During Virgilia's recovery, Nobuki and Kurome took the time to study English along with other subjects. Because months from now, they would be moving to the west, particularly, the Yorktown Metro Zone. Thanks to Grandma Hakume's efforts and with the cooperation of the Supernova Committee, they were able to afford a plot of land in the urban area.
And once there, the three girls would attend to the most prestigious school in the US, the Yorktown State University. With their scholarships secured, their future was secured. The three girls were nonetheless ecstatic by the good news.
It would be a fresh start for Nobuki and Kurome, but an another one for Virgilia. She could only pray that this one would be permanent. But with the two girls by her side, she felt optimistic to say the least.
Weeks passed during her recovery, Virgilia and the others have recovered her mother's body. It was quite an emotional struggle, but Virgilia herself decided that her mother would be cremated. Then by the time they arrive at Yorktown, she would hold the honors of a proper burial for her.
There was also the matter of Virgilia's transformation, now being able to summon her Nex Frame. The rage within her have transcended her abilities into becoming a superhero. But because of the anomalous awakening, the scars she took from that slaughter never healed properly; thus, her body was now riddled in brutal scars akin to someone surviving being inside a meat grinder.
But despite her appearance, it never became a hindrance to her. The one thing that bothered her was, ever since her transformation, she felt like something died within her and replaced with something... sinister. A gnawing battle-lust was clawing its way out of her, she can feel it like an illness.
While meditating seem to hold it back, Virgilia felt it was only temporary. Whenever she feels love or excitement, the more the urge persist. She has not told Nobuki nor Kurome about it, so she did her best to keep her emotions in check... for now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Yorktown Metro Zone
Months have passed and the group finally packed their bags and took a plane over from the Indian Metro Zones to Yorktown. They have secured their green cards, thanks to Virgilia being a former resident at Pineswood. Hence, they will not be arriving as refugees, but rather as full-fledged American citizens.
Upon arrival, the Supernova Committee representative showed them their new home, an entire apartment complex. The apartment complex was supposed to be subject to demolition to make way for their new lot. But Grandma Hakume insisted to keep it, and renovate the complex instead.
As formally requested, the entire complex was renovated like new within just a few weeks. Nominating herself as the Japanese representative, Grandma Hakume volunteered herself to utilize her lot for a shelter to Japanese refugees coming to Yorktown. She would shelter them until they could finally either secure a citizenship here in the US, or to be transferred into an another Metro Zone.
Not before long, the apartment complex of Bokujo Residences became the safe haven for the Japanese refugees. And over time, the place itself thrived and became a community. Now dubbed as "Little Japan" by the Yorktown denizens, Bokujo Residences eventually flourished and recognized as a legitimate community of the Metro Zone.
During that time, the three girls awaited for the passing of their YSU Scholarships. The three helped out with the heavy-lifting in the community's rise. Even to go as far as working as housekeepers to each room in the entire complex.
It was a thankless job, but it felt great to help out other people in need. And with the three girls together, they were a formidable team. The trio would become very known throughout Bokujo Residences as the
"Hime no Sanin" or the Three Princesses.
But just as sure as the sun would set, all things must come to end. It was one day that a well-known family from the Metro Zone arrived at Bokujo Residences' doorstep. The man was an old acquaintance of the Aoda Clan in abroad, a former business partner of Nobuki's father.
The man caught wind of her name ever since she arrived at Yorktown, and volunteered to adopt Nobuki as his daughter. The man himself owed his life on Nobuki's late father, and has never been blessed with children. He thought if he could at least give Nobuki a home, it would be more than enough.
At first, Virgilia and Kurome were against it, they even urged their friend to decline it. But in the end, it was Nobuki's decision to make. After contemplating on it and convincing her best friends, Nobuki decided to go with her uncle.
Even though it was painful for Virgilia and Kurome, it was Nobuki's decision and they deigned to respect her wishes. It was a tearful goodbye for them, with the three having been there together since. But Nobuki assured them that they will meet again in YSU, once their scholarships have been passed.
Placing their trust on her words, the two saw her off to her new life and wished her nothing but the best.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yorktown State University
The days went by fast and their scholarships were finally passed and signed. The day of their first day at their new school begins now. After wrestling through the rush hour of the busiest Metro Zone in the world, Virgilia and Kurome finally arrived at the YSU's gates.
"Whuuaaa...!"
Kurome was ecstatic to see the grandeur before her very eyes. Populated campuses bustling about with activity, and numerous facilities made only for student use. The school itself was like a city within a city.
"Neh-neh, Vee-chan! Let's go!",
"Ah--wait don't pull on me!"
Dragged by her friend's eagerness, Virgilia was tugged along with the overly-excited Kurome. Virgilia was especially conscious today about her looks; normally she would not care for what other people think of her scars, but this was a school of prestige where the richest students in the world study. She had to cover up her body in a thick white jacket jersey with a turtleneck and some pants, to cover most of her body and hide majority of her scars.
"Kya!",
"Waah!"
Amid their strolling, Kurome suddenly bumped into a female student passer-by in full force, toppling them both down on her hinds.
"Ah... S-Sumimasen. I'm so sorry! Are you al--huh?",
"Ah no, 'tis fine. I'm just having a hard time--huh?"
Both girls suddenly paused as if petrified upon gazing on to each other. Time seem to stop as the two girls just met eyes. Each second was an eternity as if in suspended animation.
"Hey Kurochin! I said don't horse around--ah!"
And sure enough, Virgilia too caught up with the scene and sporting the same reaction.
"Y-Y---Yonaka...! Ughwaah...",
"Nobuki-san!",
"Kurome... Virgilia-san..."
As told by fate, the passer-by was none other than Nobuki herself. Kurome just let her emotions flow, hugging her friend tight along with Virgilia. It has been weeks since she bid farewell to Bokujo Residences to live her new life in a new family.
"Wow Nobuki. Your dress, and your hair... You look like a princess."
What first caught Virgilia's attention was her outfit. Now being an heir to a rich family, Nobuki wore a grand dresses being a prim and proper lady. She wore a white dress with black trims with a matching headdress; her long hair now neatly arranged into a bouquet of drill curls.
"Whoa... You look so sparkling, Yonaka!",
"Ehehe~ It was hard walking with this dress but I'm getting used to it."
She giggled at her friend's compliment. Since she was taught by her late sister the mannerisms of an Aoda clan heir, the etiquette of a modern lady came naturally to her. Wearing the dress felt like just wearing a kimono, and wearing high heels were like wearing high geta.
"Come, come! We have our proctor waiting for us.",
"Purokuto? Nani nani? Vee-chan what's a puuu---roctoa?",
"It's Proctor---"
The two then followed Nobuki around the campus. Along the way, Virgilia explained what a proctor was to them. All the while Nobuki showed around the campus, since she arrived at the school yesterday and ahead of the two for her orientation.
Since the three girls were under a scholarship under the Supernova Committee's sponsorship, they were given an assigned proctor from the veteran members of the student body. The proctor will serve as their senior and mentor around the campus until graduation day. But since they were Novus they should be exempted, but Nobuki insisted that they would get one at least for all three of them.
Nobuki also took the opportunity to tell her friends what had happened during her time in a different household. Her house was situated at the
Manse District, the part of the Metro Zone that consisted of a neighborhood full of members of the elite society. And through her foster father's persuasion, Nobuki was allowed to keep her Aoda surname; and one day if she does find a partner, that partner would be married unto the Aoda clan to preserve their family line.
It had been pretty lonely for her in her big mansion, with Nobuki just holding on to the memories she shared with the two. It was then that her foster father gave her a welcome present, a synthetic humanoid or an android to be her maid and company. She gave her the name, "Clobi", based on "KuroVi" an amalgam of Kurome and Virgilia's names.
Though Nobuki would love for them to meet Chlobi, right now, this day will be all about her best of friends.
--------------------------------------------------------
Yorktown State University, Campus A
At a glance, the campus seemed harmless, just busy with student activities. But if one will roam long enough, you will notice there were a number of unwanted commotions by the student body. In the student body, two factions have been at feud for many years now.
The Delinquents and the Elite...
Though in the past, they mostly kept their conflict to themselves. But as time went on, the conflict between these factions was beginning to spiral out of control. Affecting not just the students that has nothing to do with them, but also the faculty as well.
So in order to contain this conflict, the
Student Council and the
Disciplinary Committee was established. The Student Council was in charge of not just keeping the two factions in check, but also governing the student body by acting as a medium for them to the administration. The Disciplinary Committee on the other hand was more of a hands-on group, as they were tasked to containing any physical altercation of the two groups and keeping them from recruiting unwilling neophytes.
"Aaagh...!"
From the back of a school building, a gang of delinquents cornered a fellow student. The student was held up by his collar with his feet off the ground. The delinquents were roughing the poor boy up.
"We saw you, boy. You were talking to preppy goofheads in the cafeteria hall!",
"N-No... I was just talking to my friend. And she's not an Elite! Please!",
"Bullshit! We saw the pin. Think you can weasel your way out of this? The rest of us are already on to her now.",
"W-Wait no... H-Help! Somebody!"
As soon as the helpless student screamed for help, the delinquents suddenly felt a chilling breeze blew pass them. Sure enough, as soon as they turned around, they saw someone standing at the shade. A girl dressed in a completely uniform, yet still bore the YSU pin on her collar.
"I believe you delinquents are going a bit too far now.",
"Huh...!?"
The delinquent whom was holding the boy threw him aside to turn his attention to the newcomer.
"Hey, that uniform. She's student council.",
"Huh? Who cares? She should be behind the desk not filling in for the DC's boots!",
"H-Hey! G-Guys look!"
