Infinite Stratos: Phoenix

Getting Settled In

"Houki, mind explaining why your sister sent us to your dojo?" Rin asked. It was true, we were looking up at the Shinonono Dojo resting further up the hill. We knew where we were and what the place was called due to the sign above the path to said dojo. We had followed the coordinates across the ocean to Japan and then proceeded on foot once we made landfall further inland.

"It's not our dojo, at least, not anymore. Our parents sold this estate and moved further into the mountains after I left the Academy. They had said that when they'd sold the property it was immediately bought up for a large sum of money. Now I know who bought it. She always liked it here before she unveiled the IS." Houki explained, shouldering her bag of belongings and starting up the path. Ichika followed after her and the rest of us soon joined them.

"It's way too exposed. We'll be sitting ducks if Phantom Task pinpoints us." Laura mumbled. The dojo was set atop a hill surrounded by a ring of taller hills with a pathway leading from town to the dojo. From what I could tell, the dojo was done in a traditional Japanese style, with a few modern improvements.

"We don't know what Tabane has done to the place after she bought it, so I'll reserve any judgement for after we get to look around the place." I said in response as I shouldered my bags and grabbed one of Keiko's before Char, Keiko and I started down the path after Houki. We got a simple tour from Houki before we were directed towards what had previously been the dorms for the students. It was close to midnight when Char and I stumbled into our previously claimed room and fell into bed, asleep within minutes.

--The Next Morning--

Charlotte and I were awoken by the sharp sounds of wood slapping together and exclamations coming from outside. I reached up and closed the window although it barely helped since the walls were done up with the paper-like material like traditional buildings and it barely dulled the sounds emanating from outside. I turned back and came face to face with Char and we both got lost in each other till I was startled by Charlotte suddenly sneezing. I freaked out and ended up falling out of our bed onto the wood floor as Char recovered and yelled, "Zeke!" There was a small pause before both of us were laughing from our positions. The door was slid aside as Keiko peeked in, followed by Houki and Ichika. I noticed the sounds from outdoors had stopped as I calmed down enough to stop laughing. Char was still giggling on the bed and I smiled at the sound.

"What happened?" Houki asked. Just thinking about it made us both start laughing again and they just gave up trying for now.

"Whatever, breakfast is in 20." Ichika said for the three and we both waved them off before taking our bags and beginning to change into some new clothes.

"That was unexpected." Char said from her side of the room and I chuckled before answering.

"Yeah. Apparently." I said as I pulled up my jeans and grabbed a shirt. "I'll see you at the chow hall." I said as I walked out of the room as I pulled on my shirt. I made my way through the dojo and stepped into the chow hall.

"Out, out! Breakfast is on me today." I said, pushing Ichika out of the kitchen. I turned back to the kitchen and rubbed my hands together as I ran my eyes over the entirety of the room. "Okay, where to start?" I mumbled before moving further into the kitchen and starting on our meal. From outside the kitchen there was a clatter as a pan hit the floor followed by; "Son of a bitch!"

--Half an hour later--

"Breakfast, is served." I said, holding my left hand behind me as I bowed with a wave of my hand. 'Breakfast' consisted of several helpings of bacon, a several plates with different styles of prepared eggs and palm sized pancakes. Toast and coffee were set off to the side on a separate smaller table for those that wanted any. There was a split second of silence before the table burst into motion as people made mad rushes for what they wanted. I simply grabbed two plates that I had prepped ahead of time and brought them to my girls, who were looking around in confusion as there were no plates in front of them. I stopped behind them and moved the plates to appear in front of them before talking.