FINALLY, Chapter Two of PSUR, TBD!
And yeah, time for more of Alex being his Dragoon self.
Yaaaay!
As usual, I don't own anything but mah original characters.
"So, how have things been?" Sena asked in an excited tone as she finished dragging me to the roof.
"Fine, how about you?" I flashed a grin, "How has life been treating you?"
"Oh, you would not believe it! It's so amazing here! She gushed, "Seriously, how can you eat that sandwich with all the other amazing food here?!"
"I like the food I make, and I like a homemade meal," I shrugged, "But enough about me. What happened all the years you were gone?"
"Well, you know why we left, right? I got picked for it and then they whisked me off… but you'll be a lot behind here though," Sena looked concerned, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"I may have fallen behind, but if I must pick up with all of you, I shall bear the burden." I looked up into the sky, "I will aspire to keep up with all of you."
"Wow, you really have changed," Sena let out a gasp, "But I like this new you! You used to be all hyper and everywhere and now… now you're so mature and all of that. It's just… amazing…"
"People change," I grinned, "Just like the world nowadays." I looked at my watch, "Ah, time to head back to the classroom."
As Ms. Horaki continued the lesson on the basics of piloting, since weapon usage and training occurs when students here are much younger, I scribbled down notes furiously, my pen dashing across the paper, back and forth.
"Um… Alex… are you getting this?" Ms. Horaki stopped the lesson as she noticed me writing mass amounts of notes.
"Yes ma'am." I instantly replied, looking up to quickly check my diagram was correct, "Right, so shield counter is there, along with speed meter… and then the configuring options are here… yes, it's correct. Sorry to disrupt class."
"I-it's fine…" Ms. Horaki continued with the lesson as I frantically kept up with her, "Oh, before I forget, we need to pick a Representative for this class."
"I vote for Alex!" a loud chorus of girls rang out.
I shook my head, still remaining seated, "Thank you for all the faith you have in me, but too be honest, I don't have much experience. I am trying to learn how-"
"I object to this!" a redhead yelled out, her hair shimmering in the sunlight coming through the window. She marched on up to me and poked me on the chest in between each word, "I refuse to be represented by a weak man like you!"
That was the snapping point.
"Then how do you prove me as weak?" I growled, which made her step back, "You have barely known me for a day and already call me weak, just because I am a man? There are plenty of men stronger than me out there and I am sure you too would call them weak. Just because of my gender has nothing to do with it!"
"W-what would you know!" she argued back.
"A lot more than you'd think." I shot back, "You are in no position to call me weak, unless you show me yourself that-" I caught her wrist as her hand came to slap me, "Please don't try to hit me. Physical violence is very unnecessary when words can be used."
"You would dare touch me?!"
"You swung first. It was but self defense."
"Tch! Anyways, then I challenge you for the position of Representative!"
"Very well, if it a duel you desire, so be it. After school, at the courtyard."
"Y-you have an Phantasy Star?!"
"Oh, I wasn't clear. I meant on foot. Like how this dispute should be settled." It made sense, after all. The better fighter on foot would do better in a exoskeleton suit made for combat, correct?
"WHAT?!" Redhead snarled, "Of course not! We'll duel with the Phantasy Stars!"
"But, logically-"
"No, shut up!"
"At least hear out a logical argument."
"Ugh! That tone of yours is so annoying!" she stormed off.
"Ms. Horaki, when will the duel be?" I turned around to face our teacher, "Though I would like some time to even get acquainted with its functions, I wouldn't like to keep… er…"
"Rosa. You best remember that." Rosa (the redhead) snarled.
"Very well then. I wouldn't like to keep her waiting for too long… ah, a week, perhaps?"
"T-that should be good enough," Ms. Horaki nodded, "Would anyone else like to step up?"
There was that awkward silence that occurs when someone invites others to join in on a personal fight between two people. Okay, it wasn't really personal for me, but for Rosa, yes, it was.
Ah, end of the day.
I walked out of the classroom, humming a tune I heard somewhere that I can't remember.
"Excuse me!"
