Infinite Stratos, Volume 7, page 3
“.........” Laura squinted. It was terrifying. “I’ll ask you one more time...”
“Um... Laura... Wait, we can talk this over!”
“Too late!” Laura had already called forth her plasma dagger, slashing it at me at the same time. Gah!
“Knock it off! Barbecue only ever smells good at a rib shack!” Chifuyu appeared from behind to save me, grabbing Laura’s wrist and throwing her toward the window.
“Mein Lehrerin! I don’t recall asking for marital counseling!” Laura’s long hair floated in the air as she effortlessly jumped off the windowpane and landed on her feet. She really was like a cat.
“And I don’t recall asking for a rude sister-in-law.”
“......!!” The rejection was enough to knock Laura flat.
Huh? Heeey, are you okay?
“She hates me... She hates me...”
This was bad. She was mumbling the same words over and over. And her eyes were as empty as the depths of space.
“Orimura. Put her in her seat. Class is about to start.”
“O-Okay. Hey, Laura, get up.”
“My life... Is over...”
Wow, that must have really hurt her. With no better options, I picked Laura up and began to carry her to her seat.
“Ahhhh! Orimura’s princess carrying Bodewig!”
“I-Ichika? Whatever are you doing?!”
“Ichika, you...!”
“No fair, Laura!”
That was Tanimoto, Cecilia, and Houki, and even Charl was out of her seat and coming in my direction.
“Sit down, you fools.”
Smack! For once, I was thankful to hear the clipboard doing its dirty work.
◇
“Too slow, Ichika! I’m over here!”
It was after school in the third arena, and Ichika and Houki were practicing together again. Up until recently, they’d been on an even footing, but with Kenran Butou figured out, Houki was able to use her unlimited energy to corner Ichika with repeated Ignition Boosts.
“Ugh!”
Byakushiki made a quick about-face with a cross grid turn, firing a particle beam from Setsura as it did. But Akatsubaki’s Karaware blade cut it down with an energy slash.
“HAAAH!”
The variable-sweep armor on its back opening at the same time as it fired off an Ignition Boost, Houki accelerated toward Ichika in a flash.
“Tch!”
A slash across the chest dropped Byakushiki’s energy. As Houki showed off the variable-sweep armor’s ability to laterally accelerate under automatic control, she showered Byakushiki with Amazuki laser fire.
“Got you, Ichika!”
“This isn’t over yet!”
Again, each reached top speed with Ignition Boost. A hail of sparks from clashing blades showered down over the arena.
“Phew...” Houki wiped off her sweat before putting her uniform top back on. “Ahh, that felt good.”
Houki, in a good mood for once, hummed to herself as she adjusted her ponytail.
I beat Ichika today. He’s going to have to recognize my talent now. She chuckled happily. But there was something else making her even happier today.
He’s been saying he already has a partner for the tournament... She tightened her ribbon. Her graceful raven locks swayed beautifully. It has to be me! Silly Ichika! There’s no way he could mean anyone else!
It was only as she clanged her locker shut that she realized Cecilia was there too.
“Mm-hm-hmm-hmmm~♪”
Cecilia, too, was in a better mood than usual, as she opened her locker and began to change. It seems Ichika has already chosen his tag team partner. And who else could it be but me?
No one knows for sure whether these were the self-serving assumptions we allow maidens in love, or simply the boundless energy of girls blooming into women. Ahh, finally... Finally, Ichika... Ahh! It was only as she finished changing and was tying her uniform ribbon that she realized Houki was there too.
“Oh my, Houki.”
“Cecilia, huh. Aren’t you in a good mood today.”
Sparks normally flew between these two, but today, it was all smiles.
“Wonderful weather today, isn’t it.”
“Yeah. It really is.”
Silly Houki. She doesn’t even realize Ichika will be teaming up with me.
That Cecilia. I wonder what her face would look like if she realized Ichika was teaming up with me.
Each was smug, completely secure in their perceived advantage.
“See you around, Cecilia.”
“Why of course, Houki. A good evening to you.”
As they passed by each other, a self-satisfied smile rose to each of their faces.
I win!
I’ve got the upper hand!
It was only two hours later, after dinner, that the tragedy unfolded.
◇
“Sorry! Really, sorry, both of you!” I bowed apologetically to Houki and Cecilia, who had both come to my room after dinner.
“Huh...?”
Each was at a loss for words. Well, this was a mess.