One of the delinquent yelled out from the back as he suddenly spotted something. From a few steps away, two delinquents laid bruised and beaten. The group turned back at the student council member with furious and bemused expressions.
"Those two made a mistake jumping on an innocent girl, a bystander. I thought you delinquents would only harass elites. It seems you are getting out of control."
Her tone, while mellow, it had a chilling feel to it. From her pockets, she pulled out and put on her black leather gloves and put away her glasses. She clapped her hands together whilst maintaining a composed disposition.
"So I suggest you leave now, and tell your friends not to overstep your bounds. Or..."
Before she could say the other option, the delinquents already surrounded her. It was futile from the start but she thought reasoning would be a possibility. Instead of continuing, she just let out a sigh of exasperation.
"Heh! Don't act high and mighty that you beat up two of them. There's still seven of us and one of you!"
The delinquents then pulled out their weapons, and not just any weapons, Nex Arms. These delinquents were Novus, majority of the delinquent faction were. But despite the rather tight situation, the girl still maintained her natural composed stance.
"Orraaaaa!"
The first delinquent initiated her attack, she dodged it but as she did, he smirked as if he was expecting the maneuver. It was a feint, as soon as the girl stepped aside, the other delinquent had his fist already in motion. These delinquents were no dumb muscle-heads, through their countless rumbles, they move as coordinated as a trained marine battalion.
"Gotcha now--agh!"
But as soon as the delinquent's fist was inches away from connecting his attack, the girl bent over backwards as she slid forward, evading the attack completely.
"Fufu..."
As she slid through, she spun back to perform a fast leg sweep on the delinquent from behind. As she threw off her opponent's balance, she used the excess momentum of her attack to spin again. This time for a finishing touch.
Armor began to form on her feet, all the way up to her knee as she was about to connect the second kick. A white armored landings with a wing motif on it that sported metal pinions from the ankle and calves; a Nex Frame and Nex Arm at the same time. As soon as her Nex Arm equipped, she hit the delinquent straight to the gut and sent him flying to his ally in front of him.
"Hmm..."
As soon as she landed, she sensed two more from her back approaching fast with their weapons at the ready. The girl maintained her crouching position and then as soon as they closed in, she performed a lightning quick double donkey kick. Quickly shifting her balance she swung her feet like a capoeira practitioner to sweep their legs off the ground.
Again shifting her stance in a handstand she spun some more to perform a rising spinning kick, the attack hit both delinquents right at their jaws. It was then as soon as she landed, the last three of them altogether lunged at her. They were really hell-bent on taking her down.
"Hehe~"
But it looked like she was just a few steps ahead of them. Starting from the front, the girl ducked down and raised her leg back in an arch to perform a scorpion kick, stunning her opponent. From that stance, she jumped up then spun around connecting a spinning kick that took out the two other delinquents.
"Haaaa---taaah!"
Then as she landed, she focused her energy unto her legs. The metal pinions on her armored landings unfurled and lit up as she did. Then unleashing it all unto one powerful kick, burying her sole unto the stunned opponent's face.
"Uwaaagh!"
The delinquent crashed straight at the other two, whom were just recovering. The force of the attack was strong enough to embed the three of them unto the wall. The girl just landed gracefully to the ground, like a ballerina with her step as light as a feather.
"Oops! Err... oh no... I ruined the wall."
Her composure suddenly changed as she saw the damage her last attack did. The girl recalled her armored landings and frantically inspected the damage. Her mannerisms belied her earlier one before and during the fight, from a composed and calm enigma to a panicking little school girl.
"Oh! Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
Before she forgets, she remembered she was supposed to be saving someone. She quickly approached the victim of the delinquents earlier, helped him stand up. The student was just as baffled that this clumsy-mannered girl was the one who saved him.
"Uh... Y-Yeah. Thank you. And thank you so much for saving my friend too. She may be part of the Elite faction but she never hurt or wronged anyone.",
"That she is, I'm just glad I happen to be near her when I saw the two goons trailing her."
The girl just sighed with relief. Despite her clumsy attitude, she was a person of good nature. It was a rarity to find the member of the Student Council out here, doing some dirty work themselves.
"What is going in here---oh my goodness!?"
At that moment, the three girls, Nobuki, Kurome and Virgilia entered the scene. Nobuki was shocked to see the bruised delinquents that loitered the area. The three just hurried to the girl's side with Nobuki seem to radiate familiarity towards this girl.
"Are you alright, Senpai?",
"Yes! Ehehe... Sorry but duty called at such a crucial time. Come! Come! Let's just leave this to the Disciplinary Committee."
In a urgent manner, the girl gestured the three girls out the scene. Kurome and Virgilia did not question it, although they were bemused by the situation. In reality, she was forcing them to avert their attention to the wall damage just behind them.
"Ah, w-wait!",
"...?"
Before they left, the student called out one more time, all of the girls turned their attention to him.
"I didn't quite catch your name.",
"Ah..."
The girl then reached into her pocket then put her glasses back on, her face radiating with such a pure smile.
"Akebana Nanami. Student Council Secretary. At your service!"
----------------------------------------------
Right after that incident, the girls walked a bit and introduce themselves to one another. They have been told that Nanami will be their proctor. Even after the rather chaotic first impression, the girls warmed up to her company quite easily, such was being the people-person in the Student Council.
About the same age as Kurome, Nobuki and Virgilia, Nanami have been around YSU ever since kindergarten. Born from a Japanese father and an American mother, Nanami has grew up in the Yorktown Metro Zone since her birth. She has yet to return to her homeland of Japan, when the cataclysmic event struck; although half-blood Japanese, she could only mourn for the loss of the land she never got to see.
Hence why when she caught wind of the refugees attending YSU, Nanami made sure that she would be the first to tend to them. She even went as far as volunteering herself to proctor the incoming scholars. The moment Nobuki went through orientation, she was there to meet her, and then eventually Kurome and Virgilia.
Over the past few days Nanami showed the girls around school, becoming their first friend here in Yorktown State University. She was dedicated, flexible and able to get along with the girls' differing personalities. From Virgilia's stoic nature, Kurome's overtly cheerful outbursts, to Nobuki's reserved disposition; Nanami was like an elder sister to the three girls, she made sure that everyday was a memorable moment for the three whom almost lost their lives at the tragedy of Japan.
As for the three girls, meeting her somehow helped them cope up with their despair. Having met Nanami was like having someone waiting for you at school as a second home. Virgilia coping with her physical deformity, Nobuki with interacting to fellow students despite her status quo; and most importantly, Kurome looking up to her then becoming Student Council herself as a PR Officer, which puts her under Nanami's supervision.
With her around, life seemed looking up for the three. They were right at home, in and out of the school. But to fully experience the school spirit, Nanami just sprung probably the most random thought possible...
"You want us to join what?"
Virgilia with an audible question to Nanami.
"Like I said, I would like for you all to join my club---the Cheerleading Squad!"
The latter repeated her invitation with the same cheery expression. The girls were gathered in the empty classroom just moments after dismissal period. Nanami gathered them there to extend her invites to her club.
"It'll be fun! It's not just about cheering and physical activity. It would be also all about building connections to other people. Making friends and communication, the true YSU spirit! What do you guys say?",
"Well we get what you're saying, Nanami-san. But..."
Nobuki with a hesitation whilst she and Kurome cast their gaze over to Virgilia. Joining the Cheerleading Squad would mean also wearing uniforms; although the uniforms were not that revealing, they were worried about Virgilia's confidence. Even though she had been coping up living with such scars, she was still a work in progress.
"It's okay... you guys just go. I'll be fine--",
"No! No! Miss De Lune! You can't be left out!"
Nanami suddenly interjected as soon as she was about voice her reassurance.
"B-But... I mean I'm not really bothered about the scars... But..."
Virgilia then flexed her arm, revealing her bulging muscles that can even make a bodybuilder feel out of shape.
"I don't think I'd fit in. I would look awkward in a cheerleading uniform."
She added which made sense. Virgilia's confidence was still fragile at the moment, if she does so to dress as daring as a cheerleading outfit, she would not survive. Nanami then just contemplated on what would be the course of action for Virgilia, she stared at her and carefully examined her physique.
"W-What...? D-Don't stare at me like that, Nanami. You're making me conscious."
Virgilia zipped up her jersey jacket out of embarrassment, as Nanami eyed her all around like a sculpture in a museum.
"That's it!!!",
"Ueh!"
Nanami suddenly jumped in front of her, startling her in the process.
"The jersey jacket gave me an idea! Come! Come! Strike whilst the iron is hot, Miss De Lune!",
"Uwaaah... Hey, Nanami! Wait don't pull on me!",
"Ah! Nana-chan! Vee-chan! Wait up!"
Without saying anything, Nanami eagerly pulled her hand and lead him out the classroom. Kurome and Nobuki pursued the two in a hurry. Nanami was just beaming the entire way through, she seemed excited by this new idea that popped up in her mind.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheerleading Squad Gymnasium, Changing Rooms
The girls went all the mile away towards the squad gymnasium, the main venue of the Cheerleading Squad. From there, Nanami lead the girls towards the changing rooms and lent Virgilia one of the uniforms. Good thing that the club members were still doing routines outside, that means they have the place for themselves without worrying of someone walking in.
"Umm... I've put on the uniform. Nanami? Guys?",
"Ah, Vee-chan. Nanami went out to fetch the other uniforms. Go ahead, show us!",
"Umm... A-Are you sure? There's no one else in there?"
Virgilia have put on the uniform but was hesitant to come out of the fitting room. Slowly, she tip-toed out of the room and turned around. Bot Nobuki and Kurome were pleasantly surprised to the sight before them.
