IS and Sekire Brave New World: Rewrite

by Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov

An idea that I got from a Discord Server and that I couldn't let go. Let's see how far this goes and what we'll get ourselves into. It's the same story as the original. When Ichika gets sent to the ISA, a message from an old friend rekindles an old friendship, and the paths of different pasts, lead to a brighter future. But the present is going to be one rocky ride.

31. Isle of Avalon AI

I've been working on the next chapter, and I can focus on that now. Plus, the CTD of the Division Two are driving me up a fucking wall. Call it what you want; it's just something that I have to deal with.

But looking back at it, it has to be done now.

There is a good chance I won't have much other time left for the rest of it.

And it is not that long ago. It was published at the beginning of this year.

Started on 05/12/2023

Ended on 18/12/2023

Published on 04/01/2024

Checked on 07/09/2024

The image of Mother Goddess

Lying dormant, in the eyes of the dead

Openings song: Figure09 from Linkin Park

Ichika had a tough time understanding why he was doing this favor for Cecilia. Oh, right—it was because she had pretty much blackmailed him into going on this stupid "not date" after he saw her naked during the damned World Purge.

He didn't know how, but that damned Brit managed to talk her way into it. She had said, "If you don't come with me, I'll tell everyone about this."

It would be too big of a headache, so Ichika chose the lesser of two evils.

That didn't make it any more enjoyable or favorable. He did his best to dress up—a buttoned shirt with long sleeves, a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath, and some black trousers.

Autumn had settled in, and soon enough, it would be winter. Somewhere deep down, Ichika looked forward to it. Winter meant he could stay indoors and spend time writing emails. Winter break was a favorite for many, and Ichika was no exception.

Those pleasant thoughts were shaken out of his head when he approached D-Land in Yokohama.

Cecilia had allowed him to travel alone to the place. He hadn't picked up why, but there must have been a good reason.

Either way, Ichika could avoid other annoying twats who might ruin his day. Oh, wait—his day was already ruined, wasted on this damned date with Cecilia.

He checked his watch and cursed inwardly. She had agreed on a time, and that hour had passed.

"She has ten minutes. After that, I'm out of here."

"Where would you go?" Cecilia's voice interrupted his thoughts. She didn't need to waste perfume on her body—it wouldn't have made a difference to him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ichika."

The Knight wondered why she had dressed up like that, as it wouldn't affect him one bit. Despite her efforts—the one-piece dress in a beautiful blue with white trim, her blonde curls fanning over her shoulders—she looked different from usual.

If she hoped dressing up would affect Ichika, he couldn't understand why she'd bothered.

"Took you long enough."

She looked him over and spotted his unkempt black mop of hair.

"You still have bed hair, Ichika!" She moved to pat it down, but the Knight stopped her by grabbing her wrist, his glare making it clear he didn't like being touched.

"My hair isn't your concern. Be glad I showed up somewhat decent." He wondered why she wasn't wearing something warmer, though it wasn't his concern if she caught a cold.

Ichika sensed something strange around them, a tension in the air. He had noticed it for a while but hoped nothing would come of it.

Of all the days not to bring Miya's katana. At least he had his Unit with him, in case he needed it.

He could swear he saw someone wearing a detective outfit, much like the stereotypical Sherlock Holmes. He found himself craving video games.

As the two entered the gates, Ichika turned to Cecilia. He knew he had to accommodate her to some degree.

"What do you want to do first?" he asked, following her lead.

"Well, I haven't been to too many amusement parks, so I'll let you decide what to do." The Knight sighed, hoping for something more concrete.

There were maps at the entrance. He looked one over as Cecilia joined him.

Sneaky little minx. She had wrapped his arm around hers, pressing it between her chest. Removing it wouldn't be easy, as she kept it firmly locked, and Ichika knew the power she was hiding wouldn't do him any good.

So, he just kept looking at the map, doing his best to ignore the warmth of her chest.

"The dog park sounds interesting," Cecilia suggested, and Ichika decided not to make it difficult.

"All right, off we go then." He didn't want to talk with her, and Cecilia, as a proper lady, found that prying him open wouldn't do any good. Instead, she tried to enjoy the silence Ichika was offering.

Or, at least, what little of it there was. Ichika kept his pace uneven, hoping their arms would separate and he could get away from her.

"Coming through, coming through, excuse me!" A park janitor—the guardian angel Ichika had been praying for—pushed through, causing their arms to separate. Ichika noticed the woman was dressed oddly, wearing a cap, mask, and sunglasses despite the weather.

He could swear he had seen her somewhere before.

"How rude," Cecilia muttered, about to complain, but something held her back. Ichika took the opportunity to walk ahead, preventing the blonde Brit from wrapping his arm around her sizeable chest again.

Not much further along, someone else stood in his way.

"Hello there, I'm Dobonta! Let's dance!" Before Ichika could react, his hands were grabbed, and he was pulled away from Cecilia. He could swear he saw a familiar-looking ponytail peeking from the neckline of the costume.

"What the—? Let me go! This has to be some kind of human rights violation!"

"Dobonta doesn't!"

"Have a!"

"Human inside!"

A line of mascots had formed around him, balloons everywhere. Ichika grinned.

"Well, if you're not human, that makes you fair game for target practice."

There was a good reason he had brought Byakushiki along. He materialized Yukihira, causing the mascots to halt as others tried to pull Cecilia away.

"If you aren't human, that means I can tear you apart. Now, would you kindly let her go before I get really mad?"

The mascots gulped, visibly uncomfortable. They could tell Ichika wasn't joking.

Whatever was inside those suits ran off, tails between their legs. Cecilia quickly rejoined him.

"Thank you, Ichika," she said softly. The Knight shrugged and let Yukihira fade away.

"If I didn't stop them, it would've been worse for all of us. Now, let's go see those dogs."

Scene skip

"Why, they're adorable!" Cecilia beamed as she found herself surrounded by a circle of dogs. It was a mass of tiny, energetic little things—Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Papillons, Yorkies, and more, all yapping with excitement.

Ichika, on the other hand, was surrounded by huskies, who were slowly calming down as he gently petted their bellies. A Doberman nudged him, asking for more rubs.

Animals could sense an apex predator, and none of them dared mess with him. Ichika wasn't sure how much he had changed, but it was clear they respected his presence.

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, watching Ichika handle the dogs with surprising ease.

"That's impressive, Ichika-san. I didn't know you were so good with animals."

The Knight shrugged. "I always wanted a pet when I was growing up, but Chifuyu-nee was against it."

He didn't let it bother him.

"That's a shame. We never had pets, either, but dogs were always on my list. Chelsea would often share pictures of them."

Ichika sat down as a giant German Shepherd rested its head on his lap. He began to scratch behind the dog's ears, earning a contented sigh from the animal.

"Chelsea? Refresh my memory." Cecilia scooted closer, rubbing the belly of a nearby dog.

"My maid and one of my closest friends. It's been ages since I last saw her, and I do miss her. But, still, Ichika, I wonder how you're able to do this so well. I would've expected them to growl at you."

Ichika sighed, not dwelling on it too much.

"Don't ask me. I just heard once that you can't show them you're afraid. Besides, I think I can handle myself against these mutts."

The German Shepherd, far from growling, seemed perfectly content with Ichika's gentle touch, confirming his ability to handle animals.

Scene skip

"What do we do?! They're having a great time!" Rin was stomping her feet in frustration.

"What am I supposed to do about that?" Houki's voice wavered as she began to lose hope.

"The costumes were a failure!" Charlotte sighed, pulling off the mascot's head with a huff.

"We haven't lost yet!" Airis interjected, having pestered the older women into bringing her along for their scheme. They were stuck trying to handle the spoiled brat, but thankfully, Djbril had managed to calm her down at some point.

"That's correct, princess. But patience is required," Djbril added, trying to maintain order.

Rolling her eyes, Kanzashi began formulating their next move.

"We're not done yet. Our next plan is the 'Haunted House Horror Holler Hour!'"

The name had a dramatic flair, but it was their best chance to turn things around.

Scene skip

Ichika was somewhat pleased that lunchtime had arrived. It meant they could finally eat. He and Cecilia sat down on a bench near the park.

"Wow, Ichika, that looks delicious. Why don't we switch?" Cecilia suggested with a smile.

The Knight winced at the idea. His lunch consisted of French bread, hollowed out and filled with tuna salad and onions. He wasn't sure why, but it was what he'd felt like eating that day.

"Why would we do that?" Ichika asked, eyeing her as she grabbed his wrapped loaf.

"Because I said so," she replied, replacing his lunch with a rice ball. Ichika couldn't help but wonder how Cecilia had managed to make it. He had heard about her previous cooking disasters.

"I brought green tea. If you like, we can switch those as well," she offered.

Gratefully, Ichika took the bottle and sipped. "Let's eat."

"Yes, let's."

As soon as Ichika took a bite, he was surprised. The flavor was far better than he expected. His expression softened as the delicious taste spread through his mouth. Good food could do wonders.

"Your face says it all. Is it good, Ichika?" Cecilia asked, a pleased look on her face. There was no point in lying to her.

"It's good. What about mine?" he asked as he continued to eat, realizing how hungry he had been.

"It's quite good. You're a talented cook," Cecilia complimented. Ichika chose not to comment, seeing cooking as an essential life skill rather than something worth boasting about.

Then, Cecilia grinned mischievously, noticing the mess Ichika had made.

"Oh dear, Ichika, you've got some rice on you."

He reached to wipe his mouth, but Cecilia was faster.

"Where?" he asked, a bit flustered.

"Right here." Stretching her fingers, Cecilia plucked the stray grain of rice from his cheek and popped it into her mouth. Ichika felt his face warm, hoping he wouldn't blush from the intimate gesture.

People were going to get the wrong idea.

Meanwhile, a cluster of Dobontas looked on, seething.

"What the hell?! How come he's like that with her and not me?!" Rin cried out.

"He never acts like that with me either!" Houki chimed in.

"He's being all lovey-dovey," Charlotte whined.

"Unforgivable. I should end them where they stand," Laura said, barely restraining herself.

"I feel like I've seen this in an anime," Kanzashi muttered.

"This is a disgrace," Airis added.

As they all glowered in frustration, Tatenashi, disguised as a park employee, made her move. She approached Ichika and Cecilia with a wide grin.

"Hi there, you two! Did you know we're giving away free Haunted House tickets for couples today? Here you go!" Before either of them could refuse, she pressed the tickets into their hands and quickly zipped away.

Ichika groaned. It seemed like the next activity had already been decided for him.

Scene skip

Ichika had anticipated they would receive a ticket for the Haunted House, but he couldn't understand why they would even participate. They weren't a couple, and he had seen enough horror just from dealing with the constant chaos those women brought into his life. But that didn't stop the "nice lady" from pushing the ticket into their hands.

"So, this is the haunted house?" Cecilia asked, looking at the building. Stereotypically, it was a spooky old structure, complete with cobwebs and creaky stairs. For some reason, it resembled an abandoned hospital.

Wouldn't a graveyard have been more appropriate?

Ichika couldn't shake the feeling that they were the only ones around. Indeed, they weren't the only brave souls willing to enter.

'The monsters aren't living under your bed. 'Cause they're voices in your head...' The eerie music playing in the background added another layer of unease.

"So, shall we go in?" Ichika turned to Cecilia, narrowing his eyes.

"Scared?"

"Of course not. Anything I can shoot, I can handle. They'll need more than zombies or whatever to scare me." Cecilia playfully formed her hands into the shape of a gun.

"Great, then, let's not waste daylight. Let's go." Ichika started walking, but Cecilia quickly caught up, wrapping her hands around his arm.

"You'll protect me, right?"

Ichika kept his thoughts to himself, preferring to avoid that conversation entirely.

From the shadows, a group of voices whispered with irritation.

"Ichika, you... you twerp!" Houki growled.

"I'm gonng to kill him! I'm gonna kill him and dump his body in the ocean!" Rin's rage was palpable.

"Ichika, you philanderer!" Charlotte gritted her teeth.

"We'll use him for target practice. Target practice is perfectly legal," Laura added coolly.

"No more, Ichika! No more...!" Kanzashi was on the verge of a breakdown.

"I think he needs punishment," Airis pouted.

"On that, we agree," Djbril said.

"You all hate to see Ichika like that, don't you? Especially recently," Tatenashi chimed in, fishing for agreement. The collective nods affirmed her statement.

"Let's drag them into the very pits of terror!" Rin's maniacal laughter signaled the next phase of their plan.

Inside the haunted house, Ichika and Cecilia walked through dimly lit halls.

"It's pretty dark in here," Cecilia noted, sticking close.

Ichika, not thrilled with the situation, replied, "Watch where you're going."

Cecilia grinned. "I'll be fine."

Then, the first scare arrived—a mummy wielding a bokken stumbling toward them with a roar. Cecilia almost fled, but Ichika stood his ground, unimpressed by the actor's antics.

"Ichika, let's go!" Cecilia tugged him into the next room just as a person dressed in wolf's skin leaped onto Ichika's back. Before the "wolf" could bite him, Ichika grabbed the actor and delivered a merciless blow to the head, knocking them out cold.

"Let's get out of here!" Cecilia pulled him along, and Ichika barely resisted the urge to give the wolf another punch.

