I do not own Infinite Stratos nor do I own Rurouni Kenshin. All rights respectively go to Izuru Yumizuru, the author who created Infinite Stratos, and Nobuhiro Watsuki, the author of Rurouni Kenshin.

In one of the workshops of the IS Academy, within a dark room illuminated by only the lights shining on what looks like an Uchigane but modified, along with some screens, a girl that looked much like Tatenashi sat on her chair in front of the IS typing away. The girl has blue hair and dark red eyes like Tatenashi. But in oppose to Tatenashi, her hair curls inwards and is slightly longer, and has more petite body compared to her. Her IS Academy uniform consists of the typical white and red blouse but is modified with two triangular hairpins on both sides of her head, right and left, and yellow leggings with larger hairpins on sides on her skirt and knee-long black boots. She also wears a pair of glasses.

Her name was Kanzashi Sarashiki, first-year student of the IS Academy like everyone else but assigned to Class 1-4. Therefore, she did not have any of the male IS pilots or any of the well known females in her class. As for how she acquired an Uchigane and modified it all on her own, well that is a secret known only to her.

As she types away on her console and checks the functionality of her IS, especially on what looked to be cannons that move up and down when deployed, she notes something.

"The drive components are showing poor responsiveness," Kanzashi said. "What's going on? The core isn't syncing either. Is this a type incompatibility?"

Suddenly, a flashback of her sister emerges briefly in her mind, mainly of that day when she fought off against Phantom Task. Shaking it off and perhaps because she had been working all day, she puts the system to sleep.

Sighing as she walks out exhausted, she then mutters, "I'll just go home and watch anime or something."

But unknown to Kanzashi as she walks down the hall, a certain student council president looks at her from behind with great concern written all over her face. It pained her to see that she couldn't do anything to help her little sister so she has no choice but to rely on someone who can help her.

OP song: Suara – Hikari (For reference, look up on YouTube Utawarerumono Futari no Hakuoro trailer)

Kimi e no omoi wasurenai you ni (The first scene begins with a pair of hands grasping a red and black ribbon divided by a white line adorned with a pair of gold and silver bells. The camera soon pans out to show the said person grasping that ribbon)

mune fukaku kizamikomu kara (The person holding the ribbon is revealed to be Houki, underwater and in her IS suit as she closes her eyes, keeping the ribbon, revealed to be Akatsubaki in its standby form, close to her heart before the bubbles cover the screen)

(Opening title is introduced as Infinite Stratos 2)

Arifureta hibi wo tobikoete yukeru (Chifuyu watches from the balcony of the IS Academy the sunrise before a gentle wind blows her hair.)

habataku yuuki wo motteru (The sun's ray hits her eyes before she adjusts her sight)

Mada minu sekai ni tobidashite yukeba (Tabane Shinonono travels via a carrot-shaped airplane, colored in orange with a green tip, as it travels across the skies and she heads towards the moon)

nanika ga kitto matteiru (The camera pans over to the moon before it shifts down to Houki in her IS Akatsubaki, facing forward as her hair is blown by the wind)

Tamerau hodo no kizu wo oottemo (A blue meteor-like object falls to the arena of the IS Academy, creating an explosion of water, before revealing Tatenashi Sarashiki in her IS, Mysterious Lady, as she twirls her spear as the lake water falls like rain)

akiramenaide subete ukeireyou (Kanzashi Sarashiki appears in a holographic world in her IS, Uchigane Nishiki, while holographic data surrounds her)

Kimi e no omoi wasurenai you ni (Camera zooms down to a battlefield just beginning between IS Golems and the gang. Laura is the first to attack as she descends and slices a Golem with her wrist blades before using her cables followed by her rail gun. Rin parries a Golem with her Souten Gagetsu before taking off its head in a spin)

mune no naka fukaku kizamitsukeru(Ichika appears to take out one Golem before he dodges an incoming attack and dismantles another. The next scene cuts to Charlotte and Cecilia prepping their sniper rifles to fire.)

mezasu mirai wo yasashiku terashite (Raiden and Madoka, without their IS, engage in a close quarters weapon combat, Raiden using the Sakabatō and Madoka using the Mugenjin. After a couple of hits, Raiden is thrown high into the air from another hit from Madoka before he backflips and deploys his IS and fires his ion blasters at Madoka. Madoka, in turn, dodges while activating her IS, Black Knight, and flies up to Raiden to engage him again with her fusion cannon on her right arm deployed)

hikari hanatsu hoshi no you ni (Madoka and Raiden clash, creating a violent explosion before the next scene switches over to Luxembourg ten years ago, where Hitokiri Kingslayer stands by the steps to the destroyed Royal Palace, his back to the camera as Luxembourg is enshrouded in flames by Phantom Task, with a massive warship looming overhead as its IS pilots are deployed like a squad of fighters)

(Miriam Walker is shown in front of the CIA headquarters building in Washington DC as the camera moves upwards. Akane Fujimoto is shown on Omega, overlooking one of the poor districts from her apartment, with a cigarette in her mouth. Squall Meusel is shown in her bath robe sitting on the edge of her bed smirking at the camera, with Autumn sleeping naked in the background. Edea Crownsworth, the Archon of Phantom Task, sits upon her throne overlooking the world within a spaceship. Chifuyu is then shown in the deep recesses of the Academy, looking at the White Knight IS kept in storage and locked down, her hand on the glass)

(Raiden is shown next as he turns around with his Sakabatō before sheathing it before he is replaced with the title of Infinite Stratos 2.)

Walking down the hall was 2nd year student Kaoruko Mayuzumi, vice-president of the Newspaper Club. And she was heading towards Class 1-1. For those that do not remember, she gave an interview to Ichika and Cecilia regarding the right for the role of Class Representative. As she opens the door to the classroom, she spots the two people she actually came to meet who were in the midst of chatting among themselves.

"Hey, Hataru-kun, Shinonnono-san!" called out Mayuzumi,

"Oro? Mayuzumi-dono?" asked Raiden as he and Houki turn to her. "Something we can help you with?"

"Well, I want to ask you two a favor," She said.

"Ask us a favor?" asked Houki. "Raiden and me?"

"Yeah, that's right. You see, my older sister works for this publishing company. She likes to have an exclusive interview with Personal IS pilots like you! Oh, it'll be for this magazine."

Mayuzumi soon holds up what looks like a cover edition called Infinite Stripes.

Houki takes the magazine and opens it up to read it. "Uh, well… This magazine isn't really about IS at all, though."

"Huh? Haven't you guys ever done something like this before?" asked Mayuzumi.

"No, I have not," Raiden said.

Mayuzumi then explains. "You see, Personal IS pilots are treated like celebrities. They're like idols, in a way. They get a lot of modeling work."

"Celebrities, huh?" asked Raiden. "Is this true, Houki-dono?"

"D-Don't ask me! How would I know?" Houki said.

Rin soon pops up from behind. "I can show you my modeling photos!"

"Rin-dono!" greeted Raiden. "You've taken part in this?"

"Sure have. Look here!" Rin then showed a photo of herself on her phone striking a a nice pose, even while wearing very short jeans.

Houki looked amazed. "Oh, not bad."

"Does Liu know about this?" Raiden jested, only for Rin to turn red.

"B-Baka!" Rin shouted. "I'm not going to show him something like this. It… It's embarrassing." She says that last part quietly to herself while turning away bashfully.

The school bell soon rings, indicating that break is now over.

"All right, I'll stop by again after school!" Mayuzumi waved goodbye.