"W-Well...? The skirt's a bit tight.",
"Whoaaaa...!!! Vee-chan... You're so pretty!!!",
"Ara ara... Arara! Virgilia-san I didn't even know you had such charm in you."
Both girls were just practically awe-struck how well she fit in the squad uniform. They look like they were looking at a one of a kind gourmet meal, or a piece of fine art. Virgilia looked precious, and with her shy disposition just adds to her overall charm.
While technically Virgilia was not wearing the standard uniform, but the Lifter uniform, the effect was still the same. Compared to the standard Cheerleading Squad uniform, the Lifter uniform comprised of a short top with the YSU logo embroidered on the chest area with a bare midriff, a striped short skirt but with thigh-long cycling shorts as undergarments. And to top it off, since Virgilia was wearing the jersey jacket all the time, it was part of the outfit as well.
"Well it's a bit tight on the chest and waist... I think I need a more loose one.",
"What are you talking about, Virgilia-san? You look dazzling the way it is.",
"Ehehe~ You really think so?"
She blushed upon receiving such compliments, she seemed bashful but she carried it well. Virgilia then had a quick look upon the mirror to see for herself. Inspecting it thoroughly, a spark of positivity flickered in her, thinking she may be even pull this off.
"Yeah and then after set 1 and 2---huh?",
"...!",
"Ah!"
It was all of a sudden, the three girls were shocked by the sudden arrival of the club members. Virgilia then quickly covered herself with her jacket. The three girls gathered together in a corner, wishing Nanami would come back soon.
"Pfft...hahahahahaha! Get a load of this gal!",
"You seriously wearing that uniform with all that muscles? And ewww...! Are those scars!? Disgusting!",
"Hahaha! She looked like a shaggy gorilla in that outfit, pftthahahaha!"
As soon as they laid their eyes upon Virgilia, the 5 girl club members just burst out laughing. Hearing nothing but a string of insults about her outlook, she bowed her head down and gritted her teeth to suppress the gnawing anger. From the looks of it, these girls were part of the Elite faction with their pins present.
"Oi!"
Hearing none of it, Nobuki stepped forward against the five girls.
"My friend here took a lot of courage just to put on this daring outfit! You have no right to insult her--kyaa!",
"Ah! Yonaka!"
Kurome caught her before she fell down on her hind, Nobuki was flicked to her forehead that caught her off guard.
"Huh? Guess what? Who friggin' cares, shorty! A well dressed animal is still an animal, no matter how much you doll it up. Hahahaha!",
"Grrr..."
She can feel her anger boiling at its limit, Virgilia felt like she could explode any moment now. She saw the images of the five girls stretched up above them, looking down upon her with mocking expressions. She was clenching her fist so hard that her palm was starting to bleed.
"Good luck dancing in that outfit, ciao~!"
With a sarcastic farewell, the girls left the changing rooms as sudden as they went in.
"...!"
Kurome's senses suddenly spiked as she saw Virgilia already on the prowl to chase the girls down. With lightning-fast reaction, she bolted in front of Virgilia's path with her arms spread out. Kurome took the full brunt of Virgilia's punch, making the latter snap back into reality.
"K-Kurochin!",
"Kurome!",
"Ugh...!"
She never took the full force of her punch before, even with her guard up, Kurome still suffered a mild concussion. The girls then looked back at the commotion, casting upon them the same mocking expressions before finally walking away. Nobuki and Virgilia quickly propped Kurome up, stunned by her punch.
"Kurochin... why?",
"Ugh... Vee-chan. You mustn't--let your anger get the better of you... Ugh... Vee-chan, I know you're better than that.",
"Kuh...",
"Ah, Virgilia-san!",
"Vee-chan..."
The two girls watched as she suddenly ran off. With tears rolling down her face, Virgilia bolted off somewhere in the campus. Before they could pursue her, Nanami went back with an armful of uniforms in her grasp.
"Oh my goodness! Kuro-chan, what happened? Where's Miss De Lune?",
"Onee-sama, Virgilia-san ran off. We ran into the club members of the Cheerleading Squad when she was trying the uniform and then..."
Nobuki responded in her place, Kurome was still dazed, almost unconscious because of that blow.
"Club Members? Oh no... It must be them, Angie and her posses. I forgot to tell you about them. I'm so sorry."
Nanami regretted that she let her emotions clouded her mind to tell them of the infamous Elite clique in the club. Angie or Angela Wills, she was one of the prominent figures of the Elite faction. She was an arrogant, haughty ice queen that picks on other girls with inferior status quo and pathetic boy admirers alike.
"Where's Miss De Lune? Where did she went?",
"Ugh... I--I know where..."
Kurome managed to grunt a few words; her head still hurt like hell but thanks to her accelerated healing, a weeks of recuperation was just minutes away.
"Kuro-chan, are you still okay?",
"H-Hai... Help me up, Yonaka.",
"Here, careful now."
Nobuki and Nanami assisted her in standing up and walking down the hallway as they move towards where Virgilia had gone. At this hour, there can be only one place she would be...
-----------------------------------------------------
Class Building Rooftop
After a while, the three girls arrived at the last place Virgilia would have gone to. It was none other than the rooftop itself. As they entered, there she was, just standing by the chicken wire fence in her lonesome.
Virgilia did not even bothered turning around to face them, she was hurt. Just when she already mustered the self-confidence, some random pompous girl would go about their way to kick it down. At that moment, she was unsure what to think of herself anymore.
"I'm sorry but...",
"Miss De Lune..."
Nanami gasped as she saw her handing back the uniform, with her head bowed down.
"...The Cheerleading Squad is just not my forte. And Kurochin, I'm really sorry I got my emotions get the best of me.",
"Vee-chan...",
"For that Nanami, I humbly decline the invitation. So again, my deepest apologies."
Virgilia expressed her apologies true to heart, with a gloomy expression. Holding up the neatly-folded uniform, she waited for Nanami to take it off her hands to be done with it. The latter then placed her hand upon the uniform.
"I've heard what happened. I'm sorry but I would have to decline your apologies too, Miss De Lune.",
"...!",
"Onee-sama--!"
Before Nobuki could express her concern, Nanami gestured that she was not finished with her piece; Virgilia on the other hand, was shocked at the unexpected response.
"First off... I'm sorry for dragging you--no. All of you into this, I thought we can enjoy the school spirit together in one team. But I got too ahead of myself and forgot the consequences."
Nanami was neither agitated nor disappointed, as she met her gaze she was just all smiles as she always was; a familiar reception yet Virgilia could not point where did she felt it before.
"But if the reason you're gonna decline my invite is because someone made fun of how you looked in the uniform, then I would have to decline. However, for you, Miss De Lune, I will give you some time to think about it. After class tomorrow, if you're still set on declining my club invitation, then return this uniform to me.",
"Nanami..."
Virgilia just whispered as they saw her made her exit, but before she stepped back inside, Nanami turned around once more.
"But if you come tomorrow wearing it, then I would personally welcome you to the Cheerleading Squad. Until the, Miss De Lune."
With those parting words, Nanami exited the scene. She left something for Virgilia to contemplate about until tomorrow, she just could not accept her reasons for declining right now. Finally recovering from her blow, Kurome then approached Virgilia and held both her hands.
"Vee-chan, can I be honest? I'm with Nana-chan on this. This isn't like you to give up just because someone made a fool of you. Remember back then? Even with your elbows and knees sore, your knuckles wounded and bruised, your entire body stressed and could collapse any moment--- you did not gave up. You saw through the trial to the end.",
"...",
"Even when Caleb-san outright rejected you, you persevered and came out on top. This isn't like you, Vee-chan... I'm sorry...",
"..."
Virgilia's lips began to tremble as she began sobbing. Thinking about what she had gone through, she had been through hell and back and moved mountains; nothing slowed her down and nothing stopped her from achieving. And now she frets over making fun of, just thinking about it really puts her into a deep shame.
"Kurochin... Ughuu...",
"It's okay, Vee-chan. We all have our moment of weakness."
Kurome offered her shoulders for her to cry onto. Even after everything, she was still the same crybaby. A lot has happened in their lives, but they do still have each other despite the tragedies that took their former lives.
"Neh? Neh? If you come by the gymnasium with your uniform on, not just Nana-chan, but we'll also cheer for you cheering for the school! Neh?"
She turned to Nobuki behind her, with the latter nodding in approval.
"Thank you... Kurochin.",
"Whatever your decision tomorrow, Virgilia-san. We'll respect it, but know that you won't be alone in this."
Nobuki finally spoke her piece, being in agreement with Kurome. Virgilia just gave a nod back and wiped her tears. After spending a brief moment, the three altogether left the rooftop with Virgilia still carrying the uniform.
--------------------------------------------
YSU Campus Halls, Lockers
Meanwhile, after leaving the rooftop, Nanami went to fix her things in her locker to sort it for tomorrow.
"Gah!! Guhuugh...!?!?"
It was all of a sudden she was struck by a sharp pain in her chest, as if she was stabbed. The pain was otherworldly, as it began to crawl from her chest to her diaphragm. Red streaks of electricity began shooting out of her body and her pupils flicking on and off.
After what seemed like minutes, the pain then abruptly stopped. She felt her body trembling from the aftermath, akin to being electrocuted. Nanami just laid down the floor for a while, before finally sitting up.
"Ugh... Hurrkk---"
As she tried to stand up, her dazed disposition caused plucked her gag reflex. She hurriedly rushed unto the nearest trash bin and vomited there. She vomited blood, which would mean that the sudden rush of pain even damaged her internal organs.