They made their way to the next hallway, where a giant figure wearing a familiar mask and revving a chainsaw blocked their path. The noise alone was enough to make Ichika tense.

He was about to summon Yukihira and go on a rampage, but Cecilia acted first.

Three shots rang out as Ichika turned, shocked to see Cecilia holding a gun.

"You brought a gun?" he asked, uncertain whether to be impressed or concerned.

"Just something small for self-defense," she replied. The Browning Hi-Power in her hands wasn't exactly small.

The suit-clad giant had two people inside who seemed to be arguing. With a thud, the costume collapsed, leaving Ichika and Cecilia exchanging glances.

"Let's get out of here."

"Agreed."

They hurried out, and Ichika made a mental note to complain to park management about the overzealous employees. The day couldn't end soon enough.

When evening finally came, Ichika and Cecilia found themselves on a Ferris wheel. Typically, Ichika wasn't fond of heights without his means of flying, but he remained quiet as the orange rays of the sunset bathed the park in a warm glow.

"Such a beautiful view," Cecilia sighed, looking every bit the proper young lady.

Ichika merely hummed in response, watching the landscape below in silence. He wasn't in the mood for conversation, and Cecilia was about to comment on his supposed lack of manners when a streak of light flashed past the window, interrupting her thoughts.

Any plans she had to apologize or confess her feelings were immediately dashed.

A hail of laser fire rained down from the sky, setting parts of the amusement park ablaze. The devastation was far worse than anything an IS could produce. Crimson flames erupted, spreading quickly across the grounds.

"Cecilia!"

"On it!"

Within seconds, both of their IS units deployed and they flew down to assist the panicking park-goers.

"Stay calm! Don't panic! Stay with your families!" Cecilia called out, comforting a little girl who had been separated from her parents while Ichika assisted the employees. Thankfully, there were no casualties yet.

That was something, at least. But then, the hairs on the back of Ichika's neck stood up, and he turned around.

Standing before him was an older woman with hair the color of autumn leaves and similarly hued eyes. The maid outfit she wore made her stand out even more.

"Do I know you?" Ichika asked, his instincts going into overdrive. He didn't notice Cecilia joining him.

"Chelsea, what are you doing here?" Cecilia asked, clearly recognizing the woman.

Chelsea? Ichika thought. Apparently, they knew each other.

"I've come for you, madam," Chelsea said, her voice calm but resolute. "No, I've come for you, Cecilia Alcott."

The light revealed that Chelsea possessed an Infinite Stratos unit of her own.

"Let us meet in England. Now, if you'll excuse me." Before Ichika could react, Chelsea disappeared into the clouds, flying at a speed too great for him to follow.

"What the—? Cecilia, who is she?" Ichika started, but the words caught in his throat.

Cecilia's face was pale, all traces of her usual pride gone.

Ichika sighed, running a hand over his face.

"What a way to end a day."

Scene skip

Ichika had been asking himself the same question for the past ten hours: *Why was he roped into a flight to the United Kingdom?* Sure, if Cecilia wanted to fly back home and walk headfirst into a trap, that was her call. But why the flying hell was he required to come along?

The laser attack had come from space, and the biggest question remained: *Who had ordered it?* And then there was the mystery surrounding the completion of Blue Tears. There were more secrets and more complications. But honestly, Ichika couldn't bring himself to care.

Unfortunately, Chifuyu had declared it a mission, meaning he had to come along. He—and the merry band of Personal Unit Users who had *invited themselves* to the UK.

It sucked. There was no escaping the entire debacle.

He didn't want to bother Minato and his girls with this mess, though he knew Matsu could probably figure out what was happening within minutes. But Ichika's debt of honor to Minato was already sky-high, and it wasn't the right time to add to it.

That's why Ichika had hoped to knock himself out and sleep through the flight. But no such luck—there was a constant buzz in his head, so he put on his headphones and tuned out to the heavenly sounds of *Linkin Park.* The hardness of the music somehow acted as a lullaby.

Unfortunately, his peace was shattered when a massive shockwave rocked the entire plane.

Ripping off his headphones, Ichika turned to see half of the plane gone.

"WHAT THE—?"

A warhead had detonated, and chaos erupted. Cecilia rushed to the cockpit to get to the pilot while the other Unit Users immediately activated their Units, escaping through the hole in the plane.

Ichika turned to Chifuyu; his voice edged with panic. "You don't have a Unit with you, do you?"

"What do you think, Ichika?"

Without wasting time, he grabbed his sister in his arms and activated his Unit, getting them both outside. Once airborne, he spotted a woman on the ground with a discarded rocket launcher.

She had platinum blonde hair, an incredible figure that could rival Houki's, legs that went on forever, and striking blue eyes that locked onto them with a gleam.

Ichika didn't know who she was, but Tatenashi seemed to recognize her all too well.

"Aww, that didn't do the trick, did it, Tatenashi Sarashiki?" the woman taunted, a smile playing on her lips.

Ichika turned to Tatenashi. "You know her?"

The blue-haired vixen sighed. "Rogna Kalinych, former representative candidate." Her Unit, *Gustoi Tuman Rossiya* materialized around her.

"This wasn't what I had planned for my afternoon. Ichika!" Tatenashi opened a fan, and the message *'Go on ahead'* was displayed on it. "I'll deal with her. Orimura-sensei, you take the lead."

Chifuyu nodded, and Ichika was relieved he didn't have to get involved in this mess.

"Roger. Don't let her catch you."

Tatenashi giggled. "I'm Tatenashi Sarashiki," she said, unfolding her *Rusty Nail Chain* sword. Her voice darkened. "And I'll teach her a lesson she won't forget."

Ichika had no clue who he should be rooting for, but he wasn't sticking around to find out.

On the battlefield, Rogna wailed dramatically. "Wah! I've been so lonely without you!" She flew toward Tatenashi, arms open for a hug.

Tatenashi, unfazed, dodged to the side. "You know I don't swing that way!"

"So cold!" Rogna lamented, but the five-year age gap between them didn't dim her affection for her junior. Unfortunately, Tatenashi's patience had worn thin within five minutes.

"Love is fierce! Love is an explosion!" Rogna cried.

And then the real fight began—wave after wave of exploding nanomachines detonated in midair. The locals below were treated to an incredible spectacle, and in the modern age, there were plenty of cameras rolling to capture the footage of what appeared to be a lovers' spat between two Russian candidates.

Scene skip

Flying low to the ground to avoid another surprise attack, Ichika and the others made their way toward Germany. They could have easily reached the UK in their units, but there was doubt that the pilot would be able to keep up for that long.

Chifuyu would have been okay with it, of course.

"Ichika, you must be getting tired. I can carry Orimura-sensei for a while," Houki offered.

Ichika shook his head, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Let's keep going. I can handle her. Besides, we'll have to land soon enough."

Houki couldn't argue with that, but the others had their doubts.

'Ichika is enjoying this a little too much,' Houki thought to herself.

'Maybe he's into that kind of thing,' Rin mused, her expression unreadable.

'Jeez, he's all over her!' Cecilia shot a glance at the two.

'And look at her, arms wrapped around his neck.' Charlotte could hardly believe her eyes.

'My teacher... I never thought...' Laura's disbelief was hard to shake.

'No fair,' Kanzashi sulked inwardly.

'Why is he always like that with women?' Airis pondered while Djibril couldn't believe her master had fallen for someone like Ichika.

Chifuyu, usually self-assured in almost any situation, began to feel the weight of all the eyes on her.

"Listen, Ichika. You can leave me behind in Germany and continue to the UK," she suggested.

Ichika threw his head back in frustration. "I'm not leaving you to deal with a group of delusional schoolgirls who have all the wrong ideas about everything by myself. You're staying with me. End of discussion."

The Brunhilde rolled her eyes but couldn't fault his reasoning.

"Can't argue with that logic," she admitted. She adjusted herself in his arms, tightening her grip around his neck as they continued their flight.

"Where are we headed anyway? Got a destination in mind?"

"The Schwarzer Hase base. It's the closest airfield. My old students will be there to greet us."

Ichika cursed inwardly. Out of the frying pan and into the fucking fire. Why did my life turn out like this?

Scene skip

They lined the runway at the airfield, where the Schwarzer Hase and an "elite unit" had gathered. These women were usually seen as the pinnacle of the German military, though that was mostly for show.

They were highly trained and part of a combat unit, but they would never see a frontline, never face the terror of an enemy intent on killing them. Their role was grandstanding and public relations. Aside from Laura, the rest were daughters of Infinite Stratos company executives, high-ranking officers, or politicians.

That's why, instead of waiting silently in formation, they buzzed with dismay, chattering nervously as they awaited their leader's return.

Since Laura was in the ISA, Clarissa Harfouch has taken over her duties.

"Aren't you worried, Clarissa?" a voice asked from behind, cutting through the chatter.

Her response came with a mighty roar. "You fool!" It was loud enough to make the front row flinch.

"That's how it works in Japan! The waiting is part of the date!" Clarissa's confidence came not from experience but from the Japanese shoujo manga she had obsessively read. She was not the most reliable source of information on Japanese life, but she believed in it wholeheartedly. The academy was rife with Yaoi manga fans, too, and between the two genres, these were accepted as gospel.

Gasps of awe rippled through the group at Clarissa's declaration.

She allowed herself a self-satisfied chuckle. "Quiet, please!"

Her command did little to calm them down. In fact, it only made the women chatter louder. Fortunately, they were interrupted by the sight of nine dots approaching, ready to land on the IS runway.

"Angetreten! Augen rechts!" At Clarissa's order, the squad quickly formed up for inspection. Formality was essential, especially when welcoming their commander, Laura, and former instructor, Chifuyu.

As the group descended, Clarissa felt a surge of anticipation. She was eager to see Chifuyu again.

"Teacher Orimura is going to look so fabulous," Clarissa mused. "I can't wait to see her gallantly leading a host of Valkyries." It seemed a fitting image for the first Brunhilde.

But that image shattered the moment Chifuyu appeared—carried in Ichika's arms, bridal style.

Something snapped in Clarissa's mind.

"At ease, Clarissa," Laura said, her voice strained with a touch of exasperation.

"Commander? What in the world is that?" Clarissa asked, her eyes wide as Ichika set Chifuyu down and deactivated his unit.

"That," Laura sighed, "is Ichika Orimura."

Clarissa leaned in closer, whispering. "Should we be okay with this? Siblings or not, that kind of contact with the opposite sex is going to ruin him."

Laura leaned in even closer. "It's worse than that."

"And you're just going to accept it?" Clarissa glared at Ichika, who happened to glance up and notice her.

Without missing a beat, Ichika subtly flipped her the bird.

Both women's mouths dropped open.

"Indeed," Clarissa said, blinking in disbelief. "Worse than we thought."

Scene skip

"Let me go over the situation." In the Schwarzer Hase operation room, Chifuyu activated a projection display.

"Tatenashi will make her own way from the UK to Russia. The rest of us will split into two groups—one traveling by sea, shipping out of Bremerhaven, and the other by air from France."

The squad looked puzzled, and Ichika began to regret getting out of bed that morning.

"If we concentrate all our forces on one front, we're too likely to get bogged down if hostilities break out," Chifuyu continued. "I've requested new equipment from Dunois in France. Ms. Yamada will lead Alcott, Huang, Shinonono, Emulail, and Luxembourg across the sea."

"Laura isn't taking the German route?" someone asked.

"She's already equipped with a heavy arms package for this operation. And besides," Chifuyu glanced at Charlotte, who had gone noticeably pale when her last name was mentioned, "Bodewig will need to stay near her."

"Yes, ma'am!" Laura responded, her voice sharp and clear.

"The French route will be me, Orimura, Bodewig, Dunois, and Sarashiki. Once we receive our care package from Dunois, we'll use their corporate jet to travel to the UK. Any questions?"

Clarissa Harfouch stepped forward. "Instructor—"

"It's Ms. Orimura," Chifuyu corrected with a sigh. "But you're not from the ISA, so I'll let it slide."

"Are you sure Ms. Yamada is qualified to lead the German front? Perhaps I'd be more appropriate."

There was a moment of surprise, but Chifuyu's response carried more amusement than irritation.

"I take it your unit, Schwarzer Zwieg, is completed?"

"Yes! Final testing finished just a few days ago!"

Chifuyu sighed, realizing there was no avoiding this. "Very well. Perhaps we should see who's more qualified—a German special forces IS pilot or an IS academy instructor."

The Schwarzer Hase squad perked up at the idea of a mock battle.

"Eh?! A fight already?!"

"And against an old lady, too!"

"Oh, it's on!"

"Looks like she's still got it!"

Despite being part of a military unit, it was clear they were still teenage girls. It was Clarissa who quickly silenced them.

"Nene! Falke! Matilda! Io!" The four snapped to attention at the sound of their names. "I'll see you in the brig later!"

A vein pulsed on Clarissa's forehead, and the girls' bravado faded into embarrassed blushes.

"Well, you certainly have a unique squadron here!" Maya laughed awkwardly, though it earned her a sharp glare from Clarissa.

"I won't forgive you for this, you damned milk cow!" The jealousy in Clarissa's second-in-command caused Laura to sigh once again.

