The 'Prologue' chapter served as a brief history before this chapter. That is why I put my OC first before meeting any canon character, other than Tabane Shinonono, to give readers a hint on how he could pilot an IS.
Infinite Stratos: A New Person
Chapter 2: He’s Here
2012 IS Academy, Japan
IS Academy, short for Infinite Stratos Academy, is an academy where girls were sent to study on using Infinite Stratos. Located on an island not far from the mainland, students and visitors use monorails as transport to get there. It is the only academy to nurture IS pilots. Majority of the students are Japanese. Despite this, foreign students that came to study at the academy are only representatives. Only one representative is chosen for each country to study there.
Ichika Orimura, Houki Shinonono, Cecilia Alcott, Charlotte Dunois, Huang Lin Yin and Laura Bodewig have entered their second year in the IS Academy. Cecilia is the representative from the United Kingdom. Charlotte was from France, Laura from Germany and Lin Yin hailed from China. Among them, Ichika and Houki are special because both of them were chosen as representatives for Japan. Although the academy has only female students, Ichika was the only male student.
It was unusual for a male to pilot an Infinite Stratos because the machine was built for women to use. Scientists have spent years of research to enable Infinite Stratos to respond to males, but they’ve failed. Ichika, somehow, managed to pilot an Infinite Stratos after he accidentally touched an unused one. Despite this, he had to study at the academy despite being the only boy in the female populated academy. Whether it’s a pleasure or a burden, he hoped that he could at least have a guy to be friends with. Lucky for him, this year, there’s news that shocked the world: A boy was discovered using an Infinite Stratos.
"Have you watched the news?" said Ichika to Houki at class. It was their first day starting their second year in the academy.
"Of course yes," said Houki.
“It was a shock to hear about another male using an Infinite Stratos,” said Charlotte.
“Tell me about it,” said Lin Yin “I mean, how this was possible? First, it was Ichika. Then, him.”
“Where was he from?” said Charlotte.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Laura.
"I wonder what class he will be put in?" said Cecilia.
"I guess he will not be in this class since Ichika is already here, just to make the balance fair," said Laura. While the girls were discussing about the new transfer student, Ichika was smiling alone.
"What's with the smile?" said Lin Yin.
"It's just that during my study here, I’ve been mixing with girls every day. But now that he’s here, I could enjoy being buddies with him." said Ichika. The door of the classroom slide open and two teachers entered. One was Chifuyu Orimura, who was Ichika's sister. Chifuyu Orimura was Japan’s legendary IS pilot and the strongest among other IS users. She was once the IS Representative for Japan before the title was given to Ichika and Houki. For now, she’s a teacher. The person next to her was Maya Yamada. Both Chifuyu and Maya stood in front of the class as everyone scrambled to their seats.
"Welcome back to school, everyone. I hope all of you had a fun holiday,” said Maya, as usual, in her cheerful tone.
“Alright, class. As you already know, the school will have another male student joining us. It is my duty to announce that this class will have him," said Chifuyu. The girls except Houki, Lin Yin, Laura and Charlotte cheered excitedly. Ichika sat straight, ready to welcome the new student.
“Aha, he’s in the same class!” said Ichika to Houki. Houki gave him a nod but she actually didn’t care about that.
Chifuyu turned to the door and said, "You can come in." Everyone waited for the new student to come in. The new student walked slowly into the class. He is from Eastern Europe by his looks. His height, estimated by Ichika, was a few centimetres shorter than Ichika. The boy has light brown hair, a pair of big green eyes. He was smiling nervously. He has a backpack carried on his back, which is unusual because in Japan, students use book bags. His uniform was similar to Ichika's. The only difference is that there's a white shemah draped around his neck. Facing the class, the boy took a deep breath before introducing himself.
"Hello everyone… My name is… Suljo Kiranovich. I'm the IS Representative Cadet from Bosnia and Herzegovina," said the boy in a nervous voice. He stood trembling in front of the whole class which consist of girls except for Ichika.
“It's him!” said Ichika. He smiled to himself. Apparently Suljo crossed eyes with Ichika. Both of them smiled at each other.