"Ugh... huff... This is worse than last time. What's going on with me?"
Apparently this was not the first time Nanami felt it. It had been bothering her for months now, but every time she has it checked, her vitals seemed perfectly normal. This routine all started last year, just months before she was elevated unto Student Council.
At first it was just a period pinching pain around her pectoral area. Then over time it became throbbing pains that one time she was even rushed to the hospital. She thought it stopped for quite some time, but now they were worse than ever before.
"Ugh... I can't... What's going on..."
Confused and scared, Nanami feared what would happen to her if this pain struck again. By far, this was the worst one she had. Unbeknownst to her, a tall figure behind her loomed over her.
"..."
This figure placed its red armored hand on Nanami's shoulder, startling her. But then as she turn to face this mysterious figure, her expression seemed strangely relieved as if she knew who this person was. It was then with a blink of an eye, Nanami and the enigma disappeared without a trace.
-------------------------------------------------------
YSU Campus, Cheerleading Squad Gymnasium
Later that night, Kurome decided to give Virgilia some space to think. Not really avoiding her, they still ate together by the table and they still talked. But Kurome avoided the topic of her club invitation, for her bestfriend's sake.
Normally Kurome would be really pushy, but out of respect for her, she set that attitude aside for now. Despite her childish whims and acts, Kurome was a mature woman at heart. Virgilia could always count on her, even Nobuki when she was still in the area, to watch over her.
A lot has happened in that day, Virgilia took her time contemplating. She barely got any sleep, as she spent majority of the night looking at the uniform. Reminiscing and reflecting upon herself, until eventually she finally made up her mind.
The next day, the class period went by when the bell finally rang throughout the school, signaling the start of club period. Kurome and Nobuki went ahead of her, as they made way to the squad gymnasium. Virgilia followed through just minutes behind, taking a moment to finalize her decision.
"Hmm?"
As she was making her way towards the squad gymnasium, Virgilia suddenly spotted a group of delinquents entering a vacant alleyway. Normally she would just ignore them, but upon her view, they looked like they were cornering someone out of sight. She ducked down and sneaked her way closer to take a closer look at the commotion.
"Wait a minute... that's..."
As she went in with her suspicions confirmed, Virgilia recognized the girl the delinquents cornered. It was the girl who made fun of her yesterday, the sole reason she was under duress with dilemma on joining the Cheerleading Squad, Angie Wills. Being a member of the Elite faction, it would be sooner or later that she would encounter its rival faction; Virgilia stayed hidden for a while and kept an ear out for the cause of this commotion.
"I thought I was clear on this--no! I don't want to go out with your buddy especially him being one of you muscle-head buffoons."
Even when outnumbered, Angie still kept a firm stance against these delinquents.
"Aww... come on give my boy a break here! He's really sincere y'know!",
"Angie we could be t'gether! Then we can call a ceasefire betw'n the Elite and Delinquents.",
"Yeah! You see! It's a win-win, no?"
The three delinquents were bargaining for her, even though the ulterior motive was clearly transparent on their expressions.
"Win-win my foot! I already said no! What is it about a two-letter word that can't comprehend!? NO!",
"Ughuuuh... waaaa...!"
The delinquent whom was the admirer just began sobbing like a bear suffering from a cold. As the other delinquent comforted his friend, the other faced Angie in his place. Seemed like a mix of bad and awkward situation as Virgilia watched on away from sight, but no matter how she looked at it, they three were basically held her hostage.
"Now, see---when you say no, it actually means something else. Usually the opposite.",
"What!? How daft are you---",
"Look let's just settle this with a nice date, him and you. Get to know him better, THEN you'll get to see how amazing of a man my guy really is."
The delinquent bargained once more for his friend, they really leave no openings nor chance for her to leave.
"Ah... you have a point there. But see... there's one problem. I. Am. Not. Interested. I'm leaving."
Having none of it, Angie angrily stomps away from them. But as soon as she passed the delinquent, he quickly grabbed her arm then wrestled her back into place. The situation was now escalating into an unpleasant one, as if it already was in the first place.
"Hey! Let me go! You're hurting me!",
"Sorry but we're not done talking, Ms. Wills--oof!"
In an instant, the delinquent felt something hit him across the face, it was Angie's slap.
"Hey... you damn bitch. I've already at the limit of my patience and THIS is how you treat politeness--HUH!?"
The slap just made him angrier, with visible veins twitching on his temples to his cheek. The grip became more and more painful, any more would cause the girl's arm to dislocation from her elbow. Angie cowered before the fearful angry gazes of these delinquents, their twisted expressions looking down on her.
"Kyaa! No, let me go!"
In a panic, Angie began wailing on her captor with slaps and knocks; but no matter how much she struggled, the delinquent was not fazed at all.
"Heh! Not gonna work on me, you uppity bitch! We've done right by you but you just had to flap your bitchlips up at the wrong guys."
The three delinquents now loomed over her with nowhere to go; but unaware of their surroundings, a much more menacing presence approached them.
"Oh yeah? How about this?",
"What? Who the--ooouugh!!!"
As soon as the delinquent turned around, a fist went flying directly to his face. As the punch landed its impact, the assailant pushed her fist further and sent the delinquent tumbling over through the fence. The two other delinquents quickly backed off at the sudden occurrence.
"Y-You..."
Angie could not believe her eyes as she instantly recognized her savior. Virgilia zipped down her jersey jacket as she faced the remaining two delinquents. As she did, the scars revealed themselves towards her opponents as she cracked both her knuckles.
"Might wanna step aside.",
"Y-Yes!"
Angie did as she was told, she fled from a safe distance and hid herself from the commotion.
"W-Who are you...?",
"Well see... I think I'm seeing things but I think I heard something about an calling a girl an uppity bitch? Well if you all are that itchy for a bitch-lipping, this bitch is ready to go."
There was a hidden fire in her eyes, the battle lust she had been withholding for a long time now. Virgilia's presence alone was enough to overshadow the both of them. As she thought they would back down, the two then suddenly materialized their Nex Arms.
"Shurr up! Talking tough now when we got d'tools!",
"Yeah fat chance! Sugar tids! You're surrounded and nowhere to go! If there's somewhere you're gonna be, it's gonna be the hospital! Now if you give up now, we'll accept a tear-stained apology."
The delinquents circle Virgilia like a pack of wolves waiting for the time to strike. It was intimidating but not enough to even make her twitch. Virgilia then tilted her head as she clashed her fists together, creating a shock wave that swept the two off their feet.
"I believe that's MY line, sugar moobs. Minus the 'hearing you out' part, 'cause when I'm done with you--you two are gonna be heading straight to the morgue!"
From her face, drew a menacing smile; an expression of certain death, as she permeated an aura of wracked of fear.
"Now... who's first?",
"I'll kill you...!"
The delinquent did not waste time charging head first against her, big mistake.
"Haaa...!",
"Ugghwaa!!!"
With a powerful swing of her fist, Virgilia easily punctures through his defense. With her Nexus Trait of an momentum manipulation, she weaponize her body and attacks into a living battering ram. She then slid her foot forward and and spun to materialize her Nex Arm, the war club, and began thrashing her enemy with three powerful connecting swings.
"Rrrraaaaagh!"
With a jumping overhead, slammed her weapon right on top of the delinquent's head. The blow was so powerful that it made her opponent flip forward like a game show roulette. Using this opportunity, she stomped another foot forward then connected a straight uppercut, right on the chin.
If the delinquent was a human, he would have had his skull flattened with the force and pressure of a hydraulic press. The uppercut launched her opponent airborne, just then the other delinquent sneaked up on her to target her blindside. It was predictable, as the delinquent swung his Nex Arm, Virgilia twirled her club to her hip, thrusting it backwards.
"Uuarckk!!!"
The club hit directly unto her opponent's groin, letting out an audible squeal of agony. She then threw her club up on the air as she turned around with her fists ready. The moment she turned around, she used the momentum of her turn to wail on her opponent's face with a string of consecutive punches.
"Batter up, bacon boy!!!"
Virgilia then caught her club and immediately assumed a batting stance, the form was like that of a professional baseball athlete. It was moments later, that the first delinquent she sent mid-air finally came down. She focused, aimed her probable trajectory and then swung the war club directly at the falling opponent's gut.
"Buuu---wargh!",
"Aarrgh!!!"
Both delinquents crashed unto each other with perfect timing. The tumbled through the dirt like a ball of rubber bands, then airborne again thanks to the inclined debris of the collapsed wall. Virgilia lowered her stance into a prowl then pursued them with a blinding speed.
As soon as the two delinquents aligned in mid-air, she lifted her foot and rode the momentum to deliver a spear kick that sent the two flying further. The two delinquents then crashed at the first one when he was about to get up and recover. Virgilia was merciless, her fury was unmatched.
"Ugh... agh..."
The three delinquents now lied beaten and bloodied, but still alive thanks to their Novus traits.
"So that's it? That's barely a warm-up.",
"Kiiiihiiiii....!!!"
The two delinquents retreated back as they saw Virgilia towered before them. Her face painted with a twisted smile, the face of a true Yanki. She was more beast than a woman, and such a powerful figure would be an example for them to follow.
"You!",
"H-Huh--I mean, yes ma'am!?"
The delinquent reflexively straighten up as if in a presence of a senior or superior.
"The Cheerleading Squad is off-limits and under my protection. Tell your boys if they do not comply, I'll have them something to remember me by... remember this face. My name is Virgilia De Lune... If I see you or see me, you three will answer to me. Not to your faction, not to anyone else!",
"Y-yes--Ma'am--",
"AHHH!?!? 'THE F*CK DID YOU SAY!?!?",
"I mean--boss!!! Boss, yes boss!!!",
"That's a good boy. Run along and take your sad sacks out of my sight."