*POW*

A hit to the head from behind by Chifuyu made Rin squirm ad hold her head in pain.

"Get back to Class 2 already!" Chifuyu ordered.

Rin takes her leave. "Yes, ma'am."

Once Rin leaves and class begins, a couple panels about IS Combat Theory pop up on screen. The pictures also showed Shenlong and Byakushiki fighting each other, along with Lion Heart and Schwarzer Hase.

"All right," Chifuyu began. "Today, we'll be going over the theory of effective evasive maneuvers in close combat and ways of keeping a good distance."

IN CLASS 1-4…

"Hey did you hear? There's going to be an event just for Personal IS pilots!"

"Huh? For real?"

"And Kanzashi-san form our class with be participating!"

"Really? But Kanzashi-san's Personal IS isn't complete yet, right?"

"Hopefully she can get it ready in time."

Speaking of which, Kanzashi was at her desk typing away on the console regarding her IS. While she did hear the gossip and small chatter of the girls next to her, she blocked those thoughts out. The girls however kept their distance, knowing of the icy aura she has around her.

LATER…

At the dojo, Raiden watches Houki practice in her Kendo uniform, swinging her shinai. Raiden sat on his knees as he watches Houki practicing.

"Hey, Houki-dono," asked Raiden after Houki finished.

"What is it?" Houki asked.

"As for what Mayuzumi-dono said during the break, what do you intend to do?" asked Raiden.

"I'm going to turn her down," Houki said as she finishes. "Doing things just for show goes against my principles. Plus, I don't want to be seen as some model."

"Is that so?" asked Raiden. "I was going to do the same, that I was."

"Really?" asked Houki in surprise. "I thought you would've accepted it."

"I'm not really one for interviews, that I am not," Raiden admitted. "I don't like to be seen out in public so much if people know who I am."

Houki found that reason fair, knowing of who Raiden really was. "Point taken."

"Hey, thanks for waiting!" A voice came up to Houki's left surprising her. And speak of the devil, it was Kaoruko Mayuzumi from the earlier this morning. "So, have you thought of the interview?"

Raiden stands and walks up next to Houki. "About that, Mayuzumi-dono, Houki-dono thought that—"

Just when Raiden was about to continue, Mayuzumi interrupted him, holding up two tickets of sorts. "Jyan! I'll give you waivers for a free dinner at a three Michelin-star restaurant! For a couple, of course!"

Now she intends to bribe the two with this? Sure, it looks luxurious but not really the two's thing. But since Houki and Raiden are going to refuse the interview, it can't be helped. However…

"I accept," Houki said taking the two tickets.

"Oro?" Raiden was surprised.

"All right, we have a deal! The interview will be Sunday. Thanks!" Mayuzumi soon takes her leave. "See you!"

The dojo was quiet, and Raiden was still surprised. He then asked to Houki, "What was that you said about not wanting to be seen as some model?"

Houki could only turn to Raiden and said, "Oh, I'm just being a bit of a flexible thinker when I need to be."

"Is that so?" asked Raiden. "Well, if you are okay with it, then so am I."

He then had a poke on the cheek by Houki's wooden sword.

"Oro?"

"Are you sure?" Houki asked. "You sure you don't have any problems with it?"

"A-As long as you are fine with it, then I don't mind it, that I do not," Raiden said.

Houki soon lets down her shinai. "I see." She then clears her throat. "Anyway, for this dinner… We'll be going together, yes?"

"We're getting interviewed together, so yes, that we are," Raiden nodded.

This made her exited. "I see! That's right! Yes, of course we will!"

She couldn't wait that to happen. A dinner at a fancy restaurant between her and Raiden. It was like a dream come true. They could finally spend some quality one on one time with one another without any further distractions.

When it was Sunday, Raiden and Houki had arrived at Infinite Stripes headquarters, where the company was based at. They had arrived a few minutes early and were directed over to a couch area with a table between them. All they had to do now was wait for Mayuzumi's sister to arrive.

Raiden wore a light blue kimono with a dark blue jacket and a brown hakama. His sakabatō is worn tucked under his obi at his left hip in a black, steel saya. And because of his blindness, he wears a pair of sunglasses to cover up his blindfold and to linger amongst the public without drawing attention to his blindfold. And thankfully, his sakabatō was hardly seen by anyone passing by on their way.

For Houki, she wore a white shirt followed by a red tee. She also wore a grey skirt adorned with a few black vertical lines. It was a bit tomboyish, but it was very suited for her. She kept on her hair ribbon for her ponytail.

A woman dressed in a light pink formal wear walks over to where the two are sitting. She had purple hair fashioned into a ponytail that hangs off to her left side. She also had a freckle below her lips on the right side of her face. She also wore some glasses, and her eye color was similar to Kaoruko's.

She really did look similar to Kaoruko Nayuzumi but that is probably because of the glasses. The eye color was also similar and the way she presented herself was just like Kaoruko.

"Hello," The interviewer greeted as she sat down. "I'm Mayuzumi Nagisako, an associate editor for Infinite Stripes. Thank you for your time!"

"Pleasure to meet you, Mayuzumi-dono," Raiden bowed. "My name is Hataru Raiden."

"I'm Shinonono Houki," Houki also greeted.

Nagisako soon took out and placed on a table a recording device. "Okay, let's go ahead and begin the interview."

She then turns on the device, indicated by a button to the side and a flash brightening the screen. A time also starts off for how long the interview will be.

"Here's my first question: Hataru-kun, what's it like for you, attending an all-girls school?"

"Honestly…" Raiden said. "It is not quite like what I had imagined. Popularity aside as one of the two male IS pilots, it's almost like any ordinary school, that it is. There's just a few additions to it that make it special."

That made Nagisako laugh. "So what my little sister was saying is true!" She then turns to Houki and asks her question. "All right, Shinonono-san, I'd like to ask you about your elder sister.

This startles Houki and makes her uncomfortable, her body shaking a bit as she grips her skirt. Noticing this, Raiden puts a left hand on her right, surprising Houki as she turns her head to him. The look and smile of reassurance he gave calmed her nerves a bit. Nagisako took notice of the gesture but proceeds with the question she wanted to ask Houki.

"How did you feel receiving a Personal IS from her?" Nagisako asked. "Do you intend on becoming a representative cadet for a nation?"

Houki answers as she grasps her bracelet which was her IS in its standby mode, "I'm grateful to her for giving me Akatsubaki. However, I have no interest in becoming a representative cadet at this point in time, despite the many offers I've received."

Nagisako was satisfied with the answer as she backs away. "Okay, no worries! Now, which one of you two is stronger?"

"Raiden is," Houki immediately answered.

"Is that true?"

Raiden nods. "It is. But Houki-dono has shown her strength and is nearly on equal footing for me."

"Oh no, wouldn't that be a problem for a hero?" Nagisako teased.

But Raiden chuckles. "I am no hero, Mayuzumi-dono. I don't like to be called that, that I do not. It's all an illusion, I believe."

"Oh, I like that! All right, Raiden, let's hear your samurai words of wisdom!"

"Oro?" He looks to Houki briefly who was keeping up a professional look. So Raiden decides to give his own voice as Nagisako holds up the recording to him. Instead of making something up though, he decides to use the words he lives by.

"A sword is a weapon. Swordsmanship is learning how to kill. No matter what ideals you use to cover it up, that is the truth of the world."

