~ IS Academy ~
.
.
.
Amuro is upset.
Who doesn't when you're strongly armed into attending a prestigious school for IS as one of the only two male pilots of IS.
Turns out there's another dumbass like him.
Regardless, this ruined many of his plans. He was supposed to go to this robotics school to prepare him for college but no! He just has to get into this type of stuff!
What's actually crazy is he has zero clue of what happened?
Newtypes are a mystery. Even after years of study, Newtypes are still unpredictable in his last life.
Kamille Bidan and his Newtype ability was one of the biggest pieces of evidence that Newtypes isn't something you can predict. Something that Sirocco paid the price after the boy rammed him to death.
Judao Ashta, Kamille's successor of the Zeta, blew the federation's minds later. If Kamille's Newtype abilities are powerful then Judao is an entire new level, able to empower the ZZ Gundam's Hyper Mega Cannon beyond its normal maximum output.
Meanwhile, Amuro's Newtype abilities are lackluster compared to them. It was more of an instinctual pressure. A sixth sense in combat. Useful in piloting and fighting other MS pilots. Something he and Char shared.
Once upon a time in the battle of A Bau Qu, he could sense and pinpoint people's location. He can even project his thoughts to them at the time.
But it was a one time thing, probably it was because Lalah's spirit helped him in that battle. Who knows?
Despite it all, Amuro has no explanation of what had happened back in Tokyo. It may be because of his Newtype abilities but it didn't awaken until he was in danger back then. He even forgot about his Newtype powers, never wanting back as he settles for his new life.
Yet 6 IS reacted to him rather violently. It was absurd. Not even Psycho-frames react like this.
He still had nightmares about his mistake.
Kayra was his mistake as a newtype.
Suddenly, the monorail stopped.
"Oh, I'm here." He mused. Gathering his lodgings, Amuru ignored the gawking girls around him as he disembarked the monorail.
"So this is IS Academy?" He muttered as he gazed at the island/academy/dormitory.
Its history is rather interesting at least.
In paper, IS Academy is a neutral zone. No country has authority over the island and despite being on Japanese shores, the local government can't interfere except providing protection.
It's a rather interesting situation.
Being under Japanese territory, Japan has a monopoly of the IS Academy's local populace which consists of locals and various foreigners who are looking for a career as IS pilots. This puts the country in a good spot in fishing talent.
But on the other hand, this puts Japan in a tense position. One big fuck up can lead to a huge setback or worse, a scandal, can deprived them of the benefits of IS Academy's presence in their soil.
Those benefits being research, pilots, tech innovations and more.
Worse case scenario is someone declares war on Japan for hogging IS Academy's benefits for themselves.
Amuro already someone will fuck it up down the line.
There's always one.
"Hey, wait up!" Amuro then frowned as he heard a man's voice.
Meet Ichika Orimura, second male IS pilot and a pain in his ass.
They met each other in the monorail with the dark haired man shedding tears of joy in seeing his not alone. To be honest, Amuro would reciprocate the feeling but he's a professional in keeping his emotions in check. Still it doesn't stop the irritation of having a seat with him.
Ichika is a nervous wreck. The boy is like one of those nervous new recruits in the Feds. Always asking, making small talk, nervous laughs and everything that will distract him from the situation.
Amuro calls it the denial phase.
Damn guy won't stop talking even after he put his nose into the IS book manual.
It was a very thick book.
"You didn't wait for me, Amuro-san." Ichika whined as he finally reached the redhead.
Amuro rolled his eyes but gave the teen a lighthearted pat to the back.
"Stop being nervous and get on with it. You don't see me panicking about this."
"I know." Ichika dropped his head before looking at the redhead rather suspiciously.
"But why aren't you nervous or afraid at all? We're the only guys in the school!" He said accusingly.
"And what do you mean by that? Are you looking for a fight?" Amuro might have mellowed out by the years but he can still throw hands. Bright made sure of that.
Ichika raises his hands in mock surrender, not wanting to find out. In truth, he's rather intimidated by Amuro's presence. The redhead is surprisingly bulky beneath his uniform if you look closely and for someone who is rather introverted, his presence is very loud.
It was like looking at a male version of his sister, Chifuyu.
"Move it, Ichika. We still need to find our dorm." Ichika blinked before finding the redhead had left him behind.
Again.
.
.
.
"Seriously, do you not like waiting for me?"
"Always strike preemptively, Ichika. Be ahead or get left behind in the dust." Amuro said, confusing the teen.
The pair had found their dormitory immediately after Amuro decided to follow the girls until finding an official office. Much to their dismay, they are sharing a dorm with girls.
Understandable as they're not expecting to have male IS pilots to be fair. On the plus side, they had a separate bathroom in their room so no awkward morning routines.