“Listen. I’ve already picked my tag team partner.”
“And it’s me, of course—”
“Who else but me, of course—”
“......?” I was at a loss for words too. Just what were they driving at? “Anyway, really, I’m sorry!”
“Do you think sorry...”
“...Is going to solve the mess you’ve gotten yourself into?!”
Houki’s katana, Karaware, appeared in her hands, as did Cecilia’s Starlight Mk. III sniper rifle.
“Whaaaaaa?! Wait, wait, wait!”
“No excuses! Don’t move!”
“If you won’t pair up with me, I’ll finish this right here!”
Fssshhh...
What’s that noise?
Smash!
“What in the—” My door was blown off its hinges, and flew into Houki and Cecilia.
“You fools still haven’t learned your lesson about solving all your problems with your IS? Ten laps around the field with your IS on! And I shouldn’t need to tell you, but no PIC, and no power assist! Understood?”
“Ms. Orimura...”
Well, Chifuyu was also the RA for the first year dorms. She must have been on patrol. But still... How much force did she put into that to blow my door across the room... Sadly, my door was broken again.
“Chop-chop!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Houki and Cecilia stood ramrod straight while replying, before running off while glaring at each other. Yeah... Ten laps with IS on? That wasn’t gonna be fun. I felt sorry for them.
“And you, Orimura.”
“Y-Yes?”
“You may not be doing anything to cause this, but it’s still always your fault. Better hurry up and narrow down the field, you idiot.”
“O-Okay...”
“...I’ll bring the paperwork for the door over later,” Chifuyu said as she left.
Wait, weren’t you the one who broke it?
◇
Clank, clank, clank.
“Haa! Haa! Haa!”
Clunk, clunk, clunk.
“Wheeze, wheeze.”
Dusk had set over the field, but the heavy clanking of metal on metal still rang out as a red and a blue IS ran laps.
“Cecilia! This is all your fault! Haa, haa!”
“Wheeze. Whatever... Gave you that silly idea... Houki?!”
Clang, clang, clang.
“So-Someday I’ll get you back for this!”
“Why, that should be my line!”
Their pace slowed even as they kept glaring at each other. After all, IS are weighty things.
“Phew. Six more laps...”
“I... Absolutely... Will not... Let you beat me!”
Cecilia and Houki continued their nighttime race, burning all the energy they hadn’t been able to vent at Ichika.
Chapter II: Girls’ Rhythm
IS Academy’s hangars. Structures by the arenas, originally built for the maintenance classes which began in students’ second year. Today, though, one was occupied by Tatenashi’s little sister, Kanzashi.
“It’s still so unresponsive... Why...”
She stared at a projection display while tapping away on her mechanical keyboard. Activating an incomplete IS on her own. It was something Tatenashi was able to do with Mysterious Lady. Kanzashi couldn’t stand to live in her sister’s shadow all her life. She had to at least measure up this way.
“My core synchronization isn’t rising at all... Am I just unsuited to this type?”
The IS, an Uchigane Nishiki, was an all-range fighter which took design cues from the versatile Revive.
“Sigh...”
Not finding an answer, Kanzashi closed the display and put her keyboard away. Maybe I’ll just go home and watch some anime.
Kanzashi’s secret hobby was watching anime. Action shows with a clear-cut hero, of course. The kind where the hero takes down all the villains. She loved that kind of simple, direct plot. Even when she was little, her favorite picture book was Momotaro—Tatenashi’s was Urashima Taro.
What should I watch today... She picked up her things to leave the hangar, contemplating the rest of her day.
“Yo.” The automatic doors opened, and Ichika stepped in. In his hands were drinks. “Which do you like, tea or juice?”
Ignoring him, Kanzashi left. Ichika hurried after her.
“Hey.”
“.........”
“Heeeeey.”
“.........”
“Heeeeey, Kanzashi.”
A loud footstep rang in the air as she stopped and said, “Don’t call me by my first name.”
“Um, Sarashiki then?”
“Don’t call me by my last name either.”
“Then...”
“Just... Don’t talk to me at all.” Kanzashi walked on, Ichika following a pace or two behind.
“At least take a drink. I don’t need two of ’em. Here, yeah, which would you like?”
“Grape, then...”
“Understood.”
Ichika held out the can, and as she took it their hands touched.
“......!” Kanzashi suddenly flinched as if struck by lightning. Seemingly annoyed by his questioning look, she grimaced while taking the can.