"Welcome, Kiranovich-san. I'm Maya Yamada, your vice-homeroom teacher. You can call me Yamada-sensei. Orimura-sensei here is the homeroom teacher," said Maya "Welcome to IS Academy. We open-heartedly accept you in this academy. Although you and Ichika are the only boys here, we are more than happy to give you some hospitality. We hope you will enjoy staying here until graduation.”
“Um, yes!” said Suljo. He’s getting more nervous because of the stares that the girls gave him. Ichika knew the girls in his class were eyeing Suljo like wolves.
“As for your seat, you can sit beside Ichika,” Maya looked at Houki “Excuse me, Houki. Please vacate your seat for the new student."
Houki was taken aback by her "Oh no," said Houki "Why can't he sit at another place?" Actually, she doesn’t want to be separated from Ichika since he’s her boyfriend.
"Houki, I'm sorry, is he a girl?" said Chifuyu, folding her arms.
"Well-,"
"Is he a girl?" said Chifuyu with a threatening tone gave shivers to Houki and most of the students. Even the new student was scared.
"No, Orimura-sensei," said Houki. She packed her bag and moved to the back row. Suljo gave her an apologetic smile, which was shrugged coldly by Houki.
"Hi, I'm Ichika Orimura," whispered Ichika to Suljo.
"Suljo Kiranovich," said Suljo. Both of them had to pay attention to Ms Yamada who was about to teach.
“Okay students, please turn to page 34 of The Fundamentals of Infinite Stratos,” said Maya. Everyone used their desks which has a built-in computer. Maya began her lecture. A few minutes later, she noticed the new student did nothing but staring blankly at his own desk.
“Is there something wrong, Kiranovich-san?” asked Maya.
“I… I don’t know how to use this… thing,” said Suljo in a soft voice, feeling embarrassed. The girls in class giggled and Suljo blushed deeply. Chifuyu banged Ichika’s head with her fist. Ichika yelped in pain.
“Ow, what was that for?” said Ichika to Chifuyu.
“Perhaps you should teach your new friend here how to use his computer desk,” said Chifuyu, cracking her knuckles.
“Here, let me help,” said Ichika to Suljo. He pressed the touchscreen of the table. The screen opened a window of an e-book program.
“Thanks,” said Suljo. The lesson resumed and throughout the lesson, Ichika noticed that Suljo was staring fascinatedly at the electronic board that Maya uses for her lecture. The transfer student’s eyes flickered in awe when the board shows interesting slides of teaching materials. He even lets out a soft ‘whoah’ when the holographic projector projects a holographic image of an Infinite Stratos.
“Probably he’s never seen these before,” thought Ichika.
*****
"Which part of Bosnia did you come from?" asked a student to Suljo during the class interval. Most of the class joined in the conversation except for Ichika, Houki, Charlotte and Laura. They were at the back of the class, watching the girls crowding Suljo’s place.
"I came from the countryside of Bihac," said Suljo. He was a little nervous when he was surrounded by girls.
“Eh, so that’s why you didn’t know how to use your table,” teased a student.
“Yeah, I’m not used to modern lifestyle,” said Suljo.
“I heard that Bosnia has beautiful sceneries,” said another student.
“You’re right. The place where I came from has beautiful lakes and mountains. Not to mention, the weather is cold. When you visit there, you’ll be amazed,” said Suljo enthusiastically.
“So, that’s why Kiranovich-san’s skin is beautiful,” said a student “I’m jealous of you.”
“Yeah, especially when he was raised far from the hustle and bustle of the city, his skin would be soft and fair,” said the second student. She casually pinched Suljo’s cheeks. It is really soft, so the girl let out a fascinated squeal “Really soft,” The others, moved by her bold act, decided to do the same. Suljo blushed deeply and was stunned when the girls poked his cheeks. He trembled nervously.
"Alright, alright. You’re making him scared. Say, Kiranovich, can you speak in English?" said Cecilia after everyone was stopped by her.
"Of course, yes. I mean, it's an international language, right?" said Suljo in English, with a heavy Bosnian accent.
"Oh, it's fluent!" said Cecilia, clapping her hands "Let's talk together in English next time, okay? I just need an English speaking partner."
"Eh, okay," said Suljo.
"A quick question here," Lin Yin interrupted "How can you pilot an IS?"
