Consider this a rewrite. Although I do like To Prove You Wrong, there were plot devices I disliked and some things I want a bit different. The overall story will be quite shorter, less characters, but the main pairing will be there(and hopefully with more development).
In addition, I hope to make it more Sylvia and Ethan support each other rather than the Ethan saves Sylvia(as I've done a lot of that in Prove You Wrong).
Now, here's the first chapter, and I do hope you genuinely enjoy!
In another world, another universe...Well, more like a different timeline, our two characters, Ethan Sakamoto and Sylvia Lyyneheym, both met under favorable circumstances and their spark...*ahem* sparked pretty early.
In this timeline, I've noted a few details that will cause some rift between them once they get to know each other...They won't have as an easy a time to become quick acquaintances.
Last but not least, minor details that have appeared in the timeline where Ethan proved a rival wrong won't be happening here. Rather than being in a few rounds of controversial testing. he is rather...a wanted man. With a modest bounty for his head.
...Maybe even for a simple eyeball they would pay that same amount. Anyhow, why not move onto the story? Kichirou out and farewell.
[Asterisk]
[Rewolf and Queenvail borders]
"I...I think I lost them."
"Ethan's there!"
"Oh for f-" He snarled and he sprinted further away from his academy and into the alleys. Was it his fault that he wandered into that one casino where he won its entire wealth due to a misfortune on their side? And some fortune on his side? Oh yeah! Not to forget that everyone in the Underground remembers his face. He was actually hoping nobody would be foolhardy enough to fight him...but unfortunately, that bounty ain't helping. At all.
He burst around the corner and slammed into a person, "SHII-"
"AH!" Both fell and Ethan groaned, rubbing his head with one hand while the other...
"Shit."
The girl beneath him widened her eyes and their brilliant purple color blazed with murderous intent. Ethan scrambled up and started running at top speed. Now there's gonna be another person on my ass.
While he was leaving though, he couldn't help but wonder where he saw her before.
[Asterisk]
[Border Piers]
Ethan laid on his back as he rested on the wooden planks. The piers were peaceful enough and due to its decrepit condition, not many people bother coming here, save for the sailors wishing to conduct business to and from Asterisk, but from the man running these docks, nobody was registered to leave today, although a number were returning late tonight.
Honestly though, being an enemy of both Haruka Amagiri, Ayato Amagiri, and Saya Sasamiya gives him the experience to kill his pursuers, but he would rather not have that price he has on his glorious head go up even more.
Not after he won that one on one Festa last year...It was surprisingly more difficult than he imagined, he had to actually try in a while. The last round that was...
He had wished for some peace and quiet and a renewed effort to capture and eradicate both bounty hunters and mercenaries, but it did little to help. Not only did the Enterprise implicitly refuse by ordering Helga Lindwall to focus on other matters, but those two groups of Genestella are too plenty to permanently get rid of.
He had just shut his eyes when a voice spoke up the moment someone leaned over his head, "Well, who do we have here?"
Opening his eyes to the new shade, he started to smile but it froze before he could rolled his eyes, "Shit.
It's you. Just my luck."
She gave a smirk as she bent lower, "Don't sound that ungrateful, I handled those Rewolf casino owners a few miles back and just followed you here."
"To whoop my ass, that's for sure."
"No." He blinked in confusion and then slowly sat up as she straightened a bit. "Just an apology."
He didn't seem to comprehend it for a moment before stifling a yawn, "Uhm right. I'm sorry for groping you."
The girl's brows creased into a frown , "That didn't sounds like a far cry from a sincere apology."
"Really? Wow, I totally didn't intend for it to sound that way."
"You know, you could at least pretend to be a bit nicer". She irritably stated and sat on her knees in front of him, straightening her skirt as she did so. They looked at each other for a moment before Sylvia turned away, slightly uncomfortable under his ever nonchalant gaze. "Haven't I met you before? What's your name?", she asked in an attempt to break the ice.
"Ethan. Ethan Sakamoto." Recognition shone in her eyes and she flipped her mauve hair over her shoulder.
