This is one blast to the past. Just like with Pillar Winged, this chapter is aimed as a reference to my previous fics. Just as luck would have it, there is a song for this one.
Since this update, we are now in the new year. Brave New World turned two years old. How many times have changed over the course of the two years.
With this update, IS and Sekirei Brave New World have beaten To the Other End of the World as my largest fic. I must admit that I didn't expect this to grow like this. Not that I complain about it.
It's just a surprise for it. This fic is now two years old, and I have been on this site for nearly six years.
Now for the guest replies.
Master Kill712. Always happy to have you around.
As you put it very accurately, Ichika is not going to take crap from anyone.
Some extra friends are indeed nice to have.
At some points, it's better to have nothing than something. With how those girls are, he's better off single.
Tatenashi was damn good fun to write. I don't like her at all. So breaking her down was fun.
Djbril and Airis are going to be infamous pains in his butt. Thanks for your support.
For those who are wondering, this chapter is based on Episode Six of Season Two. Yeah, we skipped around a bit.
The idiot plot of the missing underwear of Charlotte is skipped out. Now, we have pure action in this chapter.
Started on 08/12/2020
Ended on 25/12/2020.
Published on 04/01/2021.
Openings song. Through the fire and the flames.
0:00 – 0:18
The opening begins as Minato's first image is surrounded by his Sekirei such as Musubi, Kusano, Matsu, Tsukiumi, Kazehana, and Kagari. Next, Minato, Musubi, and Tsukiumi are shown on the blue background. Kagari and Kazehana are shown on the pink background, Matsu and Kusano are shown in the yellow Uzume and Chiho on the cyan background.
0:18 – 0:27
(Then, the Title Scene displays the name of the fic is shown. Brave New World)
0:27 – 0:38
In the next scene, Minato and his Sekirei harem run towards the edge of Shinto Teito during the sunrise. Minato's four first Sekireis happily express themselves as if they're jumping towards Minato in joy, Kazehana drinking her sake with Kagari being cool with Minato with them, and Uzume entertains Chiho with her outfit.
On a cold winter morning
In the time before the light
The next scene is that Yukari and Shiina spend time in the cafe alone together.
In flames of Death's eternal reign
We ride towards the fight
The moment Seo begins to flirt with another woman, Hikari gives him a shocking treatment while Hibiki standby by.
When the darkness has fallen down
And the times are tough, alright
After that, we see Ichika Orimura is shown as he's walking with his backpack in the rain.
The sound of evil laughter falls
Around the world tonight
Ichika's reflecting on how he was badly treated by Chifuyu and his IS girls, especially Houki.
Fighting hard, fighting on for the steel
Through the wastelands evermore
However, in this version, we get to see Chifuyu and Houki are in silhouette.
The scattered souls will feel the hell
Bodies wasted on the shores
He couldn't bear it any longer. He begins to run and trip.
On the blackest plains in Hell's domain
We watch them as they go
Down into the deep sadness with one tear comes out from his eye, Minato arrives with the umbrella and give him a hand to get Ichika back up.
Through the fire and pain and once again we know
So now we fly ever free
We're free before the thunderstorm
Next in the first version, Minato and Musubi are then seen battling Hayato Mikogami and No.43, Yomi, in the first version.Though Yomi seemed to be easy to handle than last time, Musubi's able to gain the upper hand and ultimately defeated Yomi.
On towards the wilderness
Our quest carries on
Then Ichika has been chased by his pursuers and runs into Minato and his Sekirei harem, who are willing to protect Ichika.
Far beyond the sundown
Far beyond the moonlight
Deep inside our hearts and all our souls
The pursuers who chases Ichika turns out to be none other than his older sister, Chifuyu, and his IS harem in the silhouette, then appears, wanting to capture Ichika. Meaning they plan to make Ichika come back to the IS Academy by force.
So far away we wait for the day
For the lives, all so wasted and gone
We can see Ichika's evolution, as he's changed from a little kid to the middle school age, and then his current age.
We feel the pain of a lifetime lost in a thousand days
Through the fire and the flames, we carry on
Rapid events happen during this section.
Then Tabane floats into the atmosphere, and the world is shown. Then Miya Asama is seen at Maison Izumo with Takehito lying in her lap. The song ends with the main characters in four-colored hexagon background (dark blue for Minato, Musubi, and Tsukiumi. pink for Kagari, and Kazehana. yellow for Kusano and Matsu, cyan for Uzume and Chiho).
Lying awake at night, I wipe the sweat from my brow
But it's not the fear because I'd rather go now
Minato walked back home with the Sekirei in tow. Happy and buzzing with energy. Their faces were smiling and happy. Minato could hardly believe that life was growing around them.
He was going to be a father. Sure, he wanted to be a father for a while, but now, it really was happening. Minato could hardly keep his smile in. Before long, they ended at the Inn. Miya was standing outside, smiling at them.
She shook her head as they walked in.
"Do I have to ask, Sahashi?" Minato smiled at her back.
"You don't. Eight. Musubi got twins coming." The Pillar's eyes widened as she looked at the group. Uzume and Chiho cooed the Miko.
"Congratulations, Musubi. So you know what you are going to call them?"
"Yes, Miya. I will call the girl Yume." Yeah, like the others, she saw that coming.
"I don't have a name for the boy. Takami said that I have fraternal twins." Miya could only smile at her. That was one surprise.
"So all of you have a single child? So what gender? Names already?"
Kazehana gave one luscious smile that revealed enough for Miya.
"I am having a boy. No name just yet, although I think of several ones that are fitting." Uzume let Musubi go and leaned on the shoulder of the Wind Flower.
"I am also having a boy. I do have a name in the back of my head." She pointed at Kagari, who blushed while Miya raised an eyebrow.
"Boy. And no, I don't have a name just yet." Miya's eyes circled over to Matsu, Chiho, and Tsukiumi.
"Girls?"
The three just nodded at their landlady.
"We don't have a name." Chiho shyly admitted.
"But we can think of one." Matsu stood by the small girl.
"I do have a few ideas," Tsukiumi admitted, and Minato just smiled at them.
"Now, that's all nice and good. I do suppose that you all are hungry. So who wants lunch?"
"Me!" A collective voice was said. The Ashikabi watched his Flock storm in the house. Miya followed him while Takehito came out.
"So I heard that." The older male gave a soft smile while Minato waited and heard what he had to say.
"Yep. Hard to believe." Takehito ruffled Minato's hair, and the Ashikabi smiled back at him. He was relaxed.
"Indeed. You'll be a good father. I am sure of that. But now that with those new Sekirei, you'll have heavy responsibilities. Keep that well in mind, Minato."
"I understand."
"And it means that you'll have to make choices. Ones you might come to regret." Minato knew what that meant.
Ichika was no longer priority number one. His unborn offspring had to come first.
Lunch was a lively affair, as usual. For Minato, he could enjoy the time off. He heard the ideas of names, the ones that were disproven off. He would keep his thoughts for later. One word kept ringing in his head.