She ordered and the delinquents quickly obliged. Her presence inspired fear and respect, her command was direct. As they left, one of them looked back at her one last time and went on their way; they may not normally have girls dictate what to do, but Virgilia was an exception, she was a real diamond on the rough.
Virgilia dusted her palms and dismissed her Nex Arm to prep herself back to the Cheerleading Squad gymnasium. It was not much of a release, but it was nice to let loose of her battle lust every now and then. As she snatched her bags, she saw Angie come out of hiding.
"W-Why?",
"Hmm?"
Virgilia suddenly stopped as she passed her, she noticed the bruise on her arm where the delinquent gripped her.
"Why did you helped me? After all I've said to you.",
"You're right. After you've done and humiliated me with your posses, I could've just left you. But..."
In her thoughts, images of the past flashed back into her mind. She had been in the same situation before, back in Japan where she was almost raped and robbed in some ally. Then, out of the blue, Mr. Caleb rescued her despite not having the obligation to do so.
She never went into detail why Mr. Caleb did what he did, she never had the chance before the catastrophe. He was a Novus but definitely not a registered superhero, despite of being eligible in his age and status. It was Deja Vu for Virgilia to relive the moment again, one can only assume she was just paying it forward.
"Nah... I couldn't just stand there and let someone, even someone like you, get assaulted in front of me. Besides---"
Virgilia pulled up her right sleeve and showed one of her scars that looked just like her bruise on her arm.
"I think by the looks of that, we're even.",
"That's... I don't..."
Angie was flustered, thinking back of the hurtful things she has said to Virgilia; she was thankful yet ashamed.
"Angie!"
From the distance, a tall young man with a long blonde hair suddenly rushed unto Angie's side. He looked like he was roughed up with bruises on his face and his uniform torn by the sleeves. And from his pin, it looked like he was from the delinquent faction too.
"Axe...! What happened to you?!",
"Never mind that, are you okay? They stopped me before I could chase those bastards going for you. Where are they... Huh?"
He looked around and saw nothing but an aftermath of a brutal fight, the young man, Axe was left in pure awe.
"She chased them off. I'm okay, they roughed me a bit but nothing too serious.",
"Thank goodness, Angie..."
Axe then pulled her close and embraced her tight. She neither refused it nor disgusted by it, Angie welcomed it. Flustered, Virgilia averted her gaze away from the rather embarrassing sight and went on her way.
"Wait!"
But once again, she was stopped by Axe who seemed to be in cheerful spirits despite the beating that he took.
"My name is Axe Rossell, miss. I thank you for saving my girlfriend. My mates didn't like the thing we had going, on opposing factions to boot. So they decided to hold me down while they decided to pay her a visit. I had to go through the lot of them as fast as I could. Again... thank you."
He gleefully shook Virgilia's hand which startled her a bit, but she did not mind.
"You say you're her boyfriend?",
"Yes, Angie's the love of my life. Wh---uuuargh!"
All of sudden, Virgilia's fist landed squarely on Axe's jaw with a powerful uppercut, sending him flying back; Angie immediately rushed on his side, both were flabbergasted of what just happened.
"That's for not trying hard enough to get to her, and for her making fun of me yesterday. That was 2 for 1, because I feel generous today. I'm out."
Not even waiting for a response, Virgilia just waved them off as she made her way towards the gymnasium.
"Oh my God, are you okay?",
"Kuh... Y-Yeah.. H-Heh. That was one mean punch--argh."
Axe struggled to stand up after that punch, he felt a minor concussion coming on; his girlfriend helped him stand up, with his knees shaking like a newborn calf.
"Yeah... I deserved that. She's one interesting broad alright."
----------------------------------------------------------
YSU Campus, Cheerleading Squad Gymnasium
The moment Virgilia opened the doors of the gymnasium, she was immediately greeted by an overwhelmingly busy atmosphere. Each of the girls and boys were doing their separate routines from all over the spacious hall, quite the everyday scenario in this club. Virgilia scanned the hall for a bit, then finally spotted Nanami and the others coming out of the locker rooms.
The girls were actually about to join up with the rest of Nanami's team. All three of them were dressed and prepped for the routine. Despite their varied physique, Nobuki, Kurome and Nanami handled their cheerleading uniforms in their own way quite well.
"Ah! Vee-cha---huh?"
Kurome was about to jump on her out of gladness that Virgilia came, but immediately noticed that she does not have the uniform on. The girls just looked at her with dismay, their hyped-up confidence suddenly awash with gloom. Her being here without her uniform could only mean that Virgilia's mind was made up of not joining.
"So that's how it is then? I see... I can't force your decision but know that I respect it.",
"Vee-chan..."
Kurome and Nanami both expressed their own thoughts and dismay in their own way, such a shame she would have to decline the club like this.
"Well actually I couldn't wear it outside, so can I just use the changing rooms?",
"If you insist--wait what?",
"V-V-Vee-chan!?",
"That means..."
Nanami, Kurome and Nobuki suddenly felt like they were introduced into an electric shock as they heard Virgilia's statement with utter disbelief.
"Y-Yeah... If that's okay."
Averting her gaze a bit, Virgilia was slightly flustered; it was a shock but a pleasant one for the girls.
"Miss De Lune... Well then, just follow me.",
"H-Hey! We're all going in--hey wait!"
With their urging, the girls went back inside the changing rooms and waited for her to change into her uniform. From that moment where she emerged out of the booth with her uniform on, Virgilia felt like she belonged. The girls were practically inseparable at that point, they worked hard and they got acquainted with the rest of the Cheerleading Squad.
What followed after that... was just their average day at school. Now feeling much closer to the school itself thanks to the club, the three girls bid their farewells to being outcasts to becoming a full-fledged students of the prestigious YSU...
-------------------------------------------
Days to weeks to months, the girls worked and trained hard for their chosen club thanks to Nanami's urging. At first, it was as to be expected, the girls were a complete mess. Failing to mention that they have to keep their superior physical feats during routines, so that their fellow non=Novus club members could keep up.
After a bumpy start, the girls got used to the normal routines and eventually the advanced ones. It may not look like it, but even for a Novus, the routines were especially difficult. Difficult in a way that they had to train themselves how suppress their physical prowess.
Virgilia even felt like being under Mr. Caleb's training again, where she pushed her physical body beyond its limits to achieve her desired results. While his training focused more on the physical, the Cheerleading Squad helped strengthen her mind and willpower. Strenuous but rewarding, as she began to pick up some techniques on how to channel and control her Nexus Energy more effectively.
After months of never-ending routines, the club finally put their training, their hard work to the test. From school-wide assemblies to inter-school competitions and exhibitions, the schedule was all made up for them. They won some, they lost some, what mattered to them was the journey and the teamwork built upon those hardships. The girls never let up, and they were still together and going strong.
Of course, with these achievements came with a great following. Kurome being the first and front becoming a school idol during her stint in the Cheerleading Squad, her energy and cute mannerisms won the hearts of many; and not just in YSU alone, in other schools too. Nobuki, even though she was the least expected to have fans, many loved her very humble stature in contrast to her best friend. And of course, last but not least, Nanami becoming a well-known figure and the captain of the club; her rise in popularity became beneficial for the Student Council in which she always represented.
On the other hand, Virgilia, although gaining a few fans herself but not enough to compete with her friends, was just contented as she was. After all, she did joined the club just so she can improve herself and not to be popular. Although, she was popular with her fellow club members, becoming a senior among them to help with difficult routines.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
YSU Campus Grounds
"Oh, Virgilia! There you are.",
"Hmm? Yes coach?"
After doing some training and routines, Virgilia was suddenly stopped by the club coach.
"Some boy just went by here. Said he was looking for you.",
"Sigh... must be one of my 'fans', I really don't entertain those kind of people. I had to restrain myself every time they scream right at my face, ugh..."
Virgilia was exasperated as she heard the case, it was nothing new for her. She was quite iffy around people like that, they were hard to get around. She just found most of them from weird to just plain annoying, a complete nuisance.
"That may be... If it not the boy's 5th time around here.",
"...!"
Virgilia almost spat her drink upon hearing that, a persistent one which effectively caught her curiosity.
"R-Really...?",
"Mhm... Said that he had been calling for your name but the crowd always drowns his voice. So he thought it would be a good idea to visit you here directly, but he always comes at a bad time."
The coach added. Like he had said, this particular boy had been going in an out but still no luck. Whenever this boy comes to the gymnasium, they were either busy training or out for an event.
"What's he like? I-I mean, did he told his name?",
"Hair to the side, bit on the chubby side. He always arrives here like he just ran a marathon or something, drenched in sweat and always out of breath. And no, I have yet to ask him.",
"I see..."
Virgilia's mood suddenly went down as she heard what was this particular boy like. But she was torn, she would assume that this boy might knew her from the past, but who? That or maybe this boy is just another fan with perseverance on the side, or worse, a stalker.
"Anyway, don't you think you would at least make an exception for the boy? I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy running around this ginormous campus the size of a metropolis just to meet you.",
"Hmm... Well I---",
"Oyyy...! Vee-chan! Our next set is up!",
"Ah! Almost forgot--be right there, Kurochin!"
But before she could give her answer, her break time was up. She would have to think about this on a latter note. But still, she could not help but wonder who this boy was.
-------------------------------------------
Bokujo Residences, Virgilia's Room
After a few meals and chores done, Virgilia slumped over to bed. It had been for a while, but the news earlier of a particular boy coming to see her has been on her mind as of late. She have not noticed, but she had been up about it for a few hours now.