Unpacking their luggage, they began to unload and make their room they're new home for the duration of they're stay.
"That's your family?" Ichika commented as he saw Amuro place a family photo on the drawer next to his bed.
"Ya." Amuro replied courtly.
Ichika stayed quiet afterwards, respecting Amuro's silent longing. The redhead misses them. Back before this, his family was a mess.
His dad got brain damage because of him, left wandering alone on side 6.
His mother rejected him. Afraid of what he had become in order to survive.
So it's a bitter pill to swallow being away from this new family he had found. He thought he was prepared. Funny how that turned out to be.
"Wanna explore the place?" Ichika suddenly asked.
Amuro looked at him in surprise but nodded in return. It's good to see the teen take charge this time.
.
.
.
"Ichika!"
"Houki!"
Well that turned out to be productive.
Amuro watched in amusement at the two childhood friend's reunion, well that's what he thought.
As the two began to talk (more like Houki manhandling the boy), Amuro sneaked away.
He got some work to do.
Finding the right place was a hard task. Girls hounded his every move which is very surprising. Aren't they supposed to be suspicious or better yet, resent his presence in IS Academy. Seriously, he would never understand teenage girls.
This is why he prefers mature women.
Finally after giving a mean glare at the last group of girls stalking him, Amuro got to his task.
"Alright Haro, do your job." Amuro whispered as he slipped a small metallic ball into an unhinged vent.
That ball then flaps its ears before rolling away to do its designated task.
Amuro sighed in relief at the successful insertion. Now, he just has to wait.
Rebuilding Haro was a personal childhood project of his and yet he can only bring a portion of his old friend back. He just lacked the right materials. Despite his dad's job as a Robotics engineer, he can't simply skimp materials for his son. This led to Amuro just using his own personal funds (allowance) to buy materials and build his friend with the help of his father from time to time.
Personally, Amuro finds it to be a challenge. Lacking materials, he has to miniaturize Haro's design. It was quite the task but glossing over IS specs in miniaturizing a manned drone, he had ideas.
And boy it worked.
Haro's back but with the size of a golf ball. He can't talk, yet. But he's working on it.
For now, he needs him for a specific job. Since the government's decision to send him to the IS Academy, he had been modifying his small friend. A small modification that gathers visual data and mapping out layouts of an area.
A perfect information gathering tool.
So why?
Simple. Amuro is scouting his new home. IS academy for all intent and purpose is nothing more than training grounds for future pilots.
There is bound to be unsavory practices on the island and he doesn't want to be caught unprepared for it.
Placing the screws back in, Amuro fixed the vent before moving away from the scene.
Haro would need days to map out the entire facility and he can monitor his progress better back in his room.
.
.
.
The next day…
"I'm disappointed, Ichika." Orimura Chifuyu, our instructor and big sister to one Orimura Ichika sighed in disappointment.
Amuro shared the feeling, facepalming at his roommate's blunder through the entire day.
Addressing her sister/instructor informally in front of her students. Even Judao isn't that bad and knows boundaries when met the boy once in Luna II.
Forgetting to read the IS manuscripts which he painstakingly reminded him last night. It's obvious the two of them will be singled out on the first day for being the only male pilots so Amuro made sure to study in order to prepare (and out of curiosity) for the day.
Ichika forgot the memo.
Overall, the entire day was a clusterfuck for Ichika. The older Orimura was ruthless in her teachings, more like a drill instructor. Probably have a military background.
Even if they're siblings, Ichika is safe from the lambasting of a teacher.
Obviously, Ichika's failure turned towards him and he was glad he studied ahead of time.
The next few hours under the senior Orimura's class cemented their standing in the school.
Ichika is the happy-go-lucky gentle boy and baby brother of the infamous Brunhilder.
Meanwhile, Amuro is the competent and intimidating nerdy boy.
Quite a duo. Still in a few hours, the girls are divided into two groups admiring the two male pilots.
Girls flocked over Ichika for his gentle disposition, seeing him as a male and more gentler version of their idol which is the older Orimura.
Meanwhile, other girls find Amuro's exotic looks and mannerism to be unique and a challenge. His presence just oozes with authority for someone so young and his competency was a plus. Despite his intimidating presence, the girls found it likable.
Amuro unknowingly awakened their love for bad boys.
Then finally the end of the day came, much to Ichika's relief. He has a lot of studying to do if he wants to survive his sister's wrath.
"That's it for today. Before you all leave, your class must decide on a class representative first." Instructor Orimura said as the bell rang.
Amuro's senses immediately warned him. Not even bothering to question it, he covered his ears. Not so soon, the entire class was filled with an uproar in voting names.