After lunch, the flock went outside. The sun was still there, and they could enjoy some time off.
The Ashikabi stayed inside while he booted up his computer. It was time that he checked his email.
A part of him now realized that he had to leave the Inn that had been his house for years, but now, it was time to go. Their new lives could begin now.
Working on his laptop, Minato turned his head and couldn't help but stop smiling.
Tsukiumi was taking lessons from Miya while Kagari just sat by and read a book. If Minato was not mistaken, it was from their date, now a few months ago.
Matsu sat outside, weird for her, but she could enjoy the sun with her hiding over.
With a large sunhat, she was smiling and looking over the sight. She was in conversation with the rest of their family.
Musubi sat down with Kazehana, both holding a blond colored girl in their lap. The fact that Chiho had bonded with Kazehana from all his Sekirei would be a surprise. The two had a special relationship. Nothing wrong with that, of course.
It was not like Chiho winged the Wind Maiden. It was just that from all his Sekirei he had winged, Kazehana got along best with Chiho. Minato wondered where Uzume was but found weight in his lap.
Of course.
Uzume laid lovingly in her second Ashikabi's lap, and her head turned to the face of the male lover she had.
The smile she had on her face. Always so damn infectious.
"So you're not jealous," Uzume asked, and Minato wanted so much to kiss that woman.
"I can ask you the same, Uzume. But so far, no. I can imagine that they could talk about their names." Uzume could only smile at him.
"Indeed. I think what sort of boy I wanted to have. What I am going to raise." A male version of him and Uzume. That could be interesting.
He was ready to say more as Uzume kissed him and her wings came out. The hormones infused his mind, and his oxygen was cut off.
He could only feel how Uzume forced her arms on him and pressed her close. Her tongue went in his, and he just let her do what she wanted.
"Don't be such a worrywart. We are all in this together." He could only sigh and agree.
One mail had come in, and Uzume sighed. "Ichika?"
"Ichika." He said, and with Uzume next to him, the two couldn't believe what they were reading. Like five girls weren't enough for him, Ichika got four more.
When Uzume and Chiho joined in their flock, there was some shock, but it wasn't hard to come around. They were loved and taken care of.
Matsu had a new job. Find out how that runt found out about Minato. From his mind, Minato could think of how that girl looked. Kusano was indeed raised well. Maybe an example of how Minato would turn out his child.
Tatenashi Sarashiki. That was one new name for her. Minato made a mental note to send a thank you to those girls. It wasn't a cry for help. It was more a status update. Uzume would admit that.
"You think we will see him soon around again?" The Ashikabi suddenly felt exhausted. His fingers touched his nose, and he sighed audibly.
"What the hell is wrong with Chifuyu? I mean. I get it. You are a teacher and all that jazz. But once in your life, look out for your brother. Is that too much to ask for?" Uzume sighed and kissed her male on the cheek.
"You are asking the wrong questions, Minato." The Veiled Sekirei was surprisingly insightful.
"From what I get, Chifuyu placed herself on a pedestal. She expected her brother to follow or make up for his shortcomings. Then you came along and showed him a different path. It worked wonders for him." After a soft kiss, Minato looked at her.
"Any suggestions on what I should do?"
"Let Ichika cook this one out. Leave the door open for him. But for now, we need to brainstorm about names. I do have one that has a nice ring. Tsuyoru." Minato would admit that she was right.
The girls sat down in a circle. Minato would let them come up with a name.
Matsu went first.
"I got a great one. Hinekchie." The group just cringed when they heard that.
"Oh, God, no," Chiho said while she made one adorable face.
"Matsu, that's unbecoming." Tsukiumi's nose wrinkled at the thought alone.
Kusano wasn't sure what it meant. But Musubi covered her ears. The look on the Bear Sekirei was disproving.
"Matsu, a bit less on that regard," Kazehana said while she covered her face.
"Agreed. Not my choice." Uzume stood her by.
"Maybe something with a bit more, I don't know, subtlety. How about Eriwiene?" Minato asked, and the girls relaxed. Yeah, they could live with that name. It had a cute touch.
"Sure, that works for me." Matsu had changed her ideas fast when she heard that line. It was cute enough, and it still reflected on her.
"Kazehana, you got an idea?" Minato shifted his attention to her. The Flower looked up to the sky, and she had one great idea.
"Yes, Kazerozu? I mean. That is fitting, right?" A soft smile found its way on her face.
"Cute one," Musubi said with a grin.
"You stay in theme." Matsu gave a thumbs-up.
"It is indeed a good choice," Chiho added.
"I like that tone." Uzume was next.
"Kuu thinks it is cute." Kusano smiled while Musubi let her go.
"I think that is not going too far. Okay, Kazehana."
Minato looked at the Fire Sekirei
"Kagari?" Minato looked at the Fire Sekirei, who leaned her head back.
"Okibi. How does that sound?" Minato thought about it but nodded.
"Again, we stay in theme."
"Smoldering ember." Kazehana chuckled. It was indeed, remarkable.
"I like that one." Musubi cheered. Kusano mirrored her.
"It would fit for my rival." Tsukiumi had a soft smile on her face.
"Yeah, that is indeed a good find," Uzume said while Chiho nodded.
"Tsukiumi?" Minato asked his Waterdere.
"Miziyo. I think that would be fitting for my daughter." Bumping on her shoulder, Uzume whispered something in Chiho's ear. The girl lit up with a fit of giggles.
"I think it is great," Musubi answered.
"Cute." Kusano was next.
"Given our elements, I like that one." Kazehana wondered how it would be with two Tsukiumi's.
Kagari chuckled. "I think that we got a good one."
"I have nothing against that name. Agreed with your words, Uzume. You asked for Tsuyoru. I like the sound of that. Any objections?" None were heard.
"Okay, Chiho. Any suggestions?" The honey blonde smiled at them all.
"Kousa. It would be more than fitting."
That name meant luck. For the Ashikabi, the girls found no reason to protest.
"Okay, for the last name. Musubi." The Miko Sekirei looked at her Ashikabi with the others following her eyes.
"I have a suggestion. Musuto?"
"Yes. That sounds lovely." Musubi said.
"Your names combined. Great." Kazehana answered.
"Yes, now you think of it. It is a good one." Uzume raised a thumb.
"That is going to be fun," Chiho said.
"You picked the name of the girl so that Minato can pick the name of the boy." Tsukiumi smiled at Musubi. She had her once more beaten.
"I think it's great," Kusano said.
"Again, you make it work," Kagari added.
So that is where the names of the Sekirei were chosen. Minato laid his head back. It would be a while before they would be there. The seasons would change during that. Winter would pass, spring would come around.
Meanwhile, at the Infinite Stratos Academy.
Ichika was not sure what happened. The event that his sister told him about was a blur. It looks like they had bigger fish to fry now.
