GOOD DAY GUYS, I'M HERE BACK AGAIN WITH A NEW CHAPTER! HOPE YOU ENJOY READING THIS!
Chapter 5: Old Acquaintance And Speculations
(IS Academy, Japan)
At the academy training grounds, first year Class 1 are having a training exercise in terms of basic IS piloting. Ichika among the crowd of girls wearing their skimpy P. E uniforms is given some basics, although some of them especially the representatives are already trained experts in combat. Still as a part of the class, they must obliged to participate. Purposely giving some advice and instructions to their classmates who are newbies.
"I should have demanded to exempt me in this stupid practice." Ichika muttered under his breath. Around him, a crowd of female classmates surrounded him asking to teach them some basics.
"Umm... Ichika-san would you guide me for this training exercise pleeease?"
"Ichika me too!"
"Hey, I was first here!"
"No, I approached him first!"
"Ichika please teach me!"
This bunch of girls are now fighting for his attention, what a rare sight nowadays and...quite annoying. Such opportunistic girls they are, they're using this window of chance to approach him since he was hard to get close with during all the time. His serious demeanor and intimidating looks provides him a barrier that keeps them to interact with him. But today is their opportunity to get entangled with the most famous student in the academy just for being a unique individual.
On the other side of the field, Cecilia Alcott is staring intently at them. Being also surrounded by some students to gain her advice, she could not help but revert her attention at Ichika. She was only distracted when one of the students calls her out.
"Ms. Cecilia? Ms. Ceciliaaa." Cecilia snaps out of her stupor and looks back at one of the students interacting with her.
"H-huh, yes what is it?" Cecilia responds.
"Ms. Cecilia, we want to ask your advice about IS piloting." The student replied.
"Oh, yeah then let me enlighten you my fellow classmates." Cecilia replied with her usual boastful attitude.
Back at Ichika, the females around him still pestering him which makes him suffocated by such atmosphere.
"Ichika-san pleeeeease." The students on Ichika's side still begging for his guidance but the only male himself only denies.
"No, go ask someone else."Ichika waves them off but seems like it didn't faltered their aggressiveness.
"But Ichika, you're the only one who is the most capable person here to teach us!" One of the students argued.
"We have representatives in the class, go look for them for guidance." Ichika still rejects them and wanted to push them away out of his presence. Unfortunately, this group of girls seems already marked their sights on him and they are the only brave ones that approaches despite his demeanor.
Their persistence really irritated Ichika to the core so they leave him no choice.
"LEAVE OR I'LL MAKE YOU." Letting out his ominous tone, he sent a chilling sensation to the girls which makes them frightened by his sudden change in demeanor. He looks at them with piercing gaze that made them steps back in fear.
"W-we're so sorry for bothering you! We won't dare ask you next time!" With fear, the girls no longer pesters him and scurried away from him. Ichika seeing the result of his act, calms himself peacefully as he was glad that no one would bother him anymore.
"Gee, you don't have to be that harsh on them you know." Suddenly a voice rangs out behind him that twitched his eyebrows in annoyance. When he thought that he could have peaceful time alone, another one bothers him in their place.
"What do you want, Dunois?" Ichika asked not bothering looking behind.
"That's so rude Ichika, you don't want to face me?" Charlotte pouted. Ichika then finally decided to face her with such a hassled expression.
"Hello there, Ichika!" Charlotte said with a cheerful smile on him.
"What do you need?" Ichika turns to face her and resumed to asked flatly.
"Nothing, just want to have a nice conversation." Charlotte respond to which he narrowed his eyes in displease.
"Well Ichika, I know you dislike being with us in the first place but it will be a bad habit if you alienate yourself with the rest. It's no good to be alone you know." Charlotte said with concern eventhough they are not that close acquaintances. Ichika was wondering why this woman is quite conservative about him.
"I'm already used to that." Ichika flatly replied to her. Charlotte became skeptical to his response of words.
"Huh, what do you mean?" The French blonde asked in confused.
"Nothing, I will choose to befriend whoever I want to befriend with. Just leave me be." Ichika replied waving off.
"So, I am not one of those you want to make friends with?" Charlotte asked in curiosity, having got a gist if she can make friends with him.
"Maybe, maybe not." Ichika response effortlessly. Part of his endeavour is to get entangled with valuable people and one of them happens to be Cecilia Alcott, since her family owns one of the most famous IS company in Europe. And yet, here is another one who also came from the same family status as well which hailed from France and the biggest competitor of Cecilia's company.
"I see, so a chance... Okay then, I won't bother you for now so see you later Ichika!" Charlotte finally bid her leave as she waves at Ichika and returns to her classmates. Ichika stares at her retreating figure and thought of something.
"Maybe, she can be of use. If I can manage to gain her trust then she will willingly give me any information about the secrets of their company that I want." Ichika muttered in thinking and then a sinister smile formed on his face. Despite what women did to men in this fuck up reality they are still their biggest weakness when it comes to emotions.
"This would be fun. Felt like I'm gonna be a bad guy who only sees a woman as a benefit. Heh, hell if I care about what they feel after they outlived their usefulness to my goals." Ichika commented quietly. He doesn't care if he ended up betraying their trust or hurting their feelings since he has no qualms of breaking them apart. He thinks it's time for them to feel the level of betrayal and despair that they've given upon men after their backstabbing 5 years ago.
Although, he's aware that both Cecilia and Charlotte has nothing to do of what happened back then but for him, all women are the same. Ichika developed such racist mindset after all he'd been through. Beginning from the betrayal of his sister and from that death of his friends and comrades alike by the hands of the opposite sex that treated them nothing but a plague that must be exterminated.
