Summary/disclaimer: Time for another Chapter of Virtual Virtues. Enjoy the 4200-word chapter. I don't own KLK, Trigger and a few others do.
Gaete slid backward, he felt off-balance as she said. He looked at Satsuki, her foot extended in a kicking motion as she thought about her next move. Both took a look around the abandoned blacktop they had taken to sparring in. The cracked black asphalt contrasted with their prim and proper armors.
"You're a lot stronger than you look, ow…" Gaete stated, pausing to grunt in pain, placing a hand on his hip. "I think you should be in charge of this war thing we're trying," Gaete said as he looked at Rex.
The ai-like alien looked at him, raising an eyebrow as he thought about how well this was going. Both were curious as to how this would be, Rex let out a hum.
"I don't know how well your training is doing, kid," Rex said to which Gaete let out a hum. "But I do know your both pretty smart. You humans wouldn't have lasted this long without it." Rex added, crossing his arms over his chest as data scrolled across his body.
"She's a better fighter when it comes down to it, Rex." Gaete said, pointing at Satsuki. "You saw her throw me around like I'm a tin can. Satsuki is much stronger than she looks, I know she's the better soldier between us." Gaete stated as he nodded to himself.
"Maybe, but you are skilled at planning for crazy stuff when it comes down to it," Rex said as he shrugged a moment later. "If you were that bad? You'd be dead, I think you and Satsuki could continue to grow, she can train you." Rex added, letting out a sigh.
The alien ai was well aware that Gaete was still learning to grow closer to Satsuki. She was a warrior, he was not. If the duo didn't grow? They'd stand no chance against the enemies slowly growing against them.
"Ok, we going to keep fighting then?" Gaete asked as Satsuki slowly began to walk towards him. "You were showing me fighting stances and all that. I know Rex mentioned something like a sword or something, he thought about it and it started appearing." Gaete put in before Satsuki stood next to him.
"I think you're beginning to show some mild improvement," Satsuki said, earning a nod from Gaete. "However? That does not mean letting your guard down, whatever power you may have? You will not be able to manifest it perfectly without training." Satsuki put in, putting her hands on Gaete's armored body.
He looked at her, even if the duo wasn't partners yet? Even if they were busy sparing in a dirty, dimly lit alley? He and Satsuki were still willing to trust each other enough. Satsuki had trained her Elite Four well enough, Gaete was just another student to be prepared for another battle.
"Ok, how uh… How did you best do this?" Gaete questioned the woman, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you say said I need to dig in my heels? I'm trying to, it isn't exactly easy to move fast in this armor." Gaete stated as he crossed his arms for a moment.
Satsuki took a stance next to him. It allowed Gaete to look at her better as he paused. He watched the way Satsuki set her feet, slowly but surely starting to mimic it. His feet dragged across the asphalt, kicking up noise as he started to move his feet.
"Not like that," Satsuki said, trying their best to keep her tone level. "Like this, let me show you how best to do it," Satsuki said, stepping next to Gaete as she nudged at his feet.
Rex watched as the duo continued their training. It brought a smile to his face. He knew very much she wanted to help him, but she was just as limited by her talents as was. Rex was also smart enough to tell Gaete knew that she had a very cold personality for a good reason.
"Ok? I don't exactly have any proper training when it comes down to it." Gaete stated while he shook his head. "I don't know how to punch, you know. I'm going to point out that Rex was the one who helped me out in combat." Gaete stated while he hummed, looking around this room when it came down to it? This didn't look like a proper training arena, but he was quite
"That makes sense, you were never really in a major fight," Satsuki added, kicking his feet further apart. "If there was some residual training left in you? I would have seen it; I've had to fight before." Satsuki put in to which Gaete hummed, unsure of what to say.
"How many fights have you been in?" Gaete asked as he leaned on the stone-grey wall. "That armor you've worn looks like something you'd see in a video game. It does also look like something you'd wear in a big fight, though." Gaete stated, pausing as he brushed off his jacket, unsure of what came next.
"I've… Been in many battles over the years." Satsuki said as she paused to make sure she was ready for another fight. "I don't suppose you'd believe the threat if I told you." Satsuki put in while Gaete nodded.
"We're fighting alien monsters and I have one swimming through my body," Gaete responded as he tried to mimic the stance. "I'm sure it's as delightful as that. I won't pry, though. That's a story I'll wait till when and if you're ready for it. You should know I've got some of my skeletons in the closet." Gaete put in to which Rex hummed and shook his head.
"Everyone has something they don't want to talk about, bud," Rex stated, rubbing at his temples as their blades clashed once more. "Me, you, and her. I wouldn't point fingers or anything." Rex added before watching the fight once more as the duo continued to clash.
