harder than before... well, that's a small price to pay for salvation.
Here are some interesting facts I found in my studies. Did you know that ISs were developed for space travel? I could only imagine it, astronauts wearing robot mechs, exploring the cosmos; it sounds like a dream. However, like most dreams, it died as fears of weaponization led to the signing of the Alaska Treaty, which banned all military use or research in its initial field. Some articles hint at national armies developing anti-IS weaponry, but officially none of it exists. The point is that nowadays, the IS is virtually a shiny toy that only gives young women an ego boost. What a disappointment. All this when Moon colonies were on the table... moon colonies! Overall my efforts bore fruit, and I grew prepared for anything that could be thrown at me on exam day.
Infinite Loner
[Entrance Exam Day]
Waking up 2 hours before the big test, I quickly completed all my morning duties and sped downstairs. Luckily for me, no one in the house was up yet, so I had some time to warm myself up with some early morning shadowboxing. To the naked eye, it may look like I am doing some funky dance. In reality, it was image training for my potential practical exam in an IS. Thank you, Google-san for the suggestion, by the way. All was going well until I was rudely interrupted.
"Onii-chan, what is this?" Komachi teleported behind me and unplugged my headphones, which allowed the house to fill with the sweet... sickening sound of the Pretty Cure OST.
"N...Nothing." I swiftly turned off my phone to stop the music and hopefully keep my overworked corporate slave parents asleep. I never clearly explained IS Academy to them, as they're always exhausted whenever at home. After all, they have more important things to worry about than the high school prospects of their unimpressive son.
Unfortunately, I was too late," Oh Hachiman, you were trying to be slick, weren't you. Sneaking out the house for your entrance exam without letting us send you off." My mother was also somehow behind as well and smirking during her remark. Nani?! How are my parents awake this early? They had triple overtime last night. Seriously what is the deal with women and their high sneak stat? I would love for "Stealth Hikki" to be that strong. Quick tangent, something weird has happened at school, as Orimoto has been discretely staring in my direction during the class. Maybe she's upset for me not "talking" (read: thinly veiled barbs) to her anymore. I hope she's not feeling regret over "dumping" me as the Hikigaya Express doesn't accept dropped riders.
"Why would I, being the world's greatest son, do such a thing?" I awkwardly reply with a sheepish grin. I was about to get away with my "crime" if it wasn't for "you" meddlesome parents and that annoying little sister too. Why can't I be secretive! There was now only an hour before showtime, making it imperative that I start moving, so I grabbed my belongings and attempted to head for the door.
Right before I could open it, the Hikigaya patriarch decided to give his two cents," Son, don't worry about failing, just do your best and give them the old Hikigaya 1' 2." I know he was trying to be cool there, but the only move our family has at our disposal is the patented "bow and beg for forgiveness." Maybe my enrollment at IS Academy can finally break that tradition of corporate slavery...
"Ok, I'll be off." And with that, I closed the door and worked my way down to the testing facility...
Infinite Loner
*sigh* That entrance exam was so tiring. The written portion was no problem as I was a Top-10 student, except for those math questions. It doesn't matter how much I study, they always give me problems. Besides that, the practical... Oh boy, was that a different beast.
Unsurprisingly, I had a rough time flying my IS. The proctors said I had a D- compatibility rating and that it was a miracle I was even able to move, suited up. Operating an IS is like flying a plane in a video game with inverted controls; sure, it's not impossible, but everything functions the opposite as you would think it would, which meant that I kept crashing into walls. I can only imagine how embarrassing that looked to all the other test-takers. I really hope my match doesn't end up in the newspaper. The shame alone would kill me. My instructor was no pushover either, and I only won in a less than desirable fashion... alas, a win is a win. My acceptance into IS Academy was almost a given with my relatively strong performance, especially after highlighting that I'm one of two male IS pilots in the world. All the staff couldn't stop comparing me to this mystery man, and I'm pretty sure I didn't live up to their expectations. What super-genius would take five minutes to enter an IS? My presence also left an impression on the other testers as they silently observed my every move at the facility. With this much hype, I couldn't help but wonder about the identity of the other pilot. Maybe we can be friends (lol)?
With the entrance exam question answered, there was now only one obstacle between me and the sweet isolation of IS Academy... Komachi.