Houki gasped a bit, hearing those same words from him. Words that she remembered from the first meeting she had with Raiden. Those words are engraved with Kamiya Kasshin-ryū, the swordsmanship she was learning at the dojo, both as a child and as of now.

"Yes! That sounded cool!" Nagisako gives a thumbs up as she ends the recording. But that was not the end of it. "I just got one more question for you that will not be featured in the magazine."

"What's that?" asked Raiden.

"Rumors suggest that you and Shinonono-san are dating. Are those true?"

"Wha—" A stunned Houki exclaimed. She didn't anticipate this question coming along. She wanted to deny such rumors and say that they are ridiculous and that it was not true.

Unfortunately though, Raiden decides to spill the beans.

"We are," Raiden said as he takes Houki's hand into hers. "Houki-dono and I are together. We are dating, that we are."

*POOF*

Houki's face becomes flushed red and a burst of pink cloud pops from her head. She moans like a fox as she hides her face behind her hair out of bashfulness. Raiden looks over with an "Oro" expression on his face.

"Okay, time for the photo shoot," Nagisako announced as she stands up. "If you two will follow me please."

In her section at the changing room, Houki holds her hands to her heart as she breathes, trying to get her bearings. She just couldn't believe what Raiden had said about their relationship. While they would consider each other together, she really didn't want it to be known, not even to the Academy.

Her eyes were closed as she reflects on what Raiden had said.

"Houki-dono and I are together. We are dating, that we are."

But she then recalls another set of words Raiden told her that night of the festival when the fireworks were just about to be launched.

"Even now… I truly do not want to lose you. Not ever again. I love you, Houki."

*BAM*

Hitting the locker with her fist out of excitement, she makes a dent.

"I see!" She yelled.

*BAM*

*BAM*

She hits another two times in excitement, repeating the same words.

"I see, I see!"

The metal door was so damaged that the metal practically bent backwards on its own. And somehow, Houki's hand remained injury free.

Giggling to herself, Houki soon picks out one of the outfits. But the moment she opens her eyes to see what it was, her face of joy turns into a face of dread and regret. It was a white one piece dress that was connected via a tied up string around the neck. And Houki knew if she puts this on it will show a lot of her skin.

"Th-This is what I have to wear?" She asked to herself in shock. "I have to wear this?"

But then had a change of thought.

'Actually, this might be a good opportunity.'

"All right!" She said as she takes off her shirt.

MEANWHILE…

Raiden sits on a couch as the rest of the staff prepare the lighting and camera. Already he was dressed in such formal wear of a grey suit with a black shirt, grey shoes, purple tie. He was allowed to keep his glasses on as a condition for his blindness. He waits patiently for Houki to finish just as Nagisako and her staff finish up everything.

A part of him was a bit nervous as he ahs never done this sort of thing before. But he felt comfortable that it was with Houki. He just hopes this is the first and last time he does an interview and photoshoot for Infinite Stripes.

"Thanks for waiting," One of the staff announced to Raiden. "Shinonono-san's here!"

One of the staff walks out with Houki behind her, in the white dress she had decided to wear. Already though she looked bashful in it. But Raiden too was surprised.

"S-Sorry for making you wait, Raiden," Houki apologizes. And she was sparkly.

Raiden smiles and stands up, approaching Houki as he holds his hands in hers. "It's all good, Houki-dono."

Houki smiles, getting a good look at Raiden. "Th-Those clothes suit you well. Eh, how should I put it? You look pretty good."

"Thank you," Raiden thanks. "You look good too, Houki-dono. You look cute, that you do."

If Houki were still wearing her fox accessories, those ears would be twitching right now, and her tail puffed up. Gasping in embarrassment, she turns around and hides her red face. But she was happy as she smiles joyfully.

'Raiden complimented me! He really complimented me! He really does love me!'

A couple claps from Nagisako caught their attention. "All right, we're starting the photo shoot!"

Light soon turned on as Houki and Raiden take their seat. The first shot was nothing special, just the two of them sitting on the couch professionally. But Nagisako wanted more than just them sitting.

"You guys need to get closer," She said. "Closer."

"You mean like leaning into each other's shoulders?" Raiden asked for clarification.

"No, that won't do," Nagisako said waving her hand. "Much, much closer! Have your hand around her waist!"

Houki is surprised widening her eyes. But that was the least of her concern as she feels a hand around her waist pulling her over to Raiden.

"Can't be helped," Raiden said as he keeps Houki close.

*SNAP*

Photo taken. And in Mayuzumi's eyes, they looked lovely.

"That's good," She said looking at the photo. "We're going for a mature look here! Hataru-kun, for the next photo, wrap your arms around her waist."

"Oro?"

"Wrap your arms around her waist! Now!"

Raiden stands up before he turns to see a bashful Houki who hesitated. She then reluctantly stands up and goes in front of Raiden. Then, the blind pilot snakes two arms from behind and around her waist. Houki places her left hand on the hands around her waist while having her right hand on his left shoulder.

*SNAP SNAP*

"That's the stuff!" Mayuzumi cried as she takes plenty of photos. "Next, Shionono-san, put your arms around Hataru-kun's neck." She then snaps her fingers. "Get to it!"

Houki complies as she wraps her arms around Raiden's neck, his hands wrapped around her waist.

*SNAP SNAP SNAP*

More photos of this shot were taken in all the angles.

But now Mayuzumi had one more. "All right, you two stay in the same position. But this time… can you two kiss like you are a couple?"

"Eh?!" Houki was stunned.

"Oro?" Raiden was confused.

"Don't worry," Nagisako reassured. "These are just private photos. They won't go on the next edition. I promise."

Even with that promise though, Houki felt very nervous of being photographed with Raiden. And them kissing of all things. That was supposed to be a private thing, but Raiden just had the gall to reveal their relationship status during the interview. Even though it was never recorded and not an official question, it still felt nerve wracking for her.

She looks up to Raiden who gives a small smile to her. She grumbles cutely but knew that if she was going to get out of this. She'd have to do it. And so, treating Raiden as her proper lover, she leans her lips into his, with Raiden responding in kind.

*CHUU*

And once those lips were sealed…

*SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP*

A plethora of pictures were taken by Mayuzumi who could not contain her excitement.

"I got plenty of nice photos," She said looking at them. "And do not worry like I said. I will not have these photos of you two kissing go out on the next edition."

The two soon let go of each other as Houki bashfully backs away.

"Good work! You can keep the clothes," Mayuzumi offered before she takes her leave. "Thank you so much for today!"

And with that, Mayuzumi takes off leaving the couple alone. For Houki, she was glad the day was now over. But she worries that those photos will be leaked out in the magazine article for all at the Academy to read. If it happens, then there is going to be hell. Big time.

"Uh, Houki-dono…" Raiden smiles as he turns his head to look at his girlfriend. "We should head home."

"Y-Yeah, we should," Houki agreed.

LATER…

Raiden and Houki headed home, walking in the night. Thanks to no longer needing the glasses, Raiden could now show his blindfold out at night. If anyone else were still awake and saw him hand in hand with Houki, they'd determine that Raiden, as a blind person, was being escorted in hand by a lovely girl. But of course neither of them minded the hand-held walking, whether in the daytime or night, given of what they feel for one another.

As the two walk hand in hand, still wearing their outfits which they were allowed to keep, Houki had time to think of what just occurred throughout the photo shoot.

'We were really close together back there. If it had just been the two of us…'

Houki soon reflects back to the two of them in the studio, their lips drawing together for a kiss and the cameras ready to take photos. Her face swells up in red bashfulness before she then remembers something of last semester. That night on the beach where the two had their first kiss. They always say that your first kiss with someone is the most memorable. And for Houki that was true, but for another reason.