He and Charlotte were assigned to keep watch. And Ichika couldn't take his sword with him. Yet, he wasn't alone. Some lonely guard, standing around, keeping an eye over the containers. Why arm them with just handguns?
Those guys could just as well kill themselves. It would be less painful.
"So you know what you have to do?" Charlotte asked him while Ichika nodded at her.
"Look down there for spies. Those corporations have sent those prototypes for the ISA." The wind played with their hair. Ichika could feel the chill. It wasn't biting just yet, but it was something that he couldn't ignore.
The feeling that something wrong was going to happen.
"Sure thing." Ichika went down. Nodding to the two men, they eyed how the boy walked around. It would be something that he would remember. They were in for colder weather. His eyes were a bit in the sky. Turning a dark corner, he could feel a gaze on his back.
Ichika had whiplash when he turned around. His eyes met a familiar face.
"Sis. What are you doing here?" When he looked at her, it wasn't Chifuyu. The face might be the same.
She was much like his sister when Chifuyu was still in high school. Her body was more petite. The clothes were black—a short dress with knee-high boots.
"Sis. I am not your sister. I am Orimura Madoka." Ichika's mind went tripping. He never heard that name. Chifuyu had remained tight-lipped about their family. She had a gun at the end of her back.
"I must take your life!" She smirked as she aimed at Ichika. The sound echoes, but Madoka's eyes dropped open.
Ichika had deployed his sword. He wanted to deflect the bullet but found that he had cut the projectile in half.
"Get in line!" Ichika didn't hesitate while he clutched Yukihira. The assailant hadn't expected Ichika to fight back. She wanted to deploy her weapon, but a shallow cut rendered that option out. Using his left hand, Ichika twisted her up.
A knife shined at him, but Ichika had no problem knocking that off. Madoka's eyes glared at him. Ahold, his big sister, taught him. Ichika twisted her fist, dropping the knife. For good measure, Ichika slammed her into a wall. Aiming his sword at her throat, Madoka found that Ichika wasn't who she thought he would be.
"Why are you here?" Ichika demanded to know. An explosion tore his thoughts and eyes away from her. She developed a unit from thin air.
'Infinite Stratos?'
"I will get you." Ichika found that the black unit had a certain beauty around it. But still, he kept the girl close. He only needed one eye on it to know that it appeared to be one like Cecilia's Blue Tears.
When a barrage of lead kicked in, Ichika knew what that meant.
"Ichika, get out of there." Madoka found that two were too much. Especially with how Ichika acted fast and Madoka got out.
"Char, what's up?"
"This was a diversion." His eyes turned around to women appearing in mass-produced units. The boy glared at the one that had gotten away. Ichika would love to go after her, but now, he had bigger fish to fry.
The multiple units came out. Ichika began to count how many he saw.
"Three, four, five, six. We got our work cut out for us." Looking over to Charlotte, Ichika nodded at her.
"Char, take care of the furthest three. I'll take care of the closest ones." Before he could even hear her confirmation, Ichika had raced to the first hostile. Not bothering with keeping it simple, he just knocked her down. Two of her compatriots turned to see the male pilot.
Both their guns barked. The male just hung back and let the lead spew over them. Meanwhile, Charlotte used her guns at the assailants. They turned to the girl who was keeping her distance and firing at the foes.
They could only look up to see the girl fighting back. She used her assault rifle while Ichika didn't worry about her. She closed the gap between them while she switched to her shotgun.
Meanwhile, Ichika activated his own unit. While the rockets were fired at him, Ichika avoided them. One of the pilots wanted to getaway. Using his unique ability, he cut through one opponent. Charlotte used her weapon. The Gray Scale. It was great for CQC fighting. For Ichika, he heard the drill. No worry was needed for him.
When one pilot came from behind him, he simply parried her. The look in his eyes was dead as he cut through that foe.
Charlotte couldn't believe how fast and brutal he had become. During their last training match, he even held back.
'How much stronger did you become?'
One of the pilots was lying in the container. And neither of the two had taken that in an account. The curse was muttered in his head as she fired at them.
Could no one invest in decent material while bullets tore through them?
Racing over to Charlotte, Ichika took the girl up and protected her from the blast.
The night was one failure.
Time skip.
Back at the ISA. Ichika was put through the wringer by his sister and Maya. There weren't too many damages to him.
Maya's eyes shined over him. "No issues on your body. That's a good thing." When Ichika came out, he silently raised an eyebrow.
"But."
"We are detecting an abnormality in Byakushiki's quantum conversion." Ichika sighed when he heard those terms.
"Okay, again but in English." The woman had a nervous giggle when Ichika asked that of her.
"Try to activate your unit."
"Sure thing. Byakushiki." Nothing happened. Some sparkles, yeah, but that was about it.
"He can't deploy his unit." Chifuyu and Charlotte were also gathered in the room. The sister turned to the other teacher. Ichika had wanted to ask her about the face he saw but kept quiet. He had bigger problems.
"What are the problems?"
"I can't say without an in-depth examination," Maya admitted, and Chifuyu had to make a call.
"Orimura, give me Byakushiki." The brother looked at his unit and back at his sister.
"I would say that sucks because those guys would come after me. But." He took out his bracelet and handed it to his sister.
"So far, it's useless. Weapons are made for war. And a weapon that cannot fight is not a useful one."
Chifuyu nodded at him.
"The only thing is that we have to avoid the girls from finding out about it." Chifuyu looked at the bracelet.
"Yes, there'll be an uproar. But we should at least let the candidates know." Ichika's eyes turned to the assistant.
"Absolutely not! If they find out, I am even in a worse spot. Keep it quiet and wrap it up fast."
Chifuyu sighed while she scratched her head.
"This is giving me a headache. You'll need someone to protect you." The brother passed her, and he took out the gift of Miya.
"Why? I got this. I can cover myself."
"Is that enough to protect you from an Infinite Stratos?" Chifuyu asked while Ichika attached the sword on his back.
"It's enough for you. For a while. It shall be enough for me. Anything else?"
The Brunhilde shook her head.
"No."
"Good night. I want to sleep this off." And with that, Ichika left. Maya giggled as she eyed Chifuyu. Her brother had gotten closer to her than she ever would admit. Meanwhile, Ichika was screaming on the inside.
How long did he have to go without his weapon? Sure, he went the entire summer with Byakushiki on his wrist, but Sekirei surrounded him. Safety was guaranteed. Here, he was in school.
The sword that Miya gifted him was reassuring, but it wouldn't be enough.
With any luck, he would have it back soon. The big question wasn't when. The big question was if those girls found out what they would do to him.
His room was empty. He had made sure that Tatenashi was out of his room. He needed some rest. Plus, by showing off, he made sure that he didn't have to train underneath her. Tatenashi sucked to have around.
Sometimes throwing around words worked for him.
The next morning.
Ichika was up fast. He needed to hurry up and get into the class. Before he had a chance to put on his shirt, he heard a knock.
"Door's open." He said, but he took out the sword. In walked Charlotte, her blush growing when she saw him in his undressed state.