He engulfed in his own thoughts but still sense that someone is approaching towards him. He glance in direction of the said someone and realizes it was Cecilia.
"Hey, Ichika." Cecilia called out to his attention.
'Great, after her now you.' Ichika just sigh at his situation as he was being approached by many women who either wanted to woe him or befriended him.
"Something you want Cecilia?" Ichika acted casually since he needed to gain some trust to her as part of his plans.
"What did that woman speak to you?" Cecilia asked but with sense of interrogating. Ichika raised his eyebrow as she was also been asked the same question before.
'Why I feel like she has an animosity when it comes to me and Charlotte having close?' Ichika wondered. Women sometimes are a mystery, he can't comprehend what's running on her mind right now.
"Is there any concern to you if I talk to her that much?" Ichika asked in question. Cecilia was taken aback by such question as she didn't know how to answer.
"W-well, you know that her company and I are great competitors in Europe right?" Cecilia said with a clarified hint regarding about her standing between them.
"I know, but it doesn't answer my question why it has something to do with me being acquainted to her." Ichika elaborates his question regarding her issue about him and Charlotte.
"I just want to warn you alright! Do not fully trust someone like her. They are a bunch of opportunist that will do anything to their company. I heard that they're having a hard time now since their CEO died 5 years ago and now they're slowly trying to climb up in ranks when her mother took it over. She might only approach you with an intention to use you as a rare endorsement opportunity for their company since you are a unique individual with unusual talent. " Cecilia explained the situation about the Dunois status in business world and about the possibility that she approaches him with beneficial intentions I order to get them back on track.
Yes, Ichika also knows it since he had done his research. He heard that Charlotte's mother forced to took over it despite only knows nothing on how to run a huge corporation. She was just a random countryside bumpkin with no knowledge whatsoever. But with the help and guidance of some former CEO's trusted people she managed to get a grasp of running things in the company. Thankfully, she's a fast learner.
Charlotte is the only remaining child of the Dunois lineage after all of the previous heirs was killed during the purge. Her father, the former CEO actually has two sons from the legal wife while Charlotte's mother is just a mistress that unintentionally made an affair with her father. In other words, she's an illegitimate child. In order to resolve the issue, her pregnant mother was sent away to the rural area where they will leave for the rest of their lives that makes Charlotte grew up without knowing who her father is. When the purge happens, all of the main family was killed including the wife after she tried to fought against the authority during that time which is now a wanted terrorist group called cultist.
As the remaining family member, they were force out of their countryside lives and entered the world of high society. Thankfully, her father has many loyal people amongst them that did not exploited everything so they manage to get a grasp of their situation successfully.
'Stroke of luck for her if I say, from poor to rich thanks to the purge.' Ichika thought in amusing manner for such life Charlotte has now.
"No need to worry, I have no plans to put my trust to anyone else." Ichika assured.
'Especially women.' Ichika added in his mind with narrowed eyes.
"W-well, that's great to hear then...!" Cecilia just awkwardly said. Deep inside she has a conflicting disappointment after hearing that he trust no one which means that includes her.
"Anyways, did you also have the agenda like her since you also always approaching me?" Ichika then suddenly asked the same thing interrogatively.
"W-WHAT?! OF COURSE NOT! I'm not that kind of person who would gain advantage in such dishonorable way! Don't compare me to her!" Cecilia baffled and exclaimed at such accusation from him thinking she has the same modus.
"Alright, alright don't sweat it, I'm just asking and I believe you." Ichika relaxed her outrage from his remarks, trying to calm the aristocratic British blonde.
"A-anyway, just don't get too close to her. You don't know when she's going to seduce you just to get you to them." Cecilia calms herself and advises him in account.
"Alright, thanks for your concern but you don't need to." Ichika sighs in exasperation. This conversation is getting longer.
"Of course you need it. That's what friends are for right?" Cecilia emphasizes her validity regarding her acquaintance to him.
"Friends...?" Ichika repeated out loud in question.
"Wait, are we not?" Cecilia asked in concern, having Ichika wondered about their relationship.
"No, it's just that it's quite amusing to think that I manage to befriend someone like you who has a short temper. But when I knowing you better, you have a soft loving side behind that arrogant beauty of yours. Seems on the inside, your a kind person after all." Ichika tried to tease her a bit with his swaying words. But in reality, he wants to puke by this kind of words he just spouted. Disliking the fact that he'd just seducing a woman now, but it was all an act to pursue his personal agenda so he has no choice but to bear with this charade.
"I-IDIOT! W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE ME WITH SUCH SIMPLE WORDS Y-YOU DOLT!" Cecilia reacted in outburst by Ichika's teasing. Although it was clearly obvious from her blushing cheeks that she was practically swayed by it, quite effective.
"A-anyways, I should go now, meet you later!" Cecilia walks out stomping in pure embarrassment by Ichika's remarks. Ichika was purely amused by this development. One more push and she will definitely fall to his web. And before she notices it, it will be too late to get freed.
(European Intelligence H.Q, Germany)
"Have you obtain anything?" The intelligence Director asked Valkyrie after her rough interrogating procedure towards the cultist captive.
"Barely, I got somewhat a clue of their activity. She said that they are planning to send some sleeper agents to various locations to eliminate some targets which she didn't have an idea who they are." Valkyrie informed her of her findings.
"Targets?" The Director asked.
