Disclaimer: Well, if you've been following this story, you may have realized the references used. Mega Man is still copyright of Capcom. However, there is one original character that will be thrown into the mix--Katsumi. She will play a larger role in the story, but unlike some of the other main characters, does not have a Mega Man X-based counterpart. As you may have guessed, Rock/Ekkesu is based off of X, Yuuki/Zero is based off of Zero, and Sakura is based off of Alia. There isn't really an elaborate plot in the making (at least not yet anyway), so things are mostly just going for the romance side of things. Based on what kind of support and ideas this story gets though, it may go in different directions. Oh yeah, and if you're not familiar with Japanese titles: "-san" is a typical label of respect (almost like a Mr./Ms.), "-kun" is a term used mostly for younger boys, and "-chan" is a term used to denote something cute (most often used for younger girls, although it can be used for boys, pets, etc). "-sama" is a very high level of respect

Reploid High
Chapter 3
"A Love Battle? Already?"

Ekkesu, after a good night's sleep, was ready for another day. For some reason though, he felt much better today than he did before at all. He couldn't quite explain it. His day before had been going pretty awful for the most part, but thankfully, Sakura managed to turn things around. She did seem very nice. And Ekkesu was grateful that she not only offered to study with him, but seemed to want to be friends too. He felt pretty isolated from everyone due to all the commotion that the teachers and staff were making, so that was a good experience. Little did he know that his relationships were going to get a bit more complex...

Sakura's Point-Of-View:

"Ekkesu-kun is a nice guy," I answered, giving my roommate an innocent look.

I was at my dorm, getting ready for another day of class. My roommate, a girl named Katsumi, had heard about my meeting with the new transfer student, and had wanted to hear some details from me before I left. Katsumi, unlike me, has more of a punk-ish appearance, with purple hair and pierced ears. She still has to wear the school uniform, and unfortunately, she wasn't allowed to wear any of her usual accessories when she was in class (such as her gem-lined collar). The funny thing is, she actually saw Ekkesu and really thought he looked nice. So I offered to talk to him for her.

"So, what's he like? I mean, more about his personality, his likes and dislikes..." Katsumi asked, looking a little eager.

"Honestly, he seems really naive. I can tell that he's very honest, and he seems very sweet. Heck, if you weren't interested I may be inclined to try and pick him up myself," I replied, kidding my roommate.

"Maybe I could try talking to him today...I don't know though, I'm kind of nervous..." Katsumi sighed, getting her bag.

"I think you should try. I don't think he has interest in anyone yet, so I don't see any need to get worked up," I answered, trying to make Katsumi feel better.

She is a really nice girl, so I don't want her to get her feelings hurt. I know that she's had some trouble with relationships in the past, but Ekkesu seems like a guy that she could really hit it off with. I just hope that Ekkesu didn't get the wrong idea with me. I mean, I'd love to be his friend, but romantically, I don't think I'm that interested. At least not yet anyway. Katsumi asked me to talk to him for her, and that's what I did. I just hope that she can work up the courage to actually talk to him today.

Normal Point-Of-View:

"Come on, spill it Ekkesu!" Yuuki shouted, a big grin on his face. "Tell me how things went for you last night. I heard you mumble something in your sleep about meeting a girl."

Ekkesu looked at his roommate with a horrified expression. He had no idea that he said ANYTHING like that in his sleep. An anime-style sweatdrop appeared on his forehead, and he rubbed the back of his head. His face turned bright red.

"I...um...what I mean to say is...well, I did talk to Sakura last night..." Ekkesu muttered, trying to form a cohesive sentence.

"Aha! So you DID meet a girl. Don't worry, you didn't say anything in your sleep, I was just messing with you," Yuuki replied, giving Ekkesu yet another big grin.

"That wasn't cool Yuuki-sama..." Ekkesu answered, feeling really stupid.

"Ah, don't worry about it. So how did it go? Details man!" Yuuki continued, seeming genuinely interested.

"We just studied for a bit, talked, and then stopped and got something to drink. She was very nice to me," Ekkesu answered, in a polite manner.

Yuuki just frowned. He was hoping for some more elaborate details, like a drawn-out story of how he had fallen in love or something. Or at least something more interesting. Anyway, a flustered expression came on his face, and fire appeared in his eyes.

"Ekkesu! It's time that we make you into a real man! I will take it upon myself to make you the second best ladies man on campus, no matter what. You have the potential!" Yuuki shouted, looking like he was giving a victory speech.

