Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Cyrus' Side

by Panzerraptor

Summary: Cyrus was your average-everyday-run-of-the-mill Californian Sophomore with an extreme knack for science, incredible street smarts, and impressive fighting skills. One day, he gets sucked into a time-space vortex that transports him into the SO3 universe. What's gonna happen now?

Author's note 1: I do not own the Star Ocean: Till the End of Time Director's Cut edition. Sorry for the spoilers.

Author's note 2: The Italics are thoughts of the character's.

Disclaimer: Star Ocean: Till the End of Time is property of Tri-Ace & Square-Enix. Some of the characters (except Cyrus) and quotes are trademarks of this game and the company that produced it.

Part 1.1: A Wild Ride

Cyrus' Wednesday started out like any other: bored, tired and groggy. Then again, the fifteen year old got up at 4:00 in the morning. He got dressed, ate his cereal, said farewell to his parents and left the house. He wore black hiking boots, black jeans, black Phat Farm Sweater and black driving gloves. His backpack was also black, no surprise; but it had blue pockets. He also wore his lucky, and favorite hat, a Rocawear Core Crown Hat. He made his way down two blocks to the bus stop where he waited for Regional Transit 56 to pick him up. "Great, bet that bus is late again," he thought. " Man, this is whack. I come here every mornin' to get to school just so the driver can make me late. Whatever, I have a felling that somethin's gonna go down today. Maybe 'cause I bought that Star Ocean game. I can't get enough of it. I can't wait till I finally beat disc 2 and face Luther." Suddenly, a horn blew from the left. Cyrus got up to look. It was finally the bus. He was pretty surprised. Normally, he'd have to wait ten minutes for the bus to arrive. He made a casual little smirk and got on as soon as the bus arrived. "Well, this is weird. I'd expected you to come later. What happened Ryder?" Cyrus asked.

"The boss was complainin' 'bout 'We have gotten too many complaints from our passengers, saying you've been passin' them by.' Honestly, it ain't my fault that they're late. I'm only doin' my job." Ryder explained.

"Dang, guess he's seriously hatin' on ya." Cyrus said.

"You're tellin' me. Now he even wants me to work the night shift. So if I want to get ready for tonight, I need to hurry the hell up! So sit down quick!" Ryder shouted. Cyrus ran to the seat as quick as he could. He felt the bus starting to lift up. "This is your bus driver Ryder speaking," he said on the speakers. "We will be getting to the nearest destination in about a few minutes. I'm sorry if you'll fell any discomfort on the way but I'm a really busy man so I don't give a damn. This bus will be going above the speed limit, but hey; it don't matter so hold on to the rail of the seat so you don't find yourself glued to the ceiling. Just consider it as a warning and a fact that some of you have health insurance."

"What? He's crazy if he's gonna make this 30 foot vehicle go at such speeds. No one put speed limits signs on the streets just so they make the roads look good. What's worse, I don't have no insurance! It's a miracle if I survive this journey with all four limbs." Cyrus thought. The bus went from 0-50 in a few seconds. Cyrus felt himself being smashed by the gravity. He held on to the rail with his left hand and his hat with his right. It was crazy. The vehicle was popping wheelies, and swinging its backside, left and right. Finally, the bus stopped at Cyrus' destination. Cyrus got up and moved with incredible imbalance. He got out of the bus and fell on the sidewalk outside.

"Have a good day in school," the bus driver hollered before he closed the door. As soon as the bus left, he got from the ground.

"Man, thank god I had my lucky hat on!" he though. He swept the dirt of his clothes, batted his hat clean, put it back on and left for school.

Author's Note 1: Being the revised version, I thought that it was time for you guys to know just how Cyrus is at his school before his adventure started.

Part 1.2: Gettin' Edumacated

Cyrus walked his way to the his high school, where he saw two of his companions talking on the front. "Hey Cyrus!" one of them called out.

"Jack, how's it hangin'?" he said as he walked up to him. Jack was Cyrus' best friend. They knew each other since the fifth grade. He wore a red Fubu sweater, green baggy pants, and a black Joker beanie. He wore white Adidas on his feet.

"It's cool."