Scene skip

In the German IS special forces squad's combat arena, Maya and Clarissa, both suited up in their units, stared each other down.

"Let's do this," Clarissa said, extending her hand. Maya took it.

'I'll show her who's in charge here!' Clarissa thought, determined to assert dominance. However, her confidence faded when Maya's grip turned out to be far more robust than expected.

'She's a goddamn gorilla!'

Clarissa thought, panic setting in as she realized she was facing a monster in strength. On the other hand, Maya was equally surprised by Clarissa's intense grip, a cold sweat running down her back as they silently battled it out.

The unofficial first round—a handshake—ended in a draw.

"Begin!" Chifuyu's command signaled the start of the actual match, and both their units activated.

"Here goes!" Maya's Rafale Revive Special, dubbed 'Show Must Go On,' spread its Shattered Sky shield wings and took to the air.

"I won't hold back!" Clarissa's IS, Schwarzer Zwieg, materialized around her, and the ISA students gasped. Unlike its sister unit, Laura's Schwarzer Regen, Clarissa's IS lived up to its name with its hedgehog-like coat of thorns. An array of wired blades hung from its branches like fruit on a vine.

"Bring it!" Maya made the first move, using Circle Rondo to gain distance.

"Just like a teacher, doing everything by the book!" Clarissa taunted, her voice steady.

Maya responded by firing from the US-made 20mm caliber rotary cannons mounted on her unit—an M61 Vulcan design. The barrage of fire blazed toward Clarissa.

"Take this!" Clarissa retaliated, sending twenty wired blades snaking toward Maya with terrifying speed.

"Ugh!" Even with her dual-wielding guns, Maya couldn't keep up with the sheer number of incoming targets. The blades found their mark, entangling her and slamming her into the ground.

Clarissa quickly followed up by deploying an 88mm railgun over her shoulder, taking careful aim. "It's over!" she declared.

The railgun, an upgraded version of Laura's, could punch through an IS shield with a single shot.

"Not so fast!" Maya's Wired Tired shields snapped into position, blocking the incoming shot.

"What?!" Clarissa gasped.

"You focused on the right spot, but you overcommitted!" Maya quipped as she drew a chainsaw knife, slashing away the wired blades holding her down.

"You're good!" Clarissa admitted, impressed.

"Not so bad yourself!" Maya grinned.

They charged at each other again, exchanging a blizzard of fire before closing in for melee combat. Maya wielded a Japanese-styled Kukihime macahuitl while Clarissa brandished her spiked Sturm und Drang baghnaks.

Ichika, watching from the sidelines, briefly wondered why everything had to be so complicated. A simple katana seemed like it would do the trick. Still, he kept Miya's sword hidden on his back, always ready for whatever might come.

Maya had the upper hand in reach, but Clarissa had a trump card—the AIC (Active Inertia Canceler). Unlike Laura's unit, Clarissa's was designed for offense.

"Take this! Sturm Zweig!" Clarissa yelled as the decorative thorns on her unit suddenly shot forward, homing in on Maya.

Ichika, observing from a distance, had suspected those thorns were more than just decoration. No weapon has extra parts, he thought with a grin.

Caught off guard, Maya tried to dodge, but it was too late. The thorns punctured her armor with precise, drilled accuracy.

"So this is an offensive AIC?!" Maya exclaimed, realizing that once the thorns pierced the armor, the force fields at their tips could freely tear through her defenses. It was like a virus spreading through her machine.

Clarissa's unit resembled a blowfish more than a hedgehog at this point, each thorn a deadly weapon.

Purging her damaged wings, Maya nimbly fell back, just as Clarissa had hoped.

"It's over!" Clarissa shouted, feeling victory within her grasp.

But before she could celebrate, she was shot in the gut by Maya. "What?!" Clarissa exclaimed, stunned. "They're not just shields?!"

Maya smirked. "I call them Phalanx Twelve!" Her shields doubled as automatic cannons, and now Clarissa found herself surrounded.

All Maya had to do was pull the trigger. Ichika, observing the fight, made a mental note—if he ever fought Maya, he would destroy those wings one by one.

The match ended in a draw; both units were heavily damaged and in need of repairs. Despite the newfound respect between the two, the result left the group headed to Germany without sufficient protection.

"Don't worry about it!" Clarissa announced confidently, assigning the four girls she had previously scolded to escort the group.

Ichika, however, had a sinking feeling. This is just the start of the problems.

Scene skip

Two trains set off from the station. Ichika ignored Cecilia's waves, the stares from Houki and Rin, and even the ridiculous antics Airis tried to pull. He was about to put on his headphones and tune it all out when he noticed Charlotte sitting by the window next to him. The Knight cursed under his breath—he wasn't in the mood to deal with her right now.

"Problem, Charlotte?"

"Just... thinking about the reunion with my father," she replied, her voice low.

Ichika rolled his eyes. "Look, he can't do anything to you. We'll be fine." With that, he put on his headphones and leaned back in his seat. Trains were still his preferred way of traveling over planes; they were far more comfortable.

He wasn't interested in talking anymore. He was still pissed off about everything that had happened during their stay in Shinto Teito. The scenery outside passed by, but Ichika closed his eyes, hoping to get some rest.

But, as usual, fate had other plans.

"Two triple rooms?" Ichika overheard at the reception.

They had booked three doubles, but apparently, there had been an error. There were five of them—four girls and one boy.

"I'm in charge," Chifuyu said. "So I'll share a room with my brother. You girls take the other."

Before anyone could protest, Ichika stood up. "Completely agreed, teacher. I'm sleeping in your room tonight. No complaints from me."

Chifuyu watched him head for their room, leaving the three girls behind, visibly dejected. They had hoped for at least one night with him.

"Like it or not, you're not the only ones who need to mend bridges," Chifuyu muttered to herself as she followed Ichika. She could hardly believe she had to count herself among them.

Ichika was already brushing his teeth by the time Chifuyu walked into their room, not even acknowledging her presence.

"You know," she said, crossing her arms, "running away from your problems won't solve them."

Ichika spat out his toothpaste and glared at her. "You're one to talk."

Chifuyu's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ichika held his glare for a moment but then looked away. It wasn't worth arguing about. He finished brushing his teeth and climbed into bed. "Good night, Ms. Orimura."

He was about to close his eyes when his phone rang. He recognized the ringtone—it was the one he used for Matsu. His spirits lifted as he answered the call.

"Hello, Ichika-tan," Matsu's familiar, energetic voice greeted him, and despite everything, Ichika couldn't help but smile.

"Good evening, Matsu."

"Evening? Ichika, it's early morning," Minato's voice chimed in, causing Ichika to chuckle as memories of old times surfaced.

"I guess I forgot about time zones, Minato."

Chifuyu, curious about the call, pulled the curtain aside. "Who are you talking to?"

Ichika waved her off, not wanting her to intrude. "Sorry about that. Matsu, Minato, why are you calling me at this hour?"

Minato sighed, clearly uncomfortable. "We've been keeping track of what's been happening with you. The laser attack and the issues with your travel to the UK... Why didn't you call me?"

Ichika flopped back onto the pillows, stretching out. "I didn't want to disturb you, Minato. You've done so much for me already. I didn't want to ask for more help."

Matsu beamed on the other end, grateful for the acknowledgment of her intelligence. "I don't know why your sister calls you a fool. You're sharper than people give you credit for, Ichika. But it's not good."

Ichika's heart sank at her tone. "If it were good, you wouldn't be calling me."

Matsu hesitated before continuing. "What fired at you a few days ago was the Excalibur — a top-secret bombardment satellite. But it's more than just a satellite. It's an IS fused with a human being. The one inside is called Exia Caliburn."

Ichika gulped, dread settling in his stomach. "How did you—?"

"Just because you left Shinto Teito doesn't mean I've stopped keeping track of you. Exia is connected to someone you know—Chelsea Blackett, Cecilia Alcott's maid."

Ichika cursed under his breath. "Matsu, what's going on?"

Matsu took off her glasses, rubbing her eyes. "Someone activated the Excalibur, and now it's out of control. That's why you're heading to the UK. It'll be your job to stop it. But that's not all."

Minato took over as Matsu rested. "Ichika, this operation is completely off the books. The European Union, the ISA, and even Phantom Task are involved."

Ichika's blood ran cold. "Phantom Task? Why the hell are they involved?!"

"I don't know, Ichika," Minato admitted. "All I know is that the threat from Excalibur is serious enough to have them helping."

Ichika rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of it all. "When will it stop? Every time I think I'm done, something else comes up."

"Ichika," Minato said softly, "we're here to help. Let us know when you're ready."

Ichika sighed, trying to process everything. "We'll be in France tomorrow. Two days, tops, before we reach the UK."

"Good. Matsu will need time to dig deeper into what she can do about the satellite."

Ichika shook his head in disbelief. "If Matsu's struggling with it, this thing is hazardous."

"There's more," Matsu added, rejoining the call. "Tabane Shinonono is involved. She's near the base. What's your plan for her?"

Ichika clenched his fists. "I swore I'd kill her the moment I saw her. But I guess I'll have to shelve that for now."

Minato's voice carried enough authority to settle the issue. "It's best to save that for later, Ichika. Believe me, you're not the only one who has a bone to pick with her."

Ichika sighed again. "Noted. I'll ask my sister for your help. Thank you, Matsu. And... well, I appreciate you. All of you."

Matsu laughed warmly. "We know, Ichika. Now, get some sleep. And enjoy Paris, if you can. The place smells like piss, though."

"Goodnight, Matsu, Minato. Say hi to everyone for me."

Ichika ended the call and turned to find Chifuyu standing with her arms crossed, glaring at him.

"How much did you hear?" he asked, standing to face her.

"More than enough. Did it ever occur to you that Minato Sahashi's help is dangerous?"

Ichika crossed his arms. "You didn't hear enough. They offered help, and even if I refused, they were already in the process. It's good to have someone with your best interests at heart. More than I can say for Tabane."

Chifuyu's eye twitched at the mention of Tabane, and she clenched her fists. "You expect me to cover this up?"

"Yes," Ichika replied, his voice firm. "This mission is classified, and Matsu saved my life more than once. Laura, Silver Gospel, the Golems—you name it. If she's worried, it's serious. Maybe thank her instead of cussing her out."

Chifuyu's frustration built, but Ichika wasn't done.

"You're a shitty teacher and an even worse sister. You're not even an active pilot anymore, and you can't lead by example. Can you do what Matsu can? No."

Chifuyu grabbed him by the collar, pushing him against the bed. "You want the truth? You can't handle it. Don't ask about Madoka. You won't have time for that."

Ichika chuckled. "How do you know her name?"

Chifuyu froze. She'd given too much away. Ichika's grip tightened on her wrist.

"You created this, Miya," she thought, realizing her brother had grown stronger.

"I said my piece. You know about Minato's help. Now, figure out how to weave it in. Goodnight, Ms. Orimura."

Ichika climbed into bed, pulling the blanket over his head. He hoped to finally get some rest on the train, though he doubted it would be peaceful.

Scene skip

Ichika was grateful he'd checked the weather forecast for Western Europe. Dressed in winter trousers, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a heavy sweater, a wooly hoodie, a scarf, and a beanie, he was prepared for the cold.

"Minato wasn't lying—this city does smell like piss," he muttered, wrinkling his nose.

"You were in contact with that womanizer again?" Charlotte's accusation was sharp, but Ichika just shrugged.

"Maybe you don't smell it, but it's overwhelming to me."

Despite his displeasure, Ichika knew better than to judge Europe based on one unpleasant city.

"I do hope I can welcome you properly in my home country," Charlotte said, though her voice was less than enthusiastic. Ichika was ready to leave as soon as possible, but their meeting wasn't over yet. An older gentleman cleared his throat behind them.

"Pardon, Mademoiselle, but we will be late if we don't leave soon."

Ichika reminded himself that Charlotte, despite her illegitimate status, was still the daughter of the president of Dunois—a name that carried weight. He hid his katana beneath his hoodie, just in case.

"Of course, let's go," Charlotte said, guiding Ichika along without a scene. He could tell she wasn't looking forward to seeing her father and all he could do was wait for whatever was about to unfold.

The drive to the Dunois facility took them deep into Paris, to a more industrial part of the city. As they arrived at the gate, Albert Dunois stood waiting, his long beard draping over his suit, his expression grim.

"You're late," were the first words out of his mouth.

Ichika felt a spark of irritation, already burning.

"My apologies, President. There was traffic," Charlotte said, lowering her head.

"Did I ask for an excuse?" Albert snapped.

"Pardon me," she muttered, but Ichika had already stepped forward, a chill radiating from him.

"You're asking for a grade-A beating. I volunteer," Ichika growled, his glare fixed on Albert. Before things could escalate, Chifuyu grabbed Ichika by the ear, pulling him back.

"Orimura!" she hissed, forcing him to bow, though he resisted.

"I'm so sorry my student is so rude," she apologized, trying to salvage the situation.

"I've heard worse," Albert said dismissively, his gaze fixed on Ichika.

Chifuyu held Ichika's head down, whispering in his ear. "Don't you realize this will only get worse if you act like that?"

Ichika whispered back coldly, "Fuck off." Chifuyu clenched her teeth, realizing this trip was becoming a disaster.

