[Keroko]

Originally Posted by Saint X

Named after a Mythical Bird of Philippine Lore, the 214-1-A1 Adarna is one of the last fully operational “Straight 1” IS units in the world - First Generation IS units who never underwent a major frame change or modification- unlike most that went through major modifications, frame changes or upgrades to either second or third generation. It is one of the last of the First Generation Units, sporting technologies and systems that some would consider of the Second or even the Third Generation.

That's... kind of a contradiction, isn't it? It never underwent any modifications, yet it has systems just as advanced as a second or third generation?

Originally Posted by Terminator98

Ok... time for my character's full introduction history:

Spoiler for Introduction History:

---Omega Division, Tokyo Headquarters---

"So, Lieutenant Alex Hikari... It seems as if we need your help again."

Of course, that guy always needed my help. Colonel Fraya was always the one that briefed my on my upcoming tasks and missions.
Earlier this morning, I had been on leave in Tokyo, having some fun wandering around and buying some food. Tokyo had always been a sight to behold, a huge concrete jungle where one could easily get lost. I hated it for that, yet, the city still attracted me for some reason. Perhaps it was the blend of architectures, the style of the buildings, the demeanour of the denizens. I didn't know. I most of the time enjoy calm and serene landscapes out in the wild. There, I can think and meditate all alone in peace. Tokyo is the total opposite of that. Yet I still like it. It must be because it was here that "she" lived. Lyn, one of the very few persons I could call a true friend.

Let us leave this topic...
Back to the headquarters, I was sitting on a chair, listening to the torrent of information that was flooding in.
The colonel was talking about the recent discovery that man could apparently pilot IS units. Indeed, a young boy going by the name of Orimura Ichika had been able to operate one.
The said miracle was now attending at the highly prestigious Japanese IS School.

"... and as you can guess, a lot of people have been interested into getting their hands on him."

"I guess so". Pff, couldn't he jump the obvious points? It'd be nice if he jumped right down to the mission details.

"So... we've discovered that there are a few groups that are out there for more than him. They're out for his life. Our operatives in the school have witnessed many assassination attempts on him."

After his life? That wouldn't make much sense. He was the first male IS pilot ever. Why would that attract anything else more than curiosity? Perhaps the the ones that were responsible for that were fanatical feminists.

"The job we've come up for you, is to watch that guy, and protect him if the situation arises. Orimura Ichika is currently giving us quite a lot of information via the data we are getting from his Byakushiki. If this was to stop, the higher ups would be really annoyed as they're quite interested into man pilot-able ISs"

"So... let me guess... How am I supposed to fit into an all-girl school without being noticed?"

"There already are two boys... a third one wouldn't make much difference. Plus, it'd be much easier to watch on him if you befriend him as well."

The mission seemed interesting. The fact is, the Colonel apparently forgot that I hate socialising with people, well to a certain extent. There are very few people I can get along very well. Most people, even if they're not, either seem to be too loud and talk too much or else, be so full of themselves that they deserve an unrestrained beat down.
But a mission was a mission. I had to accept it. One detail bugged me though.

"Colonel... I've never operated an IS before."

"And we've got the answer to this. Come and follow me."

The colonel lead me to the IS hangar. From there, he took me to another large hall that was locked by a password. Fraya inputed a code and the door slid open.
I couldn't see anything inside. Everything was dark. The colonel hit a switch, and suddenly, I saw what exactly was in this hall.
At the center, towered a dormant infinite stratos of a type I had never seen before.

"Lieutenant Alex Hikari... let me present you, the IS N.98 Belial-Type. This is a very heavily modified version of it, upgrading it from a 2nd Generation IS to what we call 'X' Generation."

"'X' Generation?" I asked him, puzzled by its meaning.

" X stands for variable... we don't know what this unit is capable of. There are currently three X generation ISes, all detained by the Omega Division. You'll have the honor of piloting this one."

"How do you think that it will accept me?"

"Because it will. Just try it. We are 100% sure that this will work."

I decided to give it a try. I entered the dormant unit and closed my eyes, trying to communicate with the armor, as if to open up a dialogue.
Suddenly, I heard a voice speaking gently in my mind.

"Alex... I've been waiting for this day. We're finally reunited."

I knew this voice. I knew it too well. But it was impossible. 'She' was dead. Long dead. All by my fault. All by mine.

"Yes... I died. But I was reincarnated into this IS. I've been waiting for you Alex. For the day that we may be reunited."