"So did you finally finish that Star Ocean?" another of his friends asked. This one was a smaller Asian. He wore black eyeglasses, and a blue blazer. He wore a yellow bandanna and baggy red jeans. His shoes were also white, but with golden lining on the sides. He knew him since he transferred from the bay area in seventh grade.

"Not yet, Lude, but I'm getting there."

"You still haven't complete it?" Jack asked in a bored tone. "It's been a whole week!"

"Yeah, I know. You guys should get that game. It may take a while to complete, but it's worth it. The storylines great and the character design is blazing, dogs!"

"Sounds cool," Lude said in a simple voice.

"Yo dudes!" Jack said. Next thing anyone knew, he was doing the rhythm of the Chappelle's Show theme and dancing to it, as well. Cyrus was bobbing his head while Lude began to shuffle.

"Now let's change the sub," Lude said after they danced a few minutes.

"Yeah, you gonna ask that chick out?" Jack asked.

"What?" Cyrus said.

"You know, the one you wanted to go out wit fo' about two months."

"Yeah."

"Well, now's yo' chance," Lude said as he pointed to Cyrus' left. Off in the distance, Cyrus saw a emo girl with silky white skin, short black hair and brown eyes. She had baggy navy pants that matched a baggy vest she wore. She wore black boots and on her neck was a silver bracelet.

"Is it just me, or is Chamera looking hotter each day," Jack said insensitively. Cyrus glared at him and Jack quickly turned his head away, still smirking.

"Well, I guess it's another single life for the both of you," Lude said.

"What do you mean, homes?" Cyrus asked.

"Both you and her are still available. You're both also well known amongst this establishment. If you don't hurry Cyrus, someone else is bound to steal the lady's heart."

"Now that you brought that up, Lude," Jack said, "why do you hang with us anyway? You'd be better with them jocks or those smart dudes."

"Them guys aren't in my league. I'm a shizznit, remember? Besides, we're like the three home G's. There's no one else here that are like us. In more ways than others, we're just kick ass!"

"Got that right," Lude said.

"Damn straight," Jack said.

"Yeah, or ass kicked," a voice behind him said. Lude and Jack looked in front of them while Cyrus had to turn around. They saw a tall student, maybe Junior in level. He wore a short hair style and a Laker's basketball jersey that had Shaq's number and name when was still on the team. His pants were blue shorts that went past the knees.

"Not you, Tom," Cyrus said. "Or should I say, Tommy Shoeteeth, seeing that is your real name."

"What do you want anyway, jock?" Lude asked.

"Oh, nothin' much. I just overheard you talk about 'how you guys are da shizznit,'" he repeated in a mocking tone. "But what really brought my attention is how you say you can entice the likes of that babe over there."

"Cyrus has more skill than you have in your pinky," Jack said, raising his own pinky.

"You wish. If you forgot, you got no true status."

Suddenly, out of no where, a girl called out saying, "Hi Cyrus." Cyrus waved his hand at the girl and she, with her friends, giggled.

"You were saying?" Cyrus said.

"So you're known 'round here," Tom said. "Big whoop. You're still nothing. The only definition of shizznit I see in you and your friends are shit. Not 'da shit,' just shit."

"You best take that back!" Jack demanded.

"Yeah, you don't talk to us like that!" Lude said.

Cyrus smiled a smart smug. "You really don't get it do you? Just because you got a 'status' and may have some girls on you, means nothin'. Also you only got a pep squad, still means that you have cronies. What you don't know is, when I- we walk by, the chicks are lookin' at us. It don't matter that we aren't in some category. We're in a league of our own."

"Exactly," Jack said. "We keep it real! Those fools you call your homies are nothin' more than bitches. They don't have anything on us."

"You should also keep out of our converse, too," Lude said. "If all you want to do is just come and scrutinize us, then you're the pathetic one, not us."

Tom was yawning now, with his hand in front of his face. "You done?" Tom asked in a royal tone.

"Not yet," Cyrus said. "I have one more thing to say. You think you a great playa. The giant that overshadows us all. You should know you ain't. You're really just some little trick-ass scally-whop that's putting up a facade." Both of Cyrus friends were now laughing at what he just said.

"What did you say?" Tom asked in a pissed off tone.

