Twin Infinite Stratos

by Hector Flores

When does the definition of a family blur? Do you call someone a sibling when they are artificially made? Or is it only people who are naturally born? A pair of twins have a profound effect on the greatest invention since the printing press, on the ethics of science, and each other. This is the story that questions where does the line blur?

3. Chapter 3

This is an Infinite Stratos Fanfiction Only

Other franchises may be included.

Please keep your reviews and messages civil.

Previously on Twin Infinite Stratos.

As class began, I settled into my seat, pulled out my notebook, and started to take notes. I could see Houki sitting nearby. She did not seem happy. Her brow was furrowed, and her eyes avoided mine. It was clear she was upset about something but wasn't ready to talk about it. I felt a bit of tension in the air between us, but I decided to focus on my studies instead.

Once the class ended, a group of students surrounded me. Their curiosity was palpable. They bombarded me with questions about my connection to the homeroom teacher, the renowned two-time winner of Mondo Grosso. I took a deep breath and told them, "We share the same last name because she's my big sister." Their faces reflected shock and surprise.

One of the boys leaned in closer and asked, "How long have you been piloting an IS?" I replied, "At least a few years." I felt pride swell in my chest. I mentioned, "The IS I piloted is called Byakushki, but I just call her Byu. She's like a dear friend to me." The classmates stared, clearly intrigued by my words.

One girl with bright pink hair asked, "Do you think of her as more than just a friend?" I paused, considering the question. "To me, Byu is no different from Houki. They both mean a lot to me." I felt the weight of my feelings as I spoke. "Since I have flown Byu for so long, she knows me better than many people. The bond between a pilot and an IS is deep. We share a mental connection that keeps us in sync."

The group exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion. Another guy piped up, "So, does that mean you two can talk to each other in your heads?" I nodded. "Exactly. Our thoughts and feelings can flow back and forth. It's a unique experience."

Suddenly, I noticed Houki standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression tight. She didn't look happy, and my stomach twisted. I wondered if she heard our conversation. I wanted to reach out to her but felt held back by the crowd.

"What's wrong with Houki?" a girl whispered, breaking the moment. I could sense the gossip starting to swirl, a topic for conversation among my classmates.

I was torn. Part of me wanted to explain how special my bond with Byu was, but another part made me realize this was not the time. Something was bothering Houki, and I needed to find out what it was.

"Hey, guys," I said, trying to steer the attention back to the group. "Let's talk about something else." But the chatter continued, and Houki was still watching me.

As I turned my attention back to her, I caught her gaze. There was a flicker of something—anger, sadness, or maybe jealousy? I couldn't tell. "Houki, is everything okay?" I asked, stepping out from the throng of students.

She seemed taken aback by my question. "Why do you care?" she shot back, her voice sharper than I expected.

"I just want to know if you're alright," I replied gently.

For a moment, her resolve wavered, and I thought she might open up. But then the fire returned to her eyes. "I don't need your pity," she said coldly before turning away.

The group of students quieted, the tension thick in the air. I felt a deep sense of frustration mixed with concern. What had I said that made her react like that? I wanted to comfort her, to help her understand that I was not pitying her.

As the classmates dispersed, I remained where I stood, lost in my thoughts. I wanted to build a friendship with Houki, but her walls seemed too high. I glanced at my phone, feeling the weight of the moment and knowing that I had to approach this delicately in the days to come. The bond with my IS was deep, but how could I break through to Houki when she was so evidently closed off? I had more questions than answers, and I needed to figure this out soon.

As I approached the dormitory building assigned to me, an uneasy feeling crept over me. The air felt thick, and my heart raced. I had heard rumors about my new roommate, but I didn't know what to expect. When I stepped inside the room, the sound of running water caught my attention—someone was taking a shower. Disturbed, I quickly assumed it was a girl. Panic set in as I realized I needed to leave before any awkward situations arose.

