Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!
The Fist of Honnouji
Chapter 2: Where'd you get that idea!?
The ground around Mercer's feet cracked and crumbled to dust and shards as his power spiked to unprecedented levels. Silver-blue light pulsed and flickered around him as his Goku Uniform commenced it's first transformation. Gamagori steeled himself for whatever would emerge once that light died down, and was determined to protect Lady Satsuki and the students should Mercer be unable to control it.
Mercer's coat blew itself to shreds, only to reform as a set of sleek armour that resembled his musculature. His head and face were covered by an angular helmet with glowing blue lenses that covered his eyes in the shape of angled slits. Its visage was blank save for a set of interlocking triangles cut into the metal resembling teeth that connected the upper and lower jaws, making it look like it bore a predatory Cheshire grin. At the back of the helmet, a plume of long, white hair flowed in the wind around a metre in length.
His shoulder's and biceps were encased in a thick, form fitting, black, rubbery material down to the elbows. The shoulders were covered in smooth silver plates with small exhaust grills on the backs of them. His neck up to the underside of his chin was covered in the same black material, only thinner. The eye on his Goku Uniform had moved, and was now smaller, positioning itself in the gap between his now armoured collar bones.
His crimson gauntlets and now developed spikes and studs along the forearms, and the once fingerless gloves now had segmented chrome plates along the fingers and thumbs with crimson talon-like tips.
His bottom half was covered by a pristine white hakama with a belt fastening it at the top with the three black stars emblazoned on each end of the belt. Around his waist was a set of segmented armour plates protecting the tops of his thighs and crotch. His greaves remained the same, but becoming a pair of crimson armour plated boots.
On his back was a single, five foot tall Sashimono pole with a rectangular flag with the word 'Shoumetsu' or 'Annihilation' painted in red kanji on the white material.
Mercer looked himself over after his little light show had died out, and while he thought he looked fucking awesome, he was still a little disappointed. 'And here I thought I'd get a set of pearly white armour and giant blue glowing wings or something. Ah well, this'll have to do.'' he thought clenching his fists, feeling the new flow of power.
However, his skin felt hot and prickly. He shrugged it of, thinking it was just his skin adjusting to the odd material that made up Goku Uniforms. 'I really hope it doesn't always feel like that, this is incredibly uncomfortable.' he thought with a grimace.
He saw that Satsuki, her Elite Four and the students piled at their classroom windows each took in his new form with varying reactions. Gamagori was frowning up a storm, really looking like he was gonna get serious. Satsuki remained impassive, but a slight twitch in her face told Mercer that she was slightly impressed and intrigued. Inumuta, he was sure, was either breaking his fingers or his keyboard with how fast he was typing.
'Seriously how does this guy not get Carpal-Tunnel?' Mercer wondered. It then occurred to him just how far away he was from them, yet he could see them so clearly and with such precision. 'Is this visor enhancing my vision? If so then fuckin'-A!' he smirked to himself. 'Now to deal with that guard dog.' he returned his attention to Gamagori who wore a small smirk of his own.
''Come then. Show me what this Conquest Regalia can do.'' he taunted. As if on cue, Mercer felt several 'things' emerge from his back and shoulders. Five thin blades hovered harmlessly close by, forming a sort of semi-circle above his head. Mercer, curious in regard to their functionality, tried something.
He thrush out his right hand and pointed at Gamagori, and much to his surprise and delight, the blades obeyed. They rushed at the Enforcer at blinding speeds, giving him only enough time to have them glance off of his own large gauntlets, though not without gouging two inch deep gashes into the steel. They circled around and returned to floating around Mercer.
'Damn, didn't expect that.' Gamagori thought as he quickly examined the damage done to his gauntlets. 'Alright. I think it's time to kick it up a notch!'
''So dog, whaddaya think?'' Mercer asked tauntingly, the helmet making his voice chillingly mechanical. ''You gonna bark at me?'' Gamagori narrowed his eyes and straightened himself up.
''You'll find I bite a lot worse than I bark, so I'm going to show you the power of my Goku Uniform!'' he yelled in reply. ''Three-Star Goku Uniform...'' Light erupted from around the enormous man, making Mercer shield his eyes out of instinct. The ground rumbled as his uniform's power was unleashed; and Mercer felt like what came next was gonna be bad, rightly so as an enormous...thing stood in place of Gamagori.
