So anyways- *interrupted by loud BOOM!* Hold on, what the?! Hey you can't- *slammed down onto the table*

Ichika: Surprise, motherfucker! *holding me down* Write the damn story!

*muffled*That's what I was about to do!

Ichika: *pulls out a Bolter* DO IT!

NEEEEVER!

Ichika: Are you really going to keep these author notes running?

Yeeeeeeeees!

Ichika: ...Is there really a chapter?

Nooooooo.

Yep, no chapter today guys. I just wanted to announce a few things.

Like for one, today is April 1st.

On April 1st many important events happened. Historically, Otto Von Bismark was born on this day, so was David Eisenhower. Plus, the musician Mark White, racer Shinji Makano, and a ton of other things.

Also, this is when Google Maps was taken over by Pokémon.

Oh, and it's International Have Fun at Work Day! And with this first week of April, it's Read a Road Map Week. And for those who know what it is, it's International Tatting Day.

And I'd like to announce that this story isn't dead! Hooooray! Except that I like to really put it off because I got bored and yeah.

Anyways, that's all for today.

Ichika: Wait really?

Yup.

Ichika: *revs a chainsword*

What? I told you, I'm done!

Ichika: Today is-

Chapter 6: APRIL FOOLS, MOTHERFUC-

Ichika: *pulls out a second bolter*

Oh come on! I posted, isn't that enough?!

Ichika: THE READERS AND REVIEWS HAVE SPOKEN.

FINE, FINE!

Be warned, the writing style has heavily changed between this last update and this one. It sort of comes with not writing for this story for the longest time.

Chapter 6: A Recipe for Disaster

I awoke to something very soft. Odd, as my bed is not usually…

"What in the name of the Emperor do you think you are doing?!" I half-shouted at the silver haired German in my room, of all places my bed, absolutely naked as well. Warp damnit, I did not want to wake up to this, "And why are you not decently dressed?!"

"Mn… it's already morning?"

Wow. The world must really want to get you laid. Or just tempt you like all hell.

I shall not fall for these mere parlor tricks! If the enemy wishes to test my mental strength and self-control this is absolutely insulting!

"It is precisely 0523 hours in the morning," I said, voice beginning to seethe, "And I am telling you to get out of my room! And get dressed! Warp dammit, this is absolutely stupid! If you don't get dressed, I'll have to put on clothes forcefully. And that can hurt."

"Isn't it natural for spouses to sleep together?"

"And who told you that we were spouses? I'm going to kill that lying fucker." I said with a narrowed glare at her.

Of course, instead of my intended effect of making her not want to piss me off, she got all embarrassed instead, "S-stop staring at me like that! I'll get really embarrassed."

…You are shitting me. This is the girl that a little over a month ago, I nearly cut the hell open with a damn chainsword and made her scream for her life before said cutting. The one who I possibly mentally broke that day. There has to be some sort of Warp influence here, I know it. People just do not snap like that.

Or maybe she had some quasi-twisted-ridiculous version of Stockholm Syndrome?

I didn't even take her captive! I nearly cut her in half for one!

And you think that's going to stop the universe?

Fuck.

"Whatever. Besides, I wouldn't even consider desperate girls that go to extremes. A woman should be dignified and elegant, such as Shinonono."

"Oh—" Laura seemed to take the bait, "…Then shall I hit you?"

…What the ever loving holy Warp damnit!

With a long sigh, I shook my head, "Get dressed. I've no time for such games as this. I am already ten minutes behind schedule as it is. Go down to the mess hall and eat."

I said it with little room for argument or debate, leaving Laura no room to do anything. And considering the killer aura I was exuding plus the fact Laura knew how brutal I could be, she complied almost instant.

"Should I even ask?" Houki asked as she came into my room, "I came here to check seeing as there were no signs you had already left your room. You're usually out by now and having breakfast."

"Some bastard told her that we were married or engaged and had her sleep with me." I said calmly, casually kicking a box underneath my bed. That box held Houki's birthday gift, which I was not about to nearly forget about it I do hope she likes it, though, "You wouldn't know who it is, would you?"

"And would I leave you to take care of that?"

"Fair point. I'd probably shove a Bolter up their ass and call it a day." I mumbled, "I'll be down in the mess hall in a bit. I'm running behind schedule so I'll have to compensate for that…"

"Still wearing the male uniform?" I asked as I bumped into Charlotte on the way in, "I figured you would have changed."