"OH! HOW COULD I FORGET?" she cried, grinning with genuine mortification, if that made any sense. "You're the one that beat me in the Linduvous Festa."
He sighed before replying in complete monotone, "That's my name...You're Setsuna, Setsuna Thatlongname."
She pouted, "At the least you could have gotten my name right as I got yours. It's Sylvia Lyyneheym."
Sylvia's smile faded as his did, "Something bothering you? Is...is it me?"
He shook his head, "Not at all. Nothing much."
"What? Thought that I'd come for some petty revenge?" She laughed but saw him staring off into the water, a distant look in his eyes, "Ethan?"
He didn't respond and Sylvia frowned at his blank look, "Ethan?"
She grabbed his arm, causing his head to turn eerily towards her. When his eyes focused, the look vanished, and he blinked, as if snapping back to reality. "My god..." he mumbled and stood up quickly. "I'm going now. See ya."
He quickly ran away, as if running from demons. Sylvia couldn't help but worry, Did I do something wrong? I usually make good impressions...or is he just the first boy to not suck up to me and gave me an honest introduction?
She didn't get much more thoughts when a motor boat suddenly stopped at her pier. The men quickly got out and turned to her, "Ma'am. Have you happened to see a teen with black hair, black eyes, and with a somewhat relaxed nature?"
"Y-" Sylvia paused, "I have."
"Do you know where he went?"
Now Sylvia hesitated inwardly but seemed to give thought with her body language. I recall his wish being somewhat along the lines of arresting bounty hunters...what does he have to do with them. Or these men?
Sylvia shook her head, "Apologies. I only know the general direction of where he went." She pointed right and they frowned.
"Queenvail? Strange..." The lead man nodded and bowed to her, "Thank you for your help."
As they left, Sylvia could have sworn she saw Ethan trailing them, with two men beside him.
[Asterisk]
[Queenvail Entrance]
Sylvia didn't see him again for another month, but had only caught up with him on the academy news. She wanted to speak with him, but didn't know exactly how.
She clicked her tongue and left the gates, looking for a way to Rewolf. At her arrival, she approached the guards, who recognized her and acknowledged her presence. From experience, despite their reputation, she found them more friendly than naught, with a few of the population having their infamous rudeness.
"Mind me asking, do you know where Ethan is?"
"Ethan?" one asked. From his expression, it seemed he didn't know the teen.
An alarm rang in her head and she went on, "Black hair and eyes? A bit goofy?"
The two students became guarded, "What do you want with Vinnie?"
"Vinnie is his name?"
"No, well...Ethan is his name, but everyone calls him by the infamous American bounty hunter who became involved with many mafia and cartels. Essentially, that's what Ethan gets himself into. I doubt you're involved with any of those groups, Lyyneheym. What is your business with him?"
"I...I just want to ask a few questions," at their shake of their head, she quickly added, "about his past."
They grew worried, "Lyyneheym. It is best you not approach him with that topic at all. The last man to do so was sent to the Enterprise's most secure and advanced hospital. He was in critical condition for a whole month."
The man on the left gestured to the one on the right, who winced as he raised an arm, palm up, "Don't risk your life. No matter how strong you are...you haven't seen Vinnie when he's serious. He is deadly, and not tapping into Genestella powers."
Sylvia sighed defeat, getting nowhere, "If you guys say so."
The two looked at each other and the right man leaned in, "If you are really determined, he's at the outskirts of Rewolf, that one gym."
Sylvia smiled and gave a quick embrace, "Thank you."
"Please. Be careful. I have heard that two men, Hideki and Daiki last names unknown, watch his back every moment. Do not think of overwhelming him...if you even can."
"I won't. I just want to be acquainted."
"...If that's really the case, good luck."
[Asterisk]
[Rewolf outskirts]
Sylvia stood with drinks in her hand, seeing Ethan leave the gym, towel around his neck. He turned and placed his hand on the apparent owner's shoulder, "Well...It appears nobody can beat me yet. Glad we won."