Gaete continued to concentrate, Satsuki watched as something slowly appeared in his hands.
"Kid, what are you…." Rex questioned as he blinked. "Wait, I'm feeling something. Are you trying to imagine something when it came down to it?" Rex added to which Gaete nodded.
"Yeah, I was picturing something, like a sword. I've seen Satsuki had one." Gaete said before something began to grow.
In a flash of virtual video light and energy? Rex watched as a crimson, white, and yellow sword emerged from his armor. It was a blade that crackled with energy from his armor.
"Wha!?" Rex and Gaete shouted as the blade hummed with energy.
"Ok, now you have a sword. Any new superpowers you want to pull out of damn thin air?" Rex questioned to which Gaete shrugged, looking around as she did so. "Ok, I guess we have to take it one step at a time," Rex said while he clicked his claws together.
"You act like I know how any of this stuff works, Rex," Gaete responded, pausing to look at his friend. "I don't. If I did? Then I'd be using it. You act like I knew I'd get superpowers back at the house." Gaete stated to which Rex hummed, looking at the ground.
"You're a nerd, I expect you to geek out over stuff like this with all due respect." Gaete heard from Rex as he rolled his eyes. "Don't try that crap with me, kid. You're as much a fighter nerd as I am an alien, a big reason you're not weirded out by this? You've probably seen as many videos and games." Rex added, sighing as he did so.
"What makes you think I'm not weirded out by this? You think I woke up expecting this?" Gaete responded before looking at Satsuki. "So, uh? I don't know how swords work, so obviously you'd be better than me." Gaete stated to he tried to get a better grip upon the weapon as he did so.
"Swords aren't a simple weapon," Satsuki said, studying the weapon with a direct interest. "They are a graceful armament that demands dedication and skill to fully master," Satsuki added to which Gaete chuckled.
This was greeted by a strike to the head which caused him to groan in pain as he rubbed at his temples. Satsuki looked more annoyed than anything at the moment.
"I must remember that some do not have the discipline that I carry." Satsuki put in as Gaete hummed and rubbed his head. "However? You should be willing to take this more seriously. I cannot assist you if you do not plan on being serious." Satsuki added before she hummed and nodded.
She clicked her fingers together while looking down. Satsuki was surprised she managed to keep Bakuzan intact.
"You, ok?" Gaete questioned to which Satsuki nodded. "And sorry, I'm still just kinda curious. These powers? Rex and I don't even know how these powers work." Gaete added before brushing off his armor.
"Yes, these powers are unique, but they're similar to my suit," Satsuki said as Rex appeared from Gaete. "Rex's species can fuse to other organics. The fact that he managed to do it with you implies such. In addition? If Rex's kind has been upon Earth long enough to understand humanity? There must be some form of ruins or civilization we can consult." Satsuki added as the trio shared a look.
"She's not wrong, there is proof we've been here for years," Rex said before scratching at the bridge of his nose. "I know just enough about humans… Known about it for years. We're very sneaky when we feel like being." Rex said as Gaete hummed, turning to him with a raised eyebrow.
"If you knew about something like that?" Gaete questioned before brushing off his armor. "Why not tell us? no offense? But you can't expect us to know about this stuff. We aren't aliens; you know." Gaete stated which earned a hum from Rex.
"Fair damn enough. I suppose I should have told you that." Gaete said before closing his eyes. "Still? My people aren't all like me, don't expect some big happy meeting between you all. They're probably just blaming you or something." Rex added before looking over his shoulder.
"That is reassuring this alien invasion we have to go fight, bud." Gaete put in as he sighed, more frustrated than annoyed. "Still? It's the only plan we have right now. I need to train; we need to figure out more info if there's going to be a plan we piece together. That's the end goal, work towards kicking these guys off the planet and saving it." Gaete put in before he clicked his jaws together.
Satsuki began to think of the best way to achieve this goal was. Unlike her mother? She hadn't the scope of understanding what these creatures could do, a plan was needed… But unlike when she had a small army and resources? Now she only had herself, her skill and abilities, and Gaete's powers to work with.
"The best thing to do is silently find one of their bases of operations," Satsuki said, causing the duo to turn towards her. "When they are neutralized? Then we may use that data. If they know we are aware of their weaknesses? Then they will attempt to kill us harder and in far more numerous ways." Satsuki added as Gaete shrugged.
"Isn't exactly like they're out in the open," Gaete stated which garnered a nod from Satsuki. "What do you expect us to do? We either make another attack that ends up getting us in some hot water, or we lay low. I'm no military officer, so I don't know the best move here." Gaete put in before Satsuki raised her sword.