"Char? What's up?"
"I'll protect you. You have lost your unit because of me. So I should protect you." The Knight rolled his eyes. Defusing her wouldn't help him. But he took out his sword with him.
"Sure thing. But we gotta hurry up." In the class, it was fast that Ichika got surrounded. They couldn't keep the mission under wraps, so they heard that they got in an explosion. And lo and behold.
Cecilia, Rin, and Houki gathered around his desk.
"You girls need to chill. I am alive."
"You should be more careful."
"Idiot."
"Never let your guard down."
"So why weren't you around to help us out?" That shut them up big time. The Knight leaned back as he was sure that it wouldn't take too long.
"Ichika? Which one do you prefer?" Laura showed him a book with underwear. The guy's eyes lingered on the page for a second before he looked away.
"Why, for the love of Holy Mother Jesus, did you show me that?"
He wasn't the only one blushing. Cecilia, Rin, and Houki agreed.
"What do you think you're showing him?" Rin asked the German while Ichika avoided his eyes getting clawed out by Cecilia.
"I just want to know my wife's preference." Laura defended herself while the girls spoke in perfect unison.
"Your wife's preferences?"
"For God's sake. I am not your wife. Your terminology is all messed up. Plus, I don't care about that, and I am not wearing those things." The girls looked at Ichika, who decided not to care about it.
Charlotte was looking aside from Ichika, who sat back. This was going to be one long day. Then Cecilia's eyes shot at his arm.
"Ichika. Why aren't you wearing Byakushiki?" Cursing several terms, the Knight calmly removed her hand.
"The unit got badly damaged during the mission. For some reason, I can't deploy it. That's why they are looking into it, and I am not wearing it."
The mouth of the four dropped open.
"Are you out of your mind?" Houki shouted at him.
"You can't be serious," Cecilia said.
"You aren't safe, my wife," Laura added.
"There are people after you," Rin yelled.
Ichika took his sword and showed it to them. It was still in its sheath, and yet, the glare was proving.
"You don't have to tell me that people are after me. I know that. I didn't want to tell you because I knew you would react like this. I can protect myself. And if you want to disprove me." The boy pointed the sword at all of them.
"On the roof. After the lecture." Ichika's eyes lightened as he saw Chifuyu entering the room. The five girls got whacked on the head while the boy just enjoyed that his sister could hurt others.
The Ice Queen didn't even need to ask.
Time ran out fast enough, and on the roof, Ichika kept his word. The girls have all gathered around. But it wasn't just them. The news had spread like wildfire, and soon, half of the school was there. Two blunettes were also there. Tatenashi's eyes twinkled. This would be fun.
And if they were done, she could snoop in and help Ichika.
Meanwhile, Kanzashi sat back. This was useful data. She had found that two others had started to watch.
"Djbril." A spoiled voice said.
"Yes, your highness." Ever the loyal servant. Kanzashi shook her head.
Did any of those idiots ever think for themselves?
"When this is over. We swoop in and secure Ichika."
"Yes, your highness."
"And when he is in our debt, he shall become my attendant." The young girl spoke, and Kanzashi didn't even bother hiding her smile.
If they taught that they could get Ichika, they had another thing coming. It was why she didn't even participate.
"Excellent plan, your highness."
Ichika looked over the girls, and something told him that he wouldn't just fight those four.
'Listen to your instincts. They are what keep you alive. Maybe strong feelings aren't what drives you like Sekirei. But use fear. It will keep you alive and awake. Use fury. It will give you strength and vigilance.'
He thanked Miya for her words. Her sword would be even more useful.
"These are the rules. You can either use your Infinite Stratos or a weapon of your choice. Second. You can only use partial deployment. Third. It ends when one of us concedes. You agree with those rules, or you do not partake at all. Is that understood?"
His voice left little room for argument. Chifuyu raised an eyebrow when she heard her brother speak like that. The other girls were feeling a bit of weirdness. They never listened to a man speak like that.
Ichika thanked his brother for the lessons. Minato had put his foot down often enough when the Sekirei went a bit too far.
"Okay. In order to fight. Houki, Rin, Laura, and Cecilia. When you are ready, say so." The four girls nodded at Ichika's request and Houki steppe forward. She deployed both swords, and Ichika nodded to her.
"Ready when you are, Houki." Ichika had the sword on his shoulder and waited on her.
"I will protect you."
"Bring it on." The two stood ready, and Houki raced to Ichika. She jumped up, and Ichika avoided her attack. She found the sword aimed at her. With her left arm, she blocked his sword. Houki struggled so much that she couldn't fight back with her other arm. Then Ichika kicked her. She felt winded, and he delivered a barrage of attacks on her.
In a regular fight, she would have the upper hand as Ichika would respect her as a girl, or he would use other methods.
But now, Ichika didn't rely on those techniques. Using his sword in one hand, he often restricted her, and his feet spoke for him. One roundhouse kick made it clear how much power he had. Houki flung back. She had to take a breath.
"Ichika. What are you?" The boy didn't answer, but he raced at her. She felt a strike coming. Bringing up her sword, she blocked it. It was Ichika's intention as Houki struggled against the power.
Chifuyu's mouth had softly fallen open. His moves were what Miya used, but the latter one taught him how to personalize his style during that time. In less than a month.
'Was I wrong by teaching you my ways?' Chifuyu wondered while Ichika didn't even seem fazed fighting.
When Ichika grabbed her shirt, he threw Houki over his shoulder. She didn't land on her feet but was scrapped over the floor. Ichika didn't even ask how she felt. Houki got back up, and her eyes were flaming at him.
Sure, she wouldn't go down. Houki was way too stubborn for that. By having breathing heavily, her eyes were dazed while she got up.
"That hurt, Ichika!"
"You ever consider what you do to me doesn't hurt." The flat, nearly dead tone made her gulp. Did she ever consider that? Sure, she always thought it builds character and that a man should be strong. But what did strength really mean?
Did she have a misconception of it? Or were there many ways how one could feel interpretant strength?
"That isn't the same."
"It is." Ichika raced at her while he kept low to the ground. Houki couldn't escape the speed, so she felt how the blade nearly pierced her stomach. Only the slightest bit of using her sword kept it away.
"Yield." She used her second sword, so Ichika backed away.
"Never!" The smirk on his face made him hungry for more. He wasn't pushing on the fullest of what he could do. Taking the sword in both hands, Ichika breathed in. His feet carried him, and Houki found herself on the defensive as Ichika's sword sang against her.
It was like he felt how much he could do without holding back.
His blood was rushing. His smile was coming on his face. His eyes were clear.
Ichika growled at Houki. For some reason, she looked like a scared cat. And so does the other girls as well. Ichika smiled at them.
This wolf was going to chase those cats in a tree.
Houki gulped. How much did Ichika change?
Before she even had a chance to get a good look on his face, Ichika had raced at her. From above, he made a circle. His sword came from above. Sure, easy enough to defend herself, but then she felt the power. Ichika pushed on the metal.