Before I could even move toward the door, a voice reached my ears. It sounded eerily familiar. I turned, and to my shock, Houki emerged from the bathroom, her wet hair wrapped in a towel, another towel clumsily draped around her body. "I know this isn't right, but I needed a shower," she said, her tone carrying both embarrassment and defiance. "You must be my roommate, I'm Houki Shinonono. Nice to meet you."

As she dried her hair, I felt a rush of embarrassment wash over me. I knew it was only a matter of seconds before she noticed me staring—her towel was barely able to cover her figure, and the way it clung to her damp skin did not help the situation. Just as I expected, her eyes met mine, and her face transformed into a mix of shock and anger. "Don't look!" she shouted, accusing me of being a pervert for walking into a girl's room.

In an instant, her anger shifted into action. She lunged for a wooden practice sword resting against the wall and aimed it my way. Instinct took over. I quickly blocked her swing using a hand sword technique I had practiced. The blade of the wooden sword came to a stop just before it could hit me. "Hey, it's not my fault," I protested, still holding her makeshift weapon. "I was assigned to this room. We are actually roommates."

With a huff, she snatched the sword back and stormed into the bathroom. Moments later, she emerged fully dressed in the attire of a Kendo Club member. The glare she shot me was sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air. "Mixing genders after the age of seven is wrong!" she declared, her indignation clear.

I scrunched my face at her statement. "I get that," I replied. "But what if two fifteen-year-olds have to share the same living space? Isn't that a bit... dramatic?" I tried to lighten the mood, though I could see she wasn't amused.

"Living together can lead to misunderstandings. This could get messy," she snapped back. I could feel the weight of her words, but I had to defend myself. "Look, with some ground rules and mutual respect, there's nothing for you to be worried about. Trust me, I'm not a pervert."

Her expression softened slightly, but the tension was still palpable. "You better not make a fool out of me," she warned, crossing her arms firmly across her chest.

"I promise," I said, wishing I could convince her. Despite her fierce demeanor, I could sense her underlying vulnerability. She was as anxious about this living arrangement as I was.

For a moment, we stood in silence, both wary of the other yet undeniably aware of the situation we found ourselves in. The dorm room felt smaller, closing in on us as we faced this new reality. Would we be able to coexist without conflict?

At that moment, I realized this was only the beginning. A battle of personalities was underway, and the outcome was uncertain. I just hoped navigating this chaos wouldn't be as complicated as it felt.

We both agreed to set some specific rules about when it was appropriate to use the shower. This was important to us as we wanted to respect each other's needs and privacy. There was no intention for anyone to peek or invade the personal space of the other. When it came to sleeping arrangements, I expressed my desire for a bed by the window. It took some convincing, and Houki showed some reluctance, but she finally agreed. I can't explain it fully, but something about being near the window made me feel less anxious.

Now on with the new chapter.

Houki had her own concerns, particularly about the upcoming duel between myself and the British representative. She seemed unaware of my training background. I often sparred with my older sister, Chifuyu, who was a formidable opponent. If I could hold my own against her, I had no doubt I could handle anyone else, including Cecilia, the British candidate. I could see the worry in Houki's eyes when she asked if I would still train with her. Her concern was touching, and I appreciated her thoughtfulness. I agreed to the training, knowing it would help us both.

The duel was scheduled to take place in the Academy IS Arena, which was the main site for practical exams and competitions involving IS. The date was set for the next Friday, allowing me just a few days before my IS arrived. To be honest, I had no idea what Tabane was doing to my IS, but I felt a sense of anticipation mixed with nerves. I knew that once I stepped onto the arena floor with my IS, Byu, Cecilia would learn that I was not just some foolish attempt at gaining attention from the academy.

Inside, I was furious. How dare she insult Japan by implying that we had poor cultural and technological development? Her words painted my country as if it belonged at the bottom of some list of third-world nations. I felt a surge of anger thinking about it. I wanted to prove her wrong. I would show her the true strength and potential of Japan.

My thoughts were interrupted by Houki's voice, soft but firm. "You really believe you can beat her, don't you?" she asked her expression a mix of hope and concern.