“What’s up with you?”
Ignoring his question, and drink in hand, Kanzashi turned to leave.
“Um... You there!”
“.........”
“C’mon, I’m talking to you!”
“Are you serious...?”
“You said not to call you by your name.”
“Is that the best alternative you have?”
“Oh. Kans, then.” She glared at him in response. “Okay. Kanzashi...”
Sighing, Kanzashi sped up.
“C’mon, Kanzashi. Team up with me.”
“I don’t want to...”
“C’mon.”
“Why do you even want me as a teammate?”
“Huh? Um...” Ichika’s mind squirmed for an answer that didn’t involve Tatenashi. Then a light bulb blinked on ever his head. “I want to see your IS!”
“......!”
Smack! The slap echoed through the hall.
“...Huh?”
And with that, Kanzashi silently stalked off.
◇
Back in my room, I rubbed my cheek, still red from the slap. My mind swirled around as I tried to find an answer.
“I wonder what she was so mad about...”
“Oh. That must be it. Her IS isn’t ready yet.”
I clapped my hands together in realization. Now that I thought of it, Tatenashi had mentioned that. How could I forget... I pulled the IS Academy syllabus down from the shelf, and began to flip through it.
“Hmm, let’s see.”
IS Academy has an Engineering track beginning second year focusing on IS development, research, and maintenance. During school tournaments, students, especially second and third years, will be assigned crews from students on this track. Hmm. Maybe Kanzashi can get help from one of those crews.
Knock, knock.
“Hello? Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
Oh, it’s the demon who had sliced my door in half.
“You’re thinking something rude, aren’t you, Ichika.”
“Hahaha. Of course not, Tatenashi.”
“Oh really? Ah well. I bought some cream puffs, would you like to share?”
“Oh, sure. Thanks.”
I led her in. As we sat down, she noticed the thick syllabus open on my desk.
“Oh, Ichika. Are you thinking of asking one of the crews for help?”
“Nah, not me. I thought maybe they’d be able to help Kanzashi out.”
“I see. Well, it might not be that simple,” Tatenashi said as she sat down on the bed.
“Huh, why?”
“Kanzashi wants to put together her own IS.”
“Eh?”
“I did, so I think she thinks she has to, too. You should just let her do her thing.”
“Wait... Did you really put together Mysterious Lady yourself?!”
“Huh? Well, yeah. But it was already around 70% complete when I started.”
Wow... She wasn’t quite the second coming of Tabane, but still, that was crazy to hear.
“But Kaoruko gave me plenty of advice. And Utsuho was there too.”
“Eh? They’re on the crews?”
“Yes. The third year top of the class and the second year expert.”
Well, that was a surprise. Not Utsuho so much, but I’d thought Kaoruko had her hands full with the newspaper club.
“You should have them take a look at yours, Ichika. It’s obvious watching Byakushiki in action that the thrusters are out of sync.”
“I see...” Watching her pick up a cream puff, I rushed to get some tea ready.
“Anyway, how was she other than that?”
“She slapped me.”
“Really?” For some reason, Tatenashi seemed surprised. As we spoke, the tea finished brewing. “I know she doesn’t like to waste time on anything that’s not productive, but...”
“Uhh...”
“Did you touch her butt or something?”
“Of course not!”
“Her boobs, then?”
“C’mon! You know I’m not a creep like that!”
“Well, that’s too bad. I was thinking you could double up and get whichever one you missed.”
“Wait! Why are you undressing?! C’mon, you’re pissing me off!”
“Aww, I was just kidding.” Dealing with Tatenashi was exhausting sometimes.
“Here’s your tea. Sorry, I only had bags.”
“As long as you made it, it’s the best tea in the world.”
“You don’t have to...”
“Lie to you, I know.” I was really getting tired of her. “Anyway, though. I think you just might have a chance with her.”
“Really? Even after she slapped me?”
“Girls like a guy who’s not afraid to keep going after what he wants.”
Even I could tell that was a lie. I imagined how it would turn out with the girls I knew. How it would turn out if I didn’t even know them, and after they slapped me I kept coming on to them.
If I did it with Houki...
“What, would you rather I cut you instead?!”
Guh!
If I did it with Rin...
“What, do you like getting hit? Get outta here, you creep!”
Guh!
If I did it with Cecilia...