"Yes?" I turned around to see an older girl jog up to me, "Did you want to ask me something?"
"Oh, yeah… Hold on, let me catch my breath…"
"It's no problem. I am in no hurry." I smiled, "What is it?"
"I heard you were going up against Rosa." she grinned, "I thought you could use some help in learning how to use a Phantasy Star."
"Ah, I'm deeply sorry. I wish I could let you, but I want this to be Rosa and my fight alone. I want to learn how to do it myself so I can say I went up with what I had. Sorry if it seems like a pride thing, but that's how I want to face her," as I started to walk away, I turned around and waved, "Though, thank you very much for the offer!"
"E-eh? But you'll be beaten!"
"So be it." I shrugged, "If that is the price I pay for being as so foolish as to choose to duel her, then I will pay it. In fact, I had no idea she was a Representative."
Ha, Alex, look what you've gotten yourself into already.
I found my room not too long afterwards. Room 239, end of the hall. Not bad. Unlock the door, head in.
It's very nice, I'll give them that. Cherry finishing on the tables, queen sized mattresses that the money that went there could be put into better uses, a large TV, computers that look very fancy… I'll probably check the parts and have Cid tell me if the computer is actually up to snuff. There's also someone in the shower.
I set my bag down at the bed farther from the window, since there were some bags nearby the other. Wait-
Before I could exit the room and leave a note, a person came out of the shower.
This person of course, because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, was Sena.
"Ah, Sena. Sorry, you came out of the shower before I could leave," I closed my eyes, "I am sorry for protruding upon your privacy-"
I sensed a killer aura and rolled out of the way, taking out my practice spear in the process and blocking her attack with a wooden short sword, "Apologies, but I won't just take a hit. Please, just let me head outside and you can change, then call me back in."
I walked away, back towards her, spear still in my hand.
Once the door was closed and locked behind me, I started whistling a song known as 'Living Universe', if I recall correctly. Cid knew all sorts of music that I didn't' know about. I'll have to talk to him about getting my own theme music… you know, just for when I enter into one on one battles. You never know when you'll need it.
"Oh! It's Alexander!"
"It's just Alex," I sighed. Wow that is a lot of girls. Then again I am in the middle of the hallway. Understandable, "Is there something you all need? Sena should be nearly done changing in there."
"E-EH?! YOU S-SAW SENA-"
"SENA YOU SNEAKY-"
I heard the door unlock, "Ah, she's done. Well, I'll see you all tomorrow."
I entered the room, then sat on the bed, facing Sena.
"…Thanks for leaving."
"No problem." I fished through my bag, "Ah, my spare clothes… oh wait, I need my Academy uniform… Where is it… ah." I pulled it out, still folded and all, "I need to take a shower."
After taking a shower, I decided to go straight to sleep, since Sena had fallen asleep already. It would've been nice to talk, but I'll settle.
After class the next day, I decided to do some training.
And what constitutes for a Dragoon's training?
Leaping from the ground to the roof, of course. Oh, not in a single leap though.
Also, since I have to be flexible and be able to adapt to a variety of positions, doing flips and all that is necessary, along with stretches.
Afterwards Sena wanted to test my abilities as a fighter, simply because we hadn't had a nice tussle in a while. She was always fond of her short swords. I've tried it out before, and it's not a half bad secondary weapon if my primary spear is knocked away. They're fast, lethal if you know where to strike, and you can string together a combination of moves that can be hard to counter.
However, a spear in my opinion is always superior.
"Hyah!" Sena lunged with her sword, but I rolled to the side then spun around, knocking her sword to the side with my spear. She leapt back before I could go for a punch, and she nearly got my hand as well, "Wow, you're really good at this!"
I grunted as she leapt back from my spear's range, "Thanks. I learned from one of the best."
"So, who was this mysterious teacher?" she hesitated, "Um, Alex-"
"I win." In her hesitation from me not answering, I managed to knock her sword away while she was off guard and then put the spear right over her heart, "Remember Sena, never hesitate in a battle like that. That could get you killed."
"…Oh." she realized where my spear was, "But you are really good at this! But unfortunately the mass production models here are mainly for short swords…"
"I can't use a spear?"