"I didn't bring you here to pick a fight," she reminded him, but he wasn't listening.

"I'm not starting one," Ichika replied, his voice dark. "But I'm sure as hell going to finish it. Before we leave, I'll smash his skull in, consequences be damned."

Chifuyu could see there was no talking him down. Reluctantly, they followed Albert inside.

Once in the arena, Albert wasted no time. "We're moving Charlotte to a third-gen IS. The preparations are already complete."

Charlotte's eyes widened. "Wait, I can't just leave *Revive* like that!" Her voice rose in protest, but her father ignored her.

"I didn't ask for your opinion," Albert said coldly.

Charlotte clenched her fists. "You don't understand anything. Not about me, not about Revive, and certainly not about my mother!"

Albert didn't so much as flinch. "I didn't ask for your opinion."

Ichika stepped forward, his hand drifting toward his hidden katana. "Maybe you should start caring about her opinion. Before I cut your ugly beard off and shove it up your ass."

Albert turned red with rage, but before he could respond, Chifuyu stepped between them, trying to defuse the situation.

"You're pushing it, Ichika!" she hissed, but the situation was already unraveling. Laura stepped in, too.

"The new core has none of Charlotte's combat data. It'll fail," Laura pointed out.

Albert's eyes narrowed, but he responded with a challenge. "Very well. Let's settle this with a mock battle. If *Revive* wins, I'll forgive this indiscretion."

Ichika crossed his arms, his anger simmering. "I'll finish it," he muttered under his breath. The feeling that this would end violently only grew stronger.

"I accept," Charlotte said, stepping forward. "We won't lose. Not me and Revive."

"Then face the third-generation *Cosmos," Albert declared as the unit activated, its petal-like thruster wings spreading wide.

The battle commenced, with *Cosmos* clearly outclassing Revive. Its superior technology and weapons systems overwhelmed Charlotte, pushing her back. The Cosmos shield, Le Bouclier de Pétale, deflected bullets with ease, and the hybrid long rifle, Vertu, fired devastating rounds.

Charlotte struggled to keep up, dodging and trying to close the distance. Her opponent remained silent, hidden beneath a full helmet visor, but Ichika recognized the combat style.

When Charlotte finally managed to crack the visor with a shotgun blast, her dread deepened.

"You're... Autumn."

A member of Phantom Task. The revelation sent shockwaves through the arena.

"Dammit! I had to cut my hair for this disguise," Autumn said, her voice mocking.

"What is going on?" Albert demanded, confused.

"Your pilot is a Phantom Task agent," Ichika growled.

"Mr. Dunois! Lock the arena shields!" Chifuyu ordered, trying to take control of the situation.

"I'm trying, but it's being hacked!" Albert shouted back, panicking.

"Kanzashi! Counter-hack it!" Chifuyu called out.

Kanzashi's fingers flew over her keyboard, racing to break through the system. "The source is more than a kilometer away!" she reported.

Meanwhile, the battle raged on. Autumn prepared to make her escape, and the arena roof opened up. Ichika and Laura were ready to intercept, but Charlotte wasn't done.

"Please, Revive! Not for me, not for her, but for my mother!" Charlotte's desperation resonated with her IS, and Revive began to glow.

"A Second Shift... now?!" Chifuyu shouted in disbelief, but Charlotte ignored her.

The energy surged, and Charlotte launched herself at Autumn, catching her off guard. Both units collided, throwing their pilots from their seats. Ichika intercepted Autumn before she could recover; his blade pressed against her throat.

"Hands where I can see them," Ichika demanded, not giving her a chance to escape.

"Thank you, Ichika," Charlotte said, regaining her composure. "Come, Revive. Rein Carnation."

The machines glowed with power, but Ichika's attention was elsewhere. Autumn's IS, *Arachne, is activated and ready for another round. Ichika prepared himself for the fight, but Charlotte stepped forward.

"No, Ichika. She's mine."

Ichika nodded, stepping back. He'd let Charlotte handle it.

Meanwhile, Laura and Kanzashi were facing Chloe Chronicle, another Phantom Task member. Chloe's face was eerily familiar, a mirror image of Laura's.

"Why, if it isn't the perfect Lorelei. I am you—another Laura who couldn't become you," Chloe said with a twisted smile.

"Lorelei? What are you talking about?" Laura demanded, confused.

Chloe giggled softly. "It's better if you don't know."

Before they could continue, Chifuyu's voice came over the intercom. "What are you two doing? You're looking at a projection."

Suddenly, the sky darkened, replaced by a swirling vortex of black clouds. A pale moon rose, and Ichika recognized the phenomenon.

"A World Purge..." Laura whispered, fear in her voice.

Ichika knew he had to get them out of there. Grabbing Laura, he pulled her out of the vortex, knowing they couldn't face this again. The eerie words echoed in her mind. 'Lorelei? What does that mean?'

The World Purge had left its scars on them all.

Back in the control room, Ichika returned to find Albert still unconscious on the floor. Chifuyu and Kanzashi watched as he cracked his knuckles.

"That sack of shite is still out cold. I didn't get to fight, and now my blood's pumping."

Before anyone could stop him, Ichika straddled Albert and unleashed a barrage of punches. Blood, snot, and other bodily juices came out as his fist smashed into the skull.

Chifuyu and Kanzashi recoiled, but they didn't interfere. Albert had it coming.

"Stop!" A woman's voice broke through the chaos. Ichika turned to see a woman with long brown hair and a worried expression. "That's my husband you're killing!"

Ichika delivered one last blow before standing up, blood dripping from his fists. "Who are you?"

"I'm Rosenda Dunois," she said, trembling. "And that's my husband."

Ichika wiped the blood from his knuckles and walked toward her. "Wouldn't you be happier if I killed this cheating sack of human excrement?"

Rosenda stared, speechless. No one had ever spoken about her husband like this before.

"Do you know the trouble you're in? The damage we can do to you?"

Ichika cut her off, his glare cold and unyielding.

"Do I look like the kind of guy who gives a goddamn flying fuck about that? But I'll make it simple for you. I got my pound of flesh. Now, you're going to shut your mouth and let us leave. If you give us even the slightest bit of trouble, I'll ruin you."

Rosenda's mouth fell open in shock. No one had ever spoken to her or her husband like that before.

"And how exactly is a simple Japanese school brat going to ruin one of the world's most powerful Infinite Stratos corporations?" she asked, trying to regain her composure.

Ichika leaned in closer, his grin widening.

"A brat who has Minato Sahashi on speed dial. Do you really want his Sekirei of Wisdom, Matsu, digging around in this corporation? If you think Charlotte's the only problem you've got, you're sorely mistaken. Matsu will find something—anything—that'll bring this entire corporation crashing down. And believe me, it'll be the least of your worries."

Rosenda's face paled as she realized she had been thoroughly outclassed.

Ichika stood tall, turning away from her. "I didn't kill him. You've got something special with Charlotte's core. Figure the rest out yourself." He looked at Charlotte, Chifuyu, Laura, and Kanzashi. "We're finished here. Let's go."

For once, they followed his lead without question. Autumn, their captive, was taken along as well, knowing there was no chance of escape.

Rosenda stood there in stunned silence, watching them leave. There was no doubt in her mind—Ichika Orimura was not someone to be trifled with.

Scene skip

Lying in bed, Ichika felt unusually satisfied with himself. His headphones were on, and Spotify worked its magic, flooding his mind with music that cleared away the day's stress.

Charlotte now had a dual-core IS—a rarity in the Infinite Stratos world. That development alone would keep various governments off their backs for a while. With Autumn captured and no significant losses, things were going well.

Well, unless your name was Albert Dunois. From what Ichika had heard, Albert wouldn't suffer permanent damage to his face, but he'd definitely have trouble speaking, eating, and even moving it for a while. Rosenda, surprisingly, had been lenient. From what Chifuyu had told him, there would be no repercussions for the attack. Ichika suspected Rosenda had something to do with that decision.

With those thoughts settled, he let himself sink into the music. His mind wandered in pleasant distraction, a rare moment of peace in the chaos that his life had become. Tomorrow, they would continue their journey to the UK by train. Guarding Autumn, a captured terrorist with Infinite Stratos capabilities, was no small task, and traveling by train allowed for better security.

Autumn was being kept in Chifuyu's room for the night, while Ichika had been given a room all to himself. He had locked the door, making it clear that no one was to enter. Chifuyu had agreed, and none of the girls had dared to intrude. They hadn't forgotten what had happened earlier.

Tomorrow, he would face the next phase of this journey. Back to the UK, back to dealing with the usual headaches. But also one step closer to the truth. One step closer to seeing Madoka again.

The thought of Madoka stirred something strange in him. He wasn't sure if she was really his sister, but the connection felt natural, even if it unnerved him. He wished he could ask Matsu to dig deeper into his past to find out more about Madoka. But he knew Matsu had enough on her plate already.

Yawning, Ichika stretched and checked his phone. It was nearing ten p.m. in France, which meant it was around five a.m. in Japan. He figured Matsu, or at least she, should be asleep. No sane person would be up at this hour unless they were getting ready for work—or had a baby on the way. Smiling at the thought, he typed out a quick text.

[Hey, Matsu. Just for good measure, I know you're hacking into the Excalibur. I'll keep you a secret until Ms. Orimura reveals what we're going to do, right? Any other requirements?]

He didn't expect a response right away, thinking she'd answer when she woke up. But Matsu was quicker than he thought.

[Evening, Ichika. There are a few requirements. One, make sure your sister covers for what I'm going to do. I don't want anything leading back to Minato or my sister-wives. Two, your sister needs to thank me. Three that damned unit is pretty well protected. I haven't gotten deep yet, but I might be able to do more if I stop being subtle. You're lucky I've got insomnia—Eriwiene is keeping me up. I haven't done the same level of hacking as with Silver Gospel, but we'll see. Get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be hectic.]

Ichika chuckled at Matsu's words, her relentless dedication shining through even from miles away. Closing his eyes, he let his body relax, taking her advice to heart.

Tomorrow was bound to be busy, and he needed all the rest he could get.

Scene skip

Matsu wasn't the only one who had insomnia. Chiho, Tsukiumi, and Musubi had gotten the same.

Or better said, their children were causing that. It had to work that the ones with sons had been better at that.

Tsukiumi would often walk around the house or sit outside. The cold didn't bother her anyway.

Chiho had been binging on crazy foods, and Musubi, the twins, were even worse.

For once, Matsu thanked Eriwiene for causing her to stay up. Even if she didn't, Matsu's brains would have forced it.

The Excalibur had gotten her worked up.

"How are things going, Matsu?" Of course, their ever-dutiful husband supplied them with everything they needed.

"I can use a backrub." The Ashikabi grinned when he heard that. But the bottle of water remained in his hands.

"You'll get it as soon as you finish that bottle. And don't pout. Musubi, Tsukiumi, and Chiho drank theirs."

Constipation throughout pregnancy was something that couldn't stand for Minato. They had bitched and moaned about changing their diet, but it proved for the better.

The feeling of burning in their stomachs ceased to exist as caffeine was scrapped from their diet.

More greens and water had made them happier on the other parts.

Of course, none of the Sekirei missed that Minato was working on himself.

If this were how he worried for his women, their Ashikabi would be a fantastic father.

"How is it looking?"

Matsu sighed as her Ashikabi liked a few updates.

"So far, Minato, I managed to do some light infiltration and find more information. The details are blurry, but there is a human inside. If I can get more direct, I might shut down its defenses and allow for more. But that is a big if."

Minato grimaced at the prospect.

"That is not all, is it?"

Matsu sighed as she kissed her husband. She inched closer to him and pressed that body, oh so sensual, against his.

The effects were noticeable immediately. For the last few months, Minato had been on abstinence. Just for good measure, they didn't try anything.

Only, when they were a few months into the pregnancy, there were a few who elected to use their mouths or tits to give him relief.

Suppose they were in the mood. It was now rare to find one who was up for the task.

Minato didn't blame that on them. He figured that it would return to normal after the children were born.

When their lips were unattached, saliva dripped between them.

"If I tell you, you will not be happy for it. And let me say that you need a bit more to get your head straight, Minato."

There was no winning her over like this. Plus, the last time he had any action was three weeks ago, when he was Kazehana.

"All right, Matsu. Be my guest."

They had lots of practice undoing a belt, and soon, Minato was half-naked. Matsu had dived between his legs and pressed his dick between her tits.

Her head bobbed up and down while she spoiled the Ashikabi. For once, it wouldn't hurt.

Minato craned his head back as he enjoyed the tit- and blowjob that he was receiving. Matsu was doing an excellent job.

"Ma, Matsu." The Sekirei made eye contact with him. Those eyes told him enough.

'Just enjoy, babe.' So he did. Craning his head and groaning from the pleasure, Matsu appeared to eat his crotch out while his head peeped from above.

Both jumped up from the knock on the door to find Kazehana going through it.

"Matsu, what's taking… oh, I see." The Wind Flower paused instantly when she saw Matsu kneeling as Minato gripped the chair.

With a mysterious grin and a twinkling in her eyes, Kazehana figured out what was going on.

"I'll leave you to it. I can speak later." Kazehana winked at Minato as the Ashikabi could barely keep up with the pressure on his cock.