“I can’t believe the nerve of you uncivilized apes. Get out of my sight.”
Guh!
If I did it with Laura...
“Did you know? People can live for nearly ten minutes after decapitation.”
Guh!
If I did it with Charl...
“.........”
Guh!
That wouldn’t work at all!
“Stop lying to me, Tatenashi!”
“Oh, am I?” Wow, she was already trying a different tact. “Anyway, I’ll figure out a way to hook you up with Kanzashi. Just do me a favor and be sure to help her out with her IS.”
“Is that an order?”
“Oh, do you enjoy being ordered around?”
“...Why?”
“Aww. You don’t have to get angry about it.”
“Hmm. Thanks for the tea. I’ll see you later.” Tatenashi had said what she had to say, most of it lies, and left.
“I guess I should try the cream puffs.”
Chomp. Munch, munch.
“Pfffft!”
“Ahahahahaha! I got you good, it has mustard in it rather than cream!” I could see her laughing face through my door, which was still cracked open. A devil. A devil was watching me.
“Ta-te-na-shiiii!”
“Eek!”
The door slammed shut, and she fled. I made good and sure, a good five times, that it was locked and she couldn’t get in again.
◇
Kanzashi was back in her room, her blanket pulled over her head to block out her roommate, watching TV on her phone. On the tiny projection display, an invincible hero was foiling the villains’ plans yet again. Her face was blank even as she enjoyed the show. Just like usual.
I hit him... Even though she had kept herself under control the first time they met, the second time, she had gotten emotional and gone too far. Why did I... It was true that it was Ichika’s fault her IS wasn’t yet complete, but he didn’t mean to do it.
Am I just acting spoiled? Kanzashi was self-conscious about lashing out at people. Growing up in the Sarashiki household, as long as she remembered, she’d always been compared to her sister. All of her anguish about trying to live up to that example was something she’d never been able to tell anyone. All of that, she kept bottled up.
Yet— Yet still—
Orimura... Ichika... His image hung in her heart as if he were still there. She remembered his gentle smile.
Without her knowing quite why, Kanzashi’s cheeks turned the pink of a cherry blossom. On the screen, her show had already ended.
◇
“Hey!” I walked faster, trying to catch up. As I did, her pace increased, too, until we were both half-running. “Hold up, Houki!”
“Um... Laura... Wait, we can talk this over!”
“Too late!” Laura had already called forth her plasma dagger, slashing it at me at the same time. Gah!
“Knock it off! Barbecue only ever smells good at a rib shack!” Chifuyu appeared from behind to save me, grabbing Laura’s wrist and throwing her toward the window.
“Mein Lehrerin! I don’t recall asking for marital counseling!” Laura’s long hair floated in the air as she effortlessly jumped off the windowpane and landed on her feet. She really was like a cat.
“And I don’t recall asking for a rude sister-in-law.”
“......!!” The rejection was enough to knock Laura flat.
Huh? Heeey, are you okay?
“She hates me... She hates me...”
This was bad. She was mumbling the same words over and over. And her eyes were as empty as the depths of space.
“Orimura. Put her in her seat. Class is about to start.”
“O-Okay. Hey, Laura, get up.”
“My life... Is over...”
Wow, that must have really hurt her. With no better options, I picked Laura up and began to carry her to her seat.
“Ahhhh! Orimura’s princess carrying Bodewig!”
“I-Ichika? Whatever are you doing?!”
“Ichika, you...!”
“No fair, Laura!”
That was Tanimoto, Cecilia, and Houki, and even Charl was out of her seat and coming in my direction.
“Sit down, you fools.”
Smack! For once, I was thankful to hear the clipboard doing its dirty work.
◇
“Too slow, Ichika! I’m over here!”
It was after school in the third arena, and Ichika and Houki were practicing together again. Up until recently, they’d been on an even footing, but with Kenran Butou figured out, Houki was able to use her unlimited energy to corner Ichika with repeated Ignition Boosts.
“Ugh!”
Byakushiki made a quick about-face with a cross grid turn, firing a particle beam from Setsura as it did. But Akatsubaki’s Karaware blade cut it down with an energy slash.
“HAAAH!”
The variable-sweep armor on its back opening at the same time as it fired off an Ignition Boost, Houki accelerated toward Ichika in a flash.
“Tch!”
A slash across the chest dropped Byakushiki’s energy. As Houki showed off the variable-sweep armor’s ability to laterally accelerate under automatic control, she showered Byakushiki with Amazuki laser fire.