"Was it a secret admirer perhaps?"
She thought out loud, but immediately shook it off. If the boy was a secret admirer, then he would be hidden always in sight leaving only vague hints. And speaking of which, she has not have the chance to inquire more about this boy.
"Hmm... It could be someone that I know."
It was the most plausible possibility. But other than her mother, and Kurome and the others, she did not know of some boy that was particularly close to her. Every time that she was prying deep into her memories, Virgilia felt like something was blocking one part of her memory from resurfacing.
Virgilia went all night thinking about it until her exhaustion finally took over. She would have to settle this matter for the latter. She just thought it was not that much big of a deal to fuss over, for now.
--------------------------------------------------
Over the course of a few days, this boy continued to come back and forth in the gymnasium. And as it would be expected, his luck was just as rotten as the previous. The Cheerleading Squad had the most busiest of schedules in the entire YSU.
This boy would always assume that the next time he would finally see her face-to-face, a gamble that he always loses. The only time he could see her were in extra-curricular events and cheering competitions. While majority of the crowd were cheering for Kurome, whom caught his eyes first, it was Virgilia that really struck him.
He thought if the majority could cheer for Kurome, or any other favorite squad icon, he thought he could cheer for Virgilia as well. Holding up a lone banner of Virgilia's name, he would always put his heart unto it. It was a futile effort, because of the size of the crowd that he had to compete with but he still did his best; putting his arms and banner of Virgilia up high, hoping that she would at least notice.
"Sorry kid, they're currently running laps by Campus C.",
"Awww..."
Again, another typical day for the boy. He was drenched from his own sweat from all that running from his campus hall to the squad gymnasium. Exhausted and downtrodden, he laid his banner down and sat by the pavement.
"You're really dead set on seeing our Virgilia, huh? Do you know her personally?",
"Oh yes, of course!"
No hesitation whatsoever, the boy answered as swiftly and truthfully.
"You've been coming and leaving here empty handed. Why not just move on? This is becoming an unhealthy habit of yours.",
"I can't... I made a promise to her before she left for Japan."
The boy then pulled out flower from his breast pocket, a Morning Glory. Even after running around and being soaked in sweat, the flower remained its pristine pearly white petals. Still intact, just like the boy's determination to keep trying.
"...whatever it takes."
He whispered as he held the flower close to his chest.
"Ah... to be young and in-love. Heheh, I'm even surprised a rough and rugged gal like her would have this dedicated of an admirer.",
"Heheh~"
Even in the face of exhaustion, the boy still managed a bright smile. His heart was just as pure as the Morning Glory in his hand. Dusting himself up, the boy stood up and just decided upon himself to come back tomorrow like he always does.
"By the way, boy.",
"Huh?",
"I didn't quite catch your name. Maybe when I see Virgilia again, I'll just send your regards to her.",
"Oh! That would be nice. The name's Walter Olven."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
YSU Campus, School Rooftops
It had been quite a rainy day since morning, meaning outdoor club activities would grind into halt at this weather. And more so, ever since yesterday, Virgilia noticed that Kurome had been spacing out. Normally she would be merrily prancing around, this was becoming bothersome to her.
She tried to talk to her but she seemed evasive. Like she would put up her usual expression like a mask, something that she would never do. Kurome would never in her life to be this secretive, Virgilia thought it would be wise to get to the bottom of it sooner.
"Huh?"
As she was making her way out of the class hall, her acute senses picked up a feint rumble. She would dismiss it as thunder but it felt really close. Virgilia focused her senses and listened again.
"...!"
Another one, but this time it was significant like a light shock wave. She set her senses into high alert and traced the direction she felt it. Another one, it was stronger than the previous, she was getting close.
As she followed her senses, the rumbling she felt became progressively stronger. It was tough to keep her superhuman senses alerted in this downpour, but she tried her best. As she neared its location, the rumbling became more apparent, this time she did not need to use her senses.
After a brief pursuit, she arrived to the location where the rumbling was the strongest; to the newly constructed campus halls just beyond Campus A's premises. It was like continuous thunder from the skies and it was all over the place, surrounding Virgilia like a buzzing of swarm of wasps.
"Tch...!"
Virgilia was on edge, she could not see anything that could pinpoint the source of this tremor.
"...!"
And then she looked up and saw the culprits. Two fast moving figures zipping from rooftop to rooftop, they move so fast that the two figures were practically dodging every raindrop. And these two figures looked like they were fighting, the tremors were actually caused by their lightning speed clashing.
"Ku--Kurochin!?"
The moment the two figures clashed again in a split-second, Virgilia recognized one of the figures. It was Kurome, fighting a what appeared to be a shadowed assailant. She followed their movements until they broke off their deadlock upon one of the rooftops.
"Kurochin! Hang in there, I'm comin'!"
Virgilia immediately dropped everything, not caring if she gets wet from the still pouring rain. She quickly scanned the closed off buildings for anything to latch on. Using the stairs was not an option, she has to get to them right this instant.
"Okay..."
Taking stance, Virgilia tensed her leg muscles and channeled her strength unto her legs. With a stomp, she launched herself airborne. She rode the momentum of the impact to propel herself up, without the expense of her Nexus energy.
"Kurochin--gah!"
As soon as she landed, Kurome and the assailant were already in mid-flight and about to clash once again. Kurome clashed with her Nex Arm, a scimitar-like mechanical sword that emits a neon purple blade. While her opponent was armed with an armored greaves reminiscent of a grasshopper's leg. Kurome's unique freestyle sword technique against this abomination's lightning fast kicks.
"Th-That's..."
Virgilia saw the full visage of Kurome's opponent, it was an abomination. The abomination that was the same one as she fought during her escape in Japan, and the same ones that took her mother's life. But what was an abomination like that doing all the way out here in the west? For all Virgilia knew, the now-uninhabited country was thoroughly contained by the Supernova Committee.
"...!"
Virgilia was suddenly struck with an air of familiarity as she observed more. This abomination had a particular presence that somehow plucked a chord in her. All she had was the patches of blonde hair around its head.
"Tha-That's---wait! Kurome!!!",
"RAAAAGH!"
Virgilia tried to stop them, but she was far too slow to keep up. Kurome and this familiar abomination were already in the midst of their final attack. If she had been here earlier, she could have done something... but...
"..."
Kurome's velvet blade pierced directly at the abomination's heart and then through its spine. Virgilia felt the time stood still as she witnessed Kurome finished her enemy. Upon the downpour finally came thunder and lightning.
"Ah--AaaAhgghh..."
The abomination writhed in pain as it bled from its wound. It squirmed a bit as it somehow began reverting back to its original self. The chitinous carapace and the flesh growths shed and dissipated, assuming a more cognizant form.
"Nanami!!!"
Virgilia has her eyes wide with shock as the abomination was revealed to be, none other than Nanami herself. Her life slowly ebbing away from her, Nanami weakly reached out to Kurome and caressed her cheek and then the trembling hands with her blade. With one last smile, she said something inaudible for Virgilia to even hear, before finally collapsing on her knees.
"..."
Kurome uttered no words, not even a sound. She just fell unto her knees with her hair and the rain hiding her tears. Virgilia on the other hand, was still petrified with shock to what just transpired.
"...!",
"N-Nobuki...!",
"ONEE-SAMA...!!!"
It was then at that moment, Nobuki entered the scene and immediately ran up to Nanami's bloodied and lifeless body.
"Onee-sama... please wake up... Onee-sama... please--uuuughuuugh---"
Nobuki held Nanami's body close, begging for her to wake up. Nobuki's squeaking cries echoed throughout the rooftop, the pain of this loss was reminiscent of how she also lost her sister, Lady Mitsubaki. It was then Nanami's cold body began to emit a bright glow, from that light, her body suddenly dissipated into specks of light like a swarm of fireflies.
"Onee-sama... Uuuuugh...!",
"...",
"You---"
Kurome still not uttering a word out, suddenly got jumped by a furious Nobuki.
"YOU....!!! What did you do!? What have you done!? Why did you kill her!? What did Nanami do to make you kill her!!!??? WHY--WHY!?!?!?"
Pinning her down, Nobuki began wailing down on Kurome, her best friend's face with savage punches.
"Hey---Hey Nobuki! That's enough!"
Immediately Virgilia intervened, holding Nobuki's elbow prying her off Kurome.
"GET--OFF ME!"
Breaking Virgilia's lock on her, Nobuki then redirected her wrath towards Virgilia next. Her gaze was furious that even Virgilia herself was terrified, but it was not hate that made her flinch, it was the sadness behind it. To see her in such a state was heartbreaking enough.
"Nobuki just listen... I saw---",
"Don't---TOUCH ME!!!",
"Uwaah!"
Virgilia was suddenly thrown across by Nobuki's powerful aura, her Nexus energy permeating within her like a searing flame.
"Yes... you saw, Virgilia-san and you did nothing.",
"...!"
She was petrified by Nobuki's dead, soulless gaze looking down upon her. It hit her like a spear through the heart, she was right. Much of what had transpired, Virgilia still did nothing to prevent Nanami's fatal blow.
"You people... you're supposed to be my friends. My best of friends, the one I happily referred to like sisters I never knew. I loved you both... unconditionally... like I did with my Onee-sama before she passed away... Now Nanami-nee. I don't want to believe It but..."
Nobuki turned to them one last time with eyes overflowing with sadness.
"The ones I loved, took away that one person that cherished all three of us more than she cherished herself..."