He drove Houki on the ground while she felt the earth cracking. One knee went down.
Dammit. She wouldn't lose here. Not now!
With a roar, Ichika got pushed off, and it was his turn in the sky. He just landed at his feet while Houki shot at him. Both of her swords were aimed at him.
She had lost it, and Ichika was happy that Miya didn't see this. He waited until she was close enough. Then he dropped his sword. Houki's eyes were still focused on it, so her mind didn't go to Ichika. The boy moved his body in a circle. He could just take her down but had a better idea. When her body was aimed at the floor, Ichika flung back.
Houki ate his knuckles. Her body flew to the girls who had just the time to get out the way. Chifuyu witnessed her brother.
Sure, she knew that Ichika had grown stronger during the month of training with Miya, but he had gotten so good. Either the Sekirei drove up the levels of training, or her brother had awakened his power.
"That's one! Next!" Rin wasn't sure, but she deployed her spear. The girl threw it at him while Ichika just sidestepped it.
Without even bothering a look, he took the sword from that ground.
"That was moronic. Throwing your weapon. What are you going to do now?" She raced at him with the metal fist.
"That, I suppose." Her fist drove against his sword, but she hadn't learned a thing from his fight with Houki.
The shrine maiden was heavier than her, so it was easier for Ichika to throw her off him. Unfortunately for Rin, he didn't let her go. Kneeing her in the stomach, she rechewed her breakfast. Then with a round kick, she has flown away.
That was quite some damage to her. She dissolved the spear and made it appear again.
Before she could properly up, Ichika was at her spot. She used a weapon that was larger than his. So for him, it meant that he had to stay close. Using his foot, he kept her spear out of the way while using the butt of his sword to knock her off. Dazed by the look, she could see the sword coming. It left her open, and Ichika grinned at her.
An uppercut was found on her body. When she clutched down, he grabbed her head, and his knees met her nose.
"Fuck. What's wrong with you?"
"Asked you that question a million times." She was fired up and got back up.
With an almost bored look, he avoided the attacks coming his way. Musubi was way faster, and he had more time to read those punches. The trick was to find an opening. When Rin extended herself too far, Ichika went under her legs and grabbed her by the ankles. Taking her up, Ichika swung her around.
He let go, aiming her at the wall. The boy just grinned as she crashed. Rin slumped down, and she gritted her teeth. Her vision was getting blurry. Was it bloodlust, or was she getting hazy? She couldn't say.
She stood up and chuckled. "You really think that you can stop me."
"Yes." She ran to him while Ichika let the crazy bull pass. Again and again, she tried to hurt Ichika. Her moves grew reckless, and her anger fueled her desire. Meanwhile, Ichika grew weary of this fight. When she got close, he let her trip over his feet. Landing on the floor, Rin used her forearm to stop her descent.
Kicking away her spear, Ichika aimed the sword at her.
"I won't ask again. Yield." His voice was soft. It wasn't just warmth. Just the promise of much pain if she didn't relent. It did snap her out of the daze.
"Fine. You win." Ichika removed his blade. Rin could scramble up, and she hid her face. Cheeks were ablaze as she felt humiliated. Unlike before, Ichika has spared her.
Ichika's gaze went to Cecilia.
"What are you going to do?" The Brit stepped up. Mainly activating her drones, she still had her arms crossed.
"How are you going to protect me if you refuse to get your hands dirty?" Ichika just glared at her.
"I don't have to. After all, I am most suited to protect you." His grip tightened around his sword.
Avoiding the drones was easy enough as he just ran along. She could try all she wanted. Tsukiumi's snakes were faster. His body moved and rocked while the shots were aimed. Sliding, grinding and twisting.
Ichika's hand turned as he cut one drone apart. Turning around, he grinned and ran back to her. Cecilia couldn't believe that he would turn a hand against her. His sword ran through them, and it was clear how much she didn't think that he was getting through her.
One-shot came to him, and Ichika just split the energy bullet. After that, he knew what his best solution was.
It wouldn't take too long to get her down. His sword was aimed at her, and she could feel the sharp metal crashing right next to her. Falling on her knees, Ichika just walked up to her, and he removed the sword from the concrete.
"I guess that you are lucky. You got off cheap. Maybe, learn that you need to have guts to fight." While he often compared her to Kazehana, she shared many things with Tsukiumi. Like the Water Sekirei, she wanted Ichika to be proper.
But unlike Tsukiumi, who was willing to fight and risk her life for her Ashikabi, Cecilia demanded respect and admiration without offering anything in return.
"If you aren't going to fight, how will you protect me?" His eyes turned to Laura. His sword rang back on the shoulders. The silverette looked at him and deployed her energy knife.
Now Ichika saw it, and it reminded him of a talk that he heard of Jin. He had bought a game recently. A reboot of an old series and it had a hook blade on the arm, just like Laura.
He didn't play it that much with Yashima around. She had enough violence of one lifetime.
But for Ichika, he could understand how she was.
"Bring it on."
Laura ran to him, and just like with Rin, he grabbed her wrist and threw her away. She landed on her feet but found that Ichika was after her. His sword came at her. She could only block him. Ichika fought back and pushed her back. Her sword came about while he used his open hand. Her knuckles rang in her face.
Turning on his heel, he kicked her back in the face. She had no idea how much he used this power. She glared at him but found that Ichika just used his other foot. From up, his attack came. The hit on the skull hurt, but she discovered that anger drove her further.
Laura stood up and took a knife from her back pocket.
"You going to use two?" She smirked at him while Ichika stood ready.
"You said that I could use every weapon I saw fit?"
"Did so, yeah. But will that stop me?" She raced at him, and just like with Houki, she had gotten used to fighting two-handed. Ichika could only sigh as he fought Laura. Instead of blocking, he narrowly avoided her attacks. He would have to disarm her. Unlike Houki, who fought using two swords in her kendo style, Laura relied on her military-style training.
Ichika held back on that regard. Turning a circle, he blocked the knife. Laura could feel the kick coming in. Then he made a shallow cut, causing Laura to drop the knife. His butt of the sword hit Laura right in the face.
Chifuyu could see how Ichika fought. It wasn't pure martial arts but also practical fighting. Miya taught him well. Maybe a bit too well. She couldn't believe how much Ichika held back and how he enjoyed the fight. Laura swung around at him, using her energy blade. Ichika blocked her attack.
A grin found a way on its face. Sure, Laura had more training, experience, and practice. That was undoubtedly one thing he kept in mind. But Ichika had enough determination to set through, and his strength came out. Using his legs, he kicked Laura in the stomach. A surprised gag came out. Her knees were swept away, and she fell to the ground.
He pointed the sword at her throat. Laura gulped when she saw Ichika's face. His eyes were dead on her face. She had seen that look often enough.
"Come on. Use your head. You can't win." Laura nodded, and Ichika removed his blade. The silverette scuffled away, and Ichika put his sword on his back.