It looked to be encased in layers upon layers of cloth armour, with no discernible facial features present besides a gag ball and its arms were bound to its torso. ''Shackle Regalia!'' Gamagori's tone changed. Gone was the stern man with the voice of a Drill Sergeant; in its place that of someone filled with barely contained anticipation.
''Come on! Hit me, take as many shots as you like! I won't even try to stop you!'' he bellowed excitedly as he openly invited Mercer to go all out on him.
'The actual fuck?' Mercer thought with a frown. 'No one in their right mind would do this unless they really were insane, or gained some sort of benefit from sustained damage. But right now...' he watched Gamagori squirm impatiently as he waited for Mercer to attack. '...I'm having trouble telling which one it is.'
Satsuki watched with keen interest. She'd expected Mercer to attack without mercy upon being invited to attack, but seeing him stood still, seemingly in contemplation, made her question his lack of action.
'Has he already figured Gamagori out? No, I find that highly unlikely. It's more likely he's wondering why Gamagori would leave himself open to attack.' she observed him more closely, looking for any slight movements.
She'd seen many who'd foolishly challenged her Enforcer unleash all they had on him both in and out of Shackle Regalia, and the result had been the same. Imminent defeat at the hands of a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut.
'Maybe he's more intelligent than I first thought. I'll just have to wait and see.'
Mercer breathed out deeply, his breath sounding like a sinister rasping noise in the echoing courtyard. In a flash, he was gone, but only to reappear not even two feet away from Gamagori. He threw devastating punches into the goliath's stomach; rapidly one after another, leaving deep imprints in the now tearing cloth armour.
'Dammit! Just how thick is all this shit!?' he raged. He then incorporated his floating blades into his attacks, those yielding better results. They were cutting through layers at a time, but it still wasn't nearly enough. With a roar Mercer delivered a final power filled teep kick to Gamagori's midriff. He skidded backwards ten feet or so from the force of the blow and into a wall making the concrete around him crumble, but was still unfazed. Stranger still, he just laughed louder and louder.
''Yes...yes! Keep it up! Give me more, punish me! I've been bad...really, really bad!'' Gamagori yelled in what Mercer could only describe as ecstasy through agony. Though Mercer had his doubts about the agony part.
''The fuck is this guy!?'' Mercer cried looking at Satsuki for an answer. ''Does he usually do this!?'' he added, pointing and flailing his arms wildly at her Enforcer. Satsuki, despite herself, gave him an amused smirk.
''Quite so. In this state Gamagori thrives on the pain inflicted by others. He continually gets stronger with each attack that makes contact with Shackle Regalia.'' she informed him, quite satisfied with the metallic clunking sound that came with Mercer face palming. He heaved a sigh and met her gaze again.
'Sounds to me like I'd oughta take him down from...' his thought trailed off as a grin grew upon his face.
''Oh-ho-ho, that's a nasty trick you got there. Looks like I'm gonna have to punish you more then...'' Mercer's blades snapped to attention and took aim at the masochistic giant. ''From the inside.'' the tone in which he said it put Gamagori slightly on edge.
'So he has figured it out. Well done Connor Mercer.' Satsuki thought, slowly becoming more interested in Mercer's potential.
''You may have the answer you need to beat me, but the question is...'' the chest area of Shackle Regalia opened up, unveiling countless whip-like extensions of the empowered Goku Uniform. They all shot out and lashed at the spot Mercer stood. The Conqueror ducked, weaved around and evaded every lashing strike that came his way faster than a No-Star or One-Star student could process. To them he looked as if he was standing still.
''...Can you carry it out!?'' Gamagori challenged as he kept up is onslaught of whipping. Suddenly the blades around Mercer came alive once more and spun at insane speeds, cutting, slicing and chopping every whip coming at him. Pieces of said whips littered the ground around him, and before anyone could blink he surged towards Gamagori, grabbing the retracting whips.
He knew his enemy could stop retracting them, so he used his forward momentum to thrust himself forth and lodged his arm in the opening of the Regalia's chest. Gamagori gasped in shock at how fast Mercer had been and at the disadvantage he was now at.
''Shoulda kept your hole tightly shut, cos it just got fisted!'' he yelled crudely. He couldn't resist a dirty joke when the opportunity arose. Nonon made her disgust quite clear, shouting something about being an indecent, dirty minded pig. Sanageyama stifled a laugh lest he damage his reputation, Inumuta snickered quietly and Satsuki resisted the urge to roll her yes.