Mainly that night of the festival at her shrine, where Raiden and she made love for the first time. An act that they would continue doing before the start of their second semester.

But still, even knowing of how close she is to Raiden and how much she loves him to the point of sex, she still found it embarrassing.

*CLANK*

*SNAP*

Suddenly, the heel of Houki's shot hit the hole inside the manhole cover. She soon trips and in the process snaps her own ankle and the heel of her shoe off.

"Uwaagh!"

"Houki-dono!"

Raiden, with his instincts kicking in, rushes over to catch Houki as she fell. And just in the nick of time.

"Are you okay?" asked a worried Raiden.

Houki responds, "I-I'm fine. Th-Thanks for catching me, Raiden."

"Here, let's get a look at your ankle," Raiden said as he lowers her gently and sets her down. "You might have sprained it, that you have."

"This is nothing," Houki said as she rubs her ankle.

As Raiden retrieves the other heel that fell off, he notices something. "The heel broke off thanks to that manhole cover."

"Don't worry," Houki reassured. "I'll just take the heel off the other one too."

With a few hits to the ground, Houki manages to break the heel off the other shoe. She then fits the shoes back on, feeling much comfortable.

"All right," Houki said. "This will do."

But as she tries to take a step forward, she stumbles, indicating that her ankle was indeed swollen. Raiden however catches her and holds her close.

"As I thought, it may be a sprain, that it is," Raiden said. "You're not used to wearing these kinds of shoes."

Raiden soon gets in front of Houki and, without warning, lifts her onto his back. And she was shocked.

"Huh? Heh? Wh-wh-what are you doing?! Idiot! Let me down!"

"We won't make it back with your ankle in bad shape, that we won't," Raiden said. "I don't want you to push yourself."

Houki knew in her heart that Raiden was right. With her ankle in bad shape, Raiden would have to carry her on his back on foot. But this might be justified since this is the boy she loved.

Giving in, she relaxes on Raiden's back as the two walk out onto the bridge, with IS Academy in the clear distance. With enough time, they should be able to make it to the tram and into their dorm room to turn in for the night. And also to treat Houki's ankle.

"Thank you, Raiden," Houki thanks.

"Don't worry about it," Raiden said. "I'm doing this because I want to do it."

Houki then realized that Raiden wasn't just giving her a piggyback ride because of her ankle. But because he wanted to do it. Because that shows how much he appreciates her, how much he cares for her, how she was the one person to remind him who he is underneath the persona of Hitokiri Kingslayer. If she did not snap him out of it during her kidnapping last semester, he might have never returned to who he was: a kind and caring samurai.

"It's been a long day, has it not, Houki-dono?" Raiden asked. But then he hears the sounds of sleep behind him, showing that Houki had her eyes closed and relaxed. "Oro? She fell asleep."

Raiden continues walking with the sleeping Houki on his back. But that is when he hears Houki's words from her leep, words she would not say out of embarrassment to her pride.

"Raiden… I love you."

Raiden could only smile in response to that. "I love you too, Houki-dono."

And both samurai continue walking in the night back to IS Academy. At some point though throughout the rest of the week, they should use those tickets for dinner. Some day in the week.

In the condominium at that same night, in the metropolis of Tokyo, Madoka laid on her bed with empty containers of what appeared to be drugs on the floor. When she came back from her solo assassination mission, she isolated herself from Squall and Autumn and patched herself up in bandages. Though her wounds were not life-threatening, the humiliation she suffered that night at the hands of her old friend and foe made her very bitter.

Lying on her bed in pain, she opens and closes the pendant she held in her hand, the same pendant containing Chifuyu's image. But the image of Raiden was the only thing burning in her mind from that night. Rage and anger of being denied her kill from her former partner enveloped Madoka.

And yet, despite her hatred, she held nothing but respect for him. As fellow hitokiri, the two underwent many missions together, assassinating their targets without leaving a trail of evidence behind them. They both envisioned a new world where the current system was gone and the Infinite Stratos evolved to complete its original program of space travel and explore the galaxy.

But as Raiden continued to gain more recognition as Hitokiri Kingslayer, Madoka developed nothing but hatred and jealousy of Raiden being in favor with her higher-ups, Squall included. Despite being trained by the Archon personally, Madoka started to see Raiden surpassing her in terms of power. Madoka, furious that she was robbed of her rightful acknowledgement, believed Raiden had used her for a personal power play. Thwarted of her genuine ambitions for a better world and personal desires, Madoka spitefully severed all connections with Raiden after their last mission together. Driven mad and by her own jealousy, she swore she would make her former friend pay. In his blood.

The day they were reunited was the day Phantom Task attacked the Academy during the school festival. Officially for Madoka, she was only ordered to pick up Autumn and extract her. But personally, she wanted to attack the Academy to check to see if her former friend and partner was truly there and alive, as well as piloting an IS. If he was, then it made Madoka feel pleasant for the first time in a long time, finally wanting to get the chance to have her revenge on him.

Despite this hatred, Madoka still considers Raiden an old friend and a worthy opponent. The only hitokiri to equal her might and ambitions in her eyes is Raiden. Their old war has made them as intertwined as one can become.

And while Madoka still wants revenge on Chifuyu, she wants greater revenge on Raaiden, someone whom she considered a brother.

"M, I'm coming in," The voice of Squall interrupted Madoka's thoughts as she opens the door to her room.

When Squall enters, she was wearing an expensive high-class dress that showed a majority of her legs and much of her upper body, except for half of her breasts. She also wore a sash on the back followed by a belt around her waist. And she wore expensive black high heels.

Squall then tells Madoka, "The Archon is calling us. You better get out of bed and present yourself to her."

Madoka was usually not one to follow Squall's orders but when it came to her master, the Archon, she would obey willingly. After all, Madoka did not just respect the Archon but admire her. She is after all the Archon's protégé and personal student of the IS, someone within Phantom Task with ultimate authority for being its leader and great knowledge of the IS that could rival Tabane's.

As Madoka gets up and activates the console, the holographic image of the Archon appears, towering over Madoka as she takes a kneel to her master. Silence follows for a brief moment before the leader of Phantom Task speaks.

"You failed again, didn't you?" asked the Archon, predicting what had happened to Madoka considering her injuries.

Madoka was silent, but that was enough for the Archon to pick up on it, along with the rage that boiled within her. And yet, the Archon was neither angry nor disappointed at Madoka.

"But do not be discouraged," She said. "Simply begin again. Start over as many times as you need to. That's why I'm here. Everything… is for your sake, Madoka."

Madoka however was conflicted as she stands up. "You say everything is for my sake. And yet, both Nee-san and the Kingslayer are still alive. How am I to succeed you while they still live and breathe?"

The Archon was silent, observing her student's inner rage. Madoka was not exactly the most patient child growing up and in the Archon's eyes, she still was that child.

"Is it any wonder that I have come to value your loyalty and well-being above all else?" The Archon asked calmly.

"Master, while I appreciate your teachings and your care since I was little, I cannot always remain a child. Especially if I am to be the perfect ruler you wish for me to be. I only wish to settle things with my sister."