"You heard," Cyrus replied flatly. "You're really nothing compared to us."

Tom was now really mad. "Look, I came here to have you join our group and leave these fools in their momma's garage! To make you a realize your true colors."

"Yeah, well you're question is finally answered."

"That's correct," Jack said. "Cyrus never ditches his home G's."

"We call that loyalty, scally-whoop."

Tom gave a stint look. "It seems that I will have to make you realize how screwed you really are. You all are nothing compared to me!" he yelled.

"You keep thinking that!" Jack yelled.

"I don't have to, bitch. I already know," Tom said in a serious tone. "Today, after school, you all better mark my words. You're goin' down."

"Ha! Like that will ever happen," Cyrus said.

"We'll see." With that said, Tom turned back and walked away.

"Wow, he really needs some priorities," Lude said.

"Oh man!" Cyrus yelped as he remembered something. "I forgot, Twenty-Fiddy wants to see me at lunch!"

"Twenty-Fiddy?" Lude said.

"What are you doin' dealin' with him?" Jack asked.

"It's for Chamera," Cyrus said.

"Like what do you have for Twenty-Fiddy?" Lude asked. "It's hard enough trying to find him. It's even harder trying to make a compromise."

"Just look inside." Cyrus opened his backpack and they looked inside. When they saw the item, all three chuckled.

"Alright, Cyrus," Lude said. "You got us." When Cyrus zipped his bag back up, the school bell was heard. "Well, time for more of this educational crap."

"Tell me about it," Jack said.

"Can't they tell we don't need this crap?" Cyrus said. "I got a 198 IQ, you got a 186 and Lude gots a 192."

"That's the California state standards for you," Jack said. "All about keeping the minorities in check. I swear this is a friggin conspiracy."

"Don't we all?" Lude asked.

"Well, later," Cyrus said.

"Bye," Lude replied.

"Hope yo' thing wit' Chamera works out," Jack said.

"So do I." The group went to their classrooms. Cyrus took English 3, Computer Technology and Chemistry. He had a test in English, but passed that easily. After an hour of each class, it was time for lunch where he rejoined his comrades. "Yo guys," he called. "Are you ready to meet Twenty-Fiddy?"

"Sure," Lude said. "Better than watching Jack talk about bean burritos and government."

"Hey!" Jack said. "They're connected in some way or another."

Cyrus shrugged. They left their bench and went inside the main building. In the hall, they looked around, making sure the coast was clear. Twenty-Fiddy was known for his dealings and abilities. He was even tried for an expulsion for selling the computer class' camcorders to the seniors. There wasn't actual proof of such a deal going down, so he was thrown into on sight for one day. After that close shave, Twenty-Fiddy became scarce and was rarely seen. Only a few knew where he held his operations, the janitor's closet. There was no one in sight and the three walked down the flight of stairs. The room was dark and a lamp shined above a pool table. Another shined over an empty chair right in front of them.

"Ah, Cyrus Splicer," the voice said. "It is an honor doing business with you."

"Yeah, okay," Cyrus said. "How about you show yourself. I like to get a look at the person I make deals with."

"Sure." Another light shined and a person was shown sitting in a chair on the other side of the table. He was also a sophomore. Wearing a taxi hat like the one Dave Chappelle wears. He also wore a green t-shirt black jeans. He wore a gold chain around his neck and rings on his fingers. It was the form that the person rarely seen.

"So you're the infamous Twenty-Fiddy," Lude said.

"Correct, Lude."

"How do you know his name?" Jack asked.

"Well Jack, I know everything about everyone. I may be cooped in a janitor's room, but that don't mean I'm actually oblivious to what goes on. Knowing this, that was why Cyrus came to me."

"So do you have it, T.W.?"

"I sure do," Twenty-Fiddy replied. He leaned to the side of his chair and pulled out an album from Green Day's latest album. "Here you go." Twenty-Fiddy slid the case over to Cyrus who stopped it from spinning by putting the tip of his index finger in the center. "Now for your part of the bargain." Cyrus pulled out a large bowl from his backpack. It was a bucket of KFC.