A mixture of joy, anger and sadness... I couldn't describe how I was. I felt that tears started trickling down my cheeks.
How did 'she' end up in here? What the hell was happening?

"I've been implemented into this IS's system Alex. I don't know how to explain it, but apparently, my consciousness lives on in here. The scientists were able to save at least that part of me before my body died."

So it was Omega Division's doing again. First, they had removed my humanity, and now, Lyn had lost hers, and was trapped into a machine. Great, how did I end up serving such kind of people?
I wanted to destroy everything around me for a split second, but I managed to calm down and take a realistic look. At least I could talk to Lyn again. This organization allowed me to live. If I left it, I would have nothing. Besides, war and the military, were basically the only thing I knew and could do decently.

"Hehe... So Lieutenant. Touching reunion isn't it?"

I looked at Fraya. He seemed eager to see what would happen.

"Let me warn you Alex... This IS rejected and severely wounded the previous people who attempted to board it. But I am confident in your success. Activate its awakened mode lieutenant."

I focused so that the IS would deploy itself.
CLANG. Plates after plates started piling up on me. This was rather unusual. The IS armored my entire body, up to the point of even putting a helmet on me. All the units that I had seen until now only sported limited armor, but that was mostly because the shielding did everything.

"Hoho... interesting" Fray said while watching in amazement.

"It would seem that this is quite a unique rarity you have here Alex. Your IS has no shield, and yet, we detect an unknown metal coating your entire body. It's durability ratings make that one of the most resistant materials on the earth..."

Fray's mouth was wide open as he gazed at all the information readouts on his computer's screen.

"Incredible. Truly incredible. I will submit this information to our research staff... meanwhile, please go ahead and launch to your mission. Get acquainted with your machine on the way. We've already moved your belongings and all to the IS Academy."

"That's it?"

" Yes. Let me ask you one thing, never reveal that you have a personal IS unless you really need to use it... This thing will definitely arouse suspicion if it's spotted"

Logical. Anyways, why was I being assigned such a blatantly unorthodox unit if it was just to keep it hidden? Bah, let's hope that I will never have to use it.

I stored Belial away. It took the form of a ring on my right hand's middle finger, a beautiful one might I say.

A few hours passed. In the meanwhile, I had taken the train to head towards my mission area, Infinite Stratos Academy. While I was sitting in the train, I had a nostalgic conversation with Lyn. She spoke to me, explained to me how to manoeuvre and operate the IS fully. it was easy, looked quite a lot like piloting a jet, except that this time, it was much more maneuverable, and had a lot more capabilities. At the same time, we talked about the past, how fun we had, before that accident happened.

There was only a few moments left before I would start a new chapter of my life. A few moments before I would soon encounter a new home that I'd never thought I'd find.

Spoiler for General Pilot/IS Overview:

------------------------------------------

Name: Alex Hikari
Age: ???? (Estimated to be around 18)
Gender: Male
Hair Color: Black and Silver
Eye Color: Black (Right) - Red (Left)
Skin Color: Slightly Tanned White

Country of Origin: Japan (Real Origin Unknown)
Personality: A silent man, he rarely starts conversations up and prefers things the quiet way. He does harbor a certain hidden enjoyment from perpetuating jokes, a remainder of perhaps an older, more cheerful persona. Is sort of gloomy and dark due to a past trauma.

Biography: Unknown even to himself, Alex's origins are shrouded in mystery. He has no memory of his childhood, his oldest memory being awakening up in a hospital bed, clueless about even his own identity.
He was once a test member for some "super soldier" program that was abandoned due to the harsh side effect it had on the test subjects. The experiments performed on him before the closure heightened his physical aptitudes to extreme levels.
He is currently part of the group named "Omega Division", a top secret international agency, acting as a Covert Operative wherever they need him.

Notable Physical Traits: Quite Tall. Has a scar that runs down the left side of his face. His hair forms a fringe that drops down to cover part of the scar and his left eye.

------------------------------------------

Unit Type: Infinite Stratos
Unit Name: Belial
Unit Paint Scheme: Black and Silver. Golden Joints and tones of dark red.
Manufacturer: Omega Division Design Bureau

Storage Mode: Ring worn on his right hand's middle finger.

Weapons: x1 "Faustus" Odachi, x1 "Baku-Oni" Plasma Saber, x1 "Raijin" Hi-Plasma Rifle, x1 "Moonlight" Variable Output Plasma Blade/Shield, x2 "Raphael" MK.V Variable Phase Plasma Projectors.

Equipment: x1 "Nightmare"-Type Cape (Fully Retractable), x1 "K.A.Z.E" Propulsion System.