"Point made. I can protect myself. With or without an Infinite Stratos."
"Oh, no. Ichika, I don't think so. It's my turn now." Out of the crowd walked Tatenashi Sarashiki. Her spear came out and twirled it around.
"Didn't you have enough last time? Hard to imagine you're a masochist." Ichika shot back at her. Her eyes were filled with fury. She hadn't forgotten her last humiliation.
"I will make you eat those words. In this school, the most powerful one is chosen as Student Council President." Ichika yawned, and he closed his mouth with a tired expression.
"Think I handed your butt to you. If you want me to kick it more, bring it on." Tatenashi raced at him, and Ichika just hung back. Just like with Rin, she would have the upper hand in those things. And most likely, she would have learned from the fight with Rin. She wouldn't throw it but would rely on her close-quarter fighting.
Ichika held on to the sword for dear life. If that got out of his hands, he wouldn't be able to fight back. Tatenashi was a cut above the other girls, so defeating her wouldn't be easy.
His muscles bugled while the sword fought against her spear. "Looks like you haven't really fought me."
Ichika grimaced as he broke her off. Turning on his heels, she blocked his round kick with the spear. The pain on his shins was feelable. He moved back while trying not to curse. He flung back while biting down his cursing.
"That is not going to work. Why not surrender?" Ichika's eyes caught fire while he eyed Tatenashi. The blue cat was smiling at him while Ichika just glared back at her.
"You talk too much." He ran to her and Tatenashi decided to meet him. When she got close enough, Ichika found that she made a swipe. Like a break-dancer, he let it go over him. Using his sword in a pivotal matter, he blocked the spear. Tatenashi hadn't expected him to block her spear. But it wasn't his intention to stop her.
A lightning-fast punch came from the side. It dazed her vision, but she found that Ichika had a better idea. Grabbing her head, Ichika brought her head down.
To his knees, she couldn't imagine the last time she felt such pain as his knee crushed her nose. After that, he gave her a knee kick, and she gasped for air. Ichika had not one ounce of regret for that.
"Are you done yet? Or do we have to continue?" Tatenashi veered up with her spear, nearly gutting him with a fish.
"It's not nice to press on a lady." The Russian beauty had a fire in her voice.
"It's not wise to wake a sleeping dog." Ichika's voice lacked any emotion.
"I am so going to get you for this arrogance." She stood up and showed her impressive skills with the sword, twirling it around, eliciting shrieks from the girls around them.
Ichika just took off his katana from his shoulders, grabbed his sword with his right hand. His knuckles turned white from the fury. His left hand wasn't much better. His nails dug in his skin. Some blood came down from his hand.
His body changed, and the girls could see the outline of Ichika. It was like his energy was manifesting. Chifuyu had her mouth fallen open. She had no idea that he could do this.
It wasn't white like Byakushiki. But dark. Like his hair.
Like herself.
"Try. I dare you." Ichika ran to her, and with speed, he appeared from the corner of her eye. She brought up the spear and blocked his sword, forcing it down. His fist came her way. Bringing up the spear, it made contact with his fist. She could hear the collide. The thing she didn't expect was a wince of him.
Opening his hand, he pushed away from the spear, and she got slam-dunked. His forehead collided with her nose. Tatenashi felt the blood coming down. Then Ichika performed a move he had seen before. Jumping up, he kicked her away with his two legs. Landing on his back, he crawled back up fast while Tatenashi flung away.
She made contact but made a salto. Landing on her foot, she saw the sword coming in her direction. Tatenashi brought up the spear, and she found the blade a bit too close. Turns around, Ichika's fist came from behind his back. It had an effect of a backhand. Tatenashi shook her head, but the butt of her sword went to her.
She never thought that Ichika was this much fighting to get her down. Oh, she wouldn't go down this easily.
Jumping back, Tatenashi built distance between them. Aiming his spear at her opponent, she tried to smile.
"Using those tricks. Aren't you a cheapskate, Ichika?" The boy just looked at her, and after rummaging in his mouth, he spat on the floor.
"I'm a cheapskate? Take a good look at yourself. You, the strongest Student of this school. Coming after a mediocre Pilot after he has taken down four opponents. Now, I might have gotten stronger." Ichika put his sword away. Taking out bandages, he wrapped them around his arms.
His arms ached, and they helped in training with the Sekirei.
"But I am hurting you for two reasons. One. I want you out. Two. I really, really don't like you." Ichika glared at her. His sword came out, and Ichika had changed in that. Chifuyu could see that.
He had taken his path in life. A mix of Miya's sword fighting, Musubi's boxing, and his power. The thing she had tried to seal in. It did come out when the boy went there.
He had questions for her, and yet, he kept those for others.
'I really fucked up here.'
When Ichika's sword clashed with the spear again, Tatenashi could feel his strength. It was like he had gotten better. Where did this energy come from? Using his feet, he kicked her and using his heels as it turned. She blocked him but found that hardly stopped him. He was making a circle with her spear. An uppercut came from below.
Turns on his heel, a round kick followed. A slap to the face to daze her, a shallow cut made her spear drop.
Kick on the knees, and she went down. Tatenashi used her position to move at him, but Ichika grabbed her shirt and pulled a circle on her. She slammed at the pavement. Burying the sword in the concrete, he pulled through until it ended at her throat.
"You are going to surrender? Or do I need to kill you?" In his eyes, it was clear that Ichika was serious and would make good on his threat.
"I give up." Ichika slammed his feet in her.
"Not good enough!" He demanded.
"I surrender. Repeat after me." He would not just defeat her. Ichika wanted to humiliate her. He pressed his knee on her, and she gasped for air. She could feel how much Ichika wanted her to stop.
"Say. It."
"I." Tatenashi stopped, and Ichika continued to press on her stomach. Sharp pain set in, and she gritted her teeth.
"I surrender. Say it." His sword edged closer.
"I surrender. I surrender. You win." Tatenashi admitted. Ichika smirked at her, and he got from her body. He pulled the sword from the concrete. The metal wasn't even bent or dented. After swaying it around, he put it on his back.
Tatenashi shuffled and ran away. She hoped to keep the tears in before her shame set in. Ichika had now beaten her twice. And in front of the entire school.
"Is there anyone else? Or have I proved my point that I can protect myself?" From the crowd, a purple-haired woman came forward. Ichika's smile turned vicious when his eyes found her.
"You haven't had enough yet," Ichika asked while his sword came out again.
"No. I want to challenge you for the fight so you can take your rightful place as Princess Airis attendant." Ichika spat on the floor while his glare was fixated on her.
"Right. You wanted to fight me when you came here. It looks like you can do that now." Djbril unsheathed her sword, and Ichika began to look giddy.
Houki, Rin, Cecilia, Laura, Charlotte, and even Chifuyu could see how much Ichika actually wanted to fight Djbril.
Ichika breathed in and out while his glare was on her. His eyes found Airis. She had a smile on her face while Ichika wanted to get through Djbril and get his hands on the runt. Spanking her would be fun.