The Archon, in a surprisingly gentle tone, responds with great wisdom, "No one is perfect, Madoka. Not even me, nor your sister. But if there is one thing we both know, Chifuyu and I understand the meaning of being a ruler. She rules the Academy and treats it as an institution of learning due to the restrictions of her higher-ups and the Alaska Treaty. And I rule Phantom Task to help IS pilots break free from those restrictions. To instill in them a choice: follow my ambitions for a new and better world or suffer and be treated as nothing by those consumed with fear."

But for all of that talk of perfection, Madoka did not care. She lost the opportunity of revenge on both times, against her partner and her twin brother. The pain and humiliation of being denied her vengeance, of having failed to achieve her goal, roiled in her like a hurricane. The Archon took note of it but was unfazed.

"You will have your revenge on Chifuyu, Madoka. On that you can guarantee. But I will not make promises that I cannot hope to keep, not even for you. As I said, start over as many times as you need to. That is why I am here. Now, head to the infirmary and treat your wounds. The damage the Kingslayer did to you must be treated properly. Squall, remain where you are. I must speak to you in private."

Madoka bows, "As you wish, master."

Madoka soon turns around and walks out the door, heading towards the condominium's makeshift infirmary where they keep an abundance of medicine and medical equipment mostly for emergencies, especially if Phantom Task's Monochrome Avatar Direct Action Cell is severely left in the dust in terms of its members.

After Madoka takes her leave, the Archon goes to address her second-in-command. "Squall. I understand that you intended to give a warning if not harsh punishment to my protégé regarding her assassination attempt?"

Squall was a bit shocked of hearing this new piece of information as she explains to the Archon, but otherwise keeps a composed posture. "Milady, excuse my impudence, but she made unauthorized contact with Ichika Orimura that night. I had given no such approval since you put her under my command and her job is to steal IS of different nations, not settle old grudges."

But the Archon dismisses it. "It is alright, Squall. I had permitted it during my previous call to her after the attack during the school festival. Madoka is slowly learning just how precious her life is if she wants to obtain her revenge. Let this one go."

"As you wish," Squall bowed, rather reluctantly.

"And Squall…" The Archon called out, making the American woman look up at the red mask of her master. "I don't care whether you care or not if she is called M or Madoka Orimura. Just know that she is important to me, too important for me to lose. My days are limited because of my injury inflicted to me five years ago. And I need Madoka ready."

"To settle things with Orimura Chifuyu?" asked Squall. The Archon doesn't respond back as Squall crosses her arms underneath her breasts. "Orimura Chifuyu, huh? I heard she doesn't have an IS anymore. As she is now, she probably isn't that tough."

The Archon was not angry at that remark, but did not find that statement agreeable. "Orimura Chifuyu is not so easily disposed of, as I keep trying to explain to all of those who foolishly attempt it. I learned that the hard way when I was nearly killed by her five years ago despite her suffering a similar debilitating wound."

"Some could say the same for Hitokiri Kingslayer, milady," Squall mentioned. "He too is not so easily disposed of."

"Indeed. Hitokiri Kingslayer. Your former student. His aid to the Academy is without a doubt one of our greatest obstacles to overcome. But considering his duel with Madoka during the school festival, it stands to reason that his training in Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū is left incomplete. No doubt he will want to finish it."

The Archon then had a brilliant idea, as evidenced by her chuckling and her wicked smile behind her mask. Squall took notice of her master's laugh, wondering what the Archon was thinking.

"Squall," She called out.

Squall bows her head in front of the monitor. "Yes, milady?"

"Tabane is about to send out the Mk. III Golems to the Academy," The Archon stated. "After they are defeated, send one of our Valkyries, Olrun, out."

"After, milady?" asked a confused Squall.

"The Academy's IS pilots will be exhausted after the battle, the Kingslayer included," The Archon predicts. "Once the Golems are disposed of, Olrun can go after her real target and engage. And even if she is captured and defeated, it will not matter to us. It will be a perfect test to see how well our experimental special forces IS pilots fight against a former asset of ours."

Squall however did not understand. "What exactly do you believe Olrun will accomplish?"

The Archon then smirks, "The limits of Hitokiri Kingslayer's current power. If Olrun can defeat him, then we have a clear idea of where he ranks. All we need to do now is get him to leave the Academy on the basis he needs to finish his training… without anyone knowing."

Squall understood of her master's intentions and too smiled at it. Perhaps this is a chance for her to reclaim Raiden as her own. If Raiden leaves the Academy and departs on his own, then the Academy will not risk looking for one missing student and depend on authorities that can easily be maneuvered onto a false trail. Raiden will either be killed by other hitokiri or taken captive and brought back to Phantom Task to be forced into their service.

Either way, it is a simple bait trick. And Raiden will not see it coming. Once he is hooked onto the line and its bait, he'll get pulled right out of the water. And into Phantom Task's hands.

As Ichika walks by in the dorm hallway, a part of his mind was still lingering on the assassination that happened recently. Not so much of being nearly killed but rather of the identity of the assassin. And her face that looked just like Chifuyu's.

'Who are you?'

'My name is… Orimura Madoka.'

A name that even Raiden himself knew of when he saved Ichika from being killed.

'Madoka… Be gone.'

Perhaps this was why that day when Phantom Task attacked the Academy during the school festival that Raiden pleaded for Ichika to back away from the Silent Zephyrus pilot. He knew the identity of that pilot. Which meant, in Ichika's mind, that he knew that there was another Orimura member.

But could that also mean that Chifuyu knew as well?

And speak of the devil, turning around the corner of the hallway was the Brunhilde in question. But instead of stopping to see her brother and questioning him, Chifuyu simply walks past him.

However, Ichika wanted to know the truth. "Uh, Chifuyu-nee…"

Chifuyu stops but does not turn to look. "How many times do I have to tell you? Call me 'Orimura-sensei'."

"I wanted to ask about our family," Ichika said as she sees brief flashbacks of Madoka. "Do we have any other family members besides us?"

Chifuyu looks back silently and gives no answer. Thus this makes Ichika clarify, "L-Like a little sister?"

"You're the only one in my family," Chifuyu said as she continues her walk.

That was not the answer Ichika wanted and he could only watch as his older sister continues to walk down the hall on her patrol. Her response left him with more questions than answers and he had a bad feeling that somebody is keeping secrets. The problem is, it is either his sister, whom he h doesn't want to believe is keeping secrets, or Raiden, who only knows him by the name Hitokiri Kingslayer and knows about the assassin Madoka.

Troubled by all this, he heads to his dorm room, with a lot on his mind.

But as Chifuyu walks on her patrol, now finally alone, she takes the time to voice her own thoughts.

'If what Miriam told me was right, then it all makes sense. The Seekers, Phantom Task's attack, Ichika's near assassination; they could only point to one person capable of causing me harm directly…'

A flashback image soon pops in her head briefly, where she was the White Knight. Her broadsword was driven deep into the chest of what appeared to be another IS, a 1st Generation that was equipped with a large club in one of its hands and with its black colors, black wings, and large claws greatly stand out. A pilot was on the other end of the sword, driven deep through the chest area and perhaps through the heart. Her face was obscured and covered up by the helmet of her IS so it was hard to make out who was behind the mask.

As for Chifuyu, her White Knight IS had seen better days as it was damaged very badly, including the side of her left abdominal region where she had a rather nasty wound. Her helmet was split in two vertically and the IS looked like it got tossed into a gear grinder. Many of her systems had suffered catastrophic failure, even her shield energy.

Chifuyu's mind flashes back to reality but she holds a hand to her left side, feeling her wound. Then she begins to cough up blood, but luckily she keeps a small handheld handkerchief in her pocket for her to use. She brings it up to her mouth to catch the blood and keep her coughing quiet to a minimum to not disturb others nearby.