Contrary to popular belief, I didn't avoid clubs in middle school just for extra free time but also to alleviate my little sister's worries. Our parents are, as I have already established, overworked corporate slaves for a shady company. Which makes it's not uncommon for the two of us to come home to an empty house for days at a time. We both know they're trying their best to be here, but children struggle to think objectively. Especially my sister, who cannot stand being the first one inside as it makes her feel lonely and depressed... yes, even worse than I was last year, as what happened then was nothing more than a stupid boy waking up to the realities of living a "fulfilling youth." So as the world's greatest onii-chan, I promised to leave school as early as possible to arrive before her. This has been going on for a few years now but IS Academy is a boarding school, so we will be disconnected for long periods. I don't think she will forgive me if I just leave without addressing this pressing concern. After all, is a life with an angry Komachi even worth living?
Infinite Loner
Once my acceptance letter came a few weeks after the exam, I decided to make my move.
"Oi Komachi, let's have a little talk," I state, crashing on the chair next to her in the living room with my acceptance letter in hand.
"Wait, is that your acceptance letter for IS Academy? I thought you said your entrance exam was a disaster." She slowly questions, a subtle frown lining her face. Is that shock I see Komachi? Didn't think your brother would make it in, huh? I'll have you know that I was the top student in my middle school class last year. Sure, I was rewarded with a flurry of punches and kicks, but that's beside the point.
"Yeah, and I got in, but that's not why I'm here. We need to set some new "rules" for our relationship." Time for the hard work in convincing her to begin.
"Ok, so what is it?" Great, right to the point, Komachi, just like your onii-chan.
"We both know that IS Academy is a boarding school, so we won't be seeing each other as regularly as we're used to. I'm going to struggle to cope with a dorm devoid of my amazing Imouto, so I'm here with a compromise for my mental wellbeing; I go to your preferred school without a fight, and you promise to keep in touch from time to time. My experience with long-distance relationships is not the best, from obvious experiences. How often we talk depends on how horrifying my high school life is since there's the whole me being one of two men at a virtually all-girls school. I might have to... *gag*... hang out with people my age. Even now, I'm second-guessing my decision to even enroll at IS Academy and declining Sobu. But as we both know, nee-san wouldn't let that happen without a fight." My long-winded explanation seems to have raised her mood as she smiled before replying. Is my social incompetence a joke to you?! That is most definitely a reduction in Komachi points.
"Wow, look at onii-chan being a siscon for his "darling Imouto," and I was never going to put up a fight, as I think it's time for you to grow up and make some new friends. However, I'll take your offer to soothe your worries. Oh, that one was worth lots of points. Besides, it is about time for you to get a girlfriend anyways, Gomi-chan!" Thank you for understanding, little sister, but was that last part necessary? I know that it's a running gag in this household that I have poor social skills, especially with the opposite sex. But the joke's on you, though, as I talked to a girl my age for the whole summer (may have been a psychopath, but still, she counts). There's Orimoto too. And the other one... My mood sours from just thinking about her.
"Wow, do I have the greatest Imouto in the world? Thank you, Komachi." I have to push my more misanthropic thoughts aside as my amazing sister agreed to the terms... My terms.
"Anytime." I appear to attentively listen to her reply as I hide my true feelings on the agreement. As much as it pains me to admit it, I've been holding Komachi back by just a matter of association. She may vehemently deny the fact, but I notice the unsubtle looks people have whenever we walk to school together. It's like they all pity her, and I'm sick of it. With my imminent departure from the Chiba rumor mill, Komachi's potential as a super socialite can finally blossom without any of the Monster of Logic's poor reputation. Her friends won't have to worry about her bum of a brother, spoiling the mood whenever they visit. Komachi may initially feel lonely, but given enough time, a fulfilling youth will fill the onii-chan shaped hole in her heart...
Strange, is it just me, or is someone chopping onions?
Infinite Loner
My third year of middle school is now over! *Phew!* What a relief. It was so satisfying to walk out of that classroom for the last time. Saying goodbye to all those degenerates.
[Flashback]
*Bell rings* "And with that, students, the class is over, and your time as middle schoolers concluded. I'll be looking out for you guys in the papers." You are so funny, Sensei, acting as if our names will matter in the future. A solid 90% of this classroom will end up working to death in 10 years. Dreams are doomed to fail them in the long run, leaving only the bleak reality of corporate slavery. Not even I could escape that fate... until recently, that is.
Not wanting to waste my time, I tried to quickly leave the classroom before I was stopped by my former crush, "So Hikigaya, this is it, no more middle school."
"Yes, so sad, Orimoto, about that, and if you will excuse me, I have to leave to prepare for my upcoming high school career." I was subtle in my hint for IS Academy, not wanting her to gossip. Still, one final salute to the girl who singlehandedly wrecked my middle school life wouldn't hurt right. It's thanks to her that I ended up the person I am today.