Used to teasing and the usual lovemaking, but with the weeks of not releasing, Minato felt like it was the start of the days again.

His mind could barely keep up with the teasing. Matsu's tits moved up and down as she had his entire cock, wrapped around her bosom.

She could feel how wet she was getting, but for once, it wasn't how she would take this. It was how Minato could handle it, but when the sucking on the head did even more, it was explicit how much he liked it.

"Oh, fuck, Matsu." The Sekirei of Wisdom was grinning like a madwoman as she felt the twitching.

Up and down, side by side, she moved those breasts. Minato wanted to grab those breasts, squeeze them and feel the nipples and suck on their flesh.

But he couldn't.

Either it was his long time of not getting anything, the feeling of Matsu wanting to tease him, or the fact that her breasts had grown with the milk inside. Those nipples slowly began to release milk, giving them a lubrication.

The combination of it all made Minato even wilder as he bucked his hips. That was all he could do as Matsu drew it out, taking her sweet time as she made Minato restless.

"Matsu. Ah, oh yes, like that!"

It was slow, sensual even as Matsu didn't let him go. It felt so good for her as well. But of course, there was more that she liked.

How adorable Minato looked like that, his mouth drooling and his eyes lidded.

But Matsu could feel him inching closer. How one could do this, kissing as they were breast fucking. Not that Matsu minded the kiss.

She had to let him go for a bit, but the most minor price to pay if she could feel those warm lips on her. Of course, it could keep him quiet.

She shoved his tongue in his mouth as her nipple kissed the tip of his dick. She could feel how wet she grew, but it had to be something she had to tend to herself.

That or hope that Minato made her cum in another way. There was no stopping her as his hips were pumping even harder.

But with the incredible tension gone, Minato began to play with her breasts a bit. Touching the soft flesh of her was making it even better for him.

He pressed those tits even tighter, and his hips were going crazy between her.

Matsu believed that it was good that Minato was fucking a Sekirei. A human woman wouldn't be able to handle that strength.

He was getting stronger, that was for damn sure.

"Minato, you don't need to hold on. In fact, it's better that you." Grabbing her head, Matsu felt her mouth on his dick.

An inhuman groan and a shudder escaped his mouth.

"Oh, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!" Minato let go between those breasts as he pumped his semen right into her mouth.

Matsu gratefully took the semen in her throat as she knew that her mind was feeling the same as his body.

He didn't let go of her mouth and was pumping one extra massive load in her. She swallowed it all as she knew exactly how long it had been. Plus, it wouldn't fit if her room smelled like semen when they were done.

Thirty seconds of semen pumping was correct in her, and he still didn't let up. Matsu could feel her eyes roll back as she was doing one thing, and that was swallowing as much semen as she could. Then his grip let up, and Minato sank back into the chair.

"Oh, fuck, that felt great. Thank you, Matsu." He beamed with a boyish grin, and Matsu rolled her eyes. Grabbing a few tissues, she wiped herself and Minato's cock clean. Or what was left of it?

She witnessed how he grew softer from that, and Minato had a content sigh on his lips.

"I was wondering if you have enough of one load. I mean, you normally can do it four or five times."

The Ashikabi shook his head and pulled his pants.

"I fear that it's been a while. I'll need some practice." Matsu knew that it would be a while, though. The Sekirei had agreed that actual sex was not on the table. Not until they had their children.

It would take some time until everything would calm down. Even with seven mothers, they didn't make illusions.

It would be rough.

Matsu saw his eyes change and knew that he would ask. So far, he has changed his mouth.

"Did Ichika ask about Madoka?"

The Sekirei of Wisdom sat up next to Minato. The chairs were better than kneeling or sitting on pillows.

"He didn't. I wonder why." Matsu discovered Madoka's existence when she looked up information about the Excalibur and the destination where Ichika was heading.

"If I make a guess, there are two possible explanations. One. He doesn't know she exists, which I find very difficult to believe. Or two. He doesn't ask us because he feels he has put enough on our plate. Or something else why he doesn't want her involved with us."

Matsu had her arms around Minato as she hugged him closer.

"That stupid boy. He knows we can help him."

Minato sighed and hugged her closer.

"Matsu, please. I know you want to ask, but don't. Your research was all dead-ends and false leads, right?"

For once, Matsu was outclassed. She had been trying to find more of Ichika and find out where his past was buried. But nothing.

There was no birth certificate and no medical records.

Suddenly, at five years old, he was there. He and Chifuyu both.

Now, this Madoka girl had appeared.

"Let him come to us. He'll find the truth. With or without our help."

Kissing Minato on his lips, Matsu got on his lap.

"But who is to say that the truth won't be what breaks him?"

Scene skip

Ichika stretched his body, feeling a sense of relief standing on solid ground after days spent traveling by train. While the Royal Air Force base wasn't the most comfortable place, it was far better than launching a mission in the middle of nowhere. The cold winds of the United Kingdom bit at him, but his extra jacket kept him warm enough.

"Glad this ride is over," he muttered, scanning the area.

"Ichika! Good to see you again!" Cecilia's voice cut through the noise as she, along with the others, approached.

"Hey, Charlotte! I saw your IS on TV—it was amazing!" Rin chimed in, shoving a French newspaper into Charlotte's hands. Ichika barely acknowledged them, his focus on Chifuyu, who was guiding Autumn with a firm grip. Though the tension from Albert Dunois lingered, Charlotte looked uncomfortable, but Ichika ignored it for now.

Before he could catch his breath, a whirlwind of energy exploded toward them. "CHICHAN!" It was none other than Tabane Shinonono, dashing toward Chifuyu with uncontainable enthusiasm.

Ichika gritted his teeth, recalling his promise to Minato. He couldn't act on his desire to cut Tabane down. Not yet. Not here.

"I missed you sooo much! And Houki-chan is here too! Ikkun, even! The All-Stars have arrived!" Tabane squealed, oblivious to the tension around her.

Ichika restrained his irritation. He remained calm, though it was clear he was close to losing his temper.

"Ms. Orimura, what's going on?" Cecilia asked, her voice strained as everyone waited for an explanation.

Chifuyu sighed, the weight of the mission heavy in her voice. "The upcoming mission is a joint operation between the European Union High Command, IS Academy officials... and Phantom Task."

Ichika's jaw tightened, and the others mirrored his disbelief. This was the last thing anyone expected.

Before anyone could react further, they were interrupted by a playful voice. "Hey there, pretty boy, long time no see." A familiar figure in a school swimsuit-style IS suit, lab coat draped over it, and swim goggles on her head, stood before him.

"Kagaribi Hikaruno?!" Ichika couldn't help but grin despite the chaos.

"Yes! The lady of your dreams, Kagaribi Hikaruno, is reporting for duty! Could you let me go, sweet cheeks?" she teased, motioning to the rough grip Ichika had on her arm.

He released her, grimacing at her usual antics. "What are you even doing here?"

"I've got something special for you! An attachment that lets Byakushiki take expansions. Or at least, that was the plan... Someone beat us to it," Hikaruno pouted.

Ichika shrugged, unfazed by the disappointment. But Tabane, clearly irritated, zoned in on him. "Who did that? It could only have been done by a genius, and there is no smarter woman than me."

Ichika glared at her, cutting her off. "Matsu. She's the one who helped. And don't kid yourself—you're not the smartest person around. That title belongs to Matsu."

Tabane fumed, but she held her tongue. With Chifuyu nearby and too many witnesses, this wasn't the time for her to make a move. But she swore to herself that Ichika would regret crossing her.

At that moment, Ichika's phone buzzed. It was Matsu. He opened the call without hesitation. "I'm listening, Matsu."

"Hey, Ichika! Quick question—is someone messing with Byakushiki?" Matsu's voice came through, filled with concern.

Ichika didn't hide the truth. "Yeah. Thanks for the upgrades."

Matsu let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, good. I was worried something was off. It's not nefarious, but I'm still working on the Excalibur problem. We'll need to sync up with your sister before the mission briefing, all right?"

"Understood," Ichika replied, ending the call. Hikaruno and Tabane stood there, speechless at how effortlessly Ichika had handled the situation.

"There you have it. Now, if you two don't mind, I've got someone I need to talk to."

Without another word, Ichika walked off, hands in his pockets. The mission was still a few hours away, but he had another priority. He needed answers—answers that only Madoka could give him.

It didn't take long to find an unoccupied room. Staff seemed to avoid the area, but Ichika knew better. He knocked three times on the door.

"Open the door," he called. For once, Madoka complied without argument, opening the door just enough to let him in.

"What do you want?" she asked, her eyes cold as she stared at him.

"You already know the answer to that." Ichika's fingers gripped the door frame, preventing her from closing it.

Madoka met his gaze. For the first time, they were face-to-face without the immediate threat of a fight hanging between them.

"I don't think I do," she said, her voice flat.

Ichika pushed the door fully open and stepped inside, closing it behind him. "You know who I am. More importantly, you know what we are. Chifuyu won't tell me. So you tell me, Madoka Orimura. What the hell am I?"

Madoka's fingers twitched, but Ichika's hand was already resting on the handle of his katana. They couldn't afford a fight here, and both knew it.

"You really want to know the truth?" Madoka asked, her glare matching his. "Did you ever consider that you might not like it?"

"I already hate the lies I've been fed," Ichika shot back. "I'm sick of the stories Chifuyu tells me. I want the truth."

Madoka grinned slightly. "I'll give you one question. Then you leave."

Ichika didn't hesitate. "We don't have parents, do we?"

Madoka paused for a moment before answering. "No. We don't. Is that all?"

Ichika crossed his arms, his presence radiating an aura of strength. Madoka could feel it—a wild, primal energy. It wasn't demonic but something closer to the nature of a predator—the aura of a wolf.

"Here's something you need to know," she continued. "Whatever happens between you and Chifuyu, leave me out of it."

"Fair enough," Ichika replied, his eyes narrowing. "But don't think I'll forget about our issues. We'll settle that soon enough."

"Be careful, Ichika," Madoka warned, her voice icy. "You might bite off more than you can chew."

Ichika smirked, pulling his hoodie up. "We'll see."

Without another word, he turned and left, leaving Madoka standing there in silence. The mission was approaching fast, but now, he was one step closer to the truth.

And soon, he would have the answers he sought.

Scene skip

"Alright, let's go over the special O.V.E.R.S. packages your IS units have been equipped with." Chifuyu stood before Houki, Ling, and Laura, her expression all business. Every checklist had been checked, every feature tuned, and now it was time for the briefing.

"Where are Ichika and Cecilia?" Houki asked, her nerves evident in her voice at their absence.

"They will be taking a different role in this mission. Cecilia's unit is more suited for a different package, so she doesn't need this explanation. I'll brief Orimura separately," Chifuyu responded, her tone firm and without room for further questions.

Houki seemed to settle, though the tension in the air remained thick. Then, without warning, Kagaribi Hikaruno made her entrance with an enthusiastic pose, striking a thumbs-up.

"Okay then!" she announced cheerfully. "Let me explain my Output Variable Energy Reverse System package!"

Chifuyu ignored the gesture, her focus sharper than ever. Once, she and Hikaruno had been classmates—not precisely friends—but now wasn't the time for nostalgia. She was more concerned with Tabane, who stood nearby, ever the unpredictable presence.

Hikaruno launched into her explanation, unfazed. "The O.V.E.R.S. can amplify and shift a small energy source to provide a massive energy output."

As if waiting for her cue, Tabane swooped in a mischievous grin on her face. "That's just like—"

"Akatsubaki's Kenran Butou!" Houki interrupted, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

Tabane clapped her hands together, clearly pleased. "What a coincidence! It's almost like—"

"Almost like I copied from the Akatsubaki," Hikaruno admitted flatly, cutting Tabane's moment short. The air between them shifted as Tabane's grin faltered, her sudden glare losing its bite.

There was no need for the students to know this was the first step in a larger project—the Mass-Produced Akatsubaki Plan. But Tabane had already figured it out.

"You're not good enough to sneak something like that by me," Tabane said smugly, crossing her arms.

Chifuyu cleared her throat loudly, drawing their attention back to the task at hand. "If I may proceed?"

"Of course, Chi-chan!" Tabane moved forward, arms open for an embrace, but Chifuyu's fist shot up in warning, stopping her in her tracks.

"The mission will require the O.V.E.R.S.-equipped IS units to link and synchronize their output levels. Akatsubaki will also be equipped with one," Chifuyu continued, not missing a beat. "Ms. Yamada and Kanzashi will provide backup. As for Dunois, her unit remains unstable so that she will be held in reserve along with Tatenashi—for this mission, at least."

Ling's eyes widened. "On Earth?"

Chifuyu nodded. "Yes, on Earth. The main stage of this fight will take place..." She raised her hand and pointed to the sky.

"Space."

The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation sinking in. The mission ahead was about to be more dangerous—and more critical—than they had ever imagined.

Scene skip

Ichika had been walking back from his talk with Madoka. He had some suspicions, but it could mean more was inside of that.

When he turned the corner, he found Cecilia and Chelsea walking back, chatting as if nothing had happened.

"Cecilia, what is she doing here?" Ichika pointed a finger at the traitorous maid. The British noblewoman sighed as she found Ichika had the right to be suspicious.