"This version is much more… comfortable," she said with a pause, "I'm not really into skirts either. Or perhaps I'm simply used to wearing the male uniform for longer."

"Very well then," I said, opening the door since I was in front, "How have your studies been?"

"Ichika, we're classmates. Not pen pals across the world." She said with a giggle, "Though they've been alright. I certainly received quite an education in France. Though what kept you? Aren't you usually already leaving by this time for homeroom?"

"Circumstances with a certain German student in class," I said, making my irritation clear, "Someone falsely gave her information that we were married." With a sigh, I shook my head before continuing, "Your hair is messy, though. Rushed morning?"

"Overslept," It was so easily a lie but I decided to let it slide for now.

Perhaps dreaming of you?

Can it, Minato.

Note that we have approximately twenty minutes until homeroom. I suggest you eat quickly.

Mission accepted.

"Charlotte, we have t-minus twenty minutes until we need to be in our seats in class. Let's hurry." She nodded, before sprinting in with me. This is certainly an interesting morning…

I have a way to make it much more interesting.

The wind rushed by my face as Charlotte was in my arms as I sped through the empty hallways by partial deploying my IS and using the Jump Pack with some realignment of myself to almost glide along the ground.

We barely made it with twenty seconds to spare on the clock.

BAM! I flinched as Chifuyu-nee's clipboard nailed me in the back of the head, "Idiot. You are not to deploy your IS without official permission, even in school. Just because you're the only male pilot does not exempt you from rules."

"Just trying to make it to class on time." I stated, "I accept full responsibility for this infraction."

"Then wake up earlier," Chifuyu-nee stated without hesitation, "Sit down, all of you."

As I sat down, I looked around in the event of Yamada-sensei ambush. Is it sad that this has become all but routine at this point? I suppose not.

"No need to be tense, Orimura. Yamada-sensei is currently scouting out the location for the school field trip, so she will not be here for the meantime. Therefore, I will be taking over her duties. All of you, pull out your Chemistry textbooks. Today will be a normal study session not about the IS."

Unfortunately, Charlotte and I got slammed with class duty cleaning as punishment for my infraction, and much to my chagrin, Charlotte took the blame as well. I'd rather that I took this alone, it was my decision to use the IS, even if it was your suggestion, Minato.

Hmph. We got to class regardless, that was our objective, no?

Yes, it was. Still, I'd rather be doing something other than cleaning the classroom, but if it is a punishment for an action I have no choice.

I heaved another table over so Charlotte could sweep the dust underneath. These tables are rather heavy, but then again I suppose they need to be armored to go through years of abuse.

"I can handle the tables myself, you don't necessarily need to help, Ichika."

"It helps get the job done faster."

"See? I can- aah!"

With that, I spun around and caught Charlotte by putting my hand on her shoulder, who had slipped, "Like I said, gets the job done faster."

I helped her up to her feet and ensured she was balanced before letting go of her shoulder. Her eyes seemed to be wavering, but that's probably from just the close contact. Everyone's jumpy nowadays, especially since I nearly killed Laura in cold blood that one time.

I raised an eyebrow as Charlotte mumbled something, "Charlotte, is something-"

"Kyaaah!"

I quickly tackled Charlotte to the ground and flipped over a table to make for a rudimentary barrier, keeping her close to have her out of the possible line of fire, "Charlotte, was it a sniper? Damn, not even here is exactly the safest place in the world!"

"S-sorry!" she stammered, "I-I don't know what came over me, just thinking something, that's all!"

"…okay then."

I pulled us back to our feet, looking around for a lens reflection. Nothing out of the ordinary out there… nope.

With one final check, I moved the desk back to its original position. I think other than the slight amount of dust shaken off that desk the room is all but spotless. That should be all for now, I suppose.

"Hey, Charlotte." I called, sitting down on my desk to enjoy the sunset that was blazing outside the window. I don't know, there's just something about watching a sunset that gets you feel satisfied that you made it through the day.

"Y-yes, Ichika?"

"I've been wondering, since everyone around here has a rather short name that makes them easy to call, I wanted to ask if you were okay with me calling your something shorter."

"L-l-like a nickname?!"

"…if you want to call it that."

Oh for the love of the Warp! Ichika, do you even know what you're doing?

Setting myself up for a possible tactical advantage?

…I'm not even going to bother.

"T-then yes!"

"Hm…" I closed my eyes and thought for a second, "I hadn't actually suspected that you would agree. I thought you would rather preserve your sense of self and ask to be called by your full name, but it you are willing to allow me this, then I need to think about this carefully. Ah! I've got it. Charl, will that work?"