"Why, aren't you going to somewhere local like Kahin or Sobu... Unless." Ah, Orimoto, caught on, but sadly for you, I already slid out of my seat and exited the classroom. It may be my last day, but I have no intention of raising too many flags here. The last time I did, all my efforts were rewarded with a black eye.
[Flashback End]
The next milestone on my calendar is the First Day of High School, and that day grew closer until the night before the big event. There were no late-night binge sessions over those few days after middle school, as my time was filled with more studying, and this time, it was the "required reading" of the IS textbook before school started. That bad boy was a nightmare, and I pray for any students who failed to read it before class started as I needed 100% focus to gain a complete understanding of the material. Days zoomed by, and loading day arrived.
"So onii-chan, think you'll make any friends at school?" Komachi asked while lying on my bed. The two of us were in my room in the middle of packing for IS Academy.
"Hah! Do you know who I am, Komachi?" I chuckled at her odd suggestion. I'm a veteran loner and a master when it comes to losing, so there's no way friends will come my way.
"I know, I know, you're Hikigaya Hachiman, the King of Loners; friends would only slow you down." She blankly replied while rolling her eyes.
"Hey, what's with the deadpan? I'm not that much of a joke." I shot back to her subtle tease. Hmm, which shirt should I bring, "I Love Chiba," or "There's No Place Like Chiba"? What a hard decision.
"Don't even bother with either, onii-chan. I'm not letting my brother become a laughing stock at high school." Komachi dismissed both options and threw a white designer shirt into the suitcase. Wait, where did this come from? I don't remember ever buying this?
"I feel like you sometimes forget we have parents, onii-chan." Please, Komachi, when was the last time they ever went clothes shopping for me? I can't even recall a single moment in the past year.
"Uh, why did they make this the school uniform. It's tasteless." I blanched at the piece of clothing in my hands, the IS Academy uniform. There's just too much going on with all the stripes lining the shirt and pants. Why couldn't they have just used a more conventional design?
"You know, for once, I'm going to have to agree with your fashion sense, onii-chan. Whoever made this should be fired; the trendy red and white color scheme contrasts too much with your minimalist presence. It's so harsh that it makes you look like a sad monkey in funny pajamas." Komachi sighed as she looked at the clothing.
"But in other news, do you think you'll find a girlfriend in high school, onii-chan?" And she immediately pivots back to my love life.
"Why does it always go back to that, Komachi? If I don't have any friends, how would I make the jump to a romantic relationship?" Her fascination with this topic doesn't make sense to me. We've all seen what happens when I get caught up in romance, so why would I want a repeat?
"Boo. You're no fun, onii-chan." She cutely pouted in response to my logical assessment of the situation.
"Heh." I lightly smirked at my perceived victory in the argument... I'm going to miss moments like these, enjoying simple pleasures with Komachi.
And one long and rejuvenating goodnight later, I woke up and got ready for probably the biggest day of my relatively short life.
One hearty breakfast later, I was about to leave, but not before giving one last goodbye. "I'll catch you guys on the flip side!" I called out as I opened the door.
"See you, onii-chan/ Hachiman!/ Son!" The trio of my family decided to exclaim in unison. This moment is kind of bittersweet, presumably being the last time I'm in Chiba for the next 3 months. Right now, it almost seems like the four of us are just a regular family. *sigh* Oh, how could I forget, the five of us, don't worry, Kamakura, my trustworthy cat, I haven't ignored you. It's just that class starts soon, and I don't need scratch marks on my face for my high school debut. That's a recipe for disaster.
I guess it's time for the Hikigaya Express to get moving. Next Stop: IS Academy! You know what, just this once, I'll let Chuuni-Hikigaya have his moment.
Infinite Loner
"I'll be off." I guess the day has finally arrived, my first day at high school. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen, but the universe works in mysterious ways. Making my last-minute preparations, I could only groan at my looming fate. Everyone would be watching me, sizing all my actions up, and there's probably going to be no one backing me up this time.
"Take care." Maybe this is retribution for what I did to him all those years ago, leaving him just when his walls began coming down, but I had no other choice. The situation was out of my control, and outside pressures forced me to leave Japan. I never wanted to be an IS pilot, nothing more than a dog for the state. If possible, I'd love to just have those peaceful days continue with the three of us enjoying our youth together. But that's all in the past, and I have to worry about what's in front of me... Yet, my mind can't help but wonder. Is he still angry after all this time? How is he doing; did he make any new friends; has his personality mellowed out? Knowing him, he probably took my silence to heart and would avoid any future relationship with me, but what if... What would I say to you if we ever met again, Hachi-kun?