"You won't need to worry about her. We had our discussion. She'll be cleared to help us out."

The maid looked over at Ichika, and there was not much he could do. If Cecilia said that it was okay, then he would believe her.

"I hope for you, you're right."

Ichika walked back to see Chifuyu. They would need to have their meeting. Their mission would be going live in two hours.

Scene skip

Ichika knocked on the door to the control room and stepped inside once Chifuyu called for him. The room was buzzing with activity—dozens of computers, personnel working intensely on the mission, and the pressure of what was coming weighing on everyone.

"Orimura," Chifuyu greeted him with her usual formal tone.

"Ms. Orimura," Ichika corrected with a smirk, holding out his phone. "She wants to talk to you." He handed Chifuyu the phone and positioned it against her ear.

"You're hearing me, Chifuyu Orimura?" Matsu's voice came through, the urgency palpable.

"Loud and clear," Chifuyu responded, focusing her attention entirely on the call.

"Good, 'cause I've got something to say. First, I haven't been able to take down the Excalibur. Not without completely destroying it. I know you won't like that, but it's the reality. I can't prevent its collision with Buckingham Palace either." Matsu paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "Your idea must be to get Exia Caliburn out of there. If you manage that, I can restore the satellite's flight path."

Chifuyu's expression softened, realizing just how much Matsu had been able to help. "Thank you for that, Matsu. I assume you've done more than just that."

Matsu scoffed, her playful arrogance creeping back in. "Of course. When you send these school kids into untold danger, make sure you contact me right before launch. I can temporarily shut down Excalibur's defenses. But," she paused for effect, "only for a few minutes. I'm guessing you plan to send Ichika and the others as decoys?"

Chifuyu was impressed but also slightly insulted by the remark. "Can't you shut it down entirely?"

"Not even I can manage that," Matsu admitted, her tone serious. "The best I can offer is five minutes. And that's being very optimistic. I've already tried seventeen times to reset the satellite, and this is as far as I've gotten."

Chifuyu swallowed. Seventeen attempts by Matsu—one of the most intelligent people she knew—and still, they were stuck with a small window of opportunity.

"You'll need to adjust your plan. But you know that already. Give me all the information so I can help properly."

Chifuyu glanced at Ichika, who stood with his arms crossed, smiling as if he knew this was coming. She sighed. "My plan is to send Orimura, Bodewig, Huang, and Shinonono as the decoys. Alcott will deliver the long-range sniping attack from the surface. She's the linchpin in this operation."

Matsu's scoff echoed through the phone. "Ice cold, as always, Chifuyu. That's why they call you Thousand Winters, right? It's not a bad plan if you ignore the ethical part. But I've got something better. You can stick to the basics of your plan, but how about I upgrade Ichika's IS just before launch? I'll initiate another shift. That'll push his unit beyond anything else on the field."

The room went silent, jaws dropping. Even Ichika was taken aback.

"Matsu, you can do that?" Ichika asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yep! I've been tracking your data ever since I had my fun with Byakushiki over the summer. Now's the time to put that to good use. Once you're in space, I'll trigger the shift. I won't spoil the surprise, but here's what I can tell you: you'll be faster than you've ever been. You'll lose your particle cannon, but your wings will become energy launchers. And best of all—you'll never run dry again."

Ichika couldn't hide his grin. "Matsu, if you were here right now, I'd kiss you."

"Whoa there, baby brother!" Minato's voice suddenly cut in. "She's mine."

Ichika laughed. "Just a figure of speech, Minato. You watching this too?"

Minato's tone was supportive but cautious. "Not just me and Matsu. Kuu went to bed, trying to sleep, but the rest of us were all gathered. We're watching everything."

That revelation gave Ichika pause. The entire Sekirei family was watching.

"I hope I won't disappoint," Ichika muttered, the pressure weighing on him for a moment.

"You won't," Minato replied with certainty. "We're with you every step of the way. You're not alone, Ichika."

Ichika closed his eyes briefly, letting those words sink in. This mission was monumental, dangerous, and likely to push him to his limits. But knowing that the people he cared about had his back, even from a distance, gave him the strength he needed.

"Thanks, Minato. Thanks, Matsu. I won't let you down."

"Go get 'em, Ichika," Matsu chirped before the line went dead.

Chifuyu handed the phone back to Ichika, her eyes meeting his with a sense of resolve. "It's time. Let's get ready."

Ichika nodded the weight of the upcoming mission settling on his shoulders. But he was ready.

He had to be.

Scene skip

The chopper roared through the highlands, carrying the mission team toward their launch site. This wasn't just any helicopter; it was a specially designed Royal Air Force transport for the Infinite Stratos Special Forces squadron. The mood inside was tense, with everyone preparing mentally for the mission ahead.

"Let's go over this operation again," Chifuyu's voice crackled over the radio, commanding their attention.

"Thanks to Matsu's help—and I don't want to hear a word from any of you," she added sternly, making it clear that no one should speak ill of the Sekirei. Ichika couldn't help but feel relieved that his sister had shut down any objections before they could start.

"Orimura, Huang, Shinonono, Bodewig," Chifuyu continued, "you will ascend into orbit using the graviton catapult. Due to Orimura's IS being linked with Matsu's enhancements, he'll have an additional role. The rest of you will act as decoys until Matsu can turn off Excalibur's defenses. Everything hinges on Alcott's long-range attack from the surface with the BT particle accelerator."

Cecilia gulped at the mention of her role but kept her face stoic, determined to stay strong.

"Her Highness Luxembourg, Emulail, and Sarashiki Tatenashi will stay on the ground, providing support against other threats. Sarashiki Kanzashi will be monitoring everything from behind the scenes, providing backup," Chifuyu continued, showing a projection of their target.

The image was striking: a massive sword floating in space, aptly named Excalibur. It gleamed in the sunlight, its fifteen-meter blade splitting open to reveal a lens-like field. A bombardment satellite that had turned rogue.

"Chelsea Blackett," Chifuyu said, turning to Cecilia's maid, "brief them on the details."

Chelsea, who had been included in the mission for her knowledge of Excalibur, nodded, stepping forward. Her tone was somber, grave.

"Officially, the Excalibur was a top-secret bombardment satellite built in cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom. But in reality, it's an Infinite Stratos fused with a human being."

The revelation hung in the air, sending chills through the team. Trust in Chelsea wavered, but no one dared to interrupt her.

"If you're wondering how I know all of this," she continued, "the answer is simple—and heartbreaking. My little sister, Exia Caliburn, is its pilot. Rather, she is the core."

Ichika raised an eyebrow, briefly wondering why their last names were different, but he remained silent. Cecilia, however, couldn't hide her shock. "Chelsea, you have a little sister? You never—"

"I had a little sister," Chelsea corrected softly. "She was erased from government records. I've been searching for her for years, but it was always in vain. Until now."

Silence followed her words, and the tension in the chopper grew thicker. Minato and Matsu's trust in Ichika was unshakable, but even they could feel the weight of the mission ahead.

Cecilia, still processing the revelation, asked the question on everyone's mind. "But if Excalibur was under Phantom Task's control when it attacked Japan, why are you helping to destroy it now?"

Chelsea's gaze darkened. "It's gone out of control. Maybe Exia has awakened. Maybe something else has triggered it—I don't know. But now, Excalibur has left its orbit and is moving toward the UK. Its target is Buckingham Palace. We don't have time to waste."

At that moment, Matsu's voice rang through the intercom, her tone playful despite the gravity of the situation. [I was hoping you wouldn't speak up, Ichika. You're ruining my dramatic entrance! Once you're close enough, I'll hack through the defenses. Exia will be removed from the core, and we'll send Excalibur back to Earth. But we can't use it as a weapon anymore. That part is up to you to figure out.]

Though some of the IS cadets still bristled at the idea of receiving help from Matsu, they kept their mouths shut, remembering Chifuyu's stern warning.

The hum of the chopper filled the silence as they neared their destination, a forested mountain far from civilization. The isolation was perfect, with only the looming structure of an observatory breaking the natural landscape.

"This is the BT particle accelerator, code name 'Afternoon Blue,'" Chifuyu explained. The massive structure resembled a cannon rather than an observatory, and its purpose was clear.

Ichika's mind flashed back to a line he'd once heard: "You can't just shoot a hole into the surface of Mars." Shaking the thought, he focused on the task ahead.

Another chopper landed, and Chifuyu stepped out, her expression unreadable. Something was on her mind, but with Madoka present, she kept her thoughts to herself. Madoka didn't miss Chifuyu's glare, but she returned it with indifference.

"Take your positions!" Chifuyu ordered. "Blue Tears units sync up with the Afternoon Blue. Orbital team, make your final adjustments to the O.V.E.R.S. packages!"

Ichika felt the tension rise as they prepared for launch. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut, but he pushed it aside.

"Matsu, you there?" Ichika asked, his voice low as he checked in.

[Of course. Just having a private conversation with you, Ichika. No need to worry. The moment you launch, your unit will undergo its shift. Promised.] Matsu's voice was light, but her words were loaded with the weight of what was to come.

Ichika nodded, moving along with the others, though the bad feeling in his stomach wouldn't fade. He couldn't deny it—something about this mission felt off. The stakes were high, and the enemy formidable.

And as much as he trusted Matsu, he knew he'd need every ounce of help to make it through this.

Scene skip

"Commence operations!"

Three gravitational anchors plunged deep into the earth, locking their positions. Ichika, Houki, Rin, and Laura stood ready, each inside their graviton catapults with their IS units deployed.

"Liftoff in ten, nine, eight, seven, six..." Kanzashi's calm voice counted down in the command center, each second ticking like a heartbeat.

Ichika braced himself, feeling the energy build around him. The catapult mechanisms began to hum, focusing energy beneath them. For a moment, there was weightlessness before the anchors unfolded like giant petals.

"Three, two, one. Liftoff!" The sky erupted with a loud crack as the four launched upward, their IS units propelled into the atmosphere at maximum speed. They activated their O.V.E.R.S. packs, ascending out of Earth's atmosphere with incredible velocity.

Back on the ground, Chifuyu watched the operation unfold on her monitor, her eyes following every movement. She silently hoped Matsu's upgrades would protect them.

"Blue Tears Unit, begin the transfer of BT particles to the accelerator. Hold fire until ordered," Chifuyu commanded.

"Roger." Cecilia's voice crackled through the comms as she prepared the long-range sniping attack, her unit syncing with the Afternoon Blue particle accelerator.

"Internal reports prepared. The cover story is at 95% completion."

"Afternoon Blue Utilization steady at 70%. Initiating final power-up."

"Orbital detachment energy link established."

Chifuyu, standing at the forefront of the operation, listened carefully. This was not just another mission—it was life or death for her students, and any mistake could mean catastrophe.

'What pushed Excalibur over the edge?' Chifuyu wondered. 'Why now?' She made a mental note to ask Matsu more about it later. Though Tabane was a genius, perhaps having Matsu on their side was the best decision they'd made.

As they broke into orbit, Ichika saw the vast darkness of space surrounding them. He caught up with Laura, Rin, and Houki, their units flying in formation.

[Matsu.] Ichika called out.

[I've got it, Ichika! Third shift, coming right up!] Matsu's voice buzzed through his comm.

Suddenly, Ichika's IS lit up with brilliant light. In the black void of space, the transformation was dazzling. His unit, Byakushiki, underwent a radical shift.

"What the—" Houki gasped, her eyes wide in disbelief as Ichika's Byakushiki Ouri fully evolved. Wings of light expanded from its back, radiating with power.

"I told you Matsu had something special planned," Ichika said, grinning as he admired the transformation. "Now, you three, start distracting the defenses."

Without hesitation, the girls split off, darting through space as the Excalibur began to target them with lasers. The defense system fired continuously, but Houki, Rin, and Laura expertly dodged, depleting their ammunition to divert attention from Cecilia's critical strike.

Ichika clenched his fists, ready to make his move.

[Ichika, your speed is off the charts now]" Matsu's voice instructed. "[Just keep moving. Don't stop, and you'll stay ahead of those lasers. You've got this!]"

[Loud and clear, Matsu.]

Ichika accelerated, and his speed exceeded even his expectations. He darted around the Excalibur, its lasers attempting to lock onto him but unable to track his movements. Byakushiki Ouri was faster and more agile than anything he'd ever experienced.

For the first time, Ichika felt in complete control of his unit—it wasn't just a machine anymore. It was an extension of himself. He looped and maneuvered effortlessly, the lasers missing him by wide margins.

[Perfect, Ichika! Keep it up! No, that's too far—move back a bit] Matsu directed, watching his progress closely.

As the girls worked to keep the defenses occupied, they were visibly struggling to match Ichika's newfound agility. Their ammunition was nearly depleted, but they continued their barrage, keeping the focus away from Cecilia.

Then, a hush fell over the comms.

The Excalibur went silent, its attacks stopped, and everything felt still.

[I've got it quiet for two minutes] Matsu said. [Less than I expected, so make it count!]

Back on Earth, Cecilia stood ready, her eyes locked on the target in the sky. She aimed the Blue Tears particle accelerator with precision, knowing that everything rested on this moment.

A blue bolt of energy shot upwards, streaking toward the Excalibur. On the countdown from Matsu, Cecilia fired, the bolt cutting through the void and hitting the satellite dead center.