"Charl-? Yes! It's great!"

I chuckled, "I hadn't thought you'd like my first guess."

Charlotte looked really happy as I turned around on the desk and faced her, a goofy smile on her face, "Hey Charlotte, I've got a question. Would you mind going out with me?"

Oh holy shit.

It's a rather nice Sunday morning, actually. I'm surprised, the forecast called for rain.

On another note, I swear I heard glass cracking on the way here but all the tram windows were fine with no bullet holes whatsoever.

I should have fucking guessed.

Charlotte was looking like something had gone horrifically wrong, dissonant with her relaxing light cream colored skirt and light green top.

I for one, was wearing my new Ultramarine polo shirt, the insignia emblazoned on its back, and black jeans. A little much seeing that it's rather hot today, but it will do.

So yes, I had been planning to purchase a new pair of swimming trunks for the beach excursion soon. Charlotte had earlier expressed her need to buy a swimsuit earlier so I figured I would ask her out here to kill two birds with one stone, and also have some pleasurable company while I'm out here.

"Charl-"

"Ichika."

"Yes?"

"…Guys who play with a girl's feelings should be stomped to death by horses."

Ouch.

It could be worse. They could be fed to the Slanesh.

Touché.

"I suppose, if it wasn't your enemy, anyways. If it was an ally, then that is unacceptable."

To this, Charlotte merely shook her head and sighed deeply, her head sinking down.

I raised an eyebrow, "Is this a bad time?"

"H-huh?"

"You were sighing rather deeply and have appeared not at peak condition for this trip so far. I would like to inquire if this is a bad time for me to ask you on this excursion. It would not do for me to force you to do something if you are not feeling well. Has the stress of facing and watching the encounter with the Trace system left you with some sort of psychological stress?"

"I-I'm fine!" she declared with red ears.

"…If you say so. Tell me if you feel ill at any time." With that, I began to march forward.

"Th-though! I stopped in my tracks and turned to face Charlotte, who was holding out a hand, "I-I do feel a bit under the weather today, but I'll be fine for a bit, so you must hold hands with me so I don't collapse or anything! I don't want to fall behind either!"

…I would get in a bit of trouble for losing a student from another country. And by a bit of trouble I mean a lot. As in, a lot more trouble than almost killing Laura a bit ago. Man, Germany was pissed, "It would be tactically advantageous to us. Losing a VIP would reflect badly on me. Denial of duty would be far worse."

Her face blazed red as our hands made contact, "Is something wrong?"

"Kyah!" There's that shriek again, "Wh-who-who are you asking?"

"…possible memory loss…? That might be symptom of PTSD…" I thought for a second, wondering how much damage watching that fight between myself and the Trace System did to Charlotte, "Should we head back to the medical facilities on campus right now?"

"I-it's just the heat! Let's get inside the mall!"

…Something is here.

Oh?

Someone is watching us. I do not wish to alert Charlotte though, who may or may not suffer a possible panic or anxiety attack related to a possible case of PTSD. I can't turn around just yet, so I'll have to lose our pursuers in the crowds. Minato, prepare for operation at any given second.

Understood. Keep your guard up.

Using my knowledge of this shopping center, as I had frequented this location multiple times with my old friends Dan and Rin.

I stopped around a tree that was planted in the middle with benches lying around, taking a deep, nostalgic breath. Ahh, the memories. Dan, Rin, and I were the three musketeers of our day, all of us smiling when we said that we'd defend what we believed it: the principle of equality for all men and women that live.

"Hm? Is something wrong, Ichika?"

"This place here merely… no, not merely. This place here holds many memories of days long ago with old friends. The days that Rin, Dan, and I would vow to change the world and defend it." I chuckled, "If only we could stand here together again, now that would be something. Well, I'd probably subtly leave the two."

"Eh?"

"Dan always had something for Rin, but wasn't exactly very vocal about it." Something shifted in the aura I felt behind me, "She's a strong young woman, after all, and he was… rather meek, to be honest, back in those days. He's grown a lot more now… come, we must be off. I needn't waste your time with nostalgic waxing."

"No, no. You aren't wasting my time. In fact, I'd like to get to know you a bit more, Ichika."

"There is hardly anything that is not immediately apparent. I serve the one and only true Emperor of Mankind, my dream is to bring equality to this world, and I consider myself a Space Marine, though for now I must pilot a mere imitation of their armor." No offense, Minato.

