Episode 8: Find Out My Mind

Smile for the rifle

It is the beginning of the tournament, with Charles and Ichika versus Laura and Houki. Laura is relieved that she faces Ichika in the first round which he agrees with her. The match begins and Ichika launches at Laura but he is stopped by her AIC (Active Inertia Canceller). Laura tells him that he is so predicable; to which he replies that they can both communicate on the same level. Laura aims at Ichika, point blank but is thwarted by Charles, who appears behind Ichika and fires his weapon, forcing Laura away. However, when Charles switches weapons to continue attacking Laura, he is stopped by Houki by blocking the attack. Houki attacks Charles, but he is defended by Ichika who blocks the attack from Houki. Charles switches weapons which then Houki realises she has left herself open to be attacked. However, before she is hit, Laura grabs Houki out the way and rushes Ichika. Rin and Cecilia watching from the stands comments that Laura didn’t save Houki; she was just in the way.

Dodge this

Laura continues to attack Ichika. Houki readies herself to attack but she is stopped by Charles. Chifuyu comments on that Laura fails to use Houki as an ally and lacks experience. However, Maya comments on the effective teamwork between Ichika and Charles. Charles manages to hit Houki with several shots and defeats her. With Houki out, Charles attacks Laura, forcing her away from Ichika. Charles joins Ichika to attack Laura. Ichika prepares while Charles attacks Laura only to be stopped by her AIC. Ichika jumps in, which Laura dodges the attack and stops Ichika with the AIC. Ichika tells her that they are a pair, as Charles attacks Laura hitting her shoulder cannon. Ichika then realises that Laura needs to concentrate on one target for AIC to be effective; a flaw in the weapon. Ichika launches another attack on Laura, but before he can deliver the final blow, he runs out of energy.  Laura then attacks Ichika and Charles, but in an attempt to hit Ichika, Laura is stopped by Charles.

That's going to hurt

Charles launches an attack on Laura using Ignition Boost (One of Ichika’s moves) which shocks Laura. Before Laura can stop Charles with her barrier, she is hit from behind by Ichika using one of Charles’s rifles. Laura rushes Ichika but is stopped by Charles, who appears right in front of her and at close range she hits Laura with Shield Pierce weapon and shatters Laura’s shields and drains them away. Laura is then defeated by multiple punches from Charles. Laura enters a dream state and recounts her past, being a test subject and respecting her IS instructor, Chifuyu. However, is disgusted by Chifuyu reason for being strong; her younger brother, Ichika. Laura then desires power and it is granted. Back in reality, Laura becomes engulfed with electricity and screams as it lights up the entire arena. Chifuyu orders security level D, as Laura’s IS transforms and engulfs her. The match is cancelled as the spectator stands are sealed up.

Transferring Music at a time like this!!!

Laura’s IS transformation completes. Ichika attacks it but is knocked away, Ichika is then hit by its sword, disabling his IS entirely and slashing his arm. Realising he was taken out by a katana technique learnt from Chifuyu, he rushes at Laura’s IS only to be stopped by Houki. Ichika struggles to get free from Houki to attack, only to be slapped by her. Ichika wants to stop this IS, but can’t due to Byakushiki being out of energy. However, Charles steps in and offers to replenish Byakushiki’s energy. Charles asks Ichika to promise not to lose. Ichika tells him that he is not a man if he loses; to which Charles tells him that if he does, he will have to wear a girl’s uniform to school the next day, he agrees. He activates Byakushiki sword only and attacks Laura’s IS. He blocks the attack and slices open the IS. Defeated, the IS disintegrates and Laura falls out of the opening wound made by Ichika’s attack. She manages to catch a glimpse of Ichika as passes out, falling into Ichika’s arms.

Houki found a new way to clean her shoes

Laura wakes up in the infirmary with Chifuyu next to her. Chifuyu tells her that Laura’s IS was fitted with Valkyrie Trace System; a system banned by the IS treaty. Chifuyu tells her that even Laura isn’t her real name she would be called Laura Bodewig from now on. Upon leaving Chifuyu tells her that she cannot become her and should stop trying. Meanwhile, Charles and Ichika are eating in the cafeteria commenting that the tournaments are cancelled. Ichika then notices some girls upset that they didn’t get the chance to go on the rumoured date with Ichika. Houki then appears and Ichika offers to go out with Houki. Houki is excited but is let down when Ichika tells her it would be a shopping trip. For this, Ichika gets a punch and a kick as an angry Houki storms off. Just then, Maya appears and tells Ichika and Charles that the boy’s large bath is open.

Why can't they just shake hands!?!

Later, Ichika is relaxing in the bath when Charles enters as well making him nervous. After a few awkward moments, Charles wants to tell Ichika that after conversation the other day; she has decided to stay at the academy, as long as he is there. Also she asks that Ichika would call her Charlotte from now on. The next day, an awkward Maya introduces a new student, Charlotte Dunoa. The class realise that Charles is a girl and gossip spreads that Ichika had been sharing a room with Charlotte and the new boy’s bath, yesterday. Suddenly, an angry Rin bursts through the wall and immediately aims at Ichika with her Impact Cannons and fires. Ichika realises he is not dead and opens his eyes to see Laura had blocked the attack. Ichika thanks Laura, but is interrupted by a sudden kiss from her. This shocks Cecilia, Rin, Houki and the entire class. Laura then tells Ichika that he is going to be her wife (what translation is this!?!) and other objections are dismissed. There is an immediate gasp from the entire class, except Ichika; who takes a while before the penny drops.

This is one the best episodes, with a IS battle involving perfect teamwork. Ichika still plays the dumb male lead character yet again; just grow a brain cell at least. Finally Laura joins the group and now features in the end credits, so all the girls are in now. Now the only thing needed now is for Houki to get her personal IS and then the real fun begins.