"We did it!" Laura's voice was filled with triumph, watching the energy light up the Excalibur.

But Ichika's eyes were focused. "It's not over yet," he said, pushing his unit forward.

He flew straight into the now-damaged Excalibur, finding a way into the control room. Inside, it was cramped, not designed for anyone to fit comfortably. And in the center of it all, he saw her—the girl at the core.

"Exia Caliburn," he said softly, approaching the girl. "Time for you to go home."

[Ichika, this is it! Use Yuunagi Touya!]" Matsu's voice was calm but urgent. [It can reformat any IS. You'll burn out the program controlling her like a virus.]

Ichika nodded, beams of light shooting from his fingertips and enveloping Exia. The program that had overtaken her dissolved, the control shattering. Exia's body went limp, but she was safe, her eyes fluttering closed as Ichika caught her in his arms.

"Easy there. I've got you."

Exia relaxed, trusting the gentle smile on Ichika's face as she drifted into sleep.

[Matsu, the rest is up to you! I owe you—again!] Ichika said, already flying back out of the satellite.

[You accepted our help, and that's all that matters. Good luck, Ichika!] Matsu's voice rang in his ear as the Excalibur plummeted towards the North Sea, where it would crash safely out of harm's way.

Back in her room, Matsu exhaled deeply. The tension melted from her body as Minato grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her deeply. The intensity of it made her head spin, and she felt his tongue slip inside, a rare show of passion after all the stress.

The other Sekirei watched silently, knowing how much Matsu had poured into this mission. They didn't speak, just let the moment unfold.

As Minato broke the kiss, Matsu let out a breathless laugh. "We can never tell them, can we?"

Minato shook his head. "That this satellite would've killed Ichika if things went differently? No, we can't."

He knelt beside her, brushing a hand against her cheek. "You saved his life, Matsu. And you saved everyone else, too."

Tsukiumi, standing nearby, scoffed. "As if those trollops would ever thank us for the help we gave."

Minato chuckled, settling down on the floor with his wives. "We don't need their thanks. Ichika's gratitude is more than enough—and Chifuyu won't be far behind."

Kazehana smiled as she caught his grin. "So, Miya?"

Minato nodded, his grin widening. "Our former landlady invited us for Christmas Eve. I think it's only polite we accept."

The room burst into cheerful agreement, the weight of the mission fading as they embraced the joy of victory. They didn't need anything more. The relief of success, the love between them—it was all they needed for now.

Scene skip

Tabane seethed in silence, her usual playful energy replaced with a simmering rage as the rocket hurtled through the sky, taking her away from the mission site. She couldn't shake the frustration that gnawed at her insides—Ichika had done it again. Despite all her planning, scheming, and calculating, he had thwarted her once more, and worse yet, he had done it with Minato Sahashi's help. It was something she could never quite counter, no matter how hard she tried.

Even she, Tabane Shinonono, had to admit that Matsu—the Sekirei of Wisdom—outclassed her. Matsu just did things better, and it ate away at Tabane like nothing else. It wasn't about Ichika himself. It wasn't even about the mission's success or failure. No, it was the fact that Ichika had someone like Matsu backing him. Every step of the way, Matsu's influence was there, and Tabane couldn't seem to outmaneuver her.

Tabane pouted, her usual smile absent. She and Chloe sat quietly in the rocket as it ascended. Chloe could feel the tension but wasn't sure what to say. She glanced at her master, waiting for her to speak, knowing that Tabane's anger ran more profound than the mission's events.

"Is this wise, Ms. Tabane?" Chloe asked tentatively, breaking the heavy silence.

Tabane remained quiet for a moment longer, her thoughts clearly tangled in frustration. "It's not him that I hate," she finally said, her voice low and bitter. "It's what he's done. The help from those damn Sekirei."

Chloe had heard this rant before—how Tabane loathed the influence of Minato's Sekirei, especially Matsu. But there was something darker about this moment. Even Tabane, with all her genius, had been unable to foresee Byakushiki's Third Shift, a development Matsu had clearly engineered. It was as though Ichika had unlocked something truly abnormal, something even Tabane couldn't fully comprehend. That fact alone infuriated her.

"I really hate them," Tabane continued, her voice rising with intensity. "But there is one silver lining."

Chloe listened intently, knowing Tabane always had another move to make and always had some plan brewing.

"They're pregnant." A malicious grin crept across Tabane's face as she spoke the words, her anger morphing into something more sinister. "Our next plan will show them. There will be no stopping us."

For Tabane, the world was her playground, a place where she could manipulate events to her liking, where she was the ultimate puppeteer. She had learned enough about Minato's Sekirei, and the fact that they were now expecting children was information she planned to exploit.

Her thoughts drifted to Houki, her sister, whom she would inevitably use to further her goals. Tabane's vision extended far beyond this mission. She had plans—twisted, intricate plans—and while Ichika had escaped her grasp this time, she wouldn't let it happen again.

But for now, she sat quietly, her pout never leaving her face as the rocket carried her home. A defeated bunny, perhaps, but one that would inevitably bounce back, plotting her next move with even greater malice.

Scene skip

Madoka stood rigid, her eyes fixed on Chelsea Blackett, the tension thick between them. The moment they exited the particle accelerator, Madoka wasted no time, aiming her energy lancer directly at Chelsea.

"Chelsea Blackett, if you could hand over Dive to Blue," she demanded, her voice cold.

Chelsea smirked, her calm demeanor unshaken. "No thanks."

Madoka blinked, not expecting such defiance. "Come again?"

"I said no thanks," Chelsea repeated, and in an instant, she vanished into thin air. Her Dive to Blue unit's unique ability, In the Blue, had activated, allowing her to fade into the background like a shadow.

"You think I'll let you escape?!" Madoka snarled, firing a spear of energy from her lancer, but it missed as Chelsea continued her disappearing act. Chelsea was already slipping away, using the cover of her evasive maneuvers, but she wasn't about to leave without parting gifts.

Suddenly, floating mines scattered through the air, glowing ominously.

"You'll need more than that!" Madoka growled, her lancer bits sweeping the mines aside with ease, but the fiery explosions left her blinded for a moment. In the smoke, Chelsea materialized just far enough to scatter in a new direction, continuing her evasive retreat.

Madoka, recognizing the maid's pattern, forced herself to be calm. Chelsea has to reappear to attack. She can't use her primary weapons while hidden.

She fired a calculated shot, blasting Chelsea back and sending her skidding across the ground. As Chelsea struggled to stand, Madoka approached, her eyes gleaming with malice.

"If you don't hand it over, I'll tear it off of you," Madoka hissed, closing the distance.

But before Madoka could strike, a chorus of weapons hummed to life behind her.

"I don't think so," Charlotte's voice rang out.

Madoka turned to find herself surrounded—Charlotte, Cecilia, Airis, Djibril, and Tatenashi all stood ready, weapons aimed directly at her. The odds had shifted dramatically, and Madoka knew it.

For a moment, Madoka's mind raced. *Six against one...* Her grip tightened on her lancer, but the reality of the situation set in. She didn't have the strength to take them all on, at least not now.

"Know when you are outmatched and outgunned, little girl," Djibril taunted, her voice biting with confidence.

Madoka's eyes flashed with anger. She knew Djibril was right, but that didn't ease the sting. She had been seeking power, striving to claim her place, and without it, she was just a pawn.

'Someday, I'll grasp it. My own star.' But today wasn't that day.

Airis activated the full power of her wings, and Tatenashi's fan unfolded, releasing a swarm of nanomachines. Madoka could feel the energy levels rising around her as if the air itself was vibrating with power. Explosions rang out as Charlotte and Cecilia opened fire.

Before the onslaught could consume her, Madoka's communicator buzzed. Squall's calm voice came through her ear: [That's enough, M. Fall back.]

Madoka gritted her teeth, fury burning in her chest. She was too proud to retreat, but she knew Squall was right.

[Fine] she spat bitterly. With one last hateful glare at her opponents, she disappeared, vanishing into the ether.

As the dust settled, Cecilia turned to her comrades, her posture relaxing. "I owe you thanks, all four of you," she said, her voice sincere. "Thank you."

Airis gave a small, dismissive wave, but the smile tugging at her lips revealed she was pleased to have been of help. Djibril, Charlotte, and Tatenashi nodded, each clearly relieved the skirmish was over, though none of them had gotten to unleash their power entirely.

"Now we just have to wait for the astronauts to return," Chelsea said, walking over to her mistress—the calm after the battle settled in around them.

Cecilia turned to Chelsea, her expression thoughtful. Despite everything, despite the betrayal, she couldn't hold it against Chelsea. In Chelsea's shoes, with a sister's life on the line, Cecilia knew she might have made the same choices.

"I understand," Cecilia murmured, the unspoken forgiveness hanging between them. The mission wasn't over, but for now, at least, they could breathe.

Scene skip

As the world celebrated Christmas Eve, the time zones created a gentle divide—nearly nine hours between Shinto Teito and London.

While Ichika and the others in the UK were greeting the morning, in Japan, night had already fallen, and Minato Sahashi, along with his Sekirei, had gathered at Miya and Takehito Asama's house for Christmas Eve.

Shinto Teito had seen an early snowfall that year, a beautiful blanket of white that added a serene atmosphere to the evening. Inside the Asama household, there was warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable scent of a feast.

Miya had gone all out, preparing a spread that included beef, chicken, pork, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and rice. It was a humble yet extravagant meal, just right for the close-knit group that had come together to celebrate.

The Sekirei promised to keep the drinking to a minimum, though Minato could only hope the few glasses of wine wouldn't lead to anything chaotic. After all, they were six months into their pregnancies, and with bellies showing, caution was always in the air.

Miya had taken a particular interest in their well-being, checking in on how they were handling the pregnancy and offering advice where needed.

This Christmas Eve felt like a callback to simpler times, when Minato had first lived in the Inn, back before everything had changed so much.

There were no grand presents or parties like in Western traditions—just family celebrating together. The Sekirei, usually full of energy and mischief, seemed content to eat, drink lightly, and spend the evening quietly.

As the night wore on, talk turned to the recent events involving Ichika and Matsu. Miya and Takehito were proud to hear how Matsu had played a pivotal role in the satellite mission and how Ichika had grown into his own with her help.

However, their expressions darkened when they learned that Tabane Shinonono had been involved. Alarm bells rang in their minds—Tabane's unpredictable and dangerous nature was no small matter.

Miya exchanged a silent look with Takehito, both knowing the gravity of Tabane's presence in the larger scheme. Despite the festive atmosphere, the looming threat of her return remained heavy in their thoughts. Still, they enjoyed the evening as much as they could, exchanging stories and laughs.

As midnight came and passed, marking the official start of Christmas Day in Japan, fatigue began to settle over the group. Kusano had fallen asleep in Musubi's lap, and the other Sekirei, feeling the weight of their pregnancies and the late hour, began to show signs of needing rest.

"Minato, a word, please?" Takehito asked, his voice quiet but firm.

Minato nodded, telling his wives to head home while he stayed back to help with the cleanup, as he had promised. The sharper Sekirei—Kazehana, Matsu, Uzume, Kagari, and Chiho—didn't miss the importance of the conversation. They could sense that there was something serious to discuss, though they left without pressing for details.

In the quiet of the hallway, Minato faced Miya and Takehito, both standing with crossed arms, their expressions somber.

"What can I help you with, Takehito? Miya?" Minato asked, sensing the weight of what was coming.

Takehito spoke first, his tone direct. "Do you plan to continue helping Ichika? There's a reason why he moved back, Minato."

Minato met his gaze with resolve. "We let him return to that school, but we've never stopped watching over him. And something tells me we're not out of the woods yet. More trouble is brewing."

Miya stepped forward, her presence commanding as always. "Do you believe Ichika is ready for what's to come? He's grown stronger, but have we truly prepared him for what lies ahead?"

Minato hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "We've prepared him to deal with the girls, with Chifuyu Orimura's expectations, sure. But for Tabane Shinonono? No, we haven't. We can't prepare him for someone like her. Matsu has dirt on Tabane, but I doubt it'll be enough to stop her. Not fully."

Takehito placed a firm hand on Minato's shoulder, drawing his attention back. "We know Matsu can help in her own way. But in a fight, your Sekirei needs to rest. If Ichika finds himself facing Tabane directly, I want you to promise me one thing—call us. We will step in if that comes up. Do you understand?"

Minato nodded the weight of the promise settling in. "I will. You have my word."

With that, Minato turned back toward the house, ready to help with the clean-up as promised. Miya and Takehito remained behind, watching him go.

Alone in the hallway, Miya leaned into her husband, her thoughts heavy. "Do you think we should cross that line if it comes to fighting Tabane?"

Takehito wrapped his arms around her, kissing her forehead gently. "I won't let anything happen to you, Miya. I won't let you down, and I won't run away."

Miya chuckled softly against his chest, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Did you just rickroll me, Takehito Asama?"

Takehito grinned, kissing her again. "Maybe I did. But seriously, if it comes to crossing that line, I think Ichika will be the one to step up. He's proven himself before, and I think he'll rise to the occasion when it matters."