"Umm...Yuuki-sama..." Ekkesu protested, "I don't know if I should do anything like that..."

"Come on man!" Yuuki answered, patting Ekkesu on the back. "Do you like her?"

Ekkesu cocked his head and thought for a minute. He did like her, that was true. He thought that Sakura was a great person. She was very kind to him, and had been one of the few people to extend a hand of friendship to him. Still though, he had never experienced the whole dating scene before. He never had a girlfriend, and had no idea of what to do. He wouldn't argue the fact that he liked Sakura, but he didn't know if he wanted to become her boyfriend or anything. Yuuki seemed to determine to play the matchmaker though.

"Well...yeah, I do like her. But I don't know Yuuki-sama, isn't this just a little fast?" Ekkesu questioned, looking a little worried.

"Nah, it's ok. I actually think I may know where she is, in fact. Let's go see her," Yuuki offered, grabbing Ekkesu by the hand.

"But Yuuki-sama! Wait a minute! I don't know if I'm ready!" Ekkesu shouted.

Yuuki pulled Ekkesu along quickly, trying to direct him to the library. Due to Yuuki's quick maneuvering, they made it there in no time. He knew the campus pretty well. Once they got to the door, he looked back at him, gave him another grimace, and then let go.

"And here we are. Oh yeah, if you're wondering how I knew she was here, it's because she always studies here around this time. She stops in the library once in the late morning, and again later at night. I've studied with her before...but it's boring. Go on in buddy!" announced Yuuki, now literally pushing Ekkesu through the doors.

"Wait...Yuuki!" Ekkesu protested, trying futilely to stop.

Ekkesu was now in the library. He looked around nervously. Because of all the commotion, everyone in the library was staring at him. It made him very really uneasy, and now he just wanted to either go straight home or throw up. He honestly considered doing both. That was when he heard a voice.

"Hey Ekkesu-kun! Come sit with us!"

Ekkesu looked over to see Sakura...and another girl. He didn't recognize her at first, but she seemed really nervous. She had a hard time looking right at him, and seemed like she was holding back saying something.

Does that girl not like me or something? I wonder what I did... thought Ekkesu.

Sakura gestured for Ekkesu to come over, so he obeyed, and pulled up a chair. He sat down, feeling a little nervous at first. Sakura he knew was nice, but still, he felt like he had butterflies in his stomach. And this other girl made him feel a little uneasy. She was pretty, but he thought he may have offended her or something. He thought that she didn't like him being there.

"Ekkesu-kun, this is my friend and roommate Katsumi-chan. She's new here herself, so be sure to make her feel welcome!" Sakura announced.

Come on Katsumi-chan, talk to him! This is your chance! thought Sakura.

"H-hi Ekkesu-san..." Katsumi whispered, her voice soft.

He really is cute...and nice...why can't I talk to him? I feel too nervous! Oh no... thought Katsumi.

"Hi there Katsumi-san..." Ekkesu replied, his voice soft as well.

"Would you care to study with us? Katsumi-chan and I plan on meeting her twice a day, so if you like, you could join us. Maybe we could do something else too, like grab a bite to eat. What do you say, Ekkesu-kun?" Sakura asked, looking quite cheerful.

Please accept, Ekkesu-kun! thought Katsumi.

"Yeah, that sounds great," Ekkesu answered, smiling. "You two seem very nice, I'd like that."

I don't think I can talk to Sakura now...I feel too embarassed... thought Ekkesu. Maybe another time...

Maybe I'll get a chance to talk to Ekkesu-kun another time. I'm so glad he accepted! thought Katsumi

Hopefully I'll be able to set up Katsumi-chan and Ekkesu-kun...tonight, I'll have to "skip" out on studying, so they'll get some time alone. Better give her a good headstart though, thought Sakura

"Say, Ekkesu-kun, I actually won't be able to make it to the usual study period tonight. But, I do know that Katsumi-chan needs some help in her math class. Do you think you could give her a hand?" asked Sakura.

Ekkesu was a little shocked. He was hoping to get some time alone with Sakura, but his hopes were shot down. He looked over at Katsumi. She seemed nice, but Ekkesu just didn't think that she liked him at all. Still, it was a reasonable request, and it'd be a nice thing to do.

"Sure, I can try. I'm not that much of a whiz myself, but maybe Katsumi-san and I can help each other on the upcoming homework. What time should I meet you here, Katsumi-san?" Ekkesu asked.

"Um..." Katsumi began, struggling to find the right words. "Around s-seven...i-if that's ok with you..."

"Yeah, that sounds good."