None taken, you speak the truth, and that is what we must accept.

"…is that all to you?" she asked, sounding concerned.

"…I am a first year student at IS Academy, roomed in-"

"No, I mean… is that all to you as a person? As in, is there anything you like… or any… one you like?"

"I do not 'like', anyone, per se, but merely have a preference in company. You, Charlotte, I prefer over the multitude of many others." I shook my head, "However, we must get going. We both require new swimsuits and daylight is burning."

"A-ah, yes." She nodded fiercely, "Ah… Ichika, would you like to see me in a swimsuit?"

That was a rather bold question.

I swear to all hell-!

"…No comment. Regardless, there are separate sections for men and women for swimsuit shopping, so I must part as your escort here. You have my phone number, do not hesitate to call in an emergency."

I silently let go of her hand, Charlotte letting out a bit of a sigh. She had a look on her face that said she wanted to say something, but was quiet.

"Is there something that is wrong?"

"Ah, ah, nothing at all!"

"I see. We'll rendezvous in thirty minutes."

I swear you have got to be the most dense idiot of all time. I could hit you with a sledgehammer of girl's feelings and I think you'd just try to disarm me.

Not now, there are things that we need to do.

Minato merely sighed, and I could see an image of him shaking his head.

I decided to browse around the stores with a pair of sunglasses on as to hide myself better. The stores weren't as crowded as the walkways, meaning it might be easier to spot me. It's nice that I have money saved up from middle school, running an odd job here or there to make a little money for my hobbies… which really meant money for buying wood since I broke my model chainswords quite oftenly.

There was a rather large selection of swimsuits, but I went with a simple and monocolored navy blue. To my surprise, there were some Ultramarine patterns swimsuits. While I'm tempted to curse at their obvious ways that they try to cash off of the ideas I have brought and my quest to the Imperium, I cannot deny that they are helpful for getting the word out.

I had timed myself to arrive exactly five minutes before our prearranged meeting, not wanting to be late. It seemed that Charlotte had chosen rather quickly… or not, considering the lack of a bag with her.

"Have you found one yet?" I asked.

"Ah, no… well, I'd like for you to choose for me, Ichika."

…This is dangerous territory. There are land mines everywhere in this situation.

No kidding. Tread carefully.

I coughed into my hand, "I see. However Charlotte, I would like to voice my objection in that it is hardly appropriate for me."

"W-well, I want to know if you'll like it!"

I shook my head, "Charlotte, what you wear is hardly-"

Charlotte then stood up straighter and looked me in the eye, "Orimura Ichika, I would like to humbly and informally request for you to assist in my purchase of a swimsuit."

"…Well, when you put it like that," I sighed, "Very well. If only to get you back sooner. I should have let the medical personnel examine you more."

I kept my distance as she went into the store, far more full of swimsuits that the men's. Unfortunately it was Sunday, which meant that this place was heavily crowded, meaning I stuck out like a sore thumb.

"Over there!"

It seems that Charlotte and I are the only ones in this section of the store. Who is this person calling?

"I'm calling you, idiot! Arrange the swimsuits here!"

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

"No." I said with conviction.

"Excuse me?!"

This is absolutely stupid. To think that they would have the audacity to force others that they do not even know to do things for them all because of their gender. Such idiocy.

"Making others do things for other people all the time leads to stagnation. Without thought capacity for oneself, mankind will become stupid."

"Oh, so that's how you want to play it. It seems that you don't understand your circumstances."

"And you don't understand yours," I said, offering a smirk, eyes playfully darting behind my eyes.

She launched the first punch.

It never reached me, despite my raised hand to block it.

Instead, stood a medium built, redheaded teenager—Holy shit that's Dan.

He wore black pants, a green shirt, with a flowing black coat with a white symbol of a Salamander…

"A Salamender?" I wondered out loud. Had I truly reached that much influence in this world…?

"Fear not, civilian, for we defend the innocent souls of the Imperium!" Dan declared, "This man has done nothing but escort his lady friend with the utmost respect and chivalry. Is it so wrong to do so?"

"Worry not, old friend." I chuckled, taking off my glasses, "You needn't worry yourself with my battles. I mean you no disrespect, but this is my battle."

"I understand—by the Emperor, it's you, Ichika!" he laughed, "I apologize then, for interfering with your battle."