"How can Orimura-san pilot an IS?" asked Suljo back to her.
“Maybe it has something to do with Orimura-sensei, since she’s related to Ichika-kun,” said a student. Suljo heard that.
“That strict teacher’s related to him?” said Suljo.
"What are your assumptions?" said Lin Yin.
"Hmm, since Orimura-sensei is Orimura-san’s mother, Orimura-san carries her genes. Thus, enabling him to use Infinite Stratos," said Suljo. At the back of the class, Ichika, Houki, Laura and Charlotte fell from their chairs. The girls laughed at Suljo’s answer. Suljo looked at his surroundings confusedly.
“She’s not his mother," said Lin Yin, sweat dropped "She's his sister and she’s also an IS pilot. Do you know who’s Tabane Shinonono?”
"She invented Infinite Stratos," said Suljo.
"If you knew who she is, then you must know who that girl over there," said Lin Yin, pointing towards Houki.
"Uh…"
"Houki Shinonono," said Lin Yin.
"A cousin of Prof. Shinonono?" said Suljo.
"No, she's not. She's Tabane's sister. What's wrong with you? You don’t even have any general knowledge on Infinite Stratos. Are you an idiot?," said Lin Yin. A few gasped at her. However, Suljo smiled slightly at her, taking the insult lightly.
"About me piloting an IS; it's a secret, I'm sorry. If I said I could pilot an IS because I suddenly can, that would be a weak reason, right?" said Suljo.
“I think you are a girl in disguise. It’s impossible for a male other than Ichika to use an IS,” said Charlotte, joining in the conversation.
“She’s saying that because she once disguised herself as a guy last year,” said a student to Suljo. Suljo stared at Charlotte weirdly, making the latter to blush lightly.
"If you want to say that I'm a girl; you're wrong. I'm a boy. This deep voice proved it, right?" said Suljo to Charlotte.
"Right…" said Charlotte.
"Secret, huh?" said Houki in her group.
"I can't believe he said Chifuyu was my mother," said Ichika, chuckling.
"What could explain his ability to pilot an IS?" said Laura.
“Yeah, I’m intrigued about it,” said Ichika, making a thinking pose.
"Maybe, he's lying," said Houki. Ichika and Laura looked at her.
"Don't jump to conclusions, Houki," said Ichika and at the same time, a teacher came in to start the next period. The period went smoothly, and Suljo managed to get used with his desk computer. On the middle of the period, Suljo raised his hand.
“Yes?” said the teacher.
“May I go out to do my business?” said Suljo.
“Oh, yes. I understand. Please do,” said the teacher.
After getting her permission, Suljo went out while clutching a rug that he took out from his bag. Everyone was confused on why he would bring a rug with him. It is about a quarter before lunch time when he went out. They assumed Suljo was going for lunch earlier than them.
“Where’s he going?” thought Ichika after the lunch bell rang and Suljo wasn’t back from his business. Ichika wanted to ask Suljo to join his group for lunch.
“Lunch, Ichika,” said Houki.
“Um, yeah. I’m going to wait for him first,” said Ichika.
“No, he can find his way, and we’re not going to eat at the cafeteria,” said Lin Yin. On her hand was a homemade bento wrapped in cloth. Cecilia, Charlotte and Laura also have their own bentos.
"Really, guys, you don't need to drag me all the way here," said Ichika to Cecilia, Houki, Laura, Charlotte and Lin Yin. They were at the school park. The group sat in a circle, eating their lunch. Ichika looked at Houki "Why did you do that?"
"It was nothing," said Houki, Ichika looked at her confusedly.
"You look different today," said Ichika "Is it because my sister told you to give a seat to him?"
"I said, it's nothing," said Houki.
"Is there something about that new guy?" said Cecilia.
"It's his 'secret' that I'm worried about," said Houki "What if he actually couldn't pilot an IS?"
"There were witnesses when Ichika first activated an IS. I guess Kiranovich has the same thing happen. Don't you remember what the news said?" said Cecilia.
"I don't believe the news," said Houki “I don’t believe the news when they mentioned about him activating an IS by just touching it. There must be some sort of secret he’s hiding. Also, the idea of another male IS pilot in this academy would spark more trouble.”
“Like?” said Cecilia.
