The New Blue Steel: Redesigned

Final Chapter

A year had passed by and Iona had been living with I-402 by the seaside where her father had bought a house before passing away.

It's been her past time to sit by the seashore and stare at the calm sea. It relaxes her especially after being exhausted from attending college.

"I-401, get your ass out there and help me prepare dinner," I-402 demanded as she stands in front of her sister, blocking the view of the ocean.

Iona stared at her in confusion for it is the very first time her sister demanded her to help in preparing food.

"Is something the matter?" she asked.

"No more dilly dallying , sis," I-402 replied as she drags Iona back to their house.

They entered the kitchen and unexpectedly, lots of food are ready to be cooked. I-402 instructed Iona what to do, to wash the vegetables, to cut them into specific sizes and a lot more.

"Why are we preparing these much? I do not even want to eat veggies," Iona complained which earned a glare from her sister.

After a while, a knock was heard. Iona took the initiative to go and open the door. As she walks, she could hear muffled voices from the outside.

"Who?" she asked as she slides the door open.

"Hi!" they said in chorus.

Kongou, Haruna, Kirishima, Takao and Yamato smiled at her.

"We came to visit," I-400 said.

"Come in!" I-402 said as she pulls Iona out of the way. "Where are the others?"

"They're on their way," Kirishima replied. "By the way, Gunzou needs some shade while fixing the car."

I-402 grabbed the umbrella and gave it to Iona. She pushed her out of the door and smiled.

"Go and help our guest," she said before closing the door right in front of her.

Iona stared at the umbrella and her memories of fighting Gunzou a year ago came rushing back. She simply shrugged her shoulders and went to the station. There she saw him doing something under the scorching heat of the sun. She opened the umbrella, went near him and blocked the sunlight.

Gunzou stopped for a moment and looked at her.

"Hey," he said as he continued repairing. Iona simply nodded her head, not wanting to talk to him.

"I was told you're attending college and taking up Engineering. Is everything going okay?" he asked.

"Hmm," she simply responded.

Gunzou finished what he was doing and thanked her for the umbrella. The two of them walked back to the house silently. As they enter, the house is filled with noise.

"Gunzou invited his friends as well," Takao said when she saw Iona staring at the new faces. The white-haired girl simply nodded as she purposely stepped on Gunzou's foot which made him groan in pain.

"I'll be in my room," Iona said to her sister and went upstairs.

"Sorry, Iona is still adapting on her new environment. She isn't used to lot of people so please pardon her," I-402 said.

"Eh? Is she doing good in school, then?" Haruna asked.

"I think so," I-402 replied. "She's actually attending the same college as Gunzou."

"What?!" Takao exclaimed, "Is she trying to get Gunzou from me?"

"Takao," I-402 said with a smile, "Attending the same school is different from that. Plus, you aren't human that could produce an offspring so you and Gunzou are not compatible."

"Why you!" Takao was about to jump onto I-402 but Kirishima held her in place.

"Let me go! That girl needs a good beating!" she struggled.

After hours, Iona came downstairs when dinner was served. She sat beside her sister and ate quietly as the noises of the others filled the house. She gazed at the crowd, thinking of how she would respond to that kind of situation.

"What's wrong? Is there something making you feel bad?" Yamato asked when she noticed the stare of the white-haired girl.

"Nothing," she simply replied.

"You better not be planning to go berserk again, it ain't no joke," Yamato said.

She smirked as she remembers the time she defeated them. She smiled at her and said, "My ship is always ready to take you on if ever you want a rematch."

Akashi laughed out loud upon seeing the grim expression of the once strongest fog ship.

"Booyah!" she chanted.

"Says the ship that was sank in no time," Yamato scoffed.

"Now, now, enjoy the food and tease each other later," Kirishima said, hoping that their dinner would end peacefully.

After eating, Iona sneaked out of the house and decided to relax by the seashore. She took off her footwear and let her feet soak by the ocean water.

It's been a year since she last sailed out to the sea. She missed travelling underwater. And most of all, she missed her father who had taught her to control I-401. She went to the place where her ship is anchored. She stared at it for long, thinking when would she be able to use it again.

"Iona," her sister called out. "I know you missed the sea. But for now, let's enjoy what we have and someday, you'll sail out again."

Iona stood up and smiled at I-402. She took one last glance at I-401 before going back home.

The next morning, Iona woke up early and prepared for school. Before leaving, I-402 gave her the home-made bento which she is very much grateful for.

Upon reaching the station, she saw a familiar face.

"Good morning," Gunzou greeted as he hands over a helmet.

"What is that for?" Iona asked with her hands still holding onto the sling of her bag. Gunzou stepped forward and put on the helmet on her head.

"Since we're going on the same university, I'll give you a ride," he said as he returns on his motorcycle.

Iona sat behind him and wrapped her arms around him before the engine started. The wind blew cold that morning. The trees swayed along with it as it passes by. It is a peaceful morning.

"Iona," Gunzou called out as the sun starts to rise and show itself.

"Hmm?" she simply mumbled.

"Would you go out with me?" he asked straightforwardly.

*Here Ends the Story*