The owner bellowed a laugh, "Right! I thought you'd lose but you did it on purpose! Damn crazy kid!"
"Well, I'd best get going."
"To your girlfriend?"
Ethan froze, "Huh?"
He turned to the owner's finger, and saw Sylvia, who gave a nervous smile and raised a drink, "And Sylvia Lyyneheym too. Not a bad choice."
"Haha...right." The owner gave a pat on the chest and went inside. Ethan quickly pushed Sylvia and ushered her away, "Again? Why have you followed me here of all places?"
"What's wrong?"
"You being here is what's wrong. Nobody in this area with worth messing with. They have no interest in sexual acts, but...It's too complicated for you to understand now"
"Oh..." In her nervousness, she simply couldn't find any other word to express her discomfort.
He gave a chuckle in response to her reaction, "Dimwit. That's why you don't chase after your love interest like in the manga and anime..."
"Well, I'm confident in my abilities to attract men, thank you very much," Sylvia gritted her teeth as he narrowed his eyes in exasperation.
"You need to know your limits."
She bit back the uncharacteristic bout of anger bubbling inside her and wordlessly offered him a drink. Against her expectations, he accepted and took a sip, "Lemonade. My favorite next to tea. Many thanks."
He wrapped an arm around her, getting a blush off her usually composed face."Now...let's get out of here."
They walked in silence for long moments before he announced they were 'safe,' prompting her to speak up.
"How much can you bench?"
"Almost 230."
She widened her eyes, "And without Genestella powers, right?"
"My, Captain Obvious, I wonder why you didn't figure that out on day one?" he shot at her, letting his arm go.
Sylvia clenched her fists as her eyebrows drew together in a scowl, but before she could retort, he continued, "I'm the first Genestella on my family, so this is a bit of an experience for me. Although obviously I could rely on that, I'd rather leave the first generation pioneering for another child. How about your generation?"
She was quiet for a block until she replied, "Maybe the tenth? I believe that is right."
"I see...Well, I'll be going now. I have some business in Rontlicht."
"But...we-"
"Just met?" he finished, "Yeah, I know. I didn't ask for you to come."
"Why can't I follow you?"
He brought up a pair of sunglasses and paused before putting them on, "Let's say...this is more of a complex situation. Go run off and start your performances with charity or something. Try to not get anyone killed this time."
When he spat out the word 'performances', Sylvia couldn't help but reply without thinking "Like you running around with the mafia and cartels?"
Faster than she could see, he pinned her to a wall and Sylvia noted that he was more serious in fighting this time around, ready to kill, even. She cried out in pain and gasped for breath, hyperventilating when she felt no air. Sylvia struggled in vain and tried to kick Ethan, but he held a syringe to her eye, "Stop fighting. Now. Who told you?"
She immediately froze and Sylvia gestured to his forearm. He shook his head, "Who?"
"Rewolf," she barely whispered the words as spots danced across her eyes and managed a pleading look. She fell to the floor unceremoniously, gasping for breath as she knelt, the gravel digging into her knees.
"Typical of them, careless brats. I gotta say though, you got guts. But don't go nosing around my business. It just might get you killed."
Sylvia retched and looked around, the teen gone from sight.
Ethan looked up around the rooftop, but quickly ducked his head and tucked himself, rolling on the floor as the knife whisked above his head.
He caught the arm when the knife stabbed at his eye and a bead of sweat rolled down when the long tip was no more than an inch from his pupil.
Ethan quickly snapped the wrist, fracturing bones, but got no more than a grunt before a boot flew into his solar plexus.
He could no longer breathe when the air flew out him and breathing in was impossible, as if bowling balls were clogging his lungs.
Ethan quickly raised his arms and the knife bit deep into his right forearm. As the blade grinded against his bone, he felt the side of his head explode and the knife retracted, "Enough with this bull. Now, get up slowly and I won't shoot."
Ethan gestured to his chest as he coughed violently and he was kicked aside, "So the legendary Vinnie is a human after all."
He heard the slide of the pistol and it fired, but not at him, at something in the distance, "Yo asshole! If you wanna fight then get over here!"