"Yes, they are targeting specific people in some places. I used some more methods to squeeze more but it seems like that's all she had and have no idea who are this targets are. I deduced that she is just one of their fanatical grunts who simply following orders without knowing about their operations." Valkyrie deducted. After squeezing the captured cultist of everything she knows, she just only finds out about their assassinating operation.
"Any idea of who are they after?" Director asked her opinion for any chances of who this people the cult set sights on.
"Many, possibly some of their assets who'd gone astray to them after everything went downhill when their crimes got exposed or some higher ups in the government who they hold a grudge against after turning on them after the whole revelation . Or maybe..." Valkyrie elaborates the possible targets of this cultists in deep thought when she trailed off as she remembered the most suitable people that certainly the cultist will put into their hit list.
"What is it Valkyrie?" The Director asked as she noticed something got the operative leader a gist.
"Director, I think you should contact and warn the government that the VIP's around the world might be in danger." Valkyrie suddenly suggested out of nowhere regarding a possible threat she theorized.
"The VIP's? Wait, you couldn't possibly mean that-" The Director wide eyed in realization as she got a hunch of what Valkyrie meant.
"There's a very high possibility that the VIP's are the cults targets. The sleeper agents that they'll gonna send there must be the assassins that will do the kill." Valkyrie deduced the cultist possible plan.
"It would make sense, this is the cultist we are talking about and they are only hell bent in one goal. Targeting the VIP'S would surely fulfill that ambitions of theirs." The Director also agreed on her deduction.
It would certainly be the case in align of the cultists true intentions since the VIP's they are referring about are none other than the remaining men in public who are under the custody of the government around the globe. This men are the only ones that the government manage to find in the past five years after the purge. Under their strict surveillance and supervision, this men has limited amount of freedom from where they going for their protection and being provided with their necessities directly from the governments of every nation they are residing in. Among those said VIP's is Ichika Orimura who unbeknownst to everyone is the leader of the men's colony hiding somewhere from who knows where.
"If what you suspected about them is true then I will immediately contact the higher ups for this possible threat. Although, it might be a false alarm on our part and the cultist might planning something different and will only cause us great commotion, still it's better to be safe than sorry." The Director explained the ups and cons of triggering this kind of emergency if it turns to be wrong but nevertheless the possible threat cannot be ignored.
"Likewise Director, I will continue interrogating the captive for any other information about the cult's movements asides this. I might get lucky to gather some more important intels of their other activities, transactions and their possible hideouts." Valkyrie then suggested to continue her work to collect information as she leaves everything to her superior to deal with this prior premonition. They still unsure if it was the case since it's just only a speculation but they would not take aside such potential threat.
"Very well, I'll leave you to your own devices. I'll go now." The Director then leaves to contact their authority about a possible threat. Valkyrie then proceeds to return to the interrogation room to squeeze out some other informations regarding the terrorist group.
(Phantom Task H.Q)
While the government are in alert of a possible attack from the cult. At the Phantom Task H.Q, Tabane sees contemplating in great worry on the report she received from her only operative who manage to survive the fiasco in Verdansk. Reports stated that the Viper and her squad who was supposed to deliver the gas to be disposed of when suddenly someone attack their convoy and Viper was the only sole survivor of the unexpected ambush. The mission was thought to be accomplished was met with a sudden tragedy as the said attackers steals the gas away. Clearly assumed that this unknown assailants are also after the chems. But what Tabane concerned the most is the claim that Viper stated about the identity of the ambushers.
"Viper, are you really certain that the one who attack your squad are...men?" Tabane asked with a bit of reluctance, unable to believe such scenario transpired.
"I heard them talking many times while I'm still inside the wreckage and even we no longer meet their existence for 5 years I'm pretty sure that's the voice of a man." Viper elaborately stated in assurance that she was not mistaken what she heard back there.
"Are you sure it's not some kind of voice changing device that some other factions use when they do stealth missions like this?" Tabane asked again, wanted a clear confirmation of her claims.
"I'm pretty sure it wasn't ma'am. I heard it clearly many times and it wasn't like a voice changer could pull off to do something so detailed and distinct like it was a normal voice. And most of all, eventhough their wearing armored uniforms their bulky features which is similar to a man is clearly seen among them." Viper stands her claims as she was not mistaken what she saw or heard during that time. She might be in state of shock from what happened back there but her senses is clear enough to notice the environment around them. They've been trained their senses after all to be more active for any missions they will send on, both for survivability and combat situations.
Tabane looks at her carefully and deduced that Viper really did trust her guts about this. If this is true then Tabane never likes what's coming in the future. Why would men stole the gas, for what reason they want it? Where are they'll gonna use it? Those are the questions that sprouted on her head and she had a bad premonition on what way they'll gonna intend to use it. As she was unsure about this things, Tabane gives out a huge sigh to calm herself into this manner.
"Alright Valkyrie, that's it for now. We still didn't sure if what you encountered at Verdansk are really men but I will take note of it for future investigations but for now, you should give yourself a personal space. I know its hard for you to lost your entire team from that incident so I'll giving you a long time rest from all of this to mourn your lost comrades." Tabane concluded as she gives her a long leave for her own personal space. Viper looks down in grief from her predicament, she never expected her whole squad would be wipeout in a single day. The temporary leave her leader will help her recover herself from her trying times and Tabane knows she badly needed it.
"I understand leader, thank you for the consideration." Viper thanked her in sorrow, still in lament of her lost.
"Your welcome, you may go now." Tabane dismisses her and Viper bows in front of her before leaving through the door. She felt pity and sad for her, but there is nothing they could do now regarding of her squad. It would take time for her before she decided to come back.