As much as she would have liked to see a victor, this fight had dragged on long enough and student break was approaching. ''That's enough you two, stand down for now.'' she then looked pointedly at Mercer.
''While I am impressed with your performance, I expected a whole lot more from you.'' She turned to leave, but looked over her shoulder. ''The next time you fight, I expect you to live up to your Sashimono flag's namesake.'' with that, she took her leave. The two combatants exited their transformed states and nodded with an ounce of new found respect for one another. The Elite Four made their way with Satsuki to...wherever the hell they go.
As Satsuki left, not waiting for her entourage, she had one last thought before returning to her duties. 'I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on him than I originally thought. He could either be a powerful asset, or a serious problem.'
Mercer was left to ponder what Satsuki had left him with.''Hmm, my flag's namesake?'' he was silent in thought for a moment. ''Wait. I have a flag?'' then he looked around, seeing students flooding out of different entrances for their break. ''Shit! What the hell do I do now?''
He was answered in the form of a girl with short brown hair and big, energetic brown eyes. ''Hey there new guy!'' she greeted loudly.
''Gah! What the hell!? You nearly scared the life outta me!'' Mercer yelped as he was startled so badly he fell on his ass.
''You look kinda lost, so I thought I should help you out.'' she said good naturedly. ''I'm Mako Mankanshoku!'' she greeted offering him a hand, which he accepted, standing up and dusted himself off.
''Connor Mercer. Nice meetin' ya I guess.'' upon looking at her, she was a good deal shorter than him, not surprising seeing as he was 6'2, the only one being taller than him that he'd seen so far was Gamagori.
''Is this your first day here?'' she asked. Mercer nodded begrudgingly.
''First hour actually. Before this I was snoozing in my university classroom.'' he answered her bitterly.
''Wow, so you must be, like, old or something.'' Mako said innocently. A vein bulged on the side of Mercer's head.
''Hey, I'm 19! Turning 20 this year as a matter of fact. So that's not old at all!'' he yelled indignantly, pouting off to the side at her seemingly rude comment on his age. Evidently, Mako wasn't really paying much attention. None at all actually. It was moments later that she noticed the three stars across his chest.
''Whoa! You're a Three-Star!? How'd you get that?'' Mako gasped as she seemingly dashed impossibly quickly around him, checking out his uniform from all angles. She was starting to freak Mercer out just a little bit.
''Uhh, well I got it from Satsuki not even an hour ago.'' he answered her, oblivious to what conclusion this girl would draw.
''Oh. My. God! Are you and Lady Satsuki dating or something? You must be pretty special to her for her to give you something like this just like that.'' she rattled off, her ridiculous conclusion blowing his mind.
has stopped working it seems.
He stood staring at Mako, his mouth agape, eyes lifelessly locked onto her. After a few moments, his mind un-fucked itself and he was able to respond. Before he did that however, he approached a rather bland and faceless student who wasn't important to the story whatsoever who was holding a cup of water.
''Excuse me.'' Mercer said before swiping it from the student's hand and drinking some. Only to do a spit-take, spraying the water from his mouth like a geyser. Said student was unfortunate enough to get the embarrassed Hydro Pump to the face.
''J-j-just where. The. Actual Helldid you get that Idea!?'' he screamed. The now drenched walked away mumbling angrily to himself. Mako took no notice of his question and carried on.
''So when did you meet her, huh? Were you childhood friends? Or maybe you were friends in middle school, tragically separated when you went your separate ways to go to high school! Or maybe...'' Mako kept on making up her wild theories, each more absurd than the last as she romanticised every little detail.
Suddenly, a bright light shone across the courtyard from up above, making everyone except for Mercer bow down. What Mercer found odd was that a very long set of red steps had suddenly appeared going towards the light source. Predictably, Satsuki was stood at the very top of the tower above the courtyard, looking down at the students with a sort of contempt. Mercer winced as the blinding light hit his eyes.
''Connor Mercer, I request your presence in the council room immediately.'' Satsuki declared. The students muttered amongst themselves. Mako smiled triumphantly, thinking that her theories were in part correct.
'Are you fucking serious!? Now of all times?' he face palmed hard, not only out of annoyance but also to shield his eyes. With a sigh, he made his way up the conveniently placed red steps. 'Can't wait to hear Mako's next little theory.' he thought flatly.