"It is no issue, Salamander Dan. Carry on." I turned back to the women, "Now then, I believe I was having a peaceful afternoon until someone decided to interrupt my business." I noted that there were quite a lot of people spectating the event, "While you may think that you have the advantage, I shall never fear, for I hold my loyalty to the Emperor as my torch in this dark world."

Cheers erupted from some of the spectators as a single, united voice.

I refuse to be brought down by your cowardly cries and empty punches! You merely fear the loss of your power!" I declared, pointing a finger, "You can try calling security on me for 'exerting violence' on you, but I will always know the truth of the matter, and that is more than enough. For one day, when He rises to power, this day will come back and haunt you, as you remember the day you tried to force a Space Marine to fear!"

The woman been shaken, obviously not being prepared to take me on in a battle of words and rhetoric, to stand her ground against a Space Marine, "H-hey, w-why don't we stop causing trouble-"

"Trouble? Trouble?" I scoffed, "I hardly believe this is trouble. I am merely standing my ground for a belief that I hold in my heart and soul. I won't be forced back out of fear of being physically injured or tormented, or any fear, for that matter, for I shall go and know no fear."

With this as well, the person who had bothered me walked away, flustered and frustrated at her loss.

I looked around and found Charlotte who had been watching. She ducked away and tried to avoid my gaze, her stance off and her movements stif.

We really ought to get her checked out. She might have something along the lines of PTSD, and might kick in full force during an important moment.

Indeed, Minato. She's incredible at hiding it though, but a good enough eye can see it. She knows she is hurt though, but yet decides not to seek aid.

She wishes to look strong for you, Ichika. Your aura as a Space Marine and servant of the Emperor exude almost a requirement of strength to be around you. She is one that has spied and taken the back routes and is not used to the horrors of combat, let alone any of the girls in our school, which make her feel a bit week. Therefore, she refuses help to look stronger and be seen as worthy in your eyes.

I see… then I will inform her later that sometimes it takes a greater deal of strength to put one's pride and insecurity aside to ask for help. There are, after all, times which I plead to the Emperor for strength to get through a day.

"Ichika." Came another voice. I looked around and saw Chifuyu-nee had arrived with Yamada-sensei. I tensed up in case on an attack, "You don't have to worry, Ichika. She wouldn't attack you in broad daylight here."

"I see, Chifuyu-nee." I nodded, "Good morning to the both of you."

Yamada-sensei merely nodded before going into the store, while Chifuyu-nee brought out two swimsuits, "Ichika, which one is nicer?"

The white was the more functional one, while the black one was much more revealing. I'd rather not subject Chifuyu-nee to the sheer idiocy of flirtatious men by having her wear the black one.

"The white one."

"The black one?"

"The white one."

"Liar, you looked at the black one first."

"You pulled it out first."

"There is no need to worry about me. Do I look like someone who would succumb to those sort of men?"

"Prevention is the best cure. My final choice is the white one."

She chuckled, "Very well. I will take your decision into consideration." Damn, she's going to wear the black one.

"So," she said, shifting to her 'elder sister' mode, "Have you considered dating at the school? There are an abundance of girls that aren't after your blood, so you can choose as you like, right?"

…Does that mean 'choose as you like' like choosing what weapon is right for the job? I don't think something like that applies here. While I may be a killing machine, I defend the civilians in my life, which entails not treating them like tools.

"What about Laura? She's a bit problematic, but she seems to have dedicated herself to you. She's good looking as well."

"…I fail to be amused, Chifuyu-nee." She merely grinned in reply.

"Didn't she nearly kiss you as well?"

"I still am not amused, Chifuyu-nee." I stated, turning away to go look for Charlotte, "If you will excuse me…"

The ride back was fairly silent.

"Charl." I said as we approached the school. My initial call was met with silence. Tch, "Charl-"

"Kyyyyyyah!"

"Charlotte!"

"I-I'm fine, Ichika!"

"…I see," I sighed, "Charlotte, I remember reading something earlier."

"What was it?"

"It was a quote, saying that it takes strength to ask for help."

Charlotte was quiet as we walked back to her room, but then stopped before she put her key in the door. She spun around and threw herself at me, crying softly into my chest, "Ichika… I've been hiding something from you…"

"What is it?" I asked, despite knowing what the answer probably was.

"I… I'm scared. I was scared, watching Laura be swallowed into that thing… watching you face off against it… hearing Laura's terrified scream…" her crying became a bit louder, "And I don't want to make you think I'm weak… and I…"

"I know." I told her, patting her on the shoulder, "We should head to the medical office. You'll probably be scheduled for some therapy in order to get over it. Just remember that you are never alone on the battlefield, Charlotte. You have come clean with me and this school, and shone light upon a man whose illicit activities were veiled in darkness. You are an ally of mine, and I will take care of my allies. I do not strand my brothers and sisters on the battlefield."