I nodded, determination flooding my voice. "I have to. It's not just about me. It's about showing everyone what we're capable of."

Houki smiled slightly, her expression lightening. "Then let's train hard. I want to see you succeed."

As the days passed, we trained tirelessly. Each session built my skills and confidence. I could see Houki pushing herself, too, eager to grow stronger. Our bond deepened, strengthened by a shared purpose.

The next morning, the sun peeked through the windows of the dormitory, casting a warm glow over the hallway as we made our way to the cafeteria. The air was filled with the smell of freshly cooked food, a mix of rice and grilled fish. I scanned the room, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. At breakfast, I chose a traditional Japanese meal, complete with miso soup and pickled vegetables. Houki did the same, her choices reflecting her roots and preferences.

As we settled at a quiet table by the window, I turned to Houki, eager to discuss our plans. "Where can we find a space to practice?" I asked, using her first name, my curiosity bubbling over. The moment I called her Houki, her expression shifted. She frowned slightly and said, "Please don't call me by my first name." The request hung in the air, and I sensed a shift in the mood. Complying, I replied, "Yes, Ms. Shinonono," with a teasing smile.

Just then, a girl approached our table. She wore a bold red ribbon in her hair, setting her apart from the sea of colors around us. She looked a few years older than us, with a confidence that radiated from her. As she settled down at our table, her eyes locked onto mine. "You clearly have no experience when it comes to piloting an IS," she observed, her tone half-teasing, half-serious. "You're going to face a tough opponent soon. How about I teach you about the IS and help you train?"

I would have felt a flutter of anxiety at her words. The thought of fighting without proper training was daunting if I didn't have training with my sisters I thought to myself. Houki's expression darkened at the girl's suggestion. "There's no need for that," she said sharply, her protective instincts kicking in.

The older girl bristled at Houki's dismissal. "I'm a senior here. Who better to teach him than me?" she shot back, her voice rising slightly. The tension at our small table felt electric.

Houki remained steadfast, her determination evident. "There's nobody in this school who could answer his questions better than me. I'm Tabane Shinonono's sister." The weight of her words lingered in the air, a reminder of her family's legacy and the burden it carried.

The senior girl stared at Houki, her initial bravado faltering. "Tabane Shinonono? The creator of the IS?" she asked, her tone more subdued now. "I suppose she would have taught you a lot."

A moment of silence passed as the reality of the situation set in. I felt the tension ease just slightly, but the senior girl wore an expression of disappointment. She had wanted to be the one to guide me, to showcase her own skills and knowledge, but it was clear that Houki wouldn't allow that.

"You may know a lot, but I know more," Houki asserted, glancing at me with a flicker of pride in her eyes. There was a fierce bond between us, one rooted in shared goals and mutual respect. The senior girl looked away, conceding the point, but her disappointment lingered like a shadow.

As we resumed eating, I felt a wave of gratitude toward Houki. She stood up for me without hesitation. I could sense that this morning was just the beginning. The competition ahead was tough, but we would face it together, armed with knowledge and support.

Houki's eyes widened in surprise as I approached her with wooden practice swords in hand. I could see the disbelief in her expression; she probably assumed I hadn't touched a sword since our last spar. But that couldn't be further from the truth. I had been maintaining my Kendo skills diligently, fully aware that the Byakushiki was a melee combat-oriented IS. Despite her accolades and the fact that she had won the nationals, I sensed that she underestimated my determination.

I knew that deep down, Houki would be disappointed if I didn't give my best effort. Pushing aside any doubts, I steeled myself and launched into our match with vigor. I aimed to break through her defenses swiftly, landing strikes that were both precise and effective. My heart raced as our wooden swords clashed, echoing in the training area.

As the match progressed, I noticed the fierce concentration on Houki's face. It was clear she was putting in just as much effort. I could tell she was surprised by my skill, her earlier confidence wavering as our duel continued. The challenge made me feel alive, and I relished every moment of our exchange.