“Got you, Ichika!”
“This isn’t over yet!”
Again, each reached top speed with Ignition Boost. A hail of sparks from clashing blades showered down over the arena.
“Phew...” Houki wiped off her sweat before putting her uniform top back on. “Ahh, that felt good.”
Houki, in a good mood for once, hummed to herself as she adjusted her ponytail.
I beat Ichika today. He’s going to have to recognize my talent now. She chuckled happily. But there was something else making her even happier today.
He’s been saying he already has a partner for the tournament... She tightened her ribbon. Her graceful raven locks swayed beautifully. It has to be me! Silly Ichika! There’s no way he could mean anyone else!
It was only as she clanged her locker shut that she realized Cecilia was there too.
“Mm-hm-hmm-hmmm~♪”
Cecilia, too, was in a better mood than usual, as she opened her locker and began to change. It seems Ichika has already chosen his tag team partner. And who else could it be but me?
No one knows for sure whether these were the self-serving assumptions we allow maidens in love, or simply the boundless energy of girls blooming into women. Ahh, finally... Finally, Ichika... Ahh! It was only as she finished changing and was tying her uniform ribbon that she realized Houki was there too.
“Oh my, Houki.”
“Cecilia, huh. Aren’t you in a good mood today.”
Sparks normally flew between these two, but today, it was all smiles.
“Wonderful weather today, isn’t it.”
“Yeah. It really is.”
Silly Houki. She doesn’t even realize Ichika will be teaming up with me.
That Cecilia. I wonder what her face would look like if she realized Ichika was teaming up with me.
Each was smug, completely secure in their perceived advantage.
“See you around, Cecilia.”
“Why of course, Houki. A good evening to you.”
As they passed by each other, a self-satisfied smile rose to each of their faces.
I win!
I’ve got the upper hand!
It was only two hours later, after dinner, that the tragedy unfolded.
◇
“Sorry! Really, sorry, both of you!” I bowed apologetically to Houki and Cecilia, who had both come to my room after dinner.
“Huh...?”
Each was at a loss for words. Well, this was a mess.
“Listen. I’ve already picked my tag team partner.”
“And it’s me, of course—”
“Who else but me, of course—”
“......?” I was at a loss for words too. Just what were they driving at? “Anyway, really, I’m sorry!”
“Do you think sorry...”
“...Is going to solve the mess you’ve gotten yourself into?!”
Houki’s katana, Karaware, appeared in her hands, as did Cecilia’s Starlight Mk. III sniper rifle.
“Whaaaaaa?! Wait, wait, wait!”
“No excuses! Don’t move!”
“If you won’t pair up with me, I’ll finish this right here!”
Fssshhh...
What’s that noise?
Smash!
“What in the—” My door was blown off its hinges, and flew into Houki and Cecilia.
“You fools still haven’t learned your lesson about solving all your problems with your IS? Ten laps around the field with your IS on! And I shouldn’t need to tell you, but no PIC, and no power assist! Understood?”
“Ms. Orimura...”
Well, Chifuyu was also the RA for the first year dorms. She must have been on patrol. But still... How much force did she put into that to blow my door across the room... Sadly, my door was broken again.
“Chop-chop!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Houki and Cecilia stood ramrod straight while replying, before running off while glaring at each other. Yeah... Ten laps with IS on? That wasn’t gonna be fun. I felt sorry for them.
“And you, Orimura.”
“Y-Yes?”
“You may not be doing anything to cause this, but it’s still always your fault. Better hurry up and narrow down the field, you idiot.”
“O-Okay...”
“...I’ll bring the paperwork for the door over later,” Chifuyu said as she left.
Wait, weren’t you the one who broke it?
◇
Clank, clank, clank.
“Haa! Haa! Haa!”
Clunk, clunk, clunk.
“Wheeze, wheeze.”
Dusk had set over the field, but the heavy clanking of metal on metal still rang out as a red and a blue IS ran laps.
“Cecilia! This is all your fault! Haa, haa!”
“Wheeze. Whatever... Gave you that silly idea... Houki?!”
Clang, clang, clang.
“So-Someday I’ll get you back for this!”
“Why, that should be my line!”
Their pace slowed even as they kept glaring at each other. After all, IS are weighty things.
“Phew. Six more laps...”
“I... Absolutely... Will not... Let you beat me!”