As he slowly recovered, he heard the crack of an elbow on skull and the man who he fought fell unconscious onto the floor. Ethan smiled at the towering figure who nodded, "Thanks, uncle. Appreciate the help."
Hideki vanished in an instant and turned to the corner of the maze of buildings, "Who's there?"
A flash of purple was instantly appeared and ran to him. Sylvia seemed flushed and short of breath. "Sorry, I was chased before I was able to leave."
"A shame, seems I'll have to put up with you a little longer. Ah well, at least you're unharmed, right"
"I am...but they may find me. Or us."
Ethan noticed Daiki shaking his head in the shadows and skulked off. Ethan turned to Sylvia and waved her over, "Right, just stick close to me and you'll be just fine. Just so you know, if you wander off then I'm not gonna bother to look for you so you'd better stay close."
She nodded quickly and took a step, before noticing his wounds, "You're hurt!"
He gingerly tapped the flesh chipped off his skull and hissed, "Yeah, I guess. It's nothing new. I can handle this much just fine."
"Here."
Sylvia quickly started tearing strips off her uniform and Ethan rushed to her, "Woman! It's fi-"
"No. It's not." Sylvia continued tearing a strip and started with his head, wiping up the dripping blood before tying it around his forehead. He let air out from between his teeth but held still.
After she bandaged the wound on his arm she jumped up, "Alright! Let's go!"
She started forward and Ethan shook his head as the corners of his mouth tipped upwards. As he followed, he felt uneasy.
Calm down...Calm down Sylvia. He's coming, you know he is, he will when he realizes something wrong, Sylvia thought to herself as she struggled against her bonds. They stripped her of her weapons and left her unable to reach anywhere. It would take too much strength to tear the rope bindings with her hands, and even longer for her feet.
It wouldn't be a good idea to do one or the other without doing both at the same time. "So? He's coming, huh?"
"Yup," came the reply, "If he wasn't now, Tharja is leading him here."
"Now we finally have an edge over that kid. Idiot thinks he can barge in?"
"Well...he did do so plenty of times already." There was a harsh punch and something slammed against the wall, "S-sorry sir! I spoke out of line!"
Sylvia opened her eyes and watched her captors, who didn't pay her much attention. She opened her hand and started to focus, but at that moment, she felt something stab at her mind. Good gods, you can't stop causing me trouble for just one day, now can you? *sigh*Don't worry, just hang tight. I'll get you out of there in a flash so wait for me, bae, I promise you're not gonna die there.
Ethan?
His voice vanished and Sylvia felt her heart beating rapidly and her chest tightened.
What did you call me...Ethan?
"You shouldn't have led the way, Tharja."
The woman chuckled darkly, "Oh right, as Sylvia wouldn't know."
"Dumbass."
"You're the one who brought her here."
Ethan stood at full height, face twisting in a curious expression. Tharja smiled cruelly when he replied, "For the record, she was the one who followed me.."
"But you left her there."
Ethan's arm quivered and he whipped the knife to the side, making her smirk go slack as she slumped to the floor, dozing lightly.
"Well...you could say I get to kill two birds with one stone, getting the information I want and getting her to owe me at the same time.."
The rest of the walk went undeterred, allowing him to calm himself. No matter how much he wanted to push the blame away from him, he knew he was the cause of Sylvia being in her situation at this moment.
He only prayed she was untouched as he put his hand on the door, They really like female victims or hostages.
Everything seemed normal in the room. The leader on his usual couch and his trusted men behind him and to the side. "You've come. What do you want?"
Ethan fingered the blade behind his back while holding both hands behind him, "The usual."
"Just information?" He smirked.
"Of course."
All the grunts and the leader laughed, then he spoke, "How about rather than you making demands, we make our own for once?"
"And you'll force me how?" Ethan responded, apparently amused. Ethan already knew the answer, but there was no need to let anyone know that...except Sylvia of course. "I'm reeeeaally curious about how an old man like who whose best men couldn't even touch me with their dick could do anything now."