"As promised," Cyrus said. "A large bowl containing three breasts, four wings and two drumsticks." Twenty-Fiddy eyed the bowl with intent. His mouth was opened and it seemed that drool was dripping from the bottom of his mouth.

"Thank you, Mr. Splicer," Twenty-Fiddy said in a thankful voice and a tear in his right eye. "We should do more transactions in the near future."

"I'll think about it," Cyrus said. "Anyway, thanks."

"Don't mention it. Just go out there and make me proud!" Cyrus, Jack and Lude gave each other strange faces and walked back upstairs. They went to the large space outside where the groups hung out.

In one corner, you had your preps. Then the basketball court where Tom and his crew ruled. At the moment, the group that Cyrus and his team was focused on the rocker group in the corner. The three walked to the area. It didn't take long for Chamera to notice that Cyrus was coming her way. She grinned at Cyrus and Cyrus grinned back. "Hey, Cyrus," she said.

"Yo, Chamera. How you doin'?"

"I'm fine. Say, how did you do on that test in Chemistry?"

"Good. How about yourself?"

"Great, of course. Of course, Billy Jenkall might be absent for two days."

"Yeah. I guess now he knows Magnesium Oxide and Carbon compounds don't mix." They chuckled at the thought. Poor Billy made a mini explosion right in front of his face. The teacher took the eyebrow-less boy to the office and he had to stay home for two days. "Oh, and by the way, I have this for you..." Cyrus pulled out the Green Day album.

"Thank you, Cyrus!" she said. "I've been looking all over for this. How did you get it? I thought you were in that rap anyway?"

"That is true. But I like a little Green Day to start my mayhem. And for the item, I pulled a few strings here and there. The thing is yours."

"Cyrus... I-I don't know what to say..." she said with a blush.

"Well... How 'bout we go somewhere. You know, grab a bite or somethin'?"

"Are you asking me out?"

"Perhaps. What do you say?"

"Of course. Say, I heard you and your friends are going against Tom."

"That's true."

"You guys better be careful. He tends to use power in numbers."

"From the sound of that, she wasn't talking about exponents," Lude said.

"Gee, ya think?" Jack replied in a cynical voice. Lude and Cyrus shook their heads seeing that he didn't know what Lude meant.

"Look Cyrus, Tom will try to out power you," Chamera said. "Promise me you'll be alright."

"Don't worry," Cyrus reassured. "Me and my home boys were taught in self-defense. We're cool."

"That's right," Jack said. "Even if he brings in fiddy five-Os, he still can't stop us."

"That's great," Chamera said. "Nonetheless, be careful."

"We'll be fine," Lude said. "They don't have anything on us." The bell rang and lunch was over.

Cyrus had to take P.E., Trigonometry and Shop. In three hours, at two o'clock in the afternoon, school was over. Cyrus made his way to the front. Everyone was silent when he came forward. Next thing he knew, a large body, bumped into him and continued to pass him. The form stopped in front where a mach pit was starting to form. It was none other than Tom, and he was ready to kick some ass (namely Cyrus'). "Cyrus, glad you stopped by," he said. "I would've thought you'd run, seeing you have no chance!"

"Naw, that ain't my style," he said with his head bent down and hands in each pocket. "Besides, you really think I'd run from a jock such as yourself? Please," he scoffed.

"You should've, Splicer. You could've gone without broken bones."

"Sure, but where would the fun be in that?"

"How come you're so ready anyway? That training with that washed up crack head, Diogo?"

"What was that?"

"That so called 'martial arts instructor' couldn't train a flea to jump! He may of had a run back in the day, but let's face it. The fool's a washed up has been."

"One: that analogy was lame. And two: it depends what one sees. What you believe is just plain jumping and run and punching, it's more than that. It takes discipline."

"Yeah sure. If you think so, than come over here and show us what you got!"

"Us?"

"Oh I forgot. Come on out, dudes." Suddenly, four more opponents came to the scene. If they were all sized up to Cyrus, including Tom himself, they would've overshadowed him.

"Oh, goody," Cyrus said in a sarcastic tone. "More giant tricks."

"Are you sure you want to quit?" Tom asked. "This is your last chance."

"Sorry, but no. Like I said before: I never turn down a challenge."