Most predominant of them all; Amuro Ray.
Amuro gaved Ichika a bland glare, blaming the dumbass for this situation. Ichika winced for his roommate's predicament but secretly relieved it wasn't him.
"I refuse to acknowledge this!" A regal yet soft spoken voice drowned out the rest.
Amuro raised an eyebrow at the girl. She was a blonde girl with clearly foreign features. Judging by her accent, she came from European countries.
"I will not sit by and let a lowly commoner take a prestigious position such as the class representative when there's far more suitable for the post."
"I agree, it would be inappropriate if I take the post."
"See, he agr- wait, what?" The blonde girl's words were jumbled in confusion as she heard what he just said.
The entire class was also confused with both Instructors, Maya Yamada and Chifuyu sharing the same confusion albeit the latter raising her eyebrow in curiosity.
Sighing, Amuro elaborated, "Having a MALE class representative would be inappropriate as the entire class consisted of girls and your part of it too Ichika."
"Hey!" Ignoring the man's indignant shout, Amuro continued.
"Furthermore, my gender will also hinder my decisions for the class as I lack understanding of the female gender as most males do. So I humbly reject the position."
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Good reasoning." Chifuyu can't help but compliment the masterful deflection of responsibility if she sees one.
Watching the redhead covering his ears on the onslaught of questions and begging from the girls, she can see that the boy's decision is final.
Amuro Ray. What a curious boy.
Top in his class in all subjects and all grades. Aspiring robotics engineer like his father. He's a talented genius albeit an introvert.
"Well, it's good that you know your place. As the representative of Great Britain, I, Cecilia Alcott, elect myself as Class Representative." The newly introduced Cecilia Alcott said, happy that there's no obstacle to her position.
Turns out, both Japanese men are spineless.
Then Chifuyu decided to fuck up the moment.
"Unfortunately, as the class in majority voted for Amuro, he will be the class representative." She said, much to the redheads horror and Cecilia shattered fantasy.
"But seeing that we had a challenger for the role, we'll do it in an old fashioned way."
"A duel."
Amuro wanted to smash his face on the table. A duel? A fucking duel over something so childish? And didn't he already say his inability to be a class representative.
It wasn't a lie.
Despite having a successful career as a soldier, Amuro is no leader material. He knows this and everyone knows this. He's a soldier, the one in the front and following orders of the guys who know what they are doing.
It's why he didn't have a MS team.
And now he wants them to be a representative of a class full of hormonal teenage girls!
Can he refuse or lose intentionally?
"And no, you can't refuse or lose intentionally, I'll make sure you'll regret it if you do." As if hearing his thoughts, the senior Orimura warned Amuro.
"Tsk." Amuro clicked his tongue, there went that avenue. Better grit his teeth and roll against the punches.
"Rules of engagement?"
Chifuyu blinked at the sudden change of attitude. Everyone felt it too.
Like as if something entered the room and the air got heavier.
"... It will be an IS duel, standard dueling rules. You already know the rules compared to this knucklehead here, right?"
"Chifuyu-nee." Ichika whined at being singled out.
"Shut it!" He immediately hunched to hide from the older siblings' wrath.
"I do but what about IS units? The fights skewed to her favor for being a country representative, that means she got a personal IS." Amuro replied before pointing out the unfairness of the duel, hoping for one last out.
"Oh! It's good to see that Japanese men aren't so ignorant of their betters." Cecilia sniffed, "Yes, I do have a personal IS. It shows that I'm part of the elite of the elite and I too disagree with this duel, Instructor. I don't want to be associated with bullying someone lower than me."
Amuro snorted. At least she's got good manners despite her attitude. Her attitude is actually kinda refreshing, reminds him of the dumb politicians back in his old life who don't know the war they're fighting in.
"Yes, I do see that but the Japanese government will be providing a personal IS on both Male pilots later this week for data gathering purposes. Then it will be a fair fight."
The entire class went on clamor at surprising developments. Two personal IS on two male pilots! To have a personal IS is a show of greater status these days and for both male pilots to have one is something else. Granted it's for data gathering but it was still a surprising turn of events.
"So the duel is next week?" Amuro asked.
"Yes."
"Then permission to leave and use the IS hangar bay, Instructor Orimura."
Orimura blinked at the Amuro, an image of a short albino girl replacing him before she shook it off.
"It's connected to the battle arena." She said before dismissing the boy.
As he leaves, Chifuyu can't help but notice his sour mood. It looks like the redhead is displeased with the situation.
Not her problem. Blame the government and Tabane.
Meanwhile, Ichika winced as the redhead left. Way to leave him behind with the wolves.
"Your new friend is a grumpy one." Houki, a reacquainted childhood friend, commented next to him.