“He’s a male. Get the hint?” said Houki, eyeing Ichika from the corner of her eye. Ichika who was munching on his lunch noticed and cocked his head to the side.
“A pervert?” said Charlotte.
“Whaaat?” said Ichika.
“Don’t act like you don’t know,” said Houki “Remember the first day? You saw me clad in a towel inside our room.”
“That was an accident!” said Ichika, waving his arms.
“A naked Laura doing an arm bar at you on the bed,” said Houki.
“She did it intentionally!” cried Ichika.
“In fact, yes,” said Laura, coughing.
“Bathing with Charlotte!” added Lin Yin, shaking her fists. A dark eerie aura glowed from her body.
“That is, err…,” said Ichika, he’s in loss of words. Charlotte blushed at Lin Yin’s statement.
“So you’re saying Kiranovich is a pervert because he’s a male?” said Cecilia.
“He’s a low class scum, just like all men are,” said Lin Yin.
“Yo, I’m a guy,” said Ichika, sweat dropped.
“He looked suspicious when he went out of class,” said Houki “Took him a long time to the toilet.”
“Maybe he’s lost,” said Ichika.
“And that rug he brought along? Do you think he’s going to use it while taking a leak?” said Houki.
"Hey, look. It's him," said Charlotte, pointing at a person coming from afar. It was Suljo and his rug is clutched underneath his armpit.
"Oh, it’s that village idiot," said Lin Yin, rolling her eyes "I bet he was searching all around the campus for us."
"Hush, Lin Yin. He might hear you," said Cecilia.
"Hello everyone," said Suljo to the group "Lucky that I stumbled upon you all. Can I join you guys?" Out of everyone, only Ichika and Cecilia nodded. The others were either looking at the ground or eating. Suljo sat beside Ichika.
“You took a long time doing your business,” said Ichika.
“I got lost trying to find the toilet. Ended up doing it outside near the tap,” said Suljo, embarrassed. Lin Yin and Cecilia choked on their food. They quickly gulped their drinks. Charlotte and Houki blushed except for Laura who was eating her lunch calmly.
“You did your business there? Gross!” said Lin Yin.
“What? I used this rug to protect my uniform from the stains,” said Suljo.
“Ewwww!” screeched Lin Yin.
“It’s not that dirty! Look!” said Suljo. He unfolded his rug and showed it to everyone. While he was unfolding it, Lin Yin, Cecilia, Charlotte and Houki covered their eyes while screaming. The rug had nothing on it except for a few dust marks.
“Gross!” said Cecilia.
“Don’t show the rug you used to wipe your shit stain!” said Lin Yin.
“Shit stain?” said Suljo. Then, he chuckled “Oh, no. I didn’t go to the toilet to expel my excess waste. What I mean is, I was searching for the toilet to take the ablution for my afternoon prayers. It’s just, I got lost.”
“You all have no clue that he’s a Bosniak,” said Laura to Lin Yin, Cecilia, Charlotte and Houki.
“What’s a Bosniak?” said Ichika but Laura ignored him.
“Next time, I’ll accompany you while you pray,” said Ichika to Suljo.
“Thank you,” said Suljo “You’re lucky that you’ll have the privilege of leaving the class and have lunch early.”
“Awesome,” said Ichika, smiling. The girls were jealous of him.
“The teachers won’t like it,” said Cecilia.
“They were informed earlier. That’s what Orimura-sensei said to me. She also told me to get Ichika to accompany me,” said Suljo.
“Then, why didn’t you ask him earlier?” said Lin Yin.
“I forgot,” said Suljo.
"That aside, it’s time for our introduction," said Cecilia to Suljo "My name's Cecilia Alcott, IS Representative of England. The girl with the twin tail is Huang Lin Yin, IS Representative of China."
Lin Yin was still eating her lunch, ignoring Suljo.
"That's Charlotte Dunois from France. Her father owns a company that produces third generation IS’," said Cecilia. Charlotte, being a nice girl, smiled at Suljo.
“Um… bon joe?” said Suljo. Charlotte giggled at his mispronunciation.
“Bonjour. Ravie de vous connaître,” said Charlotte. (Hello, Nice to meet you.). Suljo nodded although he didn’t understand a word she said.