Cecilia and Houki continued their nighttime race, burning all the energy they hadn’t been able to vent at Ichika.
Chapter II: Girls’ Rhythm
IS Academy’s hangars. Structures by the arenas, originally built for the maintenance classes which began in students’ second year. Today, though, one was occupied by Tatenashi’s little sister, Kanzashi.
“It’s still so unresponsive... Why...”
She stared at a projection display while tapping away on her mechanical keyboard. Activating an incomplete IS on her own. It was something Tatenashi was able to do with Mysterious Lady. Kanzashi couldn’t stand to live in her sister’s shadow all her life. She had to at least measure up this way.
“My core synchronization isn’t rising at all... Am I just unsuited to this type?”
The IS, an Uchigane Nishiki, was an all-range fighter which took design cues from the versatile Revive.
“Sigh...”
Not finding an answer, Kanzashi closed the display and put her keyboard away. Maybe I’ll just go home and watch some anime.
Kanzashi’s secret hobby was watching anime. Action shows with a clear-cut hero, of course. The kind where the hero takes down all the villains. She loved that kind of simple, direct plot. Even when she was little, her favorite picture book was Momotaro—Tatenashi’s was Urashima Taro.
What should I watch today... She picked up her things to leave the hangar, contemplating the rest of her day.
“Yo.” The automatic doors opened, and Ichika stepped in. In his hands were drinks. “Which do you like, tea or juice?”
Ignoring him, Kanzashi left. Ichika hurried after her.
“Hey.”
“.........”
“Heeeeey.”
“.........”
“Heeeeey, Kanzashi.”
A loud footstep rang in the air as she stopped and said, “Don’t call me by my first name.”
“Um, Sarashiki then?”
“Don’t call me by my last name either.”
“Then...”
“Just... Don’t talk to me at all.” Kanzashi walked on, Ichika following a pace or two behind.
“At least take a drink. I don’t need two of ’em. Here, yeah, which would you like?”
“Grape, then...”
“Understood.”
Ichika held out the can, and as she took it their hands touched.
“......!” Kanzashi suddenly flinched as if struck by lightning. Seemingly annoyed by his questioning look, she grimaced while taking the can.
“What’s up with you?”
Ignoring his question, and drink in hand, Kanzashi turned to leave.
“Um... You there!”
“.........”
“C’mon, I’m talking to you!”
“Are you serious...?”
“You said not to call you by your name.”
“Is that the best alternative you have?”
“Oh. Kans, then.” She glared at him in response. “Okay. Kanzashi...”
Sighing, Kanzashi sped up.
“C’mon, Kanzashi. Team up with me.”
“I don’t want to...”
“C’mon.”
“Why do you even want me as a teammate?”
“Huh? Um...” Ichika’s mind squirmed for an answer that didn’t involve Tatenashi. Then a light bulb blinked on ever his head. “I want to see your IS!”
“......!”
Smack! The slap echoed through the hall.
“...Huh?”
And with that, Kanzashi silently stalked off.
◇
Back in my room, I rubbed my cheek, still red from the slap. My mind swirled around as I tried to find an answer.
“I wonder what she was so mad about...”
“Oh. That must be it. Her IS isn’t ready yet.”
I clapped my hands together in realization. Now that I thought of it, Tatenashi had mentioned that. How could I forget... I pulled the IS Academy syllabus down from the shelf, and began to flip through it.
“Hmm, let’s see.”
IS Academy has an Engineering track beginning second year focusing on IS development, research, and maintenance. During school tournaments, students, especially second and third years, will be assigned crews from students on this track. Hmm. Maybe Kanzashi can get help from one of those crews.
Knock, knock.
“Hello? Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
Oh, it’s the demon who had sliced my door in half.
“You’re thinking something rude, aren’t you, Ichika.”
“Hahaha. Of course not, Tatenashi.”
“Oh really? Ah well. I bought some cream puffs, would you like to share?”
“Oh, sure. Thanks.”
I led her in. As we sat down, she noticed the thick syllabus open on my desk.
“Oh, Ichika. Are you thinking of asking one of the crews for help?”
“Nah, not me. I thought maybe they’d be able to help Kanzashi out.”
“I see. Well, it might not be that simple,” Tatenashi said as she sat down on the bed.
“Huh, why?”
“Kanzashi wants to put together her own IS.”
“Eh?”