Now with all of that settle, Tabane then proceed to think about what Viper just said. She and the whole world is still aware that they are still millions of men left in the world but the biggest question is there whereabouts? Their sudden disappearance 5 years ago and at the same year when the purge has stop, their traces has suddenly nowhere to be found. As if they vanished out in the face of the earth without warning. The government tried their best to find them but to no avail. Many speculated that they are no longer in this planet and might be already migrated to another planet which is totally BS. Their is no way they have such kind of resources to transport out that many people out of this world let alone doing it without being noticed. So they sure that this remaining men are just hiding somewhere in this world and didn't want to be found. Still the biggest controversy here is where supposed have they go and how they manage to hide that such large population.
"Where in the world are they...?" Even with her unparalleled scientific mind, Tabane also had no idea which part of the world they settled in now. This mind games sometimes gives her a headache and this is a first time she was clueless in this game of hide and seek.
"They've been missing for about half a decade and now they just appeared out of nowhere in Russia? What are they up to...?" Tabane was in her utmost concern about revealing themselves, because whatever they intend to do with chemical weapons they recovered it will be in no good since their is only bad things when it involves poison gas.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Still unsure, but Tabane knows that whoever stole the gas whether it is men or someone else it will be troublesome that could lead to catastrophe.
She rub her temples in this and decided to put it aside for now as there is no point of thinking something she have no grasp yet. She moves to another issue that she needs to tackle today.
Looking into another matter, she was surprised to learn that the spy she sent to IS academy was quickly discovered. The good news is it's not the authority of the school itself so the spy is still safe. Apparently, she was still wary since the one who found out the identity of her spy is Ichika of all people. She least expected that Ichika would eventually discovered Shizune in just a few days, yet this young man manage to find it out with just a little effort. Thankfully, Shizune manage to persuade Ichika that it was Madoka who sent her to spy on him and not revealed the true person behind or else she would probably done for due to Ichika's hatred to the one he believe caused it all.
Tabane frowned from this information. For the long time he didn't saw him, he changes a lot and no longer saw the former of himself. According to Shizune, he is quite harsh and fearsome to the point that he becomes a dangerous individual who would willingly murdered anyone who stands in his way. Not to account that he is quite sharp and perceptive towards his surroundings that he probably developed during the dangerous times.
"Ichika, what happened to you..." Tabane felt a pang of guilt from his predicament. If this information about him is true then Ichika is no longer the kind and clumsy young boy she knew. Especially of what happened to her sister Houki who according to Shizune was still absent almost a week from the very first day. Tabane suspected it has something to do with Ichika perhaps. She already pictured out the situation that likely happen in their first meeting. Knowing that Houki is her sister, Ichika must have despised her for just being related to the person who created IS.
"Forgive me, Houki..." Tabane knows, she knows that her sister has feelings for Ichika and it all crumbles down to her sister all because of her. Making amends with Houki would either too late or hard to recover. She must've hate her now because of her ruined relationship with him.
Tabane let out determined expression, even so she can't help her directly she could still help her in an indirect way. She already told Shizune to make friends with her sister in any way she can and comfort her on her trying times when she needed at the academy. Change of plans but still nevertheless, she must not forget her mission of spying in the academy but regarding about Ichika part would be postponed for now. That's why she assigned Shizune to be Houki's roommate to keep tabs on her and with the help of her resources, she will made it possible enough to not create suspicion.
"At least with this, you will not alone in your times in the academy. I know you probably hate me now but that won't stop your big sister from taking care of you. This is least of I can do now, to have a companion that you can rely on." Despite being the cause of her sister's sorrow, Tabane will do her best to compensate for all shortcomings she has and the miseries she unintentionally inflicted upon humanity. And exposing the cults atrocities in the past was the only beginning of something she hopefully achieve of restoring mankind from what it used to be.
(IS Academy, Japan)
In her daily routine, Shizune woke up early to prepare food. Since a day ago, she was relocated to another room by her request and with the help of Tabane's interference to the school's system. She was allocated to the room that she wants to stay in.
"Miss Shinonono, are you awake? Breakfast is ready!" Shizune called out her roommate who is still lying on the bed and covered in blanket. It's been 4 days since her roommate became like this. She neither move nor even got out of her room since the start of the school day. The advisers including miss Yamada showed some great concerns about her well being and they could not even manage to talk to her as she always shutting herself inside this dorm. So when she was relocated there the staffs didn't even got suspicious regarding her sudden move but instead quite glad to accept it purposely so that someone could manage to interact with the isolating student.
Shizune stared at Houki who is still unresponsive from her bed with sympathy. Knowing that she cannot continue this kind of charade any longer she must do her best to make her interact.
"Ms. Shinonono, Ms. Yamada is worrying about you since you lock up yourself. You should not keep this situation any longer. You might get expelled if you continue this." Shizune tried to speak with her but it seems nothing had been gone through the young lady. It's always like this everyday, but Shizune didn't stop of trying to cheer her up. It's not due to the orders of Tabane but to her own volition to help a someone in sorrow. Even if Tabane didn't say a word she would still willing to lend a helping hand.
"Alright, I'll leave some for you on the table. You've been eating barely this past days now. I hope your not neglecting your own health Ms. Shinonono. I'm going now." Shizune bid her leave in such uneasiness. There is a limit of what she could do if the person needs it doesn't want it. She only hopes that sooner Houki would leave her shell on her own.