Finally, as we reached a pause in the action, I could see a flicker of emotion cross her face. She was trying hard not to smile, and it was an amusing sight. "So, you kept up with your Kendo," she remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "For some strange reason, I find that touching. Almost like you kept doing your best in Kendo for the same reason I do."

I felt a blush creeping onto my cheeks at her words. It was hard to believe that my commitment mattered to her in such a way. She continued, "Kendo was my last connection to you, Ichika. Watching you fight so well makes me happy. It shows you didn't forget about me."

Her sentiment brought back memories, moments we shared in training that meant the world to me. "I wouldn't forget, not with all we've been through," I replied honestly, my tone more serious now. I could see the warmth in her eyes.

She quickly shifted gears, her mind racing ahead as she spoke about piloting an IS. "We're going to have to review the basics, but we can only do theory since we lack a practice unit. The practice models are only available during class time." She glanced at me, curiosity evident. "You mentioned Byakushiki was your IS. Where is it? I don't see it on you."

I felt a hint of frustration at the oversight. "It's not here with me at the moment," I admitted. "Otherwise, it would show as an accessory while in rest mode."

Determined not to fall behind her in knowledge, I quickly answered her questions. I could see her evaluating me, trying to gauge my understanding. Each time I nailed an answer, her respect grew a little, which fueled my confidence. Soon, we decided to dive deeper into shield energy maintenance.

"The main ability is called the Barrier Canceling Technique," I explained. "My IS canabilizes its own shield to deliver a strike that negates an opponent's shield. This gives them damage directly." I mulled over my own analogy. "It's sort of like in Yu-Gi-Oh, where you clear the enemy's board and can attack directly."

Houki nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good analogy," she acknowledged. Yet, I noticed her brow furrow slightly. "But the issue is that if someone isn't careful with that move and uses it with low shield energy, it's like throwing the match. Their own shield would drop to zero, and they'd lose."

I could see her reasoning through the potential scenarios, considering the implications of what I had just shared. Her expression shifted to one of serious contemplation, and I admired how deeply she thought about each aspect of combat.

"So, we need to practice more then," I suggested, eager to ensure we both understood the risks and benefits of the techniques at hand. "These tactics are crucial, especially in high-stakes matches. It's not just about winning; it's about knowing how and when to use our abilities strategically."

Our conversation continued, blending technical details with personal stories, each of us drawing from our experiences. The bond between us felt stronger with every word exchanged, reminding us of our shared path in the world of Kendo and IS piloting. As we discussed tactics and memories, I couldn't shake the feeling that our training together was more than just preparation—it was a way to reconnect, reinforcing the trust and friendship we had built over time.

Almost every day after class, we gathered to discuss various aspects of IS systems and energy management. Our conversations centered around how to reduce energy expenditure during movement and the strategies to counter different types of IS, whether they were range-focused, melee-based, or shield-oriented. An intriguing topic that emerged was the development of a new IS rumored to be capable of taking on an entire team single-handedly, a truly overwhelming force. However, as we analyzed the information in-depth, I found my thoughts drifting to Byakushki. It was surprising; I had not realized how much I missed it until Houki detailed the tactics an opponent might use to defeat me while piloting my IS. I knew she was trying to prepare me, but her words only amplified my longing for Byakushki.

As the day of the duel approached, anticipation filled the air. A notification blared over the school PA system, instructing me to report for the final fitting. It felt like ages since I last experienced such a moment, but I was relieved that my IS had finally arrived. After class, I walked to the designated area, eager to see my unit. My teacher reassured me that everything was in order. As I approached, I felt a familiar sensation, almost like a warm embrace, as my IS seemed to welcome me back. I gazed at its sleek armor, formidable shields, and an array of weaponry. Among them was the Nagihita No Gata, the very sword my sister wielded in the Mondo Grosso, earning her two triumphs.

Standing on the platform, time was of the essence. My mind raced as I recalled that Cecilia piloted the Blue Tears, a second-generation IS. According to Maya, it specialized in sniping and long-range combat. This knowledge prompted me to form a strategy. I needed to close the gap swiftly, avoiding her shots, but instinct told me that she likely had a backup plan. After all, it would be disastrous to approach Blue Tears in a close combat scenario if she was prepared.