Upon reaching the top of the highly unnecessarily long set of stairs, he was panting and sweating. Standing alone opposite him was Satsuki Kiryuin, her hands firmly planted on Bakuzan's hilt.
''You know, wanting me to work out and keep my fitness up is fine, but nearly blinding me? What's that about?'' Mercer asked heatedly as he recovered from his long climb.
Satsuki didn't answer but turned away from him, one of the high heels of her uniform clacked against the concrete. ''Follow me. I have the schedule of your classes, where they are and the keys to your accommodations.'' she beckoned for him to follow her and he did so.
She led him to the student council room, where her Elite Four were all sat in different states of relaxation, all except Gamagori was stood vigilantly by the large viewing windows at the front of the room.
Satsuki sat on her chair at the highest point of the room and accepted some tea from her butler Soroi. Mercer leaned against the wall by her chair and waited for her to continue their conversation.
''You gonna bow?'' came the voice of Sanageyama, who currently sat leaned back on a sofa with purple cushioning with a white wooden frame, his feet propped up on a small white coffee table. His shinai rested on his back. Mercer smirked and looked him in the eye.
''You gonna make me?'' Mercer challenged, the muscles in his arms and legs tensed in anticipation. However, he knew that Sanageyama wouldn't fight in the student council room, especially with Satsuki there. The swordsman huffed and looked away, frustrated at Mercer's attitude.
''So Satsuki, you got something else for me?'' he asked curiously. She nodded while sipping her tea.
''Yes, but it would be rude of me not to offer tea to a guest. Soroi.'' she said, prompting Soroi to pour tea into another finely crafted and rather expensive looking cup. Mercer gratefully accepted the cup.
''Thank you Mr. Soroi.'' he said with a smile. He smelled the tea, his eyes going wide in recognition. He sipped it with a small slurp, his eyes twinkling with delight. ''Would this happen to be Yunan gold tip tea? The smell and taste are very distinct.'' he asked excitedly.
Soiroi's dark eyes lit up momentarily, his expression becoming one of surprise. ''Why yes, indeed it is. That is a very accurate assertion Mr. Mercer.''
''I gotta say, I wasn't expecting this.'' he took another sip, savouring the taste. ''I'm a bit a tea connoisseur in my spare time. You know, when I'm not punching and kicking things.'' he said with a chuckle.
Satsuki cleared her throat, interrupting their brief conversation. Mercer nodded politely to Soroi.
''Maybe we can pick this up another time Mr. Soroi. I'd like to pick your brain for your tea knowledge.'' Soroi smiled and nodded.
''Indeed Mr. Mercer, another time.'' he replied, returning to his duties. Mercer looked at Satsuki, his demeanour returning to his usual uncouth, careless one as opposed to his previous bright and well mannered one.
''Okay, the tea is winning me over so far. Now what?'' he asked after sipping more liquid gold.
''For the next year you will be in Class-K, Mr. Mikisugi will answer any questions you have when you get there. Gamagori will escort you to your classroom. But first I-'' she was cut off by the ringing coming from Inumuta's laptop.
''It's Iori, Lady Satsuki. He says it's urgent.'' Inumuta informed. Satsuki nodded. Signalling him to patch Iori through.
''Lady Satsuki!''came the wary voice of Shirou Iori.
''What is the problem Iori?'' she asked, noting the odd tone of his voice.
''A One-Star Goku Uniform as been stolen from the Sewing Club store room! A suspicious figure was last seen exiting the club workshop 10 minutes ago at the end of the break period.'' he said urgently.
'Shit, it took 10 minutes to get up those damn stairs? Who'd have thought it.' Mercer thought with a furrowed brow.
''I'll deal with it.'' everyone looked towards Gamagori, who stood with his tree trunk arms crossed over his chest.
''You gotta deal with uniform thieves?'' Mercer asked. The platinum haired giant nodded. ''Well, go get 'em. I've got no pity for the sucker.''
Everyone regarded him curiously. ''Oh don't gimme that look. They can't claw their way to the top so they have to steal? I'm in no position to talk about earning this uniform, but that's circumstantial. But seriously, stooping that low when the opportunity to climb is right in their face? Pathetic.'' he finished with a deep scowl.
Nonon observed him for a moment and then smiled. ''Hmm, you might fit in better with us than I first thought, Mutt.''
''Ugh, maybe I shouldn't have said anything, Cricket.'' he retorted.
''Why call me Cricket?'' Nonon asked in mild confusion.