"This...whore of yours." The lieutenants stepped aside and she saw him flare at the remark. "Oh? What else are we supposed to call the Japanese idol that followed the son of the most infamous slaughterer of cartels? Girlfriend?"
Ethan took a slow breath and kept his emotions in check. "You really think she would be able to be yours?"
There was only silence in response, Sylvia darting her eyes between the two. "So? Why so silent?"
Ethan spat out a few simple words, "This is a waste of my time. Why would I care about her condition if I refuse your demands? She got herself into this mess so it's up to her to get herself out of it. I'm just here for the usual."
Sylvia widened her eyes and started to pull against her bonds when Ethan's arms flashed movement, and she saw the dull, well-worn blade fly by and impale something behind her.
"That said, it wouldn't hurt to get her to owe me by saving her. It'd only prove beneficial for me in the long run. Damn, what a drag. Welp, at least before he complicates things, no?"
They turned their attention to the man who fell lifeless, giving Ethan the opening to put another knife to the leader's throat. "Let me get a few things straight. If you die, my bounty may rise. But I don't care. Hell, nobody who has come at me can touch me yet. Only Ayato Amagiri, Kirin Toudou, Saya Sasamiya, and Haruka Amagiri came close. In addition, everyone, that's not born yesterday, knows they don't side with anyone's petty cartels.
"Listen up jackass, while I don't personally care about her, the entire fucking WORLD will be out for your sorry hides if you hurt her. Would using her as a short-term advantage really outweigh the costs of being hounded by just about every organization in the world?"
Sylvia heard the man whimper and she relaxed, So...he's here to help me after all.
"If you let her go now and give me a few things I want to know, and Sylvia, I'll be gone until next time."
"H-how can I trust you to not kill me the moment I let her go?"
Ethan rolled his eyes. "You know I'm a man of my word. I mean...Kenjii here can kill Sylvia," he raised a beacon-like device, making Sylvia gasp, "And I can activate the Stjarnagarm's Special Forces beacon."
The tension rose, and one man nervously asked, "Y-you made it into the Special Forces?"
"Well, how can I not? Everyone knows the famed children who make it in. Less than fifteen members, but only Helga herself can beat them."
"R-Release Sylvia n-now!"
With a frantic amount of movement, her bonds were gone and Ethan waited for her to walk up to him. Sylvia rubbed her wrist and punched the lieutenant in the nose, "That's for groping me."
Instantly, Ethan was in front of her and Kenjii, "What was that?"
Sylvia slowly and cautiously put her hand on his arm, "It's okay. I'll be fine."
"Now," Ethan turned as if he was never interrupted. "Information before I snap."
"Ethan? You really made it into the Special Forces?"
At her question, Ethan shook his head, "Wow, I knew famous people were ally dumb but you've taken that to a whole new level. No, I was just bluffing fool. I did, however, manage to kill one of them a while back. And what I said about them is from personal experience."
Her eye twitched and she clenched her teeth, "Just stop and please tell me who. For the record, you are good enough, apparently."
"Kichirou Sakamoto. Almost myself, basically. I think he went by code name Archer, but that's not too important. What is...or was is that I cannot count on the Enterprise for help. The entire Special Forces is clandestine, and word being spread will cause fear. And outrage, but they aren't sending people at me yet. Only when I graduate. That's when I need to really cover my ass. And thanks for the compliment."
"I didn't mean it."
"Doesn't matter. I get what I get. Speaking of this topic, how the fuck do you know about them? It's a fucking clandestine organization."
She swallowed and became more wary, but her eyes showed more than that. Ethan didn't place his finger on it until it clicked in his head. Respect?
"Presidents can request them in case of emergencies. So...we all know. To think you were able to kill one single-handedly..."
Ethan scoffed, "Who said it was easy? It took nearly half an hour. Lucky for me, we had no sat signal what-so-ever. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
Sylvia nodded, "I see."