Unit History: The "Omega Division" is a top secret international agency that was created by Japan, Germany and the United States. It's main purpose was to take care of high-level threats that couldn't be revealed to the public due to their outrageous nature, or simply, because they were so dangerous they would cause unwanted panic. Most of it's agents were women, as having the possibility to deploy ISes was a great advantage (seeing that IS are portable and powerful).
When it was discovered that Men could indeed pilot ISes (via Orimura Ichika), the agency's design bureau tried to create a new IS using the spy data they had obtained on Ichika and Byakushiki.

One of the very first creations was the IS named "Belial", a heavily updated and modified version of the IS core number 98. Originally a 2nd Generation IS, it was upgraded to a 3.5 generation IS with apparently unexplored potential. The latter came from the fact that the chip, for some reason, mutated a lot and adopted many "unusual aspects" that gave it unprecedented weapons.

Many men tried to pilot Belial, but all failed. As it was about to be abandoned and handed over to a female operator, Alex was chosen to try equipping it, and for some unknown reasons (speculated that Alex's dead friend, Lyn, is hosted into the IS's AI core), the IS seemed to accept him. It was immediately issued as Alex's personal unit.


Unit Operational Description: The Belial's unique ability that seperates it from most other ISes is that it can cloak and become invisible to radars and to the naked eye, thanks to the "Nightmare" cape that it can deploy. This allows it to sneak by, snipe and assassinate targets with relative ease. The main disadvantage though, is that for full 100% invisibility, it had to cloak itself on the ground, as cloaking itself in the air will leave the lower side of the mech still exposed.

Another distinctive feature the Belial has from other ISes is mainly it's lack of the conventional shield most units come equipped with. Whenever equipped, Belial deploys a very durable and hard self-regenerating armor plate covering the entire body, complete with a stylized helmet. However, it does not protect the pilot from kinetic shocks as much as a shield, making it much easier to injure the pilot indirectly from concussions.

As for its weapon loadout, the Belial was built on the "assassination" theme, thus, it sports very high-power weapons.
It's "Raijin" Hi-Plasma rifle can easily penetrate most shields, requiring only a few shots to get through. The "Moonlight" is an interesting weapon as it serves both as a weapon and as a shield. It can either project a very high powered plasma slash that will cut through anything in one swipe or either form a dense barrier of plasma that can block very high energy weapons (beam sabers such as the Yukihira Type-2). The problem is that due to the extremely high levels of heat generated, this weapon can activate both modes for a very short amount of time and has to recharge for about a minute afterward.

The Raijin and the Moonlight can be combined to fire a one hit-kill shot, but the usage is limited due to the earlier problems mentioned about the Moonlight.

The Faustus Odachi and the Baku-Oni Plasma saber are less taxing melee weapons. The first is mainly a high density metal odachi coated with a variable ammount of plasma energy. It still has an enormous punch that' s about comparable to the Moonlight, but being only half energy based, it can be drawn out more often. Due to it still draining quite a lot of energy, using the Iaido style (quickly and accurately drawing the sword while at the mean time striking, then quickly sheathing it back) with the Faustus has become a habit for Alex.
As for Baku-Oni plasma saber, its energy is partially supplied by a battery pack built in inside the weapon, so that it doesn't tax the IS's energy levels that much. The energy blade is also much thinner and more refined than the Moonlight, allowing for a more extended use. It's the weakest of the three melee weapons.

The last weapon system mounted on the Belial are the two "Raphael" MK.Variable Phase Plasma Projectors. Often mistaken as the "wings", these are mounted on the unit's back. (The actual wings are the K.A.Z.E system's. 4 of those protrude sideways on the back of the Belial, while the Raphaels are aligned vertically over the latter. )
They serve multiple purpose. Being able to project a shield of plasma particles around the IS, it can serve as a supplementary for the IS's shield, adding another layer of protection. This plasma field is enough to protect from ballistic attacks, thus complimenting the deficiencies of the body armor.
When the situation calls for it, energy can be diverted from the shield to be used as plasma projectiles. The attacks come in two forms, first, is the "Angel Wings" attack, which consist in the Raphael system separating its two projectors into four. A very high level of energy is then concentrated, then released in the form of huge energy wings. These projectiles can bend their trajectory and surprise their targets. This is the only attack that can attack multiple targets.
The second form is the "Luminos Executor" attack. The two projectors fold forward and act as two large cannons, firing two large beams that create a very powerful plasma detonation upon making contact with a large enough solid mass.
It is to be noted though, that the two last attacks leave the Belial extremely vulnerable, as it has to stay still and divert more than 80% of it's energy output into the assault.