''Because you're loud and annoying.'' he replied flatly.
''Whaddaya mean I'm loud and annoying you asshole!?'' she exploded. Mercer just chuckled.
''Case and point. Why am I a Mutt? Go on, make it good.'' Nonon huffed but then smirked at him.
''Cos Lady Satsuki was kind enough to take you into her academy like the stray dog you are.'' she replied nastily.
Mercer raised an eyebrow. He wasn't offended at all, but felt that maybe he could have some fun with her. ''I don't know Nonon, maybe she's replacing you with me. After all, you'd be much better just doing a little fanfare for the ones with real power in this room.'' he grinned evilly.
''Imagine that. Trouble springs up in the academy, the Elite Four swoop in with little Nonon and her band playing a triumphant tune on the sidelines.'' he said, his grin making him look like a serpent over its prey.
''That's quite enough.'' Satsuki ordered from her seat. Mercer faced her, his grin still present but decided to relent. Gamagori had left to deal with with the uniform thief.
''Oh yeah, Satsuki I just thought of something.'' Mercer announced. She was becoming increasingly annoyed with his constant diversions and tangents. ''The Elite Four are colour coded. Like seriously. The midget's pink, the asshole's green, the nerd's blue and the guard dog is grey or something.''
''And? Anything you'd like to add?'' Satsuki asked, her tone cold and sharp as her lips twitched, threatening to become a full blown snarl.
''Yes actually.'' He went up the stairs and stood before Satsuki, then he bent down so he was face to face with her. ''Do I annoy you?'' he asked, nothing masking the sheer antagonistic nature of his tone. He was met with Bakuzan's hilt smacking into his chin, his neck snapped back as he stumbled down a few of the steps.
''I'll take that as a yes.'' he said as he massaged his jaw. He couldn't help the feeling of achievement welling in his chest. Satsuki was way to closed off and mechanical. He knew they'd fight again one day, and whether or not he won or lost, he had no interest in fighting a machine.
He could taste blood as he'd bitten his tongue again. 'Good, good. It's not gonna be easy, but I'm gonna open you up before I fight you for real. Until then, whatever fights that do happen between us will never compare to our final one. You can count on that much, Satsuki Kiryuin.'
''Take your key and get out.'' she ordered as she threw the key to him without looking at him.
Some time later, Class-K
''What the hell happened to the door?'' Mercer asked Gamagori, who stood next to him at the entrance to the classroom.
''I had to make an entrance.'' he said, leaving it at that. ''Anyway, you should go in and introduce yourself.'' Mercer shrugged and went to go in, but Gamagori stopped him as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
A little fact about Mercer is that he doesn't like being touched, mostly by people he's at odds with. His shoulder tensed immediately and he took a deep breath as to not lash out. ''I don't appreciate being touched, Gamagori.'' he ground out as he glared daggers at him.
''I was going to say that there's a transfer student in there like yourself. So you should be able to make a friend or two pretty quickly.'' the Enforcer said as he ignored the deadly gaze of the white haired student. He removed his hand and made to leave. ''You're on thin ice already Mercer, don't make it worse for yourself.'' and with that he left.
Mercer straightened up his uniform and stepped inside, where at the front of the classroom stood a shaggy looking man with messy blue hair, blue tinted shades, a messy blue shirt with a loose hanging tie and black trousers. He had a lazy, slouched posture.
''Ah, you're a new student too? And a Three-Star?'' he waved Mercer closer, and he obeyed, his eyes surveying his classmates.
'Ah shit! Not this lunatic!' he mentally screamed as he saw none other than Mako Mankanshoku looking excitedly at him. Next to her sat a girl with black hair and a red highlight in one of her bangs. She had blue eyes that looked at him with curiosity.
''So, you wanna introduce yourself to the class? I'm Aikuro Mikisugi, your Home-room and History teacher.'' he handed Mercer a piece of chalk and the white haired student wrote his name on the board.
''I'm Connor Mercer, a Three-Star student. And from today, I'm gonna make two things clear!'' He hit the board with the side of his fist, making it shake and tilt slightly. ''Number one: Do not piss me off with rumours or backchat. And number two:...'' his eyes were ablaze this time. ''...Do not wake me up if I'm sleeping!''
Immediately the whispers started. The rumours about him and Satsuki, him being a Three-Star and apparently being a delinquent had spread like wildfire. ''What's their deal?'' he whispered to Aikuro.