"It appears that you leave much to be desired. I believe you have no chance to defeat me, an Imperial Knight." Ichika looked at his sword, holding it up in the air. After contemplating for a few seconds, he put it down on the floor.
"Is that why you challenged me to fight after I have gone through five foes already? Have to admit. I didn't expect that I wouldn't be tired. I mean. I fought five of my foes, and yet, I am just feeling a bit winded. Not exhausted." Ichika yawned for a bit without even thinking about covering his mouth.
"Well, maybe a bit more tired. I am going to sleep well tonight. So you are coming at me or not." Her sword was long like a rapier, and Ichika had to admit. She had a stance, and if he had to guess, she was a fencer. A bit different, but Ichika was more than happy to fight her.
"I will make a bow down for this display of arrogance." Ichika just waited for her, and the woman ran to him. One strike, and it was blocked. Ichika guessed that she relied on other things. Instead of swipes, strikes were the rules. She was faster than Houki, better trained than Rin, agile like Laura, and yet, she kept an air around her like Cecilia.
Pity for Djbril that he had been fighting those girls so he could read her. Ichika could dodge her attacks. Half of the blocks weren't needed. Yet for him, he enjoyed the fight. The metal clashed on her side.
Then Ichika decided to play again. A smirk found a way on his face. His body rocked against her, and she could feel how Ichika fought back. What the Knight didn't expect was that she had a good defense. Despite the many different strikes and attacks, Ichika couldn't get through her.
Her rapier found a way to protect herself. So Ichika gave her a kick on the sword. Catapulting himself, he made a salto and landed on the floor. Djbril looked up from him. She went after him, and Ichika had to defend himself again. He was getting pushed back.
Not good. What did Miya tell him again? Just hold back and spot an opening. And if you don't get one, make one.
He noticed that Djbril kept her rapier close to her body when she fought him. His katana was longer than her. He got an idea.
So Ichika waited until she attacked him. When his sword blocked hers, he made a circle. The rapier was out of the loop, so when he had a chance, his tip touched her clothing. Djbril felt back on that, but Ichika waited for that. When he took one step to her, the woman fell one step back.
She was afraid of him. Ichika had made it clear that he was willing to hurt her. Djbril could feel how Ichika could smell her fear. The wolf had sensed his prey. His willingness to kill was now evident.
Chifuyu had only a look of horror behind her mask of indifference. She had hoped that Ichika wouldn't be a fighter. Yet life had chosen him to be one. Miya had picked up the training that she had left off.
Leaving Ichika weak made him turn to others for strength. He couldn't rely on or trust the ones in the ISA. So he relied on those outside the school.
And when Djbril felt the spark coming through, she noticed how much Ichika was enjoying this. Underneath her experience, the reliance on being the strongest was done in as Ichika had no problem pushing her back.
The woman couldn't believe how much Ichika enjoyed fighting her. Djbril was afraid of him. He would use that fear. He would drive her further on this path. Her blade meshed with hers, and Ichika pushed on her.
The wolf had growled again. His inner one howled for blood.
"What's wrong? Afraid?" Ichika learned quite a bit and one thing that Miya had drilled in him was that fear could be a useful emotion.
If you were afraid, you could be brave. With Djbril, she had no real idea of that. So when she got red hot with rage, she attacked Ichika again. The young Knight noticed how much her moves were wasted during the fight and how she tried to use more force while Ichika relaxed. Her blade could be met.
He could have made her fear him and use that, or he could goad her to waste her moves. Ichika had options aplenty for this one. She was offering him enough for that, and Ichika couldn't believe how easy it had become.
When she attacked him, he just rolled over his back, and with his foot, she flew away over him. Getting back up was easy, as well. The woman landed, and she cursed inwardly. Back up, she lunged at him.
Ichika just held back for long enough, and when her rapier passed him, it was him who had his sword aimed at her throat. "Yield."
Again, a simple word was spoken, a threat made. She could see that Ichika was serious about this. Her anger evaporated, and also, when his inner wolf came out, fear set in.
"Fine." She spat at him, and when that was over, Ichika removed the sword from her neck and could breathe again.
"Next time, know that I am going hard on you." He put the sword away on his back, and he turned at the girls.
Anyone anything to say? Yes? No?" From the crowd, one spoiled brat stormed.
"What was that?" Airis demanded, and Ichika groaned. He facepalmed when he saw how Airis was shouting at him.
"A fight. Ever been in one? I guess not." One look went to Djbril, who looked down in shame. A hint of pity was given before Airis focused on Ichika again.
"Where did you learn how to fight like that?"
"If you want to know, I learned it during the summer. Miya Asama taught me, and Musubi and Tsukiumi spared with me."
"You mean, those are the women that the gigolo you call brother is, is, is." She taught of a dirty enough word.
"Courting trained you."
Ichika wasn't sure if this runt was for real. Courting? Really?
"First of all. He did court them and went all four posts with them and put a bun in their oven." The princess looked puzzled on that saying while the rest of the girls got one blush on their faces.
"What does that mean?"
"That they are pregnant." Ichika just said it out loud.
"And they did a damn good job on training me." Airis couldn't believe it. That gigolo did this and just proved himself to be a father. And with that, Ichika walked away from her. He stopped at his sister. Chifuyu looked at him with a surprised look.
"Four Representative Candidates, one of them being the Student Council President, one pilot with a Personal Unit, One Imperial Knight. All were defeated with a single word. If I am not closer to you now, I don't know what I have to do." She raised her hand at him but found that Ichika had captured her wrist.
Oh, he made no illusions that she could get through him, but it was the shock that took most of the attention.
"Don't try that."
"You got quite a mouth on you. I wonder where that came from."
"Guess. Still, sis. Did I make my point? Do I need protection? Or can I watch out for myself?"
Chifuyu got her hand loose, and Ichika put his down.
"You got quite an attitude. But you managed to get through them all. Feeling exhausted?" Her smirk was worse, but Ichika gave her a booming smile.
"Nope. A bit winded, yes but not exhausted. I do think I am going to send a nice present to Miya Asama. She did help me a lot during the summer." And with that, her brother walked away. Chifuyu couldn't believe the amount of disrespect that she got from him.
"Did you talk to the Sekirei like that when you were in the Inn during the summer?"
Without even turning around, Ichika made one snorting sound.
"First of all. I didn't have to. They treated me with respect and kindness. Second. If they teased me, they got repaid. Because you know that is how some work. When you are kidding around, you'll get it back."
Chifuyu just sighed as she saw how Ichika walked away with an uncaring attitude. How much she hated it, her brother got closer to her in terms of fighting.
She ran after him, and the scathing glare from over her shoulder made it clear to the entire school that she would not appreciate it if they went after her. Chifuyu caught up with her brother.
"Ichika, stop." To her surprise, Ichika stopped and turned around.
"What's wrong, Orimura-sensei? Don't like that one!" She ran up to him, and when she wanted to smack him, the sheath of his swords stopped her.