When the sound of the closed door was heard, Houki suddenly raised up from her blanket with emotionless eyes. It's clearly seen to her face that has not taking care of herself in this past few days. Traces of dried tears was clearly seen from her dead eyes as it was a daily routine that always happens.
"Expelled huh..." Houki mutters and a bitter smile formed on her face.
"Yes, that would be better..." She bitterly smiles while thinking of something that in her view would be feasible.
Shizune on her way to her classroom where everyone is now present for the opening class arrives in time just to notice a commotion inside. In curiosity she blend in from the crowd to see the source and was greeted by a peculiar sight.
A brown haired girl in twintails is currently embracing the only guy in the class in a tight hug while snuggling her cheeks on his chest.
"ICHIKA IT'S BEEN AWHILE!" Said the new girl in happiness while clutching that caught off guard Ichika.
"What the-you?!" Ichika was baffled in surprised tone and clearly knew the girl that suddenly hugged her out of nowhere. This mysterious girl suddenly barges in the room while they're waiting for the class and suddenly runs towards and hugs him like a stuff toy.
"It's been so long, you have no idea how I missed you~." The twintailed girl nudge herself to him but Ichika had enough and broke out the hug.
"Hey, your still so meanie!" The girl pouted and Ichika just snorts in response.
"Why are you here?" Ichika contains his posture asked the said girl who appears to be his acquaintance.
"Ah, now that you asked it I-" She was about to explain when suddenly someone intrudes.
"Ichika, who is this girl?! And how uncouth of her to suddenly entered here and cause a scene." They both turn their sights and sees Cecilia standing in front of them looking displeased. The girl was bit skeptical that someone has interrupted her reunion with Ichika.
"Ummm, who might you be?" The girl asked bit annoyed but confused by her sudden interference.
"I should be the one asking you that but fine, I'll give you my courtesy to introduce myself. My name is Cecilia Alcott, and I'm a British candidate representative of first year class 1. And you?" Cecilia introduced herself in a prideful manner.
"Heh~, so you are a representative as well. Well then since you formally introduced yourself I should also respond in return then." The girl grinned as she commented to Cecilia and casually gestured to her as she formally introduced herself in return.
"My name is Huang Lingyin, class 2 representative candidate of China. Pleasure to meet you Ms. Alcott." The girl named Huang Linyin made an introduction for the whole class 1 to gasp in surprise. Murmurs among the students was heard and some others even excited by this development.
"Y-you-WHAAT?!" Cecilia was caught surprised the most while Charlotte who is quite from the side contemplates by this drama unfolding.
"Another one ey..." Charlotte murmured under her breath.
"Wait, another candidate and an acquaintance of Ichika-san?" Shizune was also surprised by this situation she catches up with. Even Ichika who'd known her for long was surprised by her claims. But he gained his composure and narrowed his eyes on her.
"I see, so you've come here and became a nation's candidate." Ichika said to her understandingly.
"Yes Ichika, so that I could finally see you again!" Lingyin without warning pounced back to hug him but Ichika was already prepared from before as he stops her by pushing her head away.
"That's enough." Ichika said while holding her forehead to distant. Lingyin broke from it as she was disappointed.
"Muu~, you've never change as usual Ichika. You always avoiding my comfort." Lingyin was sad that he's always showing disinterest to her affection. Nevertheless she would never forget the day that he saved her from the bullies. Albeit unintentional but for Lingyin it was the start of her relationship with him.
Cecilia seeing the exchange between the two already had enough and broke the conversation.
"Alright, enough of this chatter! Would you mind me to explain what is your relationship to him?"Cecilia asked Lingyin interrogatively.
"Why is that? Of course we're childhood friends!" Lingyin proclaims.
A collective sounds of EHHHH resounded throughout the room as all the girls inside were caught in surprise by her claims.
"HUH?!" Cecilia wide her eyes as such claim and looks at Ichika which he responded with a sigh, indicating that he's not denying it. She looks back at Lingyin with a complicated face.
"I-I see... well, so what if you are his childhood friend. It's still not a justification to suddenly barged in and cause a commotion here." Cecilia kept her posture and arguing her point.
"Sorry if I cause a scene here but I have no intention to cause any in the first place . I just want to see my Ichika." Lingyin reasoned her stance of coming in this classroom unannounced but what triggers Cecilia was the last sentence she just elaborately heard. Even Charlotte was almost slip from her seat when she also hears that.
"E-excuse me, y-your Ichika?!" Cecilia intoned the words she just said.
"Hm, is something the matter?" Lingyin asked in confusion as if the words she just mentioned was a normal thing to say. Ichika twitched his eyebrows from this useless banter between them and tried to intervene to get done with it.
"Alright, this is enough. You two jus-" Ichika wanted to finish the conversation when Ms. Yamada enters the room. Indicating the beginning of the class.
"Alright students, go back to your seats." Yamada announced as everyone scurried their way back to their respective desk.
"Oh, it seems that your homeroom teacher is here. See you later Ichika, let's meet again at the cafeteria during lunch break okay!" Lingyin waved her leave as she hurried her way to exit the room.
"Nope, I won't be there." Ichika muttered as he usually not in the cafeteria during lunch. He always hangout at the rooftops of the school while indulging in his homemade lunch.
Cecilia also returns to her seat but not before letting a knowing stare at Ichika meaning that she wants to talk this after this class is over.
'Again, it is a matter with you when I'm acquainted with someone else?' Ichika thought in annoyance as he raised his eyebrow from blondies behaviour. He would shrugged it off but he can't afford to have a sour relationship with a potential tool.