Infinite Loner
"Ojou-sama, it appears that your time in England ends today." Chelsea idly noted as the two of us stood before the private plane. Her assessment was correct as in a few days, I would attend IS Academy as an elite National Representative. It was the logical conclusion for a prodigy like myself who spent countless hours honing their craft and outperforming competitors for my position. From what I've seen, not many of my peers should challenge me for the title of Strongest 1st Year since most lacked possession of a Personal IS, let alone one rivaling mine. "We're nothing compared to the great Cecilia. We're grateful to just breathe the same air as someone so skilled," I can already see it, the lavish praise and admiration sent my way by the masses, and it sounds like music to my ears.
"Before I forget to mention it, ojou-sama, there appear to be two male pilots enrolling in this year's class, Orimura Ichika and Hikigaya Hachiman if I'm not mistaken. Please be mindful of their presence, and keep their rowdy behavior in line... and please enjoy yourself abroad." As I walked onto the plane, Chelsea commented about my classmates. Oh, how could I forget about those two, the pair of barbarians from that isolated island? Men are nothing more than animals, and their inability to use Infinite Stratos proved that, but... but... they're going to be associated with me. How absurd? I despise how flippant they act, chasing fleeting pleasures while ignoring what's in front of them. Just thinking about them is enough to drive me insane, but... You're a member of the prestigious British IS program; such a temper is unfitting for someone so esteemed.
"Oh, of course, Chelsea. I'll have a ball of a time in Japan." I lightly smile as the door finally closes. If I see one of those paupers, I'll show them how significant they are in the social hierarchy. After all, no one can outplay the melodious waltz of Blue Tears.
Author's Note- Guess who's back? It's me Mayflower Productions, and did you know 25% of... Ha, hah, hah! Okay, I'll stop, this is the wrong platform anyway. I'm the author of Infinite Loner and if you've made it this far into the update you probably have some opinion on what I've created. If you want to express those views try writing a review, as I would highly appreciate reader insight since there are only so many angles I can see to improving the story as one person. It doesn't have to be overly positive either just write your honest thoughts because like the protagonist I want to hear the unfiltered truth no matter how unflattering or harsh it may be. Before I forget please tell everyone you know about Infinite Loner, because what's the point of publishing something if no one reads it? At this point, I may sound like a broken record but... thank you for spending time reading my story and I'll catch you on the flipside.
Preview:
"I can't believe tomorrow is the first day."
"Are you nervous?"
"Of course not, Orimura-sensei... It's just that big changes are about to take place at IS Academy."
"If I'm not mistaken, those two are among the incoming 1st Years."
"So that boy from the park actually passed the entrance exam? He looked very reluctant to apply."
"It took some considerable effort, but I convinced him to attend."
"Was there any blackmail involved, Orimura-sensei?"
"What are you implying by that statement, Yamada-sensei? *glare*~."
"...Nothing."
"In any case, I already feel that this year won't be like the others... *sigh* Why did the administration have to stack my class full of problem children? A loner, idiot, National Representative, and a wayward warrior... our homeroom is shaping up to be a nightmare."
"Next time on Infinite Loner- Chapter 6: Introductions Were Never One of His Specialties."
"So Ichika, I heard you're attending some fancy private school?"
"What do you want, Kazuma?"
"Grr, why does an idiot like you get to be surrounded by beautiful babes?! I heard the place you're going was formerly an all-girls school, and only has one other male student, so there's no competition."
"I know it's going to be tough surviving as one of the few guys, finding a bathroom might be annoying."
"*sigh* And you completely ignore the benefits of your unique situation... I'm so jealous Ichika!"
"Yeah, yeah, I have to do some last-minute packing, so I'll see you later, Kazuma. Tomorrow is the first day."
"Don't have too much fun, lover-boy..."
"Still, IS Academy... I wonder what the future holds for me. Maybe I could become friends with my male classmate? We might form a dynamic duo... just like Hachiman and I back in our first year of middle school..."
"Achoo! These late-night sneezes are killing me. Does that mean someone is talking about me?.. Hah, as if..."
Postscript- I have returned with another early story tune-up, which mainly entailed adding a preview for chapter 6, which I consider one of the most important, as a transition from the middle school to early IS Academy arcs. Stay on the lookout for more of these postscripts as I work to streamline the story into my modern template. For anyone curious about the next chapter (Chapter 16 Part 2) just know that it is in progress, and should hopefully be done soon. Check out my other story Catastrophe if you're interested in seeing more of me, as it is similar to Infinite Loner, by also starring Hikigaya Hachiman in his first year of high school. Sorry, for wasting anyone's time with this quick message, so I will see you all next time- Mayflower Productions.
Updated February 24, 2022
Chapter End