They continued strolling silently, finding their way around in the maze of abandoned buildings. Eventually, Ethan piped up, "You realize that your life is now in jeopardy because you came with me, right? The mafia here will spread word of your involvement wi-"
His head whipped to the side when Sylvia ran in front of him and slapped him with all her might, Genestella powers and all. The strike left a noticeable handprint on his cheek and he rubbed it, patiently waiting for her reason. "YOU'RE THE ONE WHO LEFT ME OUT THERE YOU DAMN IDIOT."
"Riiiight. And I did say we passed the exit almost a mile ago. You didn't leave."
"Well, you will need someone to cover your arrogant ass, first of all."
"Is that so? Considering this is coming from the girl who couldn't get out of any trouble for the past day. And you wouldn't happen to have, say, another ulterior motive, would you?"
Sylvia glanced at him curiously. "I don't th-" Realization dawned on her eyes and they blazed, making Ethan step back for a moment, "I don't like you if that's your question."
He rolled his eyes and started walking again, stopping at an abandoned cul de sac he remembered her original reason for coming to him today, "Ethan. Did we...meet before the Linduvous Festa?"
He didn't answer, but his sneer gave him away. "No."
"Tell me the truth. What hap-" Sylvia whirled and jammed a kick at the intruder of their conversation, who blocked it with his forearms.
Ethan faced them both calmly and his eyes pointed at the man, "Long Nguyen."
"Well, if it isn't the second coming of Vinnie. I remember your father...I met him at this age. He was with your mother...you don't plan on marrying her, do you?"
Sylvia noticed his absolute despise and she became worried. Although she didn't like him, she didn't hate him, but it seemed so with Ethan. He didn't like her because he hated her. "Not on the fucking future, not then, not ever. Now, I heard some people have been arriving in Asterisk. Who?"
"About that..." Long Nguyen stroked his chin, "Ayato Amagiri has, that will be of interest. Now...I got wind of you hunting that one man, Silas Norman, I have no idea where he's gone since two years back. You're on your own there."
Ethan nodded and turned to Sylvia "Let's go. And snakeman...
"The next time you try to attack me from behind, I won't hesitate to kill you."
[Asterisk]
[Queenvail]
Sylvia turned to Ethan when he called her at the gates, "Mind if we find some time to meet next week?"
"I...I'm sorry," she shook her head.
He nodded and turned. "Wait!"
Sylvia jogged up to him and looked straight into his eyes, "You tell me what is up between the two of us later."
He widened his eyes and they signaled a murderous rage, "So, I ask for a bit of your time, just a few hours or so is all but you wouldn't even let me have that much. Yet, you expect me to just spill to you my entire fucking life story? That's totally fair."
She froze and he twirled around, storming off with a saunter. She flinched and called to him, "Can we meet near the main arena?"
"You can go and fuck yourself with your request."
She screamed at him, causing the students to turn at her in shock, "Fine! Then you can fuck yourself over and die alone!"
[Asterisk]
[Queenvail Vicinity]
"What is she doing with him?"
"Not sure. But she does matter to him considering he went out of his way to save her."
"Yes. That is true. Get our babies ready."
"May I ask why we are going for Sylvia when Vinnie is the one you despise?"
The lanky man with long brown bangs licked his lips, "She will be much more rewarding to get."
"...I see." The man standing in the back wrinkled his nose in disgust. "I think you're underestimating her, is the strongest five of all females in Asterisk."
"I don't care. Even the strongest won't be able to survive an army of hundreds."
" ..."
Here we go with our rewrite! Was it interesting? Once again, I must give about half or more credit to King Hero Gilgamesh for essentially making the twist to the story. I originally planned to have a mix of Konoha and Prove You Wrong, but...we got other ideas haha!
So, Ethan is 'OOC' as this is not my usual character for him, and once again, badass(hopefully) but not in any sense, OP. I plan for him to lose plenty as 1) Unlike Ayato, his prana pool is much too laughable and 2) He prefers to fight like a human. Very rarely(and for a certain person only) will he even bother to tap into his pool. Although this is still to be decided, you won't see the two being together until about the fourth or fifth chapter.