"You little shit," Tom said in a low voice.

"Hold the phone, guys!" a voice said.

"If this is a party, don't forget to invite us!" another said. Cyrus turned around with a smile on his face. Coming through the crowd was his partners, Lude and Jack.

"Hey, what took you so long?" Cyrus said in a smooth tone.

"Eh... We need not look no more," Lude said.

"Not the 'Cats' line again?" Jack said.

"It was on 'Whose Line,' home G! Geez!"

"So, you two gonna help?" Cyrus asked. "Or are you gonna bitch about Broadway?"

"Hey, kicking ass is what I do best!" Jack said.

"This is more of an invigoration," Lude said. "And you know what they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall."

"Quick, get me yo' speakers!" Cyrus said to Jack. Jack pulled out small speakers while Cyrus pulled out his MP3 Player. He set his music player to "America's Most" by Redman and Methodman. Somewhere in the crowd, Chamera began to watch with a concerned look on her face. In another part, Twenty-Fiddy also stood.

The battle started as Tom and his cronies charged at the trio. In a few seconds, Cyrus, Jack and Lude jumped up and kicked them down to the ground. Lude high jump kicked the enemy on the far left, Jack high jump kicked the far right and Cyrus double kicked the two in the middle, which included Tom. The four were down, but not out. They got up and attacked.

Jack's opponent tried for a Closeline from Hell, but Jack ducked and tripped his opponent at the same time. The enemy lost his balance, but didn't fall. He turned back just to see Jack wailing a few chops at him. The next attack was a quick and hard punch to the gut. Now the fighter staggered and fell hard on his behind. Everyone around the pit laughed. Jack rushed at the fighter and kicked him straight in the face with both feet. The enemy fighter was knocked out, with marks of two soles painted on his face. Jack brushed himself off.

Lude's opponent tried to kick him in the face, but Lude merely grabbed the ankle and twisted it. The foe crashed to the ground. Lude mocked him by signaling him to attack. The opponent was really mad now and threw a rally of punches and a series of kicks. Lude blocked and dodged when the need rose. Right before the flunky punched, Lude hopped on his chest and inserted his middle and index fingers between the enemy's shoulder and neck. In a few seconds, the foe slowly fell to his knees and collapsed to the ground. Lude jumped off before his adversary fell down completely and bowed to his unconscious body.

Cyrus was against Tom and his opponent. The Tom's flunky punched at Cyrus, but Cyrus arched backward. He jumped and used a monkey paw which made him go back even further. Tom than ran up at Cyrus, preparing for a grab, but Cyrus lowered himself and gave Tom a series of kicks. When Cyrus turned around, the opponent kicked at Cyrus, but Cyrus moved out of the way and the foot landed straight in Tom's stomach. Tom bent forward even more and spat some blood. The fighter looked at his wounded comrade with a shocked face. Cyrus guffawed at the event which really made the comrade mad. He continued his fight with Cyrus, but Cyrus jumped kicked him in the chin. After the enemy fighter got up, he was slightly dazed. Cyrus took this opportunity to use an attack trained by his teacher: the Break Beats. He raised the opponent by grabbing his leg and turned him over to his head. Then he spun him like a top and used the break dance move: the windmill. In a few seconds, the enemy flipped to his back after Cyrus kicked him in the face and was K.O.'ed.

Cyrus looked at Tom who saw all of his comrades on the ground. He stared at Cyrus and charged out of pure fury. He then pulled out a small knife. Cyrus saw the weapon and dodged. Tom turned back and slashed, but the arm was stopped by Cyrus and he thrust his elbow in the already wounded gut. The impact caused Tom to drop the weapon. Now Cyrus liked a fair fight. He was never one that tolerated unfair advantages, especially if they costed a life. He used his next attack: the Rocksteady. He pushed Tom back and used a series of jump kicks and swift chops. He then use the flare again, which swung his foot right under Tom's jaw. Tom flew up and slammed to the ground. Cyrus then launched himself over his enemy. His feet landed on Tom's chest. The battle was over and the fighting trio high fived one another.

"Yeah, we kicked ass, man!" Cyrus said.