''You're new, they'll get used to you.'' he then swept his eyes across the room looking for an empty seat. He found one and pointed to it. ''There's an empty seat next to Matoi.'' he said and then returned to the board.
Mercer moved to the empty seat and sat down resting his head on the desk. ''Mmm, sleep time.'' he mumbled. The girl next to him looked at either side of her, seeing that both Mako and Mercer had gone to sleep.
'What the...?' she thought. She then looked at Mercer again, this time deciding to poke him in the ribs to get his attention.
One poke, and nothing happened. Two pokes and he jolted slightly. Three pokes, and he flipped his shit.
''For fuck's sake woman, stop poking me dammit!'' he roared as he stood up. He looked around and saw Aikuro and the other students, except for a still sleeping Mako, staring at him. He calmed himself, cleared his throat and sat back down.
''Uh, sorry.'' he said to the class. Once things went back to normal he locked his gaze onto the girl who'd been poking him. ''What?'' he hissed quietly with a scowl.
''Jeez, you always get that pissed off when you're woken up?'' she asked amusedly. Mercer rolled his eyes.
''No, I do it cos it draws attention to my little insecure self. What do you think?'' he replied angrily. The girl shrugged. ''And what the hell did I just get through saying?''
''Well sorry about that. I'm Ryuko Matoi.'' she greeted offering a hand. Mercer gave her hand a quizzical look. ''What's with that look? We're both new here so why not get along?''
Mercer shook her hand. ''It's nothing really, it's just that most of the people here are assholes.'' he replied. He then looked at Mako who was still out cold. ''She's okay though, a bit weird is all.''
''Yeah I know. I met her before I got here.'' she noticed the three black stars across his chest. ''So what are they, do they mean something?''
''Oh these?'' he said looking down. ''Well, it's really all about school ranking. For some reason, I was allowed this and I'm about as new as you are.'' he explained vaguely.
''Who'd you impress?'' she asked with a 'what the fuck?' expression on her face.
''Apparently the mother of the school president. But that was back in high school. Can you believe that she pulled some strings to put me back into high school just to come here? Bullshit if you ask me.'' he scoffed.
''Definitely sounds like bullshit.'' she agreed. Mercer cracked a small smile.
'Hmm, I get the feeling I'm gonna like you. Don't prove me wrong.' he thought.
Lunch Break
''Goddammit Ryuko why did you dodge!?'' Mercer whined as he hobbled along behind Ryuko and Mako, clutching his crotch. Ryuko grinned at him.
''Well when you've got a weirdo flyin' at ya, what are you supposed to do?'' she replied, amused at the look of scorn on Mercer's face.
''Not dodge and allow my nads to have a painless day. You ever been hit in the-'' he stopped himself. ''Actually that wouldn't affect you at all would it.''
''Did you know that Lady Satsuki and Mercer are dating, Ryuko?'' Mako chimed in, making Mercer slap his hand to his face once more.
''Mako for the last time-''
''Who's that?'' Ryuko asked.
''Well she's the-'' Mako began before the blinding light from before shone again. Mercer slapped his hand over his eyes to avoid being rendered blind. ''Quick bow! Bow!'' mako ushered in a quiet but rushed tone. Students lined up in prostration as an aisle was made, making way for a figure in the distance.
Gamagori strode between the two lines of students, intimidating and powerful. Ryuko noticed he had the same stars that Mercer had. ''He looks like some kinda big shot.'' she said from her crouch beside a bowing Mako. ''He has the same stars Mercer does. Can you tell me what they mean?''
While Mako explained the system to Ryuko, Mercer stepped out in in front of the Enforcer. The horde of students gasped and Gamagori looked down menacingly at Mercer. Ryuko was very curious as to why the easily aggravated student stepped into the path Gamagori. Was he some kind of delinquent? Perhaps they had a score to settle? Or maybe she was over thinking it.
''Outta the way Mercer. This is official council business.'' Gamagori stated in a low voice. Mercer stood firm with his hands in his pockets, not looking at the Enforcer, but over his shoulder.
''And I'm here on official business regarding that damn light show. Does Satsuki get her kicks outta the blinding of others?'' Mercer asked as he shielded his eyes. ''Like, seriously, am I the only one bothered by it?''
Just then Satsuki appeared descending the steps into the courtyard. ''Oh just who I wanted to talk to.'' Mercer said and pushed Gamagori out of his way. Before he could get a word in, Satsuki was already being confronted by Ryuko. The lines of students watched in shock as someone dared to stand before her without being called or warranted.