"I'm not sure, we might have a few that have that as their primary weapon. Most mass production models are suited only for one weapon training… and since Rosa has her own unit, it's outfitted with a storage unit, meaning it might have multiple weapons."
"So the odds are not in my favor?"
"Despite your skills," Sena shook her head, "I'm sorry to say that she'll most likely win."
"Well, I can accept those odds, but I will show her that specs don't mean everything."
"So how are you going to win?"
"I'll find a way." I crossed my arms, "Round three-"
"Alex!" a familiar voice called out.
"Sasaki, what the hell are you doing here?!" I called back, "And how the hell did you get past security?!"
"I said I came to visit Alexander Narukami, and I was leader of the Nagatos. Our reputation has spread here, obviously, as they let me past."
Sasaki was dressed in her Nagato uniform. For girls, in consisted of a white blouse and a black skirt that went down to halfway down her shins, all complete with a black jacket that was a bit tight that went down past her waist. On her back she had a naginata, which she drew into a combat position.
"I see… you wanted to spar?" I raised an eyebrow, "Well, no need for the surprise, but very well then."
"Alex… who is this?" Sena asked with a tilted head.
"An friend. Now Sena, you may want to get back. Things… might get ugly." I loosened my arms and got into a combat stance, "Are you ready?"
"Yes. You?"
"Same. Now… don't hold back!" I leapt forward and sailed through the air, spear ready to strike. She blocked it by putting her naginata horizontally and pushing up, parrying my stab. Before she could spin her naginata and go for a slice, I dropped my spear, landed on the ground, caught my spear then blocked her slash attempt. Leaping back, I managed to fend off against her repeated slash attacks, each one getting faster and faster.
Since we were getting dangerously close to the other students, I started dodging and leapt out the window, landing after doing a backflip.
"Alright, you've lasted long enough!" Sasaki grinned. I know that grin. Shit. "Here goes! Nagatos' secret technique!"
She began her assault. It was rapid slashes from all three hundred sixty degrees around me, meant to be so fast you can't keep up.
However, I never showed her how I can counter it. Of course, Itsuki has his own counter, but no one has ever seen the techniques I learned from the Hooded Man. I'll settle for the most basic one, the High Jump.
"Dragoon Technique, High Jump! To the heavens!"
In the split second she was moving to another position I sprang up into the air, and most likely from shock she stopped when she didn't hit anything, and off balance from missing a high speed move.
Which is when I fell down to the world onto her shoulders, forcing her onto the ground. Normally I'd have my spear out but if this is done correctly I can impale someone even if it's just wood.
"Victory, Alexander." I chuckled as the spear was pressed over her neck, "So, I win?"
"Yeah…" I helped Sasaki up, "Well, that was fun, if short."
"Damn, I never knew you could jump like that… You owe me a massage when you visit home."
"Very well then."
"I'll hold you to it." she patted me on the back, "Stay safe, will you?"
"Don't worry. I won't get into anymore fights."
"YOU WHAT?!" she whipped around, "What do you mean ANYMORE?"
"Well…"
I told her of what happened, so Sasaki calmed down.
And by calmed down I mean freaked out for my safety. I told her that I already knew what I was getting myself into. Yes, a Representative Pilot is indeed a formidable foe, but when she called the me, the Leader of the Dragoons, weak, she indirectly insulted my brothers. If a leader is weak, what does that say about those who follow him? I will not simply stand by as my brothers are insulted as such! I would a bad leader then!
"But you'll be utterly humiliated!"
"Then I will do my best to go down with honor and dignity."
"And how do you expect to do that?"
"Sasaki," I sighed, "I have fought on foot and know what it is like in combat on fought. I know what I can do and what my limits are. I will try my best to win, and should victory elude me, I will accept defeat."
"…You are still crazy, you know."
"I know. I am well aware of… my mental state." I grinned, "Now, you better get back before Itsuki starts calling for you."
"O-oh, right!" her cheeks flushed red and I gave her a curious look, "No! It's not-"
"I… never asked."