After coughing a bit of blood, Chifuyu looks at the handkerchief of how much blood there was and curses, "Damn it. It's getting worse. I best call my doctor quickly."

LATER AT CLASS…

"In order to give Personal IS pilots an opportunity to improve their skills, we will be holding tag matches, open to all grades," Yamada-sensei announced with the board behind her reading Tag Team Tournament.

"Tag matches?" asked Ichika.

Chifuyu explains, "There have been many cases of IS robbery around the world recently. In fact, during out last school festival, a Personal IS was targeted."

Ichika could recall that with much shame, knowing of how he was defeated by Autumn.

"Thus, it is necessary that Personal IS pilots refine their abilities. That is all."

For all the Personal IS pilots involved in the room, the girls saw this as an opportunity to have one of the boys as their partner for the tournament.

As the bell rings, Houki, Cecilia, and Laura took off to the cafeteria, leaving the boys alone with the French girl.

"I-Ichika!" Charlotte calls out while holding up a large bento box wrapped in a pink cloth. "I made too much food. Would you like to have some?"

"May I, Char?" asked Ichika.

"Of course!" A happy Charlotte exclaimed. "Would you like some too, Raiden?"

Raiden accepts, "That would be great."

ON THE ROOF…

Charlotte sits with Ichika and Raiden, offering them their bentos for lunch. Looks like Charlotte has had some time perfecting her cooking skills learning Japanese cookery as stylized by the rice and the tempura.

"Here, Ichika!" Charlotte handed over. "Here you go, Raiden!"

"Thanks!" Ichika thanked.

"Much obliged!" Raiden too thanked. "Itadakimassu!"

The two soon take a bite of their food and found it very good for their tastes.

"This tastes great!" Ichika exclaimed.

Even Raiden nods, "That's delicious, that it is."

"Charl, you've really gotten better at making Japanese food!" Ichika compliments the French girl.

That made Charlotte excited. "You think so? Thanks, Ichika!"

Ichika takes a bite of the tempura. "This is good. The crust is nice and crispy, eh, Raiden?"

"Yes that it is," Raiden said.

Soon the three were interrupted by another voice. "There you two are!"

Rin soon came over with her share of lunch. "C'mon, have some of my green pepper steak too!"

Opening her bento box gave off the spicy aroma smell for the boys.

"That looks really good!" Ichika saw.

Raiden got a few sniffs of the spices in the air. "Mmm, I love the smell of it. Fresh out of the wok?"

"Of course it is!" Rin said proudly. "It's one of my family's recipes."

The boys each take a steak and bite into it.

"Wow. This is delicious, Rin!" Ichika exclaimed.

"The balance is perfect," Raiden complimented.

Charlotte didn't seem to mind Rin's presence. If the Chinese girl was still gunning for Ichika there would be sparks between their glares. But she did hear that Rin was seeing someone outside the Academy and must have only considered Ichika as a childhood friend, similar to Houki's situation. Though who she was seeing, she didn't really know.

"The two of you are fantastic at cooking," Ichika said. "You'll make someone a very lucky guy!"

That made the girls happy, especially Rin where she hopes to try to make this for Liu. For Charlotte, she just loved to hear the compliment from Ichika.

"U-Um, Ichika…" Charlotte said before looking away nervously. "Uh… You know… What type of partner would you prefer to have in battles?"

"Hm, let me think," Ichika answered. "I'm still pretty bad at shooting, so someone who could make up for that would be nice, I guess."

Both girls nod.

"But it's ultimately a matter of finding a good match. It's gotta be someone I can work well with."

"A-A good match?" Both girls asked.

"What about you guys?" He asked.

"Huh? I'd prefer…" Rin said before shrugging her shoulders. "Someone who saves me when I'm in a tough spot and really puts their heart and soul into the fight."

Raiden then quips, "You know if Liu was an Academy student, I bet he would fit that criteria very well."

Rin however responded, "N-Not him. I mean don't get me wrong he's great and all but he fights dirty. I don't think my reputation would accept something like that."

"Is that so? What about you, Charlotte-dono?"

"I guess it's the same for me," Charlotte said. "Oh, also someone who's quick-witted."

"Ah, so that's the kind of partner you like," Ichika said as he drinks his tea.

Rin then asks her blind friend, "Hey, Raiden. Have you by chance picked anyone for the Tag Team Tournament?"

Raiden answers as he drinks his water, "Actually, the Student Council President asked me to pair up with someone from our class."

Charlotte was surprised. "She did? Who?"

"Honne Nohotoke," Raiden revealed. "That sleepy girl with the oversized uniform."

Ichika then responds, "Her? That's a surprise. Why did Tatenashi-san want you paired up with her?"

"Well…" Raiden said. "Let's just say it is… complicated, that it is. Remember that day, Rin, when you, Houki-dono, and Cecilia-dono were reprimanded by Tatenashi-dono for using your IS to protect Ichika?"

Rin then realized, "Oh yeah. That's right. You were there and protected by her."

"She wanted to speak to me after that incident, that she did," Raiden said. "In private."

FLASHBACK BEGINS…

In the bathhouse of the Academy there were two individuals in the large bath, both of them naked. One of them a blind boy with a slim muscular body and the other a drop dead gorgeous blue-haired red eyed beauty sitting on the lap of the man.

"This is not what I imagined when you said you wanted to discuss something with me," said Raiden.

Tatenashi though asks, "Come now, Dear Raiden. Doesn't my body feel good when it is next to yours?"

Raiden did not deny that. "Well, I mean it is soft to the touch, that it is. But if the teachers or any of the students saw this, there would be a massive scandal, that there would."

Tatenashi giggles in response, "Ooh. Sounds scary. But you'd protect me, would you?"

"So, what exactly did you want to speak to me about while we are in the bath together in private?" He asked.

Tatenashi decides to get straight to business then. "You see, the Tag Team Tournament is coming up and each IS pilot will have to choose a partner to compete with in the matches to come. That will also include me."

"Are you asking that I partner with you?"

Tatenashi shakes her head. "No. I want you to pair up with Honne Nohotoke."

"Honne-dono?" Raiden asked but then remembered. "Wait, that sleepy girl with the oversized Academy uniform and fox outfit?"

"The very one. You wouldn't know it but Honne-chan and her sister are actually maids to the Sarashiki family. Her older sister, Utsuho, is my personal maid and childhood friend. Same for her little sister, Honne-chan, and… my little sister…"

Raiden picks up on Tatenashi's mood that drifts at the end. "Are you okay?"

Tatenashi felt a little uneasy, but she feels Raiden's arms wrapped around her waist from behind. "Y-Yeah… You see, my little sister's name is Kanzashi Sarashiki. She's a cute and brilliant genius, a little on the shy side. But…"

"But?"

"But… she has been pushing people out of her as of late. And it's Ichika's fault."

"Ichika's?" asked Raiden. "What does he have to do with it?"

"You see, the IS manufacturing company that made Ichika's IS were first making Kanzashi's. But when Ichika was discovered to be an IS pilot, the company pushed Kanzashi's IS aside to focus on Byakushiki. It was essentially put on cold ice and scrapped."

Raiden could only feel pity. But the reason for Ichika being at fault does make sense to a degree. With facts like that, how could Raiden ever deny Kanzashi closing herself off?