--------------------------------------

Interesting premise. Having the soul of a dead girlfriend allowing him to pilot an IS is a creative way around the whole 'But Ichika is supposed to be the only one' thing.

Originally Posted by Terminator98

You should remember that due to the fact that is has much more armor than a standard IS, it is quite a bit larger, and thus, there's more room inside than it seems to have.

Edit: Additional Info on my char:

Spoiler for More Info:

---------CHARACTER HOBBIES AND PERSONALITY------------

What people like about him:
Piano, Video Games, Bishounen

What people don't like:
Dark Bishounen, Likes to be lonely, Sarcastic, Hard to get his attention. Doesn't know how to handle girls. Can get quite sadistic if provoked on the battlefield. Does not hesitate to kill his foes if necessary (due to his military training).

Other notable habits:
Has a tendency of shipping people together once he gets to know them better. Will help Houki at times when he sees her attempts to win Ichika's heart over, as the latter reminds him a lot of his younger self (pre-trauma), and Houki acts a lot like his deceased love, Lyn.
Likes faking ho-yay with other boys when they annoy him so that he may get some peace. One of the main reasons why Ichika and Charles will get scared of him at the beginning.


------------INTERESTING IS NOTES-----------


- The AI of the Belial identifies itself as Lyn's conciousness. Even thought this seems far-fetched, he actually know everything that happened between Lyn and Alex since they met.

- Belial was called a Generation "X" by Colonel Fraya. It is generally considered to be a 3.5 Gen IS (the refitted version that is), but due to the fact that it has a mutated core and quite a lot of improvements and unexplored stats, the "X" that stands for variable seems to have quite a significant meaning.




------------BATTLE TACTICS--------------


Whenever Alex uses the trainer IS, he usually prefers to play it defensively, waiting for the enemy to show an opening.
Being exclusively limited to using a sword, he cannot afford any brash movements, coupled with the fact that the IS itself is locked to the ground, lacking any aerial mobility.

The situation entirely changes when he uses Belial. It is an extremely agile and powerful IS that can also withstand incredible punishment, but it isn't without defaults. This unit was mostly made to engage in one on one fights and pull out quickly. It doesn't have any fast fire weapons, (the Raijin Plasma rifle itself has quite a slow rate of fire, at around 1 blast every 3.5 seconds) so taking on multiple targets can be risky. The only weapons that allows him to attack multiple targets require a charge up and recharge time that also leaves him vulnerable. Their destructive potential can be worth it though.

Alex always enters the battle stealthed with the Nightmare cape, taking advantage of being unnoticed. He will usually land the first shot as a killing blow, either using a one hit kill sniper shot from the combined Moonlight and Raijin.
Usually, the enemy will not have time to pinpoint his location, and he will simply re-cloak and move to another spot, slowly decimating his enemies one by one.

A variant of this assassination style is actually using a well placed slice of the Faustus or the Moonlight to deliver a single killing blow. He will sneak in behind the enemy and with one clean slice, take out the intended target. While it requires sneaking closer, and actually reveals his presence, this attack rarely fails, as the sniper shot does have a chance of missing (if the target randomly moves). He can also cut multiple enemies if they're close enough (the Moonlight can extend itself to a very long length, and the Faustus Odachi is itself very long by normal standards.

When revealed, Alex usually stores his Nightmare Cape. It's also a sign that he is getting serious, as with the Nightmare Cape on, Belial's mobility is limited to 50%, for half of the energy is diverted to maintain the stealth mode during that time.

With the K.A.Z.E system now activated, he now blast up to supersonic speeds, and his maneuverability increases tenfold. It also unlocks the Raphael Plasma Projectors, giving him a permanent shield against kinetic attacks, and if needed, two deadly attacks that can wipe out multiple enemies. The Angel Wings is perfect for engaging multiple incoming targets, while the Luminos Executor can take out heavily armored targets and it's surroundings allies with ease. Alex often refrains from using the two latter though because before and after them, Belial is extremely vulnerable, having to charge up, decharge and recharge again.