With that, Charlotte nodded, "I… I want help."

"And you'll get some," I offered a hand, "Let's go get you some."

As we walked, Charlotte asked me, "How do you do it?"

"What do you mean?"

"How do you deal with all of this… this madness?"

"I have a cause for which I fight," I told her, "It is a quest that keeps me going. I will continue to fight for the Imperium, to return the God Emperor of Mankind to power in this world, to once again make man and women equal and united under the banner of humanity. Because every bullet and punch I take, every horror I am forced to watch, is for a greater goal I have in mind. That is how I deal with everything.

"So…" I put a finger in the middle of her chest, "Does your heart here beat for something? Do you, Charlotte Dunois, live for something? Because anyone can die for anything. But the thing that is harder is living for something. Do you have anything to live for? Because if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. And I'd rather not have your quite innocent self fall to something in this world."

"…yes. I do." She blushed, looking at me for a second in the eyes before turning away, "…I do. I have something I want to fight for. Something I'd stand against the entire world to protect."

"Good. Keep that in your heart and go forth unafraid, then. Just remember that one should never be too zealous in a goal, lest you lose yourself along the way." I opened the door to the medical ward, "Go on Charlotte."

"…Thank you, Ichika." She paused, "I… I'd kiss you now…"

"…" I had no words. I had considered our relationship to be strictly platonic, and one of protection, since some at this school still wished to strike at Charlotte for pretending to be a guy.

"But I know where your heart truly lies. I wouldn't want to get in the way and provide a temptation to a Space Marine's heart… after all, his heart can only lie with the Emperor that he so loves and serves, right?" she gave me a ghost of a grin, "A... and… and I think I know who's on your mind."

"…I see…" Truth be told, the Emperor was always on my mind, so I suppose that's how she knew.

"So! To you, I say good luck!" she put out a bright grin, though the ever present hint of emptiness shone off her teeth, "Farewell for a while, Space Marine Orimura. May you find glory in your battles!" with that, she entered the door and closed it behind her.

…I truly… have… no words…

…For a brief nanosecond I imagined how settling down and leaving my battle would be.

…It was scary. More so than the fucking demons of the Warp.

For the first time, I felt a single strand of my being question how strong my resolve was. My unfailing, unshakeable, unconquerable resolve and will to serve. I nearly didn't believe it as that ghost of a thought flew through my mind, infecting a single strand of me, even if only for a single Warp-damned nanosecond.

Said strand was quickly crushed.

Yet the fact remained that something was there. Something had tempted me. Something had made it through my mental defenses, the indomitable will that I had within me, my undying spirit… wavering for even a moment.

…This beach trip. It will serve as a time for me to be able to reflect. While the others are out playing their games, I shall retreat to my room and do a thorough self-examination of myself.

Quickly making my way back into my room, I slammed the door behind me, then locked the door. Curtains were closed, lights on. In a rehearsed emergency practiced motion, I drew the locked briefcase from underneath my bed and cracked it open. My fingers traced the spines, not needing to see the titles. I knew how each book felt, every spine having been treated to my regret, unequally, when I should have held all of them in the highest regard, being books of the Imperium themselves.

Found it.

I moved over to my desk and opened up the book that had started my journey. I needed to remember. I needed to know. I needed to go back to the roots… where it had all started. Because now I felt the need to really strengthen my mind, for if even a single part of me wavered… how much longer would it be before the rest of me wavered as well? That simply would not do.

Not now.

Not ever.

As the beginning few passages of Arisoto's biography entered my eyes again, I found myself mumbling.

"For the Imperium of Mankind and its undying Emperor."

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahaha!

Yeah, I know. I uploaded on April Fool's Day. Haha- *shot*

Anyways yeah, I apologize for not updating this like... ever. I got really preoccupied with my other projects, and this story sort of falls out of my mind after a while. And yes, I did just give Ichika angst, because otherwise the Silvero Gospel fight would be a curb stomp. Besides, it means I've got some more room for some new scenes.

Don't expect a lot of updates though, I kind of just update when I feel like writing this story. Storms Overhead takes priority and so does school. Though don't worry, this story ain't dead!

Seeya all next chapter, whenever that is! :D