"…"
"…I'm going to forget you said anything."
"You're damn right."
She turned around and started walking away into the setting sun. Heh, I never thought they'd actually get together. They had a lot of… tension running through it, and Itsuki would always dodge the question (he's pretty good at it actually) while Sasaki… would simply glare until you dropped the subject. Ah, I love my friends sometimes.
But, I have a week or so to train, so it looks like I better push myself.
"You WHAT?!" Sena shrieked.
"You heard me. I obtained permission to use one of three training units with flight capabilities for training."
"Uh-huh…"
"And I want you to pilot it."
"Again, I say WHAT?!" Sena sighed, slamming her head on the desk.
"There is a stun gun function that is very long range. I simply would like to see if I can hold my own."
"So? You can't possibly…" she noticed the gleam in my eyes and stopped mid sentence. Ah, I love it when people do that, "You… you can jump that high, can't you?"
"Never said I could, never said I couldn't." I forced back an arrogant smirk, "So, are you up for it?"
"Ugh… fine, but only because I really really really wanna pilot a flying type!" she grumbled, with me smiling in victory.
I rolled to the side, dodging another bolt. I really don't like the fact the ground is made out of sand here, it gets in your eyes.
I'm holding one of the Phantasy Star's spears in my hand. It's actually not that heavy though, and it's blocking power is immense. If a bolt hit's the handle, then it's like nothing ever happened.
"To the skies!" I leapt up and came down, but Sena dodged. Damnit, this sunlight is getting irritating… that's brilliant!
Swatting away a few more stun gun bolts coming my way, I positioned myself perfectly. Now, I'll have to jump pretty high and get the right angle…
"To the heavens!" I launched myself into the air, skyrocketing up. Reaching the peak of my jump, I somersaulted and then came straight down.
"Dangit, I can't see Alex when the sun's in my eyes… activate visor!" I heard Sena say but it was too late.
"Touch the sky!" I crashed down on her with my spear, and Phantasy Star's shield activating as the spear would've pierced through her stomach. We hurtled towards the ground, but at the last second I leapt off, backflipped, and landed gracefully as Sena crashed.
"Ow… wow, you'd make a pretty good foe. Now, I'm not sure, but on the off hand that Rosa has a machine gun-"
Before she could start I ran away. Not in cowardice, but the fact that there's a girl who has a machine gun with stunning capabilities that can fly very fast, and I'm the target. I think it's acceptable to tactically retreat. Now, if you'll excuse me, there are laser bolts to be dodged.
Match Day
I watched the monitor as Rosa flew around, showcasing her Phantasy Star. It's lightly armored, with long ranged weaponry. A sniper rifle as well, with two missile launchers and two pistols for backup.
"Alex." Cynthia's voice turned my attention away, "Your Phantasy Star is here."
The lights came on in the one section they weren't.
"Amazing…" I said as my breath was taken away. It was beautiful. A knight's armor, purple, sleek, made for movement and jumping. Just like a Dragoon. The helmet had a dragon design, covering the eyes somewhat. In it's right hand was a silvery spear, shimmering slightly underneath the light.
"This is it. It is known as 'Highwind'. Go on. Unfortunately you'll have to change the settings to your liking during the match."
"Joy," I grinned, reaching out towards the Phantasy Star, but stopped, "Alright… take it slow."
Placing a hand on the Phantasy Star, I breathed calmly as I transferred my thoughts.
[Music: Prototype, from Gundam 00]
Machine Spirit, allow this humble Dragoon the privilege of being your partner. I will not wield you, but rather work with you. Together, should you choose to accept an extended hand, we shall go and pierce the heavens and all who stand between us. I know as but a human I am not deserving of a beautiful Machine Spirit such as you and-
A bright flash of light and I found myself with the Phantasy Star unit.
I take it you accept?
A holographic screen came up in front of me, reading [Pilot Alexander Seta Narukami Recognized]
I'm no pilot Machine Spirit, I'm just a man who's working with you, that's all.
[You are too humble. But it's admirable.]
Um… thank you? Now, let's go show this Rosa girl some humility, shall we?