“I did, so I think she thinks she has to, too. You should just let her do her thing.”
“Wait... Did you really put together Mysterious Lady yourself?!”
“Huh? Well, yeah. But it was already around 70% complete when I started.”
Wow... She wasn’t quite the second coming of Tabane, but still, that was crazy to hear.
“But Kaoruko gave me plenty of advice. And Utsuho was there too.”
“Eh? They’re on the crews?”
“Yes. The third year top of the class and the second year expert.”
Well, that was a surprise. Not Utsuho so much, but I’d thought Kaoruko had her hands full with the newspaper club.
“You should have them take a look at yours, Ichika. It’s obvious watching Byakushiki in action that the thrusters are out of sync.”
“I see...” Watching her pick up a cream puff, I rushed to get some tea ready.
“Anyway, how was she other than that?”
“She slapped me.”
“Really?” For some reason, Tatenashi seemed surprised. As we spoke, the tea finished brewing. “I know she doesn’t like to waste time on anything that’s not productive, but...”
“Uhh...”
“Did you touch her butt or something?”
“Of course not!”
“Her boobs, then?”
“C’mon! You know I’m not a creep like that!”
“Well, that’s too bad. I was thinking you could double up and get whichever one you missed.”
“Wait! Why are you undressing?! C’mon, you’re pissing me off!”
“Aww, I was just kidding.” Dealing with Tatenashi was exhausting sometimes.
“Here’s your tea. Sorry, I only had bags.”
“As long as you made it, it’s the best tea in the world.”
“You don’t have to...”
“Lie to you, I know.” I was really getting tired of her. “Anyway, though. I think you just might have a chance with her.”
“Really? Even after she slapped me?”
“Girls like a guy who’s not afraid to keep going after what he wants.”
Even I could tell that was a lie. I imagined how it would turn out with the girls I knew. How it would turn out if I didn’t even know them, and after they slapped me I kept coming on to them.
If I did it with Houki...
“What, would you rather I cut you instead?!”
Guh!
If I did it with Rin...
“What, do you like getting hit? Get outta here, you creep!”
Guh!
If I did it with Cecilia...
“I can’t believe the nerve of you uncivilized apes. Get out of my sight.”
Guh!
If I did it with Laura...
“Did you know? People can live for nearly ten minutes after decapitation.”
Guh!
If I did it with Charl...
“.........”
Guh!
That wouldn’t work at all!
“Stop lying to me, Tatenashi!”
“Oh, am I?” Wow, she was already trying a different tact. “Anyway, I’ll figure out a way to hook you up with Kanzashi. Just do me a favor and be sure to help her out with her IS.”
“Is that an order?”
“Oh, do you enjoy being ordered around?”
“...Why?”
“Aww. You don’t have to get angry about it.”
“Hmm. Thanks for the tea. I’ll see you later.” Tatenashi had said what she had to say, most of it lies, and left.
“I guess I should try the cream puffs.”
Chomp. Munch, munch.
“Pfffft!”
“Ahahahahaha! I got you good, it has mustard in it rather than cream!” I could see her laughing face through my door, which was still cracked open. A devil. A devil was watching me.
“Ta-te-na-shiiii!”
“Eek!”
The door slammed shut, and she fled. I made good and sure, a good five times, that it was locked and she couldn’t get in again.
◇
Kanzashi was back in her room, her blanket pulled over her head to block out her roommate, watching TV on her phone. On the tiny projection display, an invincible hero was foiling the villains’ plans yet again. Her face was blank even as she enjoyed the show. Just like usual.
I hit him... Even though she had kept herself under control the first time they met, the second time, she had gotten emotional and gone too far. Why did I... It was true that it was Ichika’s fault her IS wasn’t yet complete, but he didn’t mean to do it.
Am I just acting spoiled? Kanzashi was self-conscious about lashing out at people. Growing up in the Sarashiki household, as long as she remembered, she’d always been compared to her sister. All of her anguish about trying to live up to that example was something she’d never been able to tell anyone. All of that, she kept bottled up.
Yet— Yet still—
Orimura... Ichika... His image hung in her heart as if he were still there. She remembered his gentle smile.
Without her knowing quite why, Kanzashi’s cheeks turned the pink of a cherry blossom. On the screen, her show had already ended.
◇
“Hey!” I walked faster, trying to catch up. As I did, her pace increased, too, until we were both half-running. “Hold up, Houki!”