Miya rested her head on his shoulder, her heart warmed by his words. In that moment, surrounded by the home they had built together, the warmth of family, and the support of one another, Miya found peace. She knew the challenges ahead were daunting, but with Takehito by her side and the strength of their loved ones, they would face whatever came next—together.

Scene skip

As evening settled over the United Kingdom, it marked not just Christmas Eve but also Cecilia Alcott's birthday. For Ichika, celebrating Christmas in a Christian nation was a new experience, one filled with cultural differences he wasn't entirely used to. The festivities felt grander, more traditional than the casual observances he was familiar with in Japan. It was a little overwhelming, especially with the grandeur Cecilia's family brought to the occasion.

The girls, too, were navigating this unfamiliar setting. They busied themselves, picking out their dresses for the evening, each choosing colors that best suited them for the grand party ahead. The house was buzzing with preparations, guests arriving in elegant attire, and Ichika wasn't particularly eager to participate in formalities.

When the evening finally arrived, the Alcott mansion was filled with high society guests—soldiers, dignitaries, and former classmates—gathering to celebrate Cecilia. Chelsea, ever the efficient maid, gracefully welcomed the attendees and gave a brief speech on behalf of Cecilia, thanking everyone for coming to celebrate her mistress's 16th birthday.

Ichika, standing on the outskirts of the party, did his best to blend into the background. He exchanged polite nods and thanks whenever someone congratulated him, but the high-society atmosphere made him uncomfortable.

The overly formal greetings and mingling felt tedious, and after a while, he slipped out of the main hall unnoticed, hoping to find a quiet corner where he could escape the noise.

It didn't take long before Cecilia and the other girls realized Ichika had disappeared. There was disappointment among them—some had hoped to spend more time with him, especially on such a special occasion. But Cecilia, now fully aware of her responsibilities as the head of her family, knew where she might find him.

Leaving the lively atmosphere behind, Cecilia ventured out to the balcony, where heaters worked to keep the chill of the winter night at bay. There, under the soft warmth of the heaters, she found Ichika sitting quietly, staring up at the night sky.

"You don't make it easy to find you," she said softly as she approached, taking a seat next to him.

Ichika glanced over at her briefly before turning his eyes back to the stars. "Why would I want to stay in there? They don't even know who the real heroes are."

For once, Cecilia couldn't argue with him. Ichika's best friend, Minato Sahashi, and his Sekirei had been instrumental in saving them all during the last mission. Yet, here they were, celebrating in a world that didn't know or acknowledge that fact. Ichika had every reason to feel distant from the crowd inside.

"We kept it quiet for a reason," Cecilia agreed. "Still, I believe we owe him our gratitude. We'll need to send Minato our thanks for helping us out. Let him know that."

Ichika looked over at Cecilia, a bit surprised. "You want me to send him your thanks? Am I dreaming?"

Cecilia sighed but didn't take offense. "I'm not joking, Ichika. Minato and Matsu deserve my thanks. You can tell them that."

For a moment, Ichika stared at her, processing her sincerity. Cecilia wasn't one to readily admit when someone else had played such an important role. But tonight, under the quiet of the winter sky, she seemed more grounded, more aware of everything that had transpired.

Then, gathering her courage, Cecilia spoke again. There was something vulnerable in her voice now, something that softened the air between them. "Ichika, can I make a request?"

Ichika turned to face her fully, noticing the way she looked—elegant, composed, yet fragile at this moment. This was her home, her night, but here she was, wanting something more personal.

"What is it?" he asked, his tone softer now.

"Can you... hold me?" Cecilia's voice trembled slightly, but she steadied herself. "Please. For my birthday."

Ichika froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He wasn't someone who quickly offered affection, especially when it came to the complicated relationships he had with the girls around him. But something about the way Cecilia asked made it hard to refuse. He imagined for a moment holding someone like Kazehana, a woman who could make such a request feel natural and easy. It helped quell the unease he felt inside.

With a deep breath, Ichika put an arm around Cecilia, holding her gently. The warmth of the heaters, combined with the quiet intimacy of the moment, made the outside world seem distant, like a memory from another time.

"Thank you, Ichika," Cecilia whispered, leaning into him. For just this moment, she didn't have to be the head of her family, the birthday girl, or the perfect aristocrat. She was just a girl sharing a quiet moment with someone she cared about.

The two sat there under the night sky, the noise of the party fading into the background. For Cecilia, it was the perfect end to her birthday. For Ichika, it was a moment of peace, a rare respite in the storm of events constantly swirling around him.

Scene skip

Houki had been keeping a watchful eye on Ichika and Cecilia from across the crowded room, her gaze never straying too far from them. The party buzzed with life, but her mind was elsewhere. She had been relieved earlier, seeing Ichika alive and well after everything that had happened. For a brief moment, she thought about approaching him, maybe to express her gratitude for everything and to ask him to pass along their thanks to Minato and Matsu for their invaluable help.

'I'm just glad he's okay...'* she thought, her heart easing.' Maybe I should talk to him. Thank him. Ask him to thank Minato in our stead.'*

But just as that thought crossed her mind, her relief shattered. Across the room, she saw it—Ichika embracing Cecilia. It was more than a friendly gesture. It felt intimate, close. The sight of them together, Cecilia leaning into Ichika's embrace, ignited something deep within Houki.

Her heart clenched, and her stomach twisted in knots. The shock of seeing Ichika so comfortable, so at ease with another girl, set off an overwhelming storm of emotions.

Her hands tightened into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms. A deep, burning heat began to radiate from her chest, spreading like wildfire through her veins. Her eyes, usually so calm, started to glow with a fierce red light, the color of anger, of jealousy, of the kind of deep-seated frustration she had been holding back for too long.

'Ichika... with her... like that?'

The red glow in her eyes deepened. It wasn't just jealousy—it was the sting of watching someone she cared for, someone she had always thought would understand her the most, share a moment she had hoped might one day be hers with someone else.

Ichika's arms, which should have been offering her comfort, warmth, and safety, were now around Cecilia, making the scene unbearable to witness.

Houki's mind raced. She had always been patient, always hoping that Ichika would see her, really see her, for who she was beyond their childhood memories. But now, the sight of him holding Cecilia pierced through her heart like a dagger. Each second, they stayed wrapped in that embrace, twisting it further.

'Why is it her?' she wondered, the bitterness creeping in. 'Why not me?'

Her breath quickened, the swirling emotions threatening to boil over. But this wasn't the time or the place. This was Cecilia's birthday, and Houki knew she couldn't ruin it—no matter how much her heart screamed at her to act, to confront them, to shout out her frustrations.

So she stayed where she was, standing stiffly in the crowded room, her face betraying nothing but the red glow in her eyes, giving away the storm that brewed within.

'I'll talk to him later…' she told herself, trying to calm her racing heart. 'Once the party is over... I'll talk to him then.'

But even as she made that promise to herself, Houki knew things had shifted in a way she wasn't sure she could ignore. Something had changed, and she wasn't sure if she was prepared for what would come next.

Scene skip

Cecilia stood in her room, the party's lingering warmth replaced by a quiet intensity. Chelsea, her ever-loyal maid, stood before her with solemn eyes, bringing news that Cecilia had long awaited. Yet, the weight of the words had to sink in truly.

"Do you have a moment, Mistress?" Chelsea had asked, knocking softly on the door just as Cecilia finished changing into her pajamas.

"Just a second." Cecilia responded, tying her hair up before calling, "Come in."

Chelsea entered the room with her usual grace, her expression calm but with an undertone of seriousness.

"I'd like to speak with you about some things," Chelsea began, her voice steady but careful.

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Such as?"

"The information I discovered while undercover within Phantom Task," Chelsea explained, pausing briefly, "And the truth about Exia… and your parents."

Cecilia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her parents. The mystery surrounding their deaths had always loomed over her like a shadow, and any clue that might unravel the truth was something she had longed for. But before she could respond, there was another knock on the door.

"I'm Exia Blackett! I'm coming in!" a high-pitched voice declared from behind the door.

Cecilia blinked in confusion. "What?"

The door creaked open, and a young girl dressed in the same maid uniform as Chelsea stepped inside, her eyes wide with nervous energy.

"Chelsea?! What on earth?" Cecilia exclaimed, her shock mirrored by the unexpected entrance.

Chelsea looked at her sister and smiled gently. "Ichika saved her. This is Exia, my little sister. He saved both of us."

"Pleased to meet you! I'm Exia Blackett!" the young girl stammered, clearly overwhelmed by the situation. She fidgeted nervously, unsure how to approach her new mistress.

Cecilia, still processing Exia's sudden appearance, softened her expression. "It's fine, Exia. You can calm down."

"Y-Yes!" Exia stammered, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her voice wavered as she spoke again. "Ms. C-Cecilia."

"What is it?" Cecilia's voice was kind but firm, sensing that something heavier was yet to come.

Exia's voice was small, but her words carried weight beyond her years. "Your parents... they gave me life as the last blade of the Alcotts."

Cecilia blinked, trying to make sense of what Exia had said. It didn't add up. "Exia, that doesn't explain anything," she said, her confusion evident.

Chelsea stepped in, gently ruffling Exia's hair before turning to Cecilia. "I'll explain it to her."

The truth that followed was harsh and painful. Chelsea explained that Exia had been born with a congenital heart defect, a condition that would have claimed her life. In desperation, Cecilia's parents had implanted an IS core into Exia, a procedure that violated the Alaska Treaty, which banned cybernetic enhancements. Their actions were seen as treason, and it ultimately led to their deaths.

"So, they did it all for my sake?" Cecilia's voice trembled with the weight of the revelation.

"Yes," Chelsea confirmed. "Even though it was treason, the core they used came from Phantom Task. They did it to protect you, to give you strength in the battles you would face."

Cecilia's heart ached as the realization washed over her. Her parents had sacrificed everything for her, including their lives, in a world that demanded so much. But the price they paid was enormous, and it left her grappling with a deep sorrow she hadn't anticipated.

"But what is the cost of Exia?" Cecilia asked, her voice heavy with guilt and fear.

Before Chelsea could answer, Exia spoke up, her voice filled with a surprising amount of resolve. "I don't mind at all! I got to be with my sister again. I get to be your maid. And it's all because they gave me a new life."

Her innocence and gratitude touched Cecilia in a way that words couldn't fully describe. This little girl, born into a cruel and unforgiving world, had found meaning in her second chance at life despite the heavy cost.

Cecilia blinked back, the tears forming in her eyes, moved by Exia's simple yet profound outlook. The wisdom from one so young was humbling.

"We really will have to thank them all," Cecilia said softly, her voice gaining strength. "You, Chelsea. You as well, Exia. And my parents... Father. Mother."

A quiet, reflective moment passed as Cecilia absorbed the magnitude of what she had learned. Her parents' love for her had driven them to unimaginable lengths, and that love had brought her Exia. They had given her something she never thought possible.

In her heart, a quiet gratitude bloomed. 'I really have to thank you, Matsu,' she thought. 'You gave me back something I couldn't believe I'd ever have.'

Scene skip

Laying in his bed, Ichika felt an overwhelming sense of relief now that the day's chaos had finally settled. The weight of all that had happened—the intense missions, the constant struggles, and the ever-complicated relationships with the girls around him—seemed to lift for just a moment. He let out a long breath, thankful for the quiet.

It had been a messed-up day, no doubt about that. But now, with Christmas around them, there was a certain peace in the air, a moment of reprieve. Thanks to Minato and his Sekirei, Ichika had managed to survive yet another fight.

He felt more potent and more capable, and his bond with Byakushiki had deepened, especially after its third shift during the battle. His hand instinctively went to his fist, where Byakushiki's energy was still felt. The growth in his power was undeniable, and for a brief second, Ichika wondered just how far he could push it.

His eyes drifted to the bedside table, where his phone lay. The screen glowed softly in the dim light of the room. When he unlocked it, he saw the date: December 25th.

Christmas had officially arrived. Outside, the snow continued to fall, turning the world into a pristine, white wonderland. It was peaceful, almost serene.

Before he drifted off to sleep, there was one last thing to do. Opening the messaging app, Ichika typed a simple but heartfelt message:

[Merry Christmas from the UK to all of you there. And again, thank you for the help, Minato.]

He sent the message, knowing that Minato and his Sekirei would appreciate it. The bond he shared with them was something unique, and he owed them more than words could express.

With the message sent, Ichika closed his eyes, letting himself drift into sleep. But instead of the usual, restless dreams, he found himself in a different place—a dream where he once again encountered the pure white Infinite Stratos that had appeared to him before.

He stood among trees, the crisp air around him carrying the scent of pine and fresh water. Nearby, a calm body of water reflected the sky, creating an almost otherworldly scene. The white IS floated before him, silent and majestic, its form ethereal and powerful.

"I wonder what you really are," Ichika muttered, staring at the IS. "And what I really am."

The question lingered in the air, unanswered, as the dream world enveloped him. In this quiet space, he felt the weight of his journey—his battles, his friendships, and the secrets yet to be uncovered. But for now, in this peaceful dream, he allowed himself a moment of stillness, knowing that the answers would come in time.

I spent quite a bit of time on this, but also happy that CHAT GTP didn't give me a stop so that I could finish it.

It was overdue to write this chapter, so I sent it over.

Quite some fun I had on this, but there'll be an ending soon enough.

Saluut.