[Let's go.]
Hey, do you have a voice or anything? I mean, it would be pretty cool if I could chat with you-
Is this better? A voice that sounded almost… like an elder brother but with a feminine voice… er, how else do I explain this? Someone who's there by your side, and will be whenever you need it. Yeah, that sounds about right. But yes, Machine Spirit, that's better.
Please call me Karen.
Very well then, Karen. Let's go and take on Rosa. Ah, might I ask what capabilities you have?
I can fly around at high speeds, but I can tell what kind of fighter you are, so I can disable that for when you jump, and I might want to note that you can jump in the air, but only once before landing again. Your left hand also can put up a shield that will decrease damage but will not outright negate it. Also, the more you battle, the more our minds will be in sync during battle and I can develop new abilities.
Thank you Machine Spirit.
"Ah, hey there."
"Cid?!"
"Good luck out there!" my right hand man waved he vanished through the doors to the seats. If he's here...
I stepped out into the sunlight, out of the hangar, and had my ears blasted out.
"A-NI-KI! A-NI-KI! A-NI-KI! A-NI-KI!" I looked around and saw my fellow Dragoons along with the Nagatos and Speartrons, all chanting. Cheers erupted around as well, with my new friends that I had met here waving banners.
Is there a microphone I can use?
Uh, yes. Here, I'll activate the speakers.
"Fellow Dragoons, Nagatos, Speartrons, newly made friends." I nodded towards each group, with the Dragoons bowing their heads, "I thank you, all of you, for coming out to support me in my first Phantasy Star duel. Now, fellow Dragoons," I noticed that the countdown timer for the start of the match was counting down, "You know what we yell when we charge in-"
"LEEEERRROOOOOOOYYYYYYY JJEEENNNNKKKIIINNNNSSSS!" Dozens upon dozens of voices could be heard as I charged straight at Rosa, spear in hand. Flying… it feels natural to me…
Perhaps it is because you've soared through the air so many times as a Dragoon?
Maybe- I dodged a shot that came a little to close- Hmph, she's definitely speedy, but I soar through the wind and break through the heavens, and break through her if she stands in my path!
Cutting off the flight pack or whatever I used to fly, I used my ability to jump on air, propelling myself further, faster than flying. As I flew up into the sky, I felt the sun shine on my face, and Rosa stopped shooting since she'd have to look into the sun. I thought they would have visors, at the very least. Oh well.
With a might CRASH! I landed on her Phantasy Star and hit it with my spear, triggering its shield systems. She put away her sniper rifle and drew her pistols and fired. I brought up my left hand to activate the damage dampening shield, but the force at which the bullets hit still forced me back a bit. I leapt back before she could shoot anymore, getting out of range of those pistols, which made her take her rifle out once again.
Alright, we've reached enough battle sync experience for this. Try throwing your spear, and focus energy as you throw it.
I closed my eyes and slowed down, feeling the energy go into the spear.
I heard Rosa fire.
I felt as if I had just put enough energy, as I hurled the spear at her, it cackled with green energy, "LANCE OF THE COVENANT!"
It ripped right through the laser, parting the beam, causing blue light to cascade all over the arena.
"Ugh!" I heard Rosa grunt as the spear slammed into her stomach, full force.
What I didn't expect was for it to keep going… and going… all the way to the other side of the arena, where it hit the barrier that protected students, draining a lot more of her shields. That did quite a bit of damage, taking out at least a fourth of her shields in one blow… or one really drawn out blow.
The spear reappeared in my hand right afterwards as I sped towards Rosa to get her while she was still staggered.
Coming up from below, I launched myself up, lunging multiple times before finishing with a flip to dodge her counterattack and returning a slash of my own. Being so close to the barrier, she hit it again, staggering her once again. While she was stunned, I propelled myself into a forward flip before delivering an overhead strike, ripping her off the walls before thrusting down multiple times, sending her into the dirt.
Oh boy, she looks upset now.
"That it!" Uh oh, she's got her two rockets out, "You're finished."
Land us on the ground! I have a plan!