"The one with the eye patch is Laura Bodewig from Germany," said Cecilia.
"Guten Tag," said Suljo to Laura, only to be ignored.
“Stop ignoring him,” thought Ichika.
"And this is Houki Shinonono, IS Representative from Japan, the same as Ichika," said Cecilia.
"Hi, I'm sorry for taking your seat," said Suljo to Houki. Houki gave him a grunt without looking at him.
"Have you eaten?" asked Ichika to Suljo. Suljo shook his head.
"I’m too shy to eat while being surrounded by girls," said Suljo, blushing.
“Haha, studying in this place is challenging,” said Ichika.
“It’s because you two are boys,” said the girls.
“You can join our group since we are the first to know you,” said Ichika. Suljo’s face brightened.
“I would be glad to, Orimura-san,” said Suljo.
“Please, call me Ichika,” said Ichika.
"Excuse me, Kiranovich. I’m still intrigued about you being able to pilot an IS. Would you mind explaining it to us?" said Charlotte.
"I’ve told you earlier; It's a secret," said Suljo.
"Are there any person who make IS for males?" asked Lin Yin, trying to extract information.
"I can’t tell who made it. It's a secret and as far as I know, people could mass produce Infinite Stratos, but not inventing one that responds to a man," said Suljo again, only to get a frown from the Chinese
“That doesn’t prove your point!” said Lin Yin “I mean, if no one could make an Infinite Stratos like yours, then who in this world did it? Aliens? Did you activate an IS by touching it?”
"I'm really sorry, guys. Everything about me and my IS are confidential," said Suljo, smiling.
“Aw, come on. No one else could hear if you tell us,” said Ichika.
“I was told to keep this secret,” said Suljo.
“Who told you? Your organisation?” said Charlotte nicely but her tone was sharp.
“I-,” said Suljo but Houki cuts in.
"Just tell us the truth. You actually can’t pilot an IS, right? What are you doing here in this academy?" said Houki, standing up while pointing her finger at Suljo.
“You haven’t seen it,” said Suljo.
“Then show it,” said Houki, folding her arms. Suljo kept quiet. He looked at the ground, as if he’s trying to find an answer.
“We’re waiting,” said Lin Yin.
“Unless if you’re in disguise,” added Charlotte.
“If you’re really a male, let me tell you this: Infinite Stratos only responds to a woman,” said Houki.
“Well, how come Ichika could pilot one?” said Suljo.
“He was gifted, unlike you. Also, for your information, men are considered a nuisance in this society. I’m sure that you are one of them,” said Lin Yin.
"That's impolite, girls," said Ichika sternly "It's his first time here. Don't just accuse him of something unless if you have proof."
"Defending the village idiot, eh?" said Lin Yin.
"No," said Ichika.
"When did you have this change of attitude?" said Houki to Ichika suddenly.
"Change of attitude? You're the one who have your attitude changed suddenly," said Ichika "Seriously, everyone, what is wrong with Suljo?"
“The problem is, he’s a guy. We don’t know whether he’s a spy,” said Houki.
“Well, Charlotte was a spy once, but she dumped it because she hated it,” said Ichika “And if Suljo’s really a spy, he must be a girl in disguise just like when Charlotte was Charles.”
“You guys should stop fighting,” said Suljo, trying to calm Ichika and Houki.
“Shut your trap, Kiranovich!” yelled Houki to Suljo. Suljo fidget a little after getting yelled at “And don’t act so friendly to us. I don’t approve of your existence.”
"Then, I’ll show it," said Suljo to her “I’ll show you all my IS.”
“Really, is it for real?” sneered Lin Yin “Or it’s just words spoken from a conman?”
“I can guarantee you that I’m telling the truth,” said Suljo.
“Well then, if it’s true, I’m the one who will fight you. I’ll make you know your place in this society. If you’re lying, you should be ashamed of yourself,” said Lin Yin cockily.
“If I win, you’re going to do anything that I command,” said Lin Yin.
“Okay, if I win, well, there will be nothing, it’s just me winning,” said Suljo.
“Hmph, don’t try to act like a gentleman,” huffed Lin Yin. She and Houki left the group.
"We should be going," said Laura, standing up. She and Charlotte walked away. The only person left were Suljo, Ichika and Cecilia.