"I tried to salvage it as best I could without letting her know, but it was already in the gear grinder. Since then, my little sister has been making her own IS using and modifying an Uchigane. And she's been doing it all by herself."

Raiden now got the gist of what Tatenashi was asking for. "So, essentially, you want me to partner up with Honne-dono because you want to partner up with your little sister?"

Tatenashi shakes her head. "She and I… are not on the same page as of right now. I want Ichika to be her partner. To make up for her IS. She seems to hold an animosity towards him, even if his actions were unintentional and unknowable."

"I see," Raiden said. But then he asked, "What of you? Who's going to be your partner?"

"About that, I plan to ask Houki to be my partner," Tatenashi said as she adjusts herself onto Raiden's chest, going back to her cheerful mood.

"Houki-dono?" asked a surprised Raiden. "Why her if I may ask? Why choose her of all people?"

Tatenashi doesn't answer. Instead she turns her head and ignores the question.

"Listen to what others have to say, that you should!" Raiden complained.

But he gets a finger held up to his lips. "Ah-ah-ah~ I don't want to tell you. You know it is rude to ask so many questions, especially prying into a woman's plans."

Raiden was downtrodden. "When it comes to the heart of the matter, this is all I get, that it is."

Sighing and regaining his composure, and having listened to compelling reasons of why Tatenashi wants Raiden to partner up with Honne Nohotoke, he felt he had no choice but to accept the deal.

"Alright," Raiden nods. "I'll accept the deal, that I will."

Tatenashi gleams in happiness, making her turn around to face the blind lion. "Thank you, Dear Raiden. Now then, with that out of the way…"

"Oro?"

The blue cat then smirks as she wraps her arms around Raiden's neck. Her lips soon close in as she looks deep into Raiden's face. Her eyes were shining like rubies and the smell of her hair, like that of the ocean, filled up Raiden's nostrils. As if he was hypnotized, he was unable to resist the lips that were closing in onto his own.

*CHUU*

And Tatenashi initiates a kiss onto Raiden, surprising the blind boy. She even goes so far as to dig her tongue into his mouth, clashing it with his. Raiden could feel that it was soft. She then releases her hold with a bit of a saliva bridge forming before it breaks up.

With a seductive smirk, Tatenashi licks her lips.

"Delicious~" She said.

But Raiden was further confused. "Um… what was that for?"

"My way of showing gratitude," Tatenashi said. "You deserve it for one such as you. Oh, and I'd appreciate it if you don't tell anyone of what happened here. Please, Dear Raiden~?"

From then on though, Raiden would conclude that the Student Council President was indeed the most powerful IS pilot. And not just in terms of her IS but also her beauty. A beauty that would seduce men, perhaps attract her to the strongest man there is.

FLASHBACK ENDS…

"Complicated, huh?" asked Rin. "Odd pair I would say though. The 2nd male IS pilot paired up with the most airheaded girl I know."

"Very odd indeed," Charlotte concurred. "I wonder though if she will pilot an Uchigane for the tournament?"

"Most likely, that she will," Raiden said as he eats more of his bento by Charlotte. "It'll be interesting to see how she fights. I have been told she can get serious at times."

"Really? Somehow… I wonder what that's like considering her personality."

Later in the day, Ichika walks back to his dorm room exhausted. This was not something new as the training was only getting more and more intense for him. But still, he was exhausted and not much of an athlete despite doing Kendo as a child.

"Man, today's training session was as tough as ever," Ichika complained.

An exhausted Ichika soon reaches his door, sighs, and opens it up. But that is when he sees Tatenashi right in front of him, but instead of wearing a naked apron with a bathing suit underneath, she wore her IS Academy uniform. And bore a look of concern.

"Ichika-kun, uh…" Tatenashi asked while finding it hard to find the right words, which is unusual for her. She then pleads with both hands together, "Please take care of my little sister!"

Ichika was confused. "Sorry?"

When the two eventually sit on their beds and speak face to face, the talk soon becomes serious. No teasing involved, no horse play, and certainly no erotic situations.

Tatenashi then shows a picture of her little sister. "Well, this is her. Her name is Sarashiki Kanzashi."

Ichika gets a good look at her to see that she looked like the cute type. Don't tell anyone he said that.

"You see…" Tatenashi continues. "How should I put it? She's a little gloomy."

"Okay…"

"She definitely has the skills, though. She's a representative cadet for Japan, after all. But…"

"But?"

"She doesn't have a Personal IS. It's your fault, actually."

Ichika was surprised. "What?"

"Kanzashi-chan's Personal IS was being developed by the same company as Byakushiki," Tatenashi explains before her mood turns somber. "So when the developers focused on yours, hers got delayed."

Ichika was even more surprised, seeing that circumstances of his IS had to do with one being scrapped. "What? Sorry."

Tatenashi then reveals her request. "So I want you to team up with Kanzashi-chan un the upcoming tag matches. I beg you."

She begs by holding up her fan as if offering it to a shrine, bowing in the process.

Ichika exclaims, "Hold on, Tatenashi-san! You don't have to bow down or anything!"

"Then are you okay with teaming up with her?" She asked in glee.

But Ichika had something to ask regarding that. "Well, I mean… shouldn't Raiden be her partner or something?"

"I've already asked Dear Raiden to partner with someone else," Tatenashi revealed. "And not with Houki or the other girls. I intend to partner with the former."

"I see," Ichika responds, seeing as how Raiden was right regarding his partner chosen for the tournament courtesy of Tatenashi as he explained earlier at lunch. "So… Should I ask Kanzashi-san myself?"

"Yeah! But don't mention my name."

"Huh? Why not?" asked Ichika.

Tatenashi's bright mood turns somber again. "That's a little… you know…"

"Are you not on good terms with her?" Ichika deduced.

Tatenashi doesn't answer but her face and silence tells it all. Seems as if the sisters are not on good terms with one another but if anything, it isn't Tatenashi's fault.

Ichika then understood, not wanting to get involved in personal family matters. "I got it. I'll approach her as naturally as I can."

"Great. I'll be counting on you."

The next morning, Raiden walks up to the door to the classroom. But as he does, he comes face to face with a certain silver-haired one eyed German soldier.

"Good morning, Laura-dono," Raiden greeted.

"I've been waiting for you, Kingslayer," Laura greeted. "You're teaming up with me for the tag matches, right?"

"Oro?"

Laura then holds a piece of paper that was specifically for the Tag Team Tournament. "This is the entry form. Sign it immediately."

But this is where Raiden makes his confession. "I'm very sorry, Laura-dono. But the Student Council President has personally requested me to pair up with Honne Nohotoke-dono."

Laura was shocked. "What?!"

From her desk, Houki overheard what Raiden had said. And she too was surprised. Raiden was, by the Student Council President's request, paired up with Honne. She then looks to see the girl with the oversized uniform spot Raiden and wave hello.

"Hiya, Hatata!" Honne cutely waved.

But for Laura, her expression of shock now turned to one of being pissed off. "You're my rivals, and yet you're teaming up with someone else?"

In that moment, she partially activates her IS on her right arm, bringing out a beam saber up high.

"Oro?!" Raiden was stunned to see the German ready to just cut into her.

Laura soon comes in with a thrust, but Raiden gracefully dodges it. Not just to avoid the beam saber but also because he felt another presence behind him and moves out of the way.

That presence was none other than the homeroom teacher, Chifuyu Orimura, who grabs Laura's partially deployed IS and, with her sheer strength, lifts Laura up.

"The only place I should smell burning meat is a barbeque restaurant!" Chifuyu cried as she throws her student to the other side of the classroom.