"He's not that bad." Ichika nervously laughed which earned a halfhearted stare.
Okay, it was that bad. Amuro is just a serious and pretty polite guy despite his looks. At first, he thought Amuro was one of those American jocks or something. Turns out he's further from the truth. The guy was totally polite yet intimidating due to his frightening aura around him which demands attention which is rather strange for an introverted guy who loves to tinker with technology. Finding out that Amuro is a genius in robotics and engineering was surprising.
How can someone be jacked yet so nerdy at the same time?
We'll Amuro somehow make it work.
"He's probably homesick. Better give him space for now." Ichika replied. It looks like he is hitting the books alone tonight.
"Wanna go for lunch?" He asked Houki, wanting to reconnect after years of separation.
"... Alright." Houki relented. It's like she got something to do.
As the two left, Cecilia Alcott narrowed her eyes at the redhead's earlier departure.
She won't lose to this Amuro Ray.
.
.
.
Amuro is in a bad mood.
Belay that, he is in a sour mood.
Becoming a class representative? Get real.
Dueling over a position he doesn't want? Screw it.
As much as he hated the situation, he couldn't help but admire the perfect situation Instructor Chifuyu made. Oh, he already knew he was being played by her. Obviously, the orders came from above or someone else to gather important data on male IS pilots.
After all, there are only 2 of them.
And his the bait that was picked. He doubted the older Orimura would risk her own brother so he had become the scapegoat.
Ichika better pay him back big time.
Sighing, Amuro continued on his way to the Arena.
The arena was for all intent and purpose, a good training field for land and aerial field testing of IS. With special barriers in place, weapons testing is viable. He wonders how much punishment the barriers can take before breaking.
Soon, he finally found himself in the hangars where the mass production IS are stored.
The Uchigane.
'Too exposed.' Amuro thought as he began inspecting the closest unit.
He understood why IS lacked conventional armor as anything that can pierce an IS armor can definitely shred through any protection an IS have. But from a military perspective, it's a major flaw.
In real battles, prolonged combat is expected. Of course, an IS would deplete its energy for its shields in such circumstances. Without armor, the IS is more akin to an exposed tank with its pilot out in the open.
One shot would kill the pilot, taking out the IS from the fight.
Still, the IS was a good machine to have and dare he say it, superior to the Mobile Suits.
"Hmm, 1 week huh?" Amuro mused.
He can probably do it.
.
.
.
"Would you repeat that? I think I misheard you?" Chifuyu said in her office as she stared at the redheaded student in front of her.
Even Maya's jaw went unhinged at the boy's earlier words and she wanted to hear it again to see if she misheard it.
"I would like to modify one of the Uchigane as my own personal IS. The academy can have the personal IS they're sending here." Amuro said.
Chifuyu frowned, "I don't think it's allowed. The purpose of the personal IS is for data gathering. You using a modified IS even if it's a school standard would ruin the point of gathering practical data."
Amuro frowned but understood the message. Years of military service tells him not to trust this setup. It's too perfect and convenient.
Like an experiment.
That means that the Japanese government or someone else wants a tight grip on him. The personal IS coming would be his leash.
He had to gamble his way out of this then.
"Then how about a bet?" Amuro asked in a last gamble.
"A bet? I don't know what you're planning but it will surely fail but I'll entertain it for now." Chifuyu snorted at his stubbornness, "What's the bet?"
This is it.
"I bet I could modify the Uchigane to be able to rival, no, defeat Miss Alcott's personal IS."
"Hooo? You haven't seen Miss Alcott's personal IS yet." Chifuyu pointed out. She's actually getting interested.
An Uchigane that can defeat the Blue Tears? Highly unlikely.
"That's part of the bet." Yet Amuro's confidence isn't out of arrogance or ignorance.
The boy is very confident of his hand despite all the odds between him and his challenge.
Miss Alcott is an experienced IS pilot while Amuro is just a trainee (and probably better than her own brother). Not only that, the blond pilot was a good sniper in her own right. Coupled with her IS unique abilities, Amuro's chances of winning are almost zero.
But Amuro isn't afraid.
She can see it. It's like looking into a mirror.
This boy yearned for conflict and challenge. He might not look like a person who constantly looks for a good fight but she can already tell.
This boy truly lives in the thrill of combat.
"... Alright, I'll give you one week to modify one Uchigane unit and that's it. Well see the results in the duel." Chifuyu finally relented.
"Many thanks, instructor." Amuro bowed, genuinely happy to get what he needed.
"Now shoo! I have work to do." Chifuyu dismissed him, giving him the signal to start working on his machine.
Amuro nodded and quietly left the office.
It's time for him to rebuild the Gundam.
The first IS Gundam.