"What’s with them?" said Ichika. He patted Suljo "I’m sorry that you get treated harshly on the first day." Suljo’s stomach growled. He blushed.
“Want a sandwich?” said Cecilia, offering her lunchbox at Suljo and trying to cheer him up.
“Thank you,” said Suljo, taking a slice. Ichika, who had a taste on Cecilia’s bad cooking, could just watch. Suljo took a bite and surprisingly, he didn’t show any reaction. Instead, he finished the sandwich.
“How’s it?” said Cecilia, surprised to see someone managed to survive eating her food.
“It’s awful,” said Suljo. Cecilia felt like something struck her heart. She trembled. Suljo, keeping his smile, continued, “But it’s a food and I appreciated it.” Then, he collapsed. His smile is still intact.
“Oh my God, you killed him!” said Ichika to Cecilia, shaking Suljo’s ‘lifeless’ body.
Usually after school session, Ichika had to walk back to his dorm surrounded by girls. Now, he has Suljo walking with him side by side. They were in front of the girls of their class. All of girls watched both of them in envy. At the same time, some of the girls started to have perverted thoughts about the two boys. Houki and Lin Yin could watch Ichika and Suljo jealously, but it’s Suljo that they observed mostly. Ichika and Suljo arrived in front of Suljo’s room. Ichika’s harem (Houki, Cecilia, Lin Yin, Laura and Charlotte.) have headed to their respective rooms. They didn’t even bother to say ‘Good night,’ to them except for Lin Yin who gave Suljo a warning glare.
"Well, Suljo, since you're here, I have to pack my belongings," said Ichika.
"You’re moving?" said Suljo.
"We're rooming together, right?" said Ichika.
"I'm sorry, Ichika. I have talked to your sister that I'm going to stay alone. I needed privacy, you know?" said Suljo, bowing to him. Ichika gave a disappointed sigh.
“A guy needs privacy? Really?” Ichika thought.
"We can hang out anytime, right? You're more than allowed to enter my room," said Suljo.
"You're right," said Ichika "I'm going to go back to my room. I'm currently rooming with Houki."
“Not alone?” said Suljo.
“She’s a childhood friend of mine. Is there something wrong?” said Ichika.
“No, it’s just, weird,” said Suljo “A girl and a boy sharing a room. Is it okay like that?”
“Well, at first it’s kind of awkward and considering that I’ve been changing roommates a few times, I guess it’s okay” said Ichika, laughing “Even if I tried to do something sexual, there will be a wooden sword swinging towards me.”
“A wooden sword swinging towards you? Are there ghosts inside this place?” said Suljo. Ichika laughed at his statement.
“No, what I mean is, Houki will try to whack me with a wooden sword. I’ve once ran into her after her bath and she attacked me,” said Ichika.
“So, see you tomorrow then,” said Suljo after opening his room door.
Ichika and Suljo shook hands.
Houki was lying on her bed when Ichika arrived. She was facing away from him. She was in her pyjamas.
"Aren't you supposed to be rooming with Kiranovich?" said Houki, as Ichika changed into his pyjama.
"Nope, he's rooming alone," said Ichika "He said he needs privacy."
“Probably to report on his progress to his organization or something,” thought Houki.
"Tell me, why did you treat him badly? I know he’s a boy, but at least give him the benefit of a doubt," said Ichika.
"You want to know? I'll tell you," said Houki, sitting on the bed "I have doubts on him. There’s probability that he’s a spy and can’t pilot an IS.”
“What makes you say that?” said Ichika.
“I don't want you to be taken away by some evil organization. You know everyone's trying to get their hands on you to study you,” said Houki “Do you remember when Charlotte came here as Charles?”
"Houki," said Ichika. He sat next to her and wrapped his arms around her "Don’t worry, I can take care of myself. You're the one I need to care about because you’re my girlfriend. If Suljo's really a bad person, he won't be able to catch me because I have you, Lin Yin, Cecilia, Laura and Charlotte."
Houki smiled softly and rests her head on Ichika's shoulders. “I guess you’re right,” said Houki.
“Tomorrow’s training day and that’s the time to see if he really can pilot an IS or not,” said Ichika.
-Chapter 2 END-
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