Laura manages to land on her own two feet and stand up. "Instructor, this is a problem between me and my rival!"

Chifuyu looked rather annoyed at what Laura just said. "Huh? Don't be ridiculous, you fool. You're an unworthy rival to Hataru!"

*DOONG*

That sent a huge feeling of pain and discomfort into the German soldier, being told by her idol that she was unworthy of being the Kingslayer's rival. Deactivating her partially deployed IS, she huddles up in a ball with a dark cloud hanging over her head.

"Instructor hates me… Instructor hates me… Instructor… Instructor hates me…" She kept mumbling to herself.

"Hey, Hataru," Chifuyu addresses professionally to Raiden.

"Yes?" asked Raiden in the same tone as her.

"Take Bodewig to her seat. Class is starting."

"Yes, ma'am."

LATER…

In the air at the arena, Houki and Raiden were in combat. They decided to hold a small duel with one another in there is for training to keep their skills sharp and ready for the Tag Team Tournament. But so far they were on equal footing, at least for the moment.

Perhaps this was a way of Houki venting her frustrations on her lover of the fact that she was not chosen to be his partner for the Tag Team Tournament. But upon learning of the circumstance behind it and whom he was partnered with, she could not exactly blame him. Especially if it was by the Student Council President.

But that sneaky slutty cat just had the gall to ask her boyfriend to partner with Honne. While it was not a bad choice and it was someone from Houki's class, the fact that the Student Council President got involved irritated her, especially on their first encounter earlier this semester.

"Too slow, Raiden!" Houki cried. "I'm over here!"

"Don't get too cocky, that you shouldn't," Raiden said. "Just because you're far away doesn't mean I cannot do this."

With his ion blasters deployed in both arms, Raiden fires away at Houki from below.

*PEW PEW*

*SLICE*

But with her swords, Houki slices the blaster bolt, dispersing it into thin air. She may have taken some damage to her shields, but it was better than being blasted full on by those ion blasters.

She soon comes in with her swords and strikes at Raiden with a horizontal slash from her right hand.

*DING*

But with a left arm blade deployed, Raiden blocks the strike and pushes Houki away, backflipping and landing on his feet.

"I got you, Raiden!" Houki cried as she charges up Amatsuki and fires at Raiden.

Raiden dodges to the left and then takes off. "That all you got?"

The two soon take off to the air to continue their melee combat, clashing swords at one another.

AT THE LOCKER ROOM…

In the locker room after the match, Houki was changing back to her school uniform, but it allowed her time to think about what she had heard earlier in the morning.

'Raiden beat me at the match, but I am otherwise happy. He's keeping his skills sharp when training. At least he has not gotten soft.'

However, Houki was not entirely happy as she overheard Raiden's predicament with the partner he was chosen with for the tournament.

'I never expected him to reveal he was partnered with Nohotoke-san. Though I suppose I am not too angry about it since Honne is from our class. But still, to learn that the Student Council President requested him to do so… that somehow makes me irritated because it was her!'

If Houki was still wearing her fox shrine maiden outfit during Ichika's birthday, the ears would be twitching in annoyance and the tail would spike and puff up in annoyance. And she would be emitting fox noises of irritation.

Meanwhile on the other side of the locker room, Cecilia was giggling to herself while changing.

'Ichika-san said he's already set on his partner! He must mean me! At last… At last, I'll be Ichika-san's partner!'

Houki soon comes over after finishing changing. "You seem to be in a very good mood, Cecilia."

Cecilia turns to see the samurai to her right. "Oh, Houki-san!"

"How are things going?" asked Houki.

"Pretty well. How about you, Houki-san?"

"Not bad, I suppose."

"That's good to hear."

"I'll see you later, Cecilia," Houki takes her leave.

"See you. Have a nice day!"

Both Raiden and Ichika walked down towards Class 1-4, where the latter was looking for a specific girl from that class. But as they entered, all the girls swarm over to them upon seeing the two male IS pilots.

"It's Orimura-kun from Class 1!"

"And Hataru-sama as well!"

"W-What brings you two to Class 4?"

Ichika then asks, "Uh, is Sarashiki-san around?"

That immediately caused all the girls in the classroom to bear faces of surprise and concern. And there, right at the corner of the room was Sarashiki Kanzashi, typing away on her console regarding her IS and drinking her juice.

Ichika soon approaches her with Raiden giving the two some space to contend with the girls.

"Umm…" Ichika greeted. "Nice to meet you. I'm Orimura Ichika."

This makes Kanzashi stop typing but she reacts coldly, "I know who you are. What do you want?"

"Oh, right. Do you want to team up with me for the upcoming tag matches?"

"No," A cold immediate answer was given."

"At least give it a thought," Ichika pleaded. "Please!"

A rather irritated Kanzashi stands up from her desk, her fists gripping hard. "I have the right to hit you. But that's more effort than you're worth, so I won't bother."

With such a rejection like that, Ichika realized that this was not going to be easy as it sounds. Raiden meanwhile keeps an ear on Kanzashi, having heard her proclamation of her right to hit Ichika. One thing was for certain: this was going to get ugly.

And so begins what I call the Kanzashi Sarashiki arc. There are really only a few things to say about this chapter, a few which are somewhat mind-blowing.

For starters, Raiden goes for the interview with Houki and photoshoot. The interview was slightly different from how it was presented i.e. I made Raiden answer questions that Ichika either hesitated to say or were typical of a harem MC who says "I will protect everyone I hold dear." Also, I had let Raiden slip of his relationship status to Houki but the question was NOT an official one so it won't likely appear on the Infinite Stripes magazine. And neither will the kiss shot that the two were ordered to do so. Now I know there was the two tickets for the dinner but while that did happen in the light novel, sadly it was not present in the anime. But the tickets didn't seem to have an expiration date on them so I'll probably find some way to use them to good use.

Following this, there is Madoka Orimura speaking to her master, the Archon, regarding her failed assassination attempt. And here we get to see a big villain being surprisingly comforting over her student. Instead of admonishing and saying how disappointed the Archon is in Madoka of her failure, she simply says 'Just start over again.' Reminds me of a certain supervillain from a popular anime who said those same words to another familiar villain who is an apprentice to that supervillain. And now the Archon is planning to attack the Academist again but that's gonna happen two episodes later during the Golem attack in season 2. Along with an unknown IS pilot leading them this time.

Ichika asks Chifuyu something about family but is brushed off of it. And meanwhile Chifuyu has bigger concerns on her mind as we get to see a brief flashback of her past, along with the reminder of that wound she has and the coughing of blood that does not happen often but happens enough to the point it is unpredictable. At least, she doesn't cough blood while teaching unlike a certain other teacher.

Now we get to the matter of the Tag Team Tournament partner set up. And of Raiden's dilemma in it. Being given a deal by a beauty like Tatenashi in the bath to partner up with Honne Nohotoke of all people. I will admit I was tempted to make that flashback scene a lemon or lime at least but decided against it and went for a simple kiss of gratitude. Doing a lemon or lime would've killed Raiden's character, especially if he just said he is a boyfriend to Houki. And while many of you will consider this cheating... it really isn't. It's merely a deal from the Student Council President to get him to partner up with someone, in her own way.

Next chapter will be a continuation of the Kanzashi Sarashiki arc. (SIGH) This is going to be a long one to do next. I'll try to find some ways to make it more exciting for you all to enjoy.

Like, favorite, follow, and review at your leisure. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.