Doing as Karen suggested, I barreled towards the ground, and pulled out, cut the flight, tucking into a roll. I turned around and prepared the shield-
No good, those things are Firestorm Trackers! They'll explode and spread fire everywhere, and you won't be able to get out in time without taking your shields out!
So what do I do? If we can't outspeed them, out manuever them, or dodge them in any sort of way, let alone detonate them as we have no ranged weaponry and throwing our spear can't take all of them plus it would leave us open, what should we do?
Just focus, and jump as high as you can when you feel like the time is right.
Very well then. I'm placing my faith in you.
The world went dark as I closed my eyes, and the hiss of the approaching rockets became ever louder-
And I jumped, shooting into the air with all my might. I felt heat on my right arm, and looked down. A silvery, but very thin glow was on my arm as I surged higher and higher.
This was when I realized I had broken through the arena barrier up top, as I watched it shatter into pieces where I had broken through. I soon reached the peak of my jump and flipped forward, pressed my spear down, allowing gravity to overtake me.
I fell, faster and faster, breaking through the barrier a second time, and then crashing onto Rosa, continuing onward, shoving her into the ground.
A loud noise rang through the arena, and I looked on screen to see that I won.
The amount of energy that you poured into your attack… plus velocity, plus impact… yes, it was indeed enough to take out her shields.
Thank you, Karen, for allowing me to be partners with you for this battle.
The pleasure was mine, Leader Dragoon.
I smiled as I raised my spear, cheers erupting throughout the area as everyone on my side gave congratulations.
"Victory, Dragoons." I mumbled.
"We need to have a talk," Cynthia crossed her arms, "Just how were you able to break through the arena barrier?"
I looked at the gauntlet that was the stored form of Highwind, as if searching for an answer.
I recalled that I just leapt as I as I could… not caring for anything that got in my way…
"Determination." I said with a straight face.
"Alex, you know better than to give me a silly response."
"I am telling the truth. I just leapt as high as I could, swearing to break through any barriers that got in my way… and I suppose the arena's shield… was a barrier I broke through on my ascent. Descent might have been simply physics." I said in a serious tone, "Other than that, I have no idea."
"…Very well then," she sighed, "I trust you have already read the rules when it comes to Phantasy Star usage?"
"I will need proper clearance in order to activate, but have permission to do so if I can prove there was a need." I recited, "Would you like exact quoting with page and line number?"
"That won't be necessary. I will see you in class tomorrow."
"Alright then, sister dearest," I put a cheesy smile on my face as I walked away.
"Alex! Alex!" Sena shoved her way past the Dragoons and other girls all trying to talk to me, "That was awesome!"
"Alex, hey, make some room!" I heard Cid call out, "That's it, EVERYBODY CALM DOWN!"
From his shout, everyone immediately quieted down, "Alexander, on not only my own, but on the behalf on every Dragoon here, we would just like to say congratulations. And, just so you know, we did predict that you would win, which means our congrats party doesn't go to waste!"
"That much faith in my guys? Gee, thanks." I grinned while rubbing my head sheepishly, "You shouldn't have."
"But we did, so why waste a party?" Cid flashed a smile, "Come on, let loose for once."
"Oh, you know what happened last time I let loose," my smile became a cocky grin, very out of character for me, while I saw Itsuki pale in fear and Sasaki blush.
"Ah, good times, eh?" Cid nudged me, "Oops, where are my manners? Deepest apologies, miss," Cid slightly bowed towards Sena, "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Cid Aerola."
"You won't tell her your rank?"
"It is not of something to boast." Cid said solemnly, but then smiled, "However… DRAGOONS, LET'S PARTY SO HARD THAT THEY'LL TALK ABOUT IT FIFTY GENERATIONS AFTER WE'RE DEAD AND GONE!"
Ah, Cid, always the charismatic one.
Well, I suppose if they took the time to set a celebratory party up for me and believed I'd win… I'll party hardy.
And we're done!
WOW it has been a long time since I touched this! But yeah, Alex and Dragoon stuffs... it also just seemed to fit. Hell yeah.
Seeya next chapter!