(Men's Colony, Antarctica)
The port depot area of the colony, an access point area which connects to the sea surface through a wide underground passage at the middle of Antarctica where the colony housing 7 million men at. Always brimming with activity as the crews at the docking station disembarks some loads of containers containing the new stolen chemicals from Russia. Vladimir Makarov disembarks from the Carrier Sub while foreseeing the retrieval process. Then a random Sub crew approaches to report to him.
"Sir, all package has been extracted. Awaiting to load in." A random crew informed him.
"Good, bring it to the lab and tell Volk to take care the cargos. I'll be going to research department to require some assistance for the chems." Makarov ordered and the crew nods in understanding before he go inform the others.
"Yes comrade Makarov." The crew saluted and then leaves.
As the said crew was out of sight, Makarov along with his two personal guards proceeded there way to the R&D area to meet with someone who is well verse regarding WMD's.
When he reach the facility, he was greeted by guards in salutations before they clear the entrance way for him to pass. Inside the research department, many scientist and researchers are busy doing their tasks left and right. Strict protocols and heavy security was noticeable around as the whole place and was not lack of security standing around watching the entire place with vigilance. Could not blame if the department head was an exaggerated man but reports circulating around that their are traitors lurking around the colony who stood against the dictatorship of Zero and his inner circle. Makarov was aware of this pesky transgressors who foolishly thinks that this world is still salvageable. He could not help but laughed by this foolhardy traitors since they have no idea how the heavens already forsaken this accursed world.
He reaches a certain head office with some security stood guard at the double doors and the said guards immediately recognized him and quickly opens the door before he enters while his security stays outside. Inside, a voice greeted him in welcome as his presence was noticed.
"Ah Makarov my friend, it's a pleasure to visit here in my humble abode." At the desk, a middle age man in a business suit greeted as he finished reading the files in his dossier and stood up to meet the visitor.
"Jonathan Irons, pleasantries aside. I have something that needed your utmost assistance." Makarov putting the greetings aside wanted to talk about his purpose of visiting.
"Is it about the gas that you recovered in Russia then?" The man named Jonathan Irons guessed in which Makarov confirmed with a nod.
"So, is there something that you want my assistance then regarding about that then?" Irons asked againas he knew Makarov is not the type of man that would visit here just to say hello.
"Yes, I need your resources for the task that our leader was given to me. My department are lacking some supplies and logistics to initiate my part of producing the gas, so I would like to acquire your cooperation from this endeavour." Makarov pacing around the office while explaining his intentions of paying a visit.
"Hmm, let alone the logistics Makarov but you should understand that most of our supplies were that limited and the materials we mine deep underground will soon not be enough to sustain more and only plenty enough to fund our war effort in the future." Irons reminded him regarding the limited necessities they have and calculated that it would only be enough for their grand scheme of global war.
"Ah, no need to worry about something that we have. I'm talking about the resources that your late company has outside, if there's any left to be use out there for this project of mine." Makarov assured him that his not after the stuffs they have here and refers to the ones who he abandoned during the purge.
"I see, your asking me if there are some of my resources that maybe still there and have not been exploited yet by anyone else?" Irons clarified the thing he was referring to.
" Indeed, so is their anything out there that could might be of used?" Makarov looking forward asking. Irons rubs his chin as he reminiscing the things his previous company has back then. He stands up from his chair and looks at the glass window of his office, overseeing the brimming activity of the whole colony.
" Well Makarov, consider yourself lucky. I have this one that I think of will be useful to your chemical weapons." Irons let out an answer he wants to hear.
"Perfect, where is it?" Makarov delighted to hear it and asked the whereabouts.
"There is a hidden bio research lab that I have in Strandja, Bulgaria that only few people knows. It is a former lumber factory before I renovated it into a bio lab . That place was a top secret facility within my company that not even the governments was aware of. You might want to pay a visit and hope that no one hasn't discovered it yet. I cannot promise you if those things are still there but I assure you it would be useful to your project. I will send you the coordinates of the research lab when you are ready to leave." Irons turns around to Makarov after he gives the information of the resources he needed regarding the bioweapons project that Makarov and his department in charge with.
"I appreciate your help Mr. Irons, surely our great leader Zero would be pleased if we showed the results of our preparations for our upcoming war." Makarov made a appreciative comment that makes Irons agreed in return.
"By the time he's back from his mission, we all be good and ready to make our entrance against the world." Irons said in a serious tone. Like everyone else in the colony, he is also hell bent to punish the current society who took everything from him. His life, his hard work, and his family that he all lost after the bloody purge 5 years ago
Makarov leaves the premises with satisfaction carrying a useful intel. Irons returns to his seat in contemplation and his gaze fell upon the picture frame placed in his desk. He grabs the frame and muttered to himself.
"Soon, very soon. I will give you the justice that you deserved, Will..." Irons muttered in burning determination while looking at the picture of young man dress in a military uniform.
(IS Academy, Japan)
Quietly, Ichika is having his lunch alone at the rooftops as usual. Admiring the scenery of the blue sea horizon in front of him. At least the only few beautiful things of this world that he knows despite of it's cruel reality.
Mesmerizing the view that only gives him a peace of mind that gave him mood to eat vigorously with his lunch. Unfortunately, his peaceful loner time is being interrupted by a sudden voice.
"I knew you would be here!" Lingyin's voice sounded through his ears as he turns around just to see the Chinese girl looking beside blissfully while carrying her own lunchbox.
"How did you find me?" Ichika just asked narrowly.