"First? We should improve your combat skills if you have that sword? Then you should be efficient enough to manage with it." Gaete heard from Satsuki who raised her sword. "Do not disappoint me when it comes down to it. I have no time for someone who cannot hold their blade straight." Satsuki stated before she readied before for another round of combat.
Gaete wanted to say something before he shook his head. Satsuki had somewhat of a point. He needed to get better if he was going to handle his self-given mission. Not being ready for the bumps in the road? It meant he couldn't afford the type of distractions that he had been given before.
"How long do you think to do in two hours?" Gaete questioned as he shook his head. "We need to head out. You're the better fighter, I know that. I'll pitch in when I can…. However? We both know you're the one who will end up doing the most damage to them. Not me. It won't even be close when you think about it." Gaete stated to which Rex was silent, unsure of what happened next.
Their next move was made on the cracked ground would be. If they were willing to fight this brutally? Then they could technically pull out a victory. However? He doubted they'd be willing to do it like that. One of them was not the warrior he needed and the other? While she was something? He didn't know if it was something that could be worked to their solution.
"We don't do something crazy unless we have to?" Rex stated before he turned to look at her. "Kid? Just remembered that there was only so much that we can do. Second? Don't be afraid to point out we don't have everything figured out. We still have to make sure that we have every piece of the puzzle fully figured out." Rex added before he hummed.
"We can't give up before we're at the finish line you know," Gaete stated to which there was a nod. "If we aren't weren't the ones trying to win? Then we'd be all screwed. You should know there's not an option to give up. We don't try? Then people die. I might not be a hero like that yet? But there's no way I'm giving up that easy, not at all. Giving up isn't an option at this stage, not at all." Gaete added as he shook his head.
He could only ponder the next fight. There were plenty of humans like this. He was always curious as to how they could push this far.
'Humans continue to amuse me day by day. It's quite amusing to see this.' Rex thought to himself as he considered their options.
If they decided to fight? They'd need more allies. He knew enough to know the enemy did indeed outnumber them. They might be good fighters, but if one fought 100 well-armed soldiers or so? It really wouldn't matter at the end of life. Rex believed that Satsuki was the better strategist between the duo.
"May I make a suggestion?" Rex asked while Gaete rolled his eyes a few moments later. "Don't roll your damn eyes, I can change my mind on what I feel like. It would be a bit better if she was the brains between both of you. Satsuki has been in a war before, you're the muscle at the moment." Rex stated while he cleared his throat.
Gaete looked at Satsuki who seemed to be busy thinking of a new plan. He did agree she was the better warrior between both of them when it came to battle. There was also the fact he didn't understand the deep nature of what he could do. It did make some sort of sense for her to allow her to be in charge until he had more control.
"Didn't you say I can handle the crazier stuff she wouldn't understand?" Gaete asked which was greeted with a nod. "Then it's a deal. We still need to get better with these powers, though. I'm not going to let Satsuki do all the work because we can't do anything." Gaete stated as he cleared his throat.
There was a small pause as the silence set in. Both Satsuki and Gaete contemplated their next move. They needed a team that could support them and handle the work besides combat.
"We need someone who can help figure these guys out." Gaete finally added a minute later. "I'm not a scientist or a doctor or researcher. I'm just a guy who plays video games. There's also the fact we don't know how their weapons work or what they do when they're not in battle." Gaete added to which Satsuki nodded.
"Indeed, the more we know about the Perussi?" Satsuki asked while she started to look towards their slain enemy. "We can form a plan to defeat them… Or I should say I can start to learn how to fight them better. No disrespect meant for you." Satsuki added and turned towards him.
"None was taken," Gaete stated before he frowned and looked at their enemy. "I don't suppose you know someone good at research on aliens or something close?" Gaete asked while he cleared his throat.
The woman pondered this. Her elite four had since disbanded. There was also the issue that her friends hadn't a large idea of aliens at the moment. They were indeed still the best chance of stopping the aliens.
"I… May have an idea of whom we can contact when it comes to reinforcements," Satsuki responded, tapping her fingers on her chin as she did so.
She was well aware when it came to sorts of things when it came down to it as she frowned at it as she looked towards her friend. She was well aware of what happened next to happen as she frowned to herself as she started to the best start of what happened she frowned to herself.
She was well aware of what to do next. she frowned before she started to think of this war's end. She was a soldier at the end of the day when it came down to it. Satsuki also knew that Gaete was still learning how best to deploy his powers in battle.
She wasn't a moron when it came down to it. They were pressed to the back foot at the end of the day. She was also pressed to want to train her friend so he was also ready to help. A warrior who could not battle and help her? That was the same as if she had a broken arm.