''Sorry to interrupt your little entrance, but I got some questions for ya.'' Ryuko spoke bluntly.
''And I also have some issues to raise, like that fucking light, turn that shit off!'' Mercer called to her.
To Mercer's surprised, it wasn't him being challenged on his rudeness but Ryuko. Seven students, rather foolish ones at that, jumped at Ryuko in an attempt to gain Satsuki's favour. They were harshly beaten down with two swings of Ryuko's guitar case smacking them.
The case opened and a large, dark red scissor blade sprung forth into Ryuko's hand, spinning in a flashy way and then pointing at Satsuki.
''Jeez, fuckin' show off.'' Mercer muttered. He watched as the Sheep (the name he gave the students) gaped in awe at the giant red scissor. He saw Satsuki's eyes widen ever so slightly in surprise at seeing it, but he wondered why she'd be even remotely concerned. That was unless she'd seen it somewhere, but he'd been wrong before.
''That is one big ass pair of scissors though, God damn...'' Mercer said aloud. Ryuko must have heard him as she continued.
''It's one half of a giant pair of scissors, and I'm looking for the one who has the other half.'' Her furious gaze met Satsuki's cool patient one. ''So prez, you look a little surprised to see this thing. Maybe you've seen it before.'' she challenged.
Satsuki observed the fiery girl with an analytical glare. ''And what if I have?'' she prodded. Ryuko's face became one of fierce anger as she lurched forward.
''So you have seen it before! You have the other half of my scissor!'' she rushed forward to attack the ever collected Satsuki. Mercer was too slow as his fist closed just short of the back of Ryuko's jacket as he tried to stop her.
''Damn idiot!'' he growled, knowing Ryuko was outmatched in every way by anyone with a uniform right now, let alone Satsuki Kiryuin.
''Tek!''
Ryuko was stooped short as something slammed into the right side of her face.
''Ken!''
Another blow struck her in her side.
''Fun!''
A crushing strike hit her on the other side, making her cry out in pain.
''Sai!''
Ryuko was thrown violently into the crowds of gathered students, sending them flying like grey bowling pins with stupid haircuts.
''Who's the angry little munchkin?'' Mercer asked, breaking the silence that filled the tense courtyard. He'd caught Ryuko in one arm, who groaned and struggled to move.
''I'm the captain of the Boxing Club, Takaharu Fukuroda. I'll be finsihing that insolent wench off, with Lady Satsuki's permission.'' he said coldly. He was short in stature, with buzz cut hair and light green eyes. He wore a boxing robe, shorts, high-tops, a headband and a champion belt. On his hands were two enormous boxing gloves that seemed alive as red light danced inside the mostly black gloves.
''She's yours.'' Satsuki said curtly, not much caring for the girl's survival. ''But I must ask that you put the girl down Mercer.'' she called to him. He raised a curious eyebrow at her request.
''Why, so she can fight someone with an obvious advantage? No, if he's worth his salt then he can take me on.'' her said with a fierce grin growing on his face.
Satsuki narrowed her eyes dangerously. ''I will not ask again Mercer. Let her go.'' Mercer's grin faded and his face became blank.
''I'm not sure why you think I'll even listen to you. I'm not letting Ryuko fight him unfairly like this and that's final.'' Ryuko looked up at him in confusion. ''That is unless...'' he silently activated his Goku Uniform. The armour, hakama, helmet, Sashimono and blades all appeared, making anyone close by back away.
''...You're gonna do something about it.'' the blades floated above him and angled themselves towards Satsuki. Fukuroda stepped forward challengingly.
''Did you think that you could speak to Lady Satsuki with such disrespect and-'' the large blade impaling the ground between his legs shut him up pretty quickly.
''The hell are you doing?'' Ryuko ground out quietly. Mercer turned his metallic visage towards her.
''Doing you a huge favour. Get going, I doubt you'd be able to fight properly without some kind of uniform, so until you find one, you'd best stay back.'' he replied sternly. Ryuko struggled in his grip, and with a growl she whacked him with the guard of her scissor blade. He sighed and simply dropped her with a thud.
''Get outta here. I'll deal with this pissant.'' he stepped past her and willed the blade to return to him. Ryuko scowled darkly. She didn't take kindly to having others fighting her battles, and no matter how strong Mercer might be, she wasn't going to just back down.