While fighting in close quarters, Alex cannot afford to have his weapons constantly drawn, as they drain excessive amounts of energy, and can even melt themselves down if let on for too long.
The Faustus Odachi is used in the Iaido style, a Japanese based martial art where the sword remains in the scabbard until the time to attack comes, where with smooth, rapid and controlled movements, it is quickly drawn, used to slash at the enemy then sheathed again until the next attack.
This allows Alex to control the energy drain quite easily, thus allowing for more strikes, which is quite a useful help in case the Moonlight is recharging.
As for the Baku-Oni Plasma Saber, Alex rarely has the need to use it, as the other two weapons are much more effective at cutting through his enemies. Still, he can dual wield the Baku-Oni along with the Faustus, allowing him to duel multiple foes at the same time.

*snicker* Faking gayness for pure comedy gold, I like this guy already.

Originally Posted by MeisterBabylon

Really quite the opposite. Imouto is seldom serious, and even the real personality of Karon "is a slacker and can only be bothered to do something if it furthers her own goals."




~~~New Intelligence Data Updated~~~

Spoiler for IS: Shooting Star - Shift 00:

Unmarked location
Briefing Room

The door swished open, and in floated a girl in her late teens. Her uniform matched no registered force on the planet, instead it was color coded with splashes of green over her white uniform.

She stopped at the center of the table, where two other IS pilots floated in zero gravity. The one in orange was floating upside down from the ceiling, while the blue one was content to hum a folk tune from her state.

"SHOOTING STAR!" The girl in green saluted, hand held over her face.

"SHOOTING STAR!!" replied the other two pilots in kind.

"What have we got?" said the first vigilante.

"Her." replied the second, pointing to a hologram displaying a detailed profile of the team's upcoming member.

The lead pilot smirked as the machine continued to spit out Karon's extraordinary academic record. "Damn Metro overachievers."

The third giggled. "That makes all of us, Sherry. It was a requirement to become a Foundation Representative."

"Aw chillax, Marina," the Australisian said. "I'd much prefer to take things easy. With her on our team, I feel pressured."

"So says the one holding the record for international SAT scores." Representative Malaya Chao Hokusui continued and uncrossed her arms. "Three Yggdra engines? That's reckless!"

"As expected of the Merlion-type," Sherry Westfield noted as she ran a hand through her locks. "I am more concerned about her as a person. The last Merlion pilot also had stats like these, but she buckled under fire, and we had to drop her at the last minute. That must have resulted in Three Diagram assigning us this hatchling who hasn't even flown the coup yet."

She floated closer to the workstation and tapped a few links on the profile, bringing up several more test results. "We already know that the rogue forces are growing in gall, and anti-IS weapons are becoming commoner. Our intervention missions haven't been the steamroll like when we started, so whatever we learn at the Academy is next to useless now."

The team leader grew serious as she read the new charts. "Her psychometric status is excellent, but will she last in a real fight?"

Marina nodded. "She'll be a fine addition to our team."

"If the Merlion doesn't tear itself to pieces first," quipped Hokusui.

Forget everything that has been released earlier; this is the finalized version of my main ISOC!

I'm... utterly confused what's going on here.

Who are these girls in space? Why are they in space?

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Well you could just take the hairband with "wings" that actually just press the hair above her ears to her head. They could just move up and down according to her mood (usually down since she doesn't exactly care about anything else during daytime other than SLEEP).

She could speak in a nonchalant Sanya-like voice in arena fights :

Helena :
Target spotted.
Acquiring range.
Coordinates received.
Readying weapons.
Firing.

Opponent :
Oh what is she - WHATTHEHELLHOWTHEHECKAMIGOINGTODODGETHAT?

Helena :
Boring. I want to sleep.

Fighting is actually one of the few things that can get her awake during the day, but she quickly goes to find a bench to sleep on when the adrenaline wears off.

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

That is one way of badass adorable. Just draw a few pictures of her sleeping soundly on her desk or curling up in a corner of the gym store during P.E classes (skiving) will sure boost her moe factor by over 9000.

Just don't bleed to death drawing the last suggestion.

Hmm, I'll see what I can conjure up. Been a while since I last did a good shop.

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

With regards to Karon, I am going to read the specs later after I cleaned up my Econs project. Also, I have pretty much concrete character map of Rachel :

- Kuudere
- Single Ponytail to the bottom of neck (takes it off if she does a full transform, retains it in partial transform)
- Lawful, hardworking - basically the total opposite of Karon
- Often skewed and totally wrong interpretation of interactions between others e.g : thinks that Houki actually slept with Ichika, who is the sub to his sister Chifuyu, etc.
- Shows a yandere streak when using Blind Horizon
- Uppity when it comes to dealing with "bad students"
- Cosplay victim. Of almost anyone who brings her shopping.

Uppity when dealing with bad students? Ohh, I can use that.