"Because you're always like this, you'd always come to the rooftops if you want to be alone when you are eating back at the orphanage. So when I noticed that were not at the cafeteria I immediately knew where you go and I was right!" Lingyin explained to him how she figured out where he's at. Ichika looks at her in amusement as this girl knows him very well except she has no clue of who he really is and how dangerous he is.
Perhaps it was indeed his usual habit of his now to be alone, away from the crowd of women he doesn't want to be entangled with. Fortunate enough, it was not that hard for him to live into that orphanage back then . Every single young girls he was with back there are somewhat like him. Showing some resentment and hate towards the people who made their lives miserable.
Victims of their own kin, children who are unlucky enough to lost their family members especially if they happens to be the only female among them. Although they didn't experience worst like him but nevertheless still suffered through of becoming an orphan and one of those poor girls is standing right beside him. Huang Lingyin, like any other girls in the orphanage, she also lost her father who the only family she has left in the purge and was forced to go through hardships not suitable to her very young age.
Lingyin, one of those unfortunates also shows deep hatred to the instigators of this worldwide massacre also shared the same hate as him. She was just a young girl who is living with her father in a particular Chinese restaurant that they run before the tragedy happens. At that time, she could not help but watch her father died by the hands of the slaughterers and that tragedy traumatizes her. Now Ichika thinks about that, he was confused of why she agreed to become a candidate.
"Uhh, mind if I join you in?" Lingyin asked with a bit of hesitation. She wishes that Ichika would allow her so. Ichika paused for a moment and just close his eyes in exasperation as he continue to chow on his meal.
"I don't mind." Ichika simply responds which makes Lingyin happy. Since he was used to her presence in the past, it doesn't bother him anymore.
"Really?! Thank you Ichika!" Lingyin was happy as she immediately sits beside her and begin unpacking her meal to eat. Ichika notices that she also made a homemade meal that composed of Chinese dishes they usually have in her father's restaurant business in the past. Ichika knows it because Lingyin told him about everything herself at the orphanage and also, she knows everything of him as well minus him being a leader of a colony of men who are plotting to wreck havoc in the future.
'So, she also made her own food huh, I thought she would buy some at the cafeteria but it seems she prepared knowing that I might going alone again.' Ichika thought, commenting at the stunt she pull just to be with him.
"Why did you agree to become a representative. I thought you hate them very much." Ichika asked beating the silence. Lingyin stops eating and then looks at Ichika thinking him of such a personal and sudden question.
"Well... there's nothing I could in my life to be honest. I kept thinking what should I do next but when I learn that your going to IS it surprises me so I decided if I could follow you here for becoming a representative although I didn't like it." Lingyin stated her reason for obviously in which it was him.
"You would willing to go that far just because of me?" Ichika incredulously deduced by her statement.
"Hey, your the only one I know with and can rely on! You know that I don't have any other relatives nor acquaintances that I can trust with!" Lingyin explained bit hysterical while standing her reasons for being near him.
"And besides, your the only one I have..." Lingyin then sulks while muttering softly. Ichika glance at her stoically. It's understandable if he is the only person she could considered a family now. Ichika was well aware that all her life there's no one she could rely on with. Being an migrant in a foreign land was already enough to be estranged from the others here in Japan.
Back from the orphanage, she was often bullied for being an outsider and almost no one was paying attention. Until one day, Ichika unintentionally help her from the bullies that made them acquainted to each other. Actually he was just got irritated during that time when someone interrupted his peaceful time and it happens that she was being harassed at the same area where he takes his privacy. He intervenes at the bullying happening in his vicinity and the rest is history afterwards.
At first, Ichika thought of her as an annoyance but after knowing her life during the purge he was somewhat relate to her misfortunes albeit not worse than him. Although he disliked being tangled with a girl without needing to do so he still manage to get along with Lingyin due to their similarities in life.
"Can't believe you swallowed your pride and decided to work with them." Ichika remarked her hypocrisy despite being hateful towards the government she still choose to work with them.
"As if I have choice! There's no other way to meet you so I made my decision whether I don't like it. And most all, aren't you also the same?!" Lingyin countered back at him for also being get tied with the authority.
"They forced me into this so I also have no choice." Ichika lied partially. Either he didn't like to be in this place though, it's still a must for the sake of his own agenda.
"So, we're on the same boat always huh." Lingyin commented with small smile forming on her lips.
Ichika was contemplating from what she said. She would go all lengths just to be with him. It seems like Lingyin stuck with him so much that it was like a magnet always attract to him wherever he goes. Lingyin sees him as an older brother despite the same age.
"I think we should resume eating first and then head back to class. Lunchtime is almost over and if we don't hurry, we might get late on our next class." Ichika reminded.
"Whoops, your right! Let's have a long talk next time if we both have a spare moment, okay Ichika." Lingyin understands and decided to continue when they have time.
"Yeah yeah." Ichika just waves off as both of them resumes having their meals before they went back.
Meanwhile at the faculty office, Houki is standing in front of Chifuyu while the latter stares at the piece of paper she was holding in deep frown.
"Ms. Shinonono, would you mind explaining what is the meaning of this?" Chifuyu demands after she reads the contents.
"Ms. Orimura...I just want to quit the academy, so please approved my dropout form." Houki solemnly plead. It's almost a week since she was absent in her classes and now when she leaves her dorm for the first time she straight out give her dropout form to quit school.
Chifuyu places the form in her desk as she let out a huge sigh before she continued.
"It's about Ichika isn't it, the reason why you want to leave?" Chifuyu questioned Houki of the reason why she want to go. Houki flinches when she heard his name but immediately closes her eyes and opens firmly.