She said with her shoulders trembling and palms bleeding from clenching her fists it too tight. Nobuki was holding back both her tears and anger from letting loose, and despite that, she did not want to sink unto their level. With weak steps, Nobuki turned her back upon the individuals she used to call 'friends'.
"Wait! Nobuki!",
"Don't follow me. If you do---"
Nobuki suddenly emitted a powerful malevolent presence, like an ominous enigma staring down upon them.
"---I won't hesitate you erase both of your pathetic lives---Right. Where. You. Stand."
As if mother nature worked upon Nobuki's whim, the moment lightning struck, she was suddenly nowhere to be found. Vanished like she was never there in the first place. Virgilia just dropped down on her knees gritting her teeth, whilst her tears followed the downpour of the storm.
"Damn it---DAAAAMMMMNNN IIIIIT!!!"
She could only roar with the thunder to vent out her frustration, Nobuki left her and Kurome alone in the mother nature's mercy.
---------------------------------------------------------
The downpour still persisted through the evening, it was hard to tell from the skies if it was dusk or night because of the rain clouds. Nobuki, after coming from that violent parting with Kurome and Virgilia, wandered around the streets without a destination in mind. Her once beautiful dress was drenched and ruined, her neatly tidied hair disheveled and soaked.
"..."
She waddled unto the near-empty streets like a walking corpse, not even giving a damn about the passers-by that came across her.
"..."
Nobuki finally stopped at a nearby bench. Still exposed to the rain, she just lied down by the bench and just let the freezing wind crawl all over her body. She did not care whether she lived or die from this harsh cold, nothing really mattered to her anymore.
"...?"
After lying down in the midst of the storm, she suddenly felt like the raindrops were not pouring on her. And then followed by a enveloping warmth, a jacket placed on top of her. She slowly opened her eyes to see a man standing by her, holding up an umbrella to shelter her from the rain.
"It's unhealthy to be sleeping under this storm without a roof over your head, miss."
The man spoke with a gentle yet refined tone, like his voice somehow was soothing to her.
"Come with me. I'll get you somewhere safe. I don't want such a delicate flower be drowned in this merciless rain."
He then reached out his hand as he offered his aid. Nobuki looked up only to be basked in this man's warm presence, his smile was genuine and was as bright like the sun. She then slowly reached out her hand to his.
"Who... are you?"
She asked with her lips trembling from the cold.
"Ah, where are my manners? My name is Ruger Kings..."
-------------------------------------------------------
Bokujo Residences
After the incident, it was Virgilia that reported the incident as a case of a missing person. But to her surprise, her fellow club members did not even recognized Nanami's name nor photographs. It was like as if she was erased from existence.
It was certainly a bizarre event that almost had Virgilia lose it. But upon contemplating on it, it might be for the best. It would be just a waste of effort to look into it when she does not even know where to begin, only the three of them remembered Nanami and her life.
Acting on Kurome and Nobuki's behalf, Virgilia written their names off the members list of the Cheerleading Squad. With Kurome still locked in her room and Nobuki nowhere to be found, she just volunteered to take the initiative. It was certainly quite sad to see the three girls retire from the club, with their former fellow club members still cheering them on.
Kurome, ever since the rooftops incident have been inside her room for weeks and has not come out even to eat. She was despondent and emotionally dead, none of the cheerful aura she always had. Her grandmother and Virgilia was worried she might pass out from being isolated like that.
Nobuki on the other hand, was nowhere to be found ever since that stormy night. Virgilia tried asking around from her closest friends in class, but they did not fared any better. She feared that if she ever saw her again, Nobuki would refer to her as a sworn enemy and no longer a friend of hers.
Seeing both of her friends like this really pained Virgilia. She was trying her best to somehow talk to them, but things would not be the same as before. It was sad that things took a horrific turn for the worst for them, when they themselves vowed they would stick together no matter what.
"...Kurochin..."
That late at night, after finishing packing up, Virgilia knocked on Kurome's room once more. Virgilia worn her old white kimono and hakama, the one she used to wear back in Japan. Along with her packed things slung over her shoulder, she also donned Mr. Caleb's old keepsake, the worn-out golden bull belt.
"Sorry to call you out like this. But, I think it's time for me to go and find my own path. I've already told your grandmother, if you come out I would like to say goodbye to you face-to-face. I don't want to do this beyond the do--"
As she was talking beyond the closed door of Kurome's room, the door suddenly creaked open; revealing a still dead-eyed Kurome finally came out of her room.
"Kurochin...?",
"
Do you... hate me too? Vee-chan? That's why you're leaving me too...?"
With a deadpan expression, Kurome finally began to speak; her lips were visibly trembling and her shoulders beginning to shake.
"Kurochin I---",
"I killed her, right? Without mercy, remorse, and in cold blood... I deserved it. I deserved your spite, I deserved your rage...",
Kurome spoke like she was talking to herself and not who was in front of her, she must have been like this because of her self-isolation.
"I'm a murderer... I'm no less than those monsters who killed big brother, Mitsubaki-neesama, and your mothe----"
It was all of a sudden, she suddenly felt something hit her across the face, a slap from Virgilia.
"You shut the f*ck up, right---now!"
Virgilia spoke with anger seething in her voice, her tone was trembling with rage; as if awaken by her slap, Kurome slowly turned her gaze back to her and saw Virgilia's face wet with tears.
"If this was right after that night, I would have been angry at you--hate you even. But no, in time I tried so hard to keep it together, and have been searching for Nobuki just so I could at least reason with her to come back to us and you're just gonna bawl like little bitch like that!?"
She grabbed Kurome by the scruff of her collar with Kurome's feet off the ground.
"It has been hard also for me, as it is for you! I don't know what happened between you and Nanami but I know damn well that THIS is something she wouldn't want us to be! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT!?!?"
Virgilia finally lets go of her grip, just dropping Kurome on her hind to the floor.
"She gave us this life here in Yorktown, just like you and Nobuki have given me this life after the shit we've been through in Japan... If I were you, I wouldn't waste it locked up in my grandma's basement crying and actually start trying for once.",
"Uuuuugh---waaah...! Vee-chan... uuughuuugh..."
And with that, Kurome's emotion just came flowing out. Virgilia knelt down and gave her her shoulder to cry on. She had been through so much, Virgilia thought she needs her more than ever.
"Please... Vee-chan... don't hate me... I'm so sorry...! Uuuugh... Please...",
"I won't, Kurochin. I can't hate you, you're the only person I could call my sister. It's okay... just let it out."
Like a mother tending to her precious daughter, Virgilia comforted her in her moment of despair. After calming down, the two spent a late night dinner and some tea, something they have not done in a long time. Kurome was still hung up about the incident, but at least she showed signs of improving.
Virgilia ought to ask her what ultimately lead to that incident, but she decided against it. The incident was still fresh on the girls' minds. Out of respect for Kurome and Nanami, she withheld for now.
"Do you really have to leave, Vee-chan?"
Kurome timidly asked after walking her to the apartment complex's entrance. Virgilia would like to stay longer, but this was something she has decided upon herself. And not because of Nanami's death, but because she wanted to discover what else was in store for her.
"Yeah, you lot have been very helpful. But I can't depend on you guys forever, I need to also search for my own path. But don't worry, I'll be still around in school.",
"Vee-chan.",
"Hmm?"
Kurome gave her best friend one last embrace, a last parting gift for her.
"We could still talk, right?",
"You bet your ass we will! Be allies or as rivals, just don't hesitate to approach me. I'll always be there for ya, Kurochin."
Virgilia gave an unusually cheery response, something Kurome did not expect from her. Virgilia has grown quite a lot since coming here in Yorktown. She had become her own woman now, all the more reasons why she must go on her way.
With a last exchange of words, Virgilia and Kurome finally parted ways from here on out. She may not live in the Bokujo Residences, but Kurome had a feeling that they will meet again. Contemplating on her words, Virgilia was right about the life that Nanami gave the three girls, it would be a huge disrespect if she just spent it like this.
------------------------------------------------------
YSU, Abandoned Construction Complex
From the dark recesses of the Yorktown State University, an abandoned complex housed the main venue of the Delinquent faction. Boys and girls scattered about, just lazing off and doing all sorts of commotion. The faction itself was just a step closer to becoming a criminal organization with the way they wrestle control over the school, against their rival, the Elite faction.
From their territory, the student body was never safe with them around. They were under constant monitoring of the Student Council, but for who knows how long. Their numbers were growing in droves, some even don't belong in the YSU student body themselves.
They have also resorted into taking in street thugs from outside school grounds to mentor and arm these hapless delinquents into common criminals. It did not took long before the outside influence took over the faction, by having Don Jon Trundell at its head. The administration itself was powerless to stop him, as he had quite the brutal reputation among Novus.
The Hangman, as they call him by the Supernova Committee. A loose canon, a renegade among the superhero forum. He was known to have caused more harm than good, being a figure who was supposed to protect the weak.
With no Novus to challenge him in and out of the YSU influence, he just sits on his throne taking pleasure upon observing his inferiors just run around like mice in a cage. He took pleasure into taking advantage of their admiration to turn them into something they were not meant to be. And then crushing even those who looked at him funny, indiscriminately.
"Hm...?"
Don Jon was suddenly awaken by a lone delinquent scampering towards him; The kid looked like he was shook of what he had seen, which caught Don's attention.
"Talk, kid.",
"B-Boss... S-Someone just bulldozed through the entrance of the complex and was heading here r-r-right---agh!",
"Slow down! You say someone, as in alone?"
Don Jon raised his brow to the kid's blabbering, he felt generous at the moment.
"Y-Yes! She's just tearing through us like nothing!",
"Hold on, did you just say 'she'? A woman?",
"Yes Boss...",
"Heh... hahahahaha!!!"