She didn't want to leave him to do much without it at the end of the day. There was plenty of work to do and this was far more annoying and a small setback at best.
Satsuki was well aware of what to do while she frowned to herself. Gaete raised an eyebrow at her before he cleared his throat before he tapped his fingers on his arms before he frowned at her.
"I'm not going to screw up. That's not the type of partner you need. I will try to practice to make this sword work better… Even if you are going to kick my ass." Gaete stated while he started to pace back and forth while he looked at her.
She smirked for a moment as she realized he wasn't lying. He didn't damn well lie at all. He was a determined warrior; Satsuki gave him as she started to think of how best to respond to them.
"This training will not be easy and it will not be merciful when the day ends," Satsuki stated while she crossed her arms before she raised an eyebrow. "I also have to make sure there are no problems when we face these new enemies and I reclaim my team. This means we need more time and it doesn't seem like something we can dedicate time to." Satsuki added as she closed her eyes and tilted her head into the sky.
"Well? It isn't like they know a lot about us either." Gaete stated while he frowned to himself. "There's plenty of time," Gaete added while he frowned to himself before he started to shake his head.
Rex said nothing while he cleared his throat. He looked before both as he started to think of what the next move was to be. If there was anything to be done? It was to make sure they had slowed these monsters down so he was able to reflect more on what he knew of his people.
Still? She needed to train him to battle better and that didn't happen without the hardship.
She turned and slammed her sword into him and sending him skidding down the road. Gaete felt pain lance in his arm as he looked at the woman with shock traipsing across his features as he did so. It probably showed on his face as Rex managed to summon the armor.
"Well. Guess swordsmanship comes early." Rex snarked before Gaete blinked. "Breath, kid. She's trying to teach something and it isn't like she tried to kill you… Yet." Rex stated as his friend rolled his eyes.
"Ow," Gaete said before he tried his best to straighten upwards at her. "So, I guess training comes now?" Gaete asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"There is much we don't know and will not be able to know without training," Satsuki said before she flicked her blade to the side. "The only way to remedy that is training. A lot of training begins at this moment and will stop when I seem fit… As I said." Satsuki added to which her friend only sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Damn it," Gaete said before he slowly started to approach her with his blade. "Ok. Let's do this." Gaete said while he sighed once more as he realized that this promised to be a one-sided battle.
Not that he minded it a lot besides the fact he'd be in horrible pain sooner or later and he doubted this armor would stop that pain from shooting into his body. There was also the fact he had no damn idea how to fight properly.
Then again? He was still training to learn the correct way to do it and this helped more than simply standing around. He slashed at her only to be easily countered and kicked backward with the force equal to a car.
'Oh. This is going to suck.' Gaete stated mentally as he shook his head with resignation.
He felt pain which sent him backward as he groaned in pain and flew into a car. He felt the metal bend around his body as he groaned in pain.
"Ow…" Gaete stated before he wondered if this woman had been human when it came down to it.
Maybe it simply happened to be how she was born. She was well aware of what to do next.
She cleared her throat as he slowly started to climb to his feet and gazed at her with interest. He sighed and clenched his teeth under his armor while he slowly regained his bearings while he cleared his throat.
"I'm wondering what happened next when this training is done," Gaete stated to her while he swung his arms back and forth. "This hurts a lot more than it feels like it should," Gaete added as he clenched his fists.
She said nothing and a smirk seemed to part her lips as he rolled his eyes once more. She was rather interesting at the end of the day to him despite how insane it seemed to be. She was a woman which seemed more insane than she had any real right to be.
Gaete simply prepared himself for the pain that probably felt like it'd become a regular occurrence. He still had questions even if the pain was sure to wrack his body for a while.
"This isn't the first time someone has asked for you to train them, isn't it?" Gaete asked while he raised an eyebrow towards her. "I'm aware this isn't the best way to ask. But if I had to guess? There are signs that the blade your using was used before me." Gaete said as he smirked to himself under his armor when it came down to it.
She didn't speak for a few minutes more as she slowly advanced towards her friend. She cleared her throat as Gaete tried to slam his blade into hers and was knocked backward.
He had the fire, but she knew he also needed the skill to match when it comes down to it. She needed to show more of her skill now. He was well aware when it came down to it that she was a lot.
Still? He was rather thrown off at the idea that she'd be easy to defeat in combat if he wasn't careful.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that the next chapter will be delayed at the moment. The next chapter will be possibly longer and will show the duel between Satsuki and Gaete at the moment. The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will be in 900-6500 words. Lighting Wolf out!