She rushed past Mercer and swung her blade at the Boxing Club captain, only to have it bounce off of one of his large gloves with a loud clang that sent a painful shock through her arms. ''What the hell, that glove made of iron or something?'' she questioned in frustration.
''What, don't know a Goku Uniform when you see one?'' Fukuroda asked amusedly. Mercer cocked his head to the side.
''Dude, you seriously call that a uniform? That's barely anything.'' he said deadpan. Fukuroda didn't quite take kindly to that comment.
''Whaddaya mean!? A boxer's uniform consists of gloves and trunks and...other stuff! And as a bonus Lady Satsuki gave me this Athleticism-Augmenting-Two-Star-Goku-Uniform.''
''So basically,'' Mercer began as he put a hand to his armoured chin ''You intend to fight someone who not only is already in bad shape, but has no uniform with which to fight? Not very sportsmanlike if you ask me.'' Mercer goaded. Fukuroda took the bait.
''You do raise a good point. I take it you'll take the punishment in her stead then?'' Fukuroda asked, raising his large gloves. The answer he received was all of Mercer's floating blades being launched at him at incredible speeds. He narrowly dodged four of them, but the fifth ground against his right glove in a shower of sparks and sliced his forearm.
''Damn, so you're gonna rely on tricks, huh? Well, have one of mine!'' his left glove became a massive torrent of smaller boxing gloves that surged towards Mercer. He was engulfed by the torrent as the gloves repeatedly smashed into him, pummelling him from all angles.
''Take that left jab! And that Hook!'' Fukuroda got up close and slammed his giant right fist into Mercer's face with crushing force. Mercer reeled back and stumbled slightly, but seized the chain of gloves in his right hand.
''Hey guess what!'' Mercer called, his metallic voice chilling to hear. He brought his hand up, showing the boxer he was caught. ''I got you.'' he puled the boxer forward and drove his left fist into his face. Then he kneed him in the stomach and punched him again. Fukuroda swung his right fist out and caught Mercer in the chest, making him slide back several feet.
''I'll tell ya somethin', you've got a solid punch. You should join a club, you'd do pretty good.'' Fukuroda said with a modicum of respect.
''Uh, yeah whatever. Well I'm bored now so I'm just gonna shuffle off to class.'' Mercer was already walking off when he said it. Fukuroda's face became one of bewilderment.
''What!? That was only a few seconds, what the hell!?'' the boxer shouted waving his fists around wildly.
Mercer looked over his shoulder. ''Listen, if I beat your ass now, it would slightly derail the plot.''
Fukuroda looked confused. Mercer sighed and faced him. ''To put it simply, you have to fight Ryuko after she gets the thing she needs to advance the plot.''
''So you're saying that in order for the story to go anywhere how it's supposed to, she has to be the one to fight me?'' the boxer replied scratching his head, something made redundant by the fact he was wearing gloves.
''Pretty much. Try drawing her out. Something cliché like taking a friend hostage. Ta ta for now.'' Mercer turned and gave a small, nonchalant wave as he walked away.
Fukuroda stood dumbly for a moment. Then it hit him. ''What the hell is he talk about? Plot? Is there something I'm missing here?''
As Mercer walked to places unknown to others, thoughts of moments before plagued his mind. He knew he'd regret helping Ryuko at some point, Satsuki would make sure of it. The Elite Four would most likely use it as an excuse the throw a little bit of hell his way. Either way, he'd provided Ryuko with time to escape, which she'd used with little hesitation, and had engaged in a very short round of fisticuffs with Fukuroda, who he was sure wanted to fight him again.
Then he stopped suddenly as a new thought hit his mind like a hammer. He'd need to clear up the whole dating situation. People were whispering as apparently more people than intended had heard Mako's ramblings on the status of his and Satsuki's relationship, which he thought was about as good as a relationship between a cobra and a mongoose. In other words, venomous and bloody, especially considering the amount of fighting they'd likely end up doing in the future.
''Just what the fuck have I been dropped into this time?''
Here it is, chapter 2 in it's half baked glory. At least I think it's half baked, but that's not what's important. I see that the fighting is a little unfocused and the pacing might be a bit messed up, but it'll get improvements in the future. Right now I just want to get the foundations down and Mercer's path in all of this set. As always, review, critique, follow, fav and all that good shit. Until next time, this has been BrutalAftershock. Peace.