"Ms. Orimura I-"She was about to refute but Chifuyu interrupts her.
"Are you seriously going to run away from him Ms. Shinonono? Chifuyu beat her to it. Houki looks down in deep frustration wanting to find a reason for her actions which in Chifuyu's perspective is quite obvious.
"Ms. Shinonono, I'm well aware the reason about you're absents in your classes is because of him. The bitter reunion between the two of you must had hit you hard but running away won't solve your damaged relationship with him." Chifuyu added, elaborating to Houki so she could understand.
"I suggest you should think about this first before you come up with such a hasty decision. Your talents will be wasted if you quit this early." Chifuyu technically denies her form aside as she slide it back to her. Houki grip her fist in a fit of mix feelings from her frustrated self and denial.
"But why... what should I do ma'am?! Seeing him only brings me pain about the fact that no matter hard I try he will never see me in the same light again!" Houki could not contain it, she was so fragile in this kind of things that she ends up blurting it out in front of Chifuyu and her honesty added to the fuel. Chifuyu could sigh in her predicament since she could not hide it well.
"Ms. Shinonono, I understand what you feel right now but it doesn't mean that you would leave and quit." Chifuyu sternly said to her.
"And how would you understand what I feel?!" Houki retorted back.
"Because we're on the same boat. We both hated by the same person we cared about." Chifuyu revealed her personal predicament to Houki. In order to make her understand and listen to her, she must also share the same thing she'd gone through by the same man. Her professionalism in this some sort of consultation to her student will now intrudes her personal life which is a must for Houki to not regret and taking the wrong way. After all, the Shinonono's was of a great help for them in the past and she wants to repay it one way or another.
"M-ms. Orimura...?" Houki was surprised by her sudden revelation. Of course, she had a guess about this but she was too occupied in her own misery to know. Ichika must have also hated his older sister because she was a participant of the purge.
"Like you, sometimes I also think that it is irredeemable for our relationship to fix but I didn't let that thought encourage me to run away." Chifuyu continues as she stared up at the ceiling with sad solemnity in her eyes.
"I was still hoping that one day Ichika would open himself for reconciliation. It would take long, but that's the long road I'm willing to take." She stared back Houki and clearly resumes.
"I won't give up Ms. Shinonono. I will not let this predicament overwhelmed me to give up on my younger brother. So why not join me in this arduous path I will take for the person we both love?" Chifuyu with firm resolve in her voice offered Houki a ray of hope to this endeavour she will take.
Houki stared at her with wide eyes, thinking of the words she just said. Her emotions was conflicted by this situation whether she will endure that long enough until she accepted by the person she loves that now hated her due to unavoidable circumstances.
"I will give you time think about it Ms. Shinonono, and by the time you have an absolute decision then we will talk again." Chifuyu finalizes as she gives Houki a time to choose wisely.
"You can leave now." She dismisses her but Houki replied in advance.
"Wait, I...I accept your proposal. Let's help each other to bring back Ichika's trust once again." Houki gives her early reply with resolve. She would like to gamble for this opportunity if their is any slight chance for her to reconcile with Ichika.
"Good decision Ms. Shinonono. Very well, go back to your dorm and tomorrow you must attend your class because I've just decided that I'll be there to teach as a subject teacher." Chifuyu informed and instructed Houki about her actions that she will be present at class 1 lecture tomorrow onwards.
"I... I understand ma'am." Houki reluctantly follows but she will take this courage to attend the class tomorrow morning.
'Calm down Houki, you take this choice with your own volition and with the help of Ms. Orimura I know I can do this.' Houki encourages herself inwardly with perseverance and strong will. Being in despair for almost a week is enough. She must now muster herself to face the challenge in front of her and if she succeeds to fix her bond with him then it will be a huge achievement for her.
(Somewhere In An Unknown Location)
In an unknown dark room, a group of shadow figures are sitting at the rectangular table while having a secret meeting.
"This is almost a huge breach from our plans. Fortunately, the one they captured has a little to no information about our operation." One of the shadow figures said.
"Although it concerns that they might have aware of our true aim." Another one of the figures expresses it's concern.
"You don't have to worry. Before they realized it, it's already too late for them to act. They have no clue of whom we send to eliminate those pest." The figure at the center assured her at ease that their plan would go smoothly.
"About the subjects we send, is everything ready on your side?" The latter asked the other one.
"Yes, it's all goes perfectly. No one will got a gist of it." The other one replied with certainty.
"Good, now all we need to do is wait for the news." The figure at the center smirks as she will anticipated the fruits of their plan.
"TO BE CONTINUED"
EYOW GUYS! ANOTHER CHAPTER IS FINISHED I WILL FOCUSED ON THIS STORY FIRST UNTIL CHAPTER 12 BEFORE I RESUME TO MY FOZ CROSSOVER FIC.
ANOTHER ONE OF THE INNER CIRCLE WAS AGAIN INTRODUCED IN THIS CHAPTER! SO GUYS WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IRONS BEING ADDED AS ONE OF THE COLONY'S TOP OFFICIALS. BEING THE PERSON WHO BUILT THE MOST ADVANCED PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANY WHICH SPECIALIZES IN ADVANCED WARFARE IS WHAT THE COLONY NEEDED FOR THE WAR THEY WILL WAGE IN THE FUTURE DON'T YOU THINK?
WELL FEEL FREE TO WRITE A REVIEW IN THIS FIC! I DON'T MIND CRISTISM THOUGH SINCE I'M JUST A NOVICE WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING A STORY.
ALRIGHT GUYS SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!