"See, Tom," Jack said to the enemy as he raised his head. "You were no match for the terrible three, son!" Tom had a face of embarrassment and disgust. He realized he was to weak to stand and slammed his face back to the ground.

"That was truly a battle to remember," Lude said. "We are the best. Though Cyrus, I have never seen such moves executed before."

"Yeah, you could thank Master Diogo for those. If it weren't for him, I would've been shanked for sure."

"Cyrus!" Chamera yelled as she ran and embraced him. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

Cyrus rubbed under his nose and laughed. "Yeah, well... You know..."

"Hey, what's going on here!" an older voice yelled. "Why is there a mach pit here?"

"Quick, it's the Prince?" Jack said.

"Let's go," Cyrus said. The three hastily retreated from the scene.

As soon as their exit closed back up, a man in a gray suit emerged. It was none other than Principal Shmitzinger. He looked around at the chaotic crime scene. He only saw Tom and his friends laying on the ground, moaning. He then got his attention on the object that was right in front of his hand. It was the knife he used to stab Cyrus. He had a serious look on his face. "Tommy Shoeteeth!"

At that moment, all four of the fighters stood up from the yell. "Yes sir!" they said in unison.

"What is this," he said as he picked up the weapon. Tom was at loss of words. "Assault with a deadly weapon is on the grounds of an expulsion and criminal charges. You could kiss your ass good-bye, mister Shoeteeth!"

"Wait, sir!" Tommy and his group were held back by the campus monitors.

Meanwhile, Cyrus and his gang were about to go back home. "Cyrus," Chamera said. "You wanna go to Arden?"

"Sure, when?"

"How about Saturday, at twelve thirty?"

"Cool. I'll, see you then."

"Good bye, Cyrus." Chamera hugged Cyrus once more before she left. His two comrades also knew it was time to leave.

"Good job, home boy," Jack said.

"Yes," Lude said. "Not only did we defeat that jock, it seems you finally have the heart of a certain young lady."

"That's true," Cyrus said. "Well, later dudes." The three parted ways. Cyrus went down the same route that he used to come to the school.

Author's Note1: Hope you like the newer introduction. Read the next part. It finally talks about Cyrus' adventure beginning.

Part 1.3: The Start of Something New

Cyrus came back from a long day of learning and other stuff that he would knew was just a waste of his brain cells. He was contemplating on what he did while walking back to the bus stop.

"Well, today was just another waste of time. But, I must admit, it wasn't all worthless. I was finally able to ask that rocker chic out. Damn she's hot! Then I had to go napalm fu on some fools. Use the Rocksteady and the Break Beats on them chumps. Bet they won't mess with me anytime soon," Cyrus thought. "All I care about right now is getting to the bus. I just hope it won't be Ryder drivin' again. I'm already suffering from whiplash and the neck's not the only place it stings."

Cyrus was still walking to the bus stop until something in front of him caught his surprise. It was a portal in front of him. As it opened, bolts of electric currents were being released. He stood there an awe and terror. "Holy shizzle gizzngar! What the... What the hell is this?" Cyrus hollered. He regained his composure and looked at it, from 10 feet away.

"Holy shizznit! It's an Inter-Dimensional Time-Space Continuum Vortex! Why the heck is this thing opening. Unless something happened to the fabric or barriers or whatever, this ain't supposed to be here!" he exclaimed.

"What am I gonna do? There are numerous possibilities that I might not make it back. Heh, this is a once in a lifetime thing. If I stay here, I'll miss my chance to actually have an adventure. I have a feeling that if this thing popped up more will pop up, or worse, it might swallow this world. I have no other choice but to dive in. Besides, I have my music here with me so I won't really miss much," he pulls out his mp3 player. "Well, I have no time to loose. I'm outa here."

He made a running start into the wormhole. Black hat pointed backward, the bottom of his black jacket waving about. He dove right into the hole. As soon as he did, the wormhole closed in an instant. Inside the tunnel of time and space, Cyrus was flailing around and screaming at the top of his lungs. He was going to have the most exciting adventure of his life.

Author's Note 1: You liked it didn't you? Well if you didn't, I'd understand. Now things are gonna get interesting, cause this time, Cyrus is gonna meet Fayt Leingod & Sophia Esteed.