"You don't act like a man. Is this what a man should do? Hitting women?"
"So if they challenge me for a fight, what am I supposed to do? Sit and take the hits. I am not masochistic. No. I fought back because that is what I am good at. That is what Miya taught me." Chifuyu pulled her brother by his shirt close to her.
"You are not a man."
"Who are you to make that judgment?! You're a woman!"
"So?"
"Isn't Minato a man? Sure, brother isn't the biggest alpha on the block. But he won the Sekirei plan. He helped me countless times during the last year. He offered me a place." One's pulling on her arm, his eyes flamed at his sister.
"Are you more a man than he is? Perhaps yeah. You can fight and teach, but that's all. You suck at cooking or cleaning, let alone other tasks in the house."
"You spoiled, arrogant son of a..."
"It's Ichika. And arrogant? Who the hell are you kidding! You really think that you got any right to judge me. I am what you made me." Ichika took a deep breath. If he were going this emotional, it wouldn't end anywhere right.
"I am who I am due to others. If you did your damn job, I wouldn't take Minato's offer. You're my sister. In blood, yes, but in what else? I can't say. Why did you just go on this whole thing? You put me here and expect the world of me while I got nothing in return. Would it kill you to let me know that you have my back? Clearly, it does." Ichika could tell more, but he wouldn't go on.
"I am done with this shit. I am done with this academy. I am done with those girls. And I am done with you. Our talk is over."
The Knight passed by and went to his room. The sister just looked over her shoulder to the boy. What has she done? What did she create?
She has fucked up. That much was clear. Oh, the irony was sweet.
On his bed, Ichika laid, and he began to go over his head. His anger subsided, and his thoughts stopped swirling.
Sure, it wasn't easy. Ichika was still a hormonal teenager. His brain wasn't there yet, and his hormones were rushing through him.
He had learned good control. It was only pushed to his limits. Laying back, he enjoyed the silence. Somewhere, that was one thing that he liked in his room.
Silence could be addicting.
Ichika began to think of Minato. Secretly, he couldn't help but be envious of his older brother. Sure, conflicts came and went in the Sekirei life, but Minato had made rules and abided them.
It had given Minato the chance to be a father. He would bring new life to the world. Ichika knew that Minato would be one great father. Yet, his envy set in. That might be a reason why he was like this. The Sekirei spoiled him during his stay.
Sure, he knew that they went well out of their way to look after him. Was that something he wanted? Ichika couldn't tell. He wanted the girls in this school, the ones always so close to him, were still the ones hurting him.
Why couldn't they be friendly?
Not just the Candidates and Houki. But also his older sister, Chifuyu.
The family wasn't just blood. Weird that he came to that realization now that he didn't have much to that. He curses his mind because one thing came back to haunt him.
Madoka. Ichika could not be mistaken. That was his sister's face. Her last name was the same. He didn't bring it up with Chifuyu as he had bigger fish to fry. Like the defeat. He raised his fist and clenched it.
He had grown strong. Like really, really strong. Yet, here he lied. Alone in his bed, in his room. In the dark and the cold.
'What good is strength if there is no use for it?' Well, that was a question for tomorrow him. He needed to close his eyes. So far, that wasn't working. He put on the number that Jin recommended him.
"It's hard for me to understand myself.
So it has to be hard as hell for you!"
In another part of town…
Someone was sitting back, playing with a necklace. It would have been a complete copy of Ichika's situation because it was not that it was a girl lying down. The mission of the night before played in her head. Her brother was stronger than Madoka could have guessed.
"Would you have my life, Ichika, and would I have yours?"
The two shook their heads and closed their eyes. They had a new day to face, but now, rest was their salivation.
Before going to bed, Ichika got off of his bed, bent on his knees, place both of his hands together, and then begun to pray for things will work out in his favor. He was starting to at this time a night.
Ending song. {mew} Koukai no Uta (English Version).
The first part is the instrumental break. 0:00 to 0:10
The ending begins with the mysterious forming ball, then there's the current-aged Ichika Orimura, who was stuck in the IS cage.
Can you see the light? It's right in front of you. And now you're at the fork within the road, alone.No one else, nowhere else to go...
Then the scene where Ichika was an infant, where's a little Chifuyu's watching over him in the crib.
No turning back, in the future, move ahead. It's tough, you're scared, but you know that you have to cut every tie. No more home to go to.
Then, the still young Chifuyu takes her infant brother away from the place he was born before they can lay a hand on him to protect him.
And it hurt to give up all this light you built up. Gentle and generous, kind, warm love. And yet, you turn, take a step, and walk right on.
The next scene is Kid Ichika's childhood history with Kid Houki and Kid Rin in two split panels. One panel on the top is his childhood history with Kid Houki, where he trains with her at the art of Kendo. And the other panel on the bottom is his childhood history with Kid Lingyin, where she made a special promise to him on that day.
But no need to worry, if you have enough today, we'll find it on the way. Let's go and look- together, we can start
Next, the middle-school-aged Ichika looks at the middle school building. Then, inside the middle school, we saw Ichika's eyes. He was drawn by the machine, which happens to be an IS in the restricted room. It shows the symbol of IS, part of the IS mechanics, and there's Charlotte Dunois.
You don't have to be so strong. No, you don't have to anything to lead as long as your heart is true and you believe
Then the current-aged Ichika falls slowly within the dark area.
It's your spirit and your soul that will keep saving you and make you strong,
Although he's still falling, in a few moments, Ichika opens his eyes, and then he sees…
No matter what comes - the pain, the hurt, move on!
Homura, and Minato, who welcomes him into the light door.
So now, don't be afraid, let's walk on today!Whoa! Whooa!
Then Ichika looks upon them with the sparks of light rises and walks into the door of light. At the same time, Charlotte, in her near silhouette dressed in the black coat (similar to the Organization XIII outfit), desperately stretches her hand with her go after Ichika. And then that's it.
And here we end it. Hard to guess this fic is now two years old. I have been through a lot since I started writing this fic.
I stopped school in 2019 and I went to look for a job after the summer that year. I don't have to tell you that was stupid in hindsight.
I can say that, like for most of us, 2020 was a year that was can describe as sucky. A year that I want to pass over and a year where I also had good things.
I saw Sabaton live in February, during the year, especially in May, I really began to work as a request author. It gave me a ton of support.
I found a job at my old place and with some luck, I can stay. It might not be the greatest job out there but it pays the bills, it's close to home and I got great colleagues. So I am happy that I got that for now and the most likely few years.
The next title of the chapter is going to be Burning Ambition and after that, Running Free. I hope you guys will enjoy those next chapters. They will really differ from canon. I can tell you that much. The next update is also going to differ from my list.
Two Reasons will get an update as that fic turns one year on the 26th of this month. In February, it's back to following the normal list of requests.
This has references to pouplar media. You guys can guess what this is all meaning. You can figure it out.
Saluut.