Blue Tears had drones that acted as beam shooters, circling around Cecilia and bombarding enemies in rapid succession. Concentrating on her movements, I focused on evading her initial shots. "Come on, dance for me!" Cecilia taunted, relishing the game as she meticulously drained my shield energy. Her mocking words fueled my resolve. I had dealt with her four drones, but just as I thought I had the upper hand, she laughed, revealing two rocket launchers she had concealed.

"You fell for my trick!" she exclaimed, delight flashing in her eyes. But at that moment, panic crept into her expression as I swiftly sliced through the rocket launchers with precision. Their explosion sent a shockwave through the arena, reducing her shield energy to zero. Cheers erupted from the spectators, and the reality of the match settled in: I had won.

Cecilia was stunned, unable to fathom that she had lost to me. I could see disbelief etched on her face. "How could a boy like you, not even a candidate representative, defeat me so easily?" she muttered. I felt a surge of emotions: pride, relief, and a bittersweet longing for Byakushki. The duel highlighted not just my growth, but also the journey ahead.

As soon as my IS powered down, transforming into a sleek bracelet on my wrist, the atmosphere changed instantly. Houki rushed toward me, her excitement palpable. "Congratulations on your victory!" she squealed, throwing her arms around me in a tight embrace. Her joy was infectious, but her curiosity soon took over. "But why did you strike that way for your last attack?"

I chuckled, brushing off the question with a lighthearted tone. "Oh, that? I've practiced that move just in case we faced off in a Kendo tournament." It was a half-truth, but I needed to keep things light. The truth was, I had acted quickly in a moment of pressure. The rockets from my opponent had nearly launched, and I knew if they did, my energy would plummet. My technique, the barrier canceling move, would have left me vulnerable and almost guaranteed a loss.

Cecilia Alcott, my rival, had always underestimated my abilities. I hoped this match would change her perspective. I didn't want her to think I was riding the coattails of my big sister, who was a teacher at the IS Academy. I aimed to show her that I was accepted based solely on my merit and skill.

After our match, Cecilia retreated to her room, humming a tune under her breath. She felt a strange need to wash away the tension of the day. As she undressed, the warm water cascaded over her body, bringing a soothing calmness. Yet, her mind wandered back to the match, specifically to the boy who had surprised her. Ichika Orimura—the name lingered in the air like steam in the bathroom.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "How did he win against all odds?" The thought made her cheeks flush, a warmth spreading across her face as she realized she couldn't stop smiling. It was amusing to think about the students who had bet against him. They must be fuming, their money lost in the wake of his unexpected triumph.

Standing under the shower, Cecilia let the water wash over her while she replayed the match in her mind. Each moment flashed before her eyes: his determined stance, that clever tactic, and the way he had outmaneuvered her. She felt a mix of annoyance and admiration. This boy had managed to catch her off guard, and there was something undeniably captivating about that.

As she finished rinsing off, the steam enveloped her, creating a cozy cocoon. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her cheeks still rosy from the thoughts of Ichika. "What is happening to me?" she murmured a hint of disbelief in her voice. This was strange, feeling this way about a boy she initially dismissed.

With her mind racing, she wrapped herself in a towel, her thoughts lingering on the match. "He's not just some fluke," she realized. Ichika was a genuine contender. That realization stirred something deep within her, a mix of excitement and confusion. "Maybe I should watch him more closely," she mused, considering how different her views had become in such a short span.

After drying her hair and putting on comfortable pajamas, Cecilia climbed into bed, ready to reflect on the day. Yet, instead of drifting off to sleep, her mind returned to Ichika once again. With a slight smile, she whispered his name into the quiet of her room, feeling a spark of something new take root within her. It was a mixture of challenge and intrigue, something she rarely encountered. As she closed her eyes, a plan began to form in her mind. Tomorrow, she would approach him. This rivalry might turn into something much more complicated and exciting than either of them imagined.