Don Jon suddenly burst into a laughing fit which seemed to made the commotion around him stop what they were doing; his laughter was powerful enough to quake the earth itself.
"Really now? Oh that's rich! Where is she now? Am I seriously gonna have a girl challenger---"
Before he could finish his boisterous boast, a loud explosion occurred from the far end of the empty lot where they were. The crowd of delinquents immediately retreated back to their leader's side, regrouping and bracing themselves for this intruder. From the thick dust, only footsteps can be heard, lone footsteps and a cracking of knuckles.
From the cloud of dust, walked a figure of a menacing stance--Virgilia De Lune. Her kimono was mostly worn and burned from the battle she just had before this. It did not looked like that she went through that unscathed, but even with the bruises and torn clothes she was still in top condition.
"Ah! You must be our guest for today! To come out here to boldly, alone and even fighting your way through my men! Welcome!"
Don Jon was strangely accommodating tonight, especially when his anticipation was immediately answered like this.
"So... how would I, Don Jon Trundell, help you tonight?",
"..."
Virgilia did not answer, she was still but the presence was she was projecting had everyone on edge.
"Ooooh! Another silent type! Fought many like you already but you... you seem differen---",
"...your throne."
She finally spoke, but in a almost inaudible tone.
"Oh? Excuse me?",
"Your throne... I want it. It's gonna be mine.",
"Heh...hahahahaha! Interesting! Interesting!"
Again, much to Don Jon's amusement, his laughing fit was louder than the former. Yet Virgilia did not intended to say that as a joke, she was gunning for the leadership of the Delinquent faction. And from the looks of it, there was nothing on earth that could stop her from achieving it tonight.
"So you're actually challenging me for the position? Well now, I like you already! Most who stepped up only wanted my head but you---...!",
Don Jon was having the time of his life, when suddenly he felt a sudden pressure the moment Virgilia began to step forward.
"I'm not here to challenge you... I'm here to remove you, because I just feel like it. And once done, I'm gonna make some big changes around here.",
Virgilia cracked her knuckles as she approached the crowd of delinquents. The ground beneath her feet beginning to fissure with every step, her raw power seething out. The moonlight further enhanced the effect of her presence, like a lion set loose in a cage of hens.
She then grabbed and ripped off her Kimono top, revealing the grotesque and horrible scars that riddled her body. Even with her sarashi or cloth wrap on her breast, the worst of her scars were still visible for them to see. Many were repulsed and flinched upon laying their eyes upon it, even Don Jon was taken aback by it.
"So I'll let you guys with the first blow. Come at me with everything you've got, because if I'm still standing---I'm gonna make you all my underlings. Like it or not."
Virgilia's still expression slowly warped into a thuggish smile, the expression of a true yanki. She was so confident that she would let them have the first swing. When in reality, she has all of them right where she wants them; Virgilia just thought it would be fair to give them at least a fighting chance.
"I had enough of this!"
From the crowd, a lone voice spat her distaste against Virgilia which even surprised the latter. The crowd of delinquents made way for her as she stepped up against Virgilia, before even their boss did. A woman of a fearsome stature emerged from the crowd, this woman seem to match up Virgilia's wavelength and was not fazed even at a close distance.
The woman had all the characteristics of a thug, she was rough, brutish and vulgar; in fact, she somehow mirrored Virgilia in similarities. Instead of scars, the woman had stitches that ran all over her body, as if each of her body parts were sewn together like the Frankenstein's monster in Old World literature. She also had a long frizzy white hair, just like Virgilia, only the latter has black. She donned an open thick leather jacket with just a black bra underneath, paired with some worn-off biker pants.
"Walking in here, talking big? Who the f*ck do you think you are, eh bitch?"
The woman once again spat with a twisted expression of her own, revealing her fangs bare.
"Uuuoooh! That's Gabriela for ya!",
"Yeah! I forgot we have the boss' girlfriend on our side! Gabriela, the Wolf!"
The delinquents seemed riled up with her standing up to the intruder, cheering for her boisterously. Her name was
Gabriela, last name unknown but she was only known by her epithet as
"The Wolf". Don Jon's girlfriend and an infamous Anomalus responsible for a wave of back-alley murders and gang massacres.
"Nobody... Threatens my darling, but me! And certainly we're not gonna back down by some uppity bitch that just came waltzing by our turf without our permission!"
Furious, Gabriela stomped her feet and gritted her teeth revealing a mouth full of incisors.
"They say your name was Gabriela, huh? Well f*ck me... if we met on a different circumstance, we could have been mistaken for sisters, eh?"
Virgilia had to pause for a moment to acknowledge their likeness, although a bit restrained because she did not want to ruin the moment.
"
Feh! I don't really give a flying tiddy f*ck.",
"Well now, I just we had some chemistry goin'. Oh well, too late to unf*ck yourselves now anyway.",
"Oh it's on now!"
Gabriela then pushed the button on her choker, releasing its hold around her neck. Then with a sudden surge of Malus energy, her entire physical body began to undergo metamorphosis. Her muscles rapidly expanding, becoming more of a werewolf-like form.
As she completed her transformation, she let out a deafening howl through her large mouth. She boasted two sets of claws on her fingers and on her knuckles; she had highly-muscular limbs jaw for tearing apart opponents. Her transformation was repulsing and caused the majority of the crowd to disperse, because they knew that it was going to be a bloodbath.
Meanwhile Virgilia was nonetheless unfazed by her opponent's new form. She still kept a calm composure even before the monstrosity in front of her. This however made Anomalus even more agitated.
With another howl, the beast immediately went into a burst of speed. With her muscular limbs, she charged at Virgilia in almost supersonic speed. It did not took long before Gabriela was already at range with her mouth full of teeth open, ready to maul Virgilia.
"Oh boy... this again."
Don Jon averted his gaze because he knew what would typically happen if his girlfriend goes all out like this. Virgilia did not even tried to evade the incoming attack. Along with their boss, the crowd averted their gazes upon the brutal display as they only heard the sound of chewing.
"....Ah! Look!"
One of the delinquents called out to prompt his comrades to redirect their attention. To their surprise, Virgilia was still standing with Gabriela still trying to rip her right arm off in a futile effort. The chewing sounds came from Gabriela trying to bite off a muscle, but no matter how hard she bit it just felt like she was chewing on a rock.
"So that's it? Man... and you had a good show going. Serves me right for overestimating you, sis."
Virgilia spoke as she turned to meet Gabriela's gaze with a fiendish wolf grin. Flexing her right arm, she recoiled Gabriela's mouth open. Then with a kick to the gut, sent her sliding back.
Gabriela immediately retaliated, lunging back at Virgilia with double her speed as last time. But she seem to be forgetting Virgilia's condition, if she could not manage to take her down in the first try, then it's all over. Virgilia gauged her opponent's distance, and then the moment she closed in...
"Uuuuoooooohhhh..."
Gabriela let out a pained howl as in an instant, she felt a powerful blow connected. Virgilia was then shown with her stance lowered and her fist hitting Gabriela's diaphragm area. It was so fast that Gabriela did not even noticed it until it was too late; Virgilia used the enemy's momentum and then hers to counter it, delivering an effective counterattack that stops an enemy dead on.
"I call it... the Tiger Drop."
She whispered unto Gabriela before the latter flopping down to the ground. The Tiger Drop was one of the most effective techniques that Mr. Caleb taught her back in Japan. It was a powerful counter punch meant to end a battle in one stroke, by either after wearing the down or exploiting a weak spot, it was also the deadliest.
"You should have stopped her, she just attacked me twice... which now means that the conditions were met."
They could have just attacked Virgilia altogether rather than just sending one person to deal with her.
"Why you... No one hurts my girl like that! Men! Get her!!!"
Furious over the sudden defeat of his girlfriend, Don Jon finally snapped. Although hesitantly, the delinquents just did as they were told and just blindly charged at Virgilia. It was either her or Don Jon, the hapless delinquents were left with no choice.
"Now let me show you all what a real beast looks like... haaaah..."
Virgilia's voice suddenly became rough as her scars began to illuminate like an iron furnace. A sudden wave of heat washed over the charging army of delinquents, which again made them stop in their tracks. It was so hot that her scars began to emit thick steam vapors, then from the obscured view, a demonic visage began charging towards them with a war club in hand.
Unleashing her true power, Virgilia charged through alone with only her raw strength. The construction complex became littered with screams, followed by earth-rumbling explosions. This was not a battle, it was an utter beat down.
No one was safe from Virgilia's unstoppable fury streak. One by one, then by droves, she pick them off. Not even those whom were fleeing were safe from her sadistic onslaught.
It had been quite a while since she had let loose like this. To Virgilia, it felt cathartic and liberating that she found herself laughing from all this violence. Woe only to the delinquents, and most especially Don Jon Trundell.
He had put up a sizable resistance at first, but Virgilia's assault did not yielded. It was only a matter of time before he too was overwhelmed by her raw power. Even for a Novus, this raw power was something you would see one in a million.
After her relentless onslaught, the construction complex fell silent. Dust sifted by the night breeze to reveal numerous beaten bodies piled and flung like trash all over. From atop the pile of debris lied the severely beaten body of the infamous Don Jon Trundell, and Virgilia standing triumphant over them.
"...! What... what happened here?",
"Th--there she is."
From the distance and late for the commotion, a familiar face together with an injured fellow delinquent entered the scene. It was Axe carrying his injured comrade whom was guarding the entrance to their turf. They arrived to see a nigh hellish scene before them, all of their comrades all beaten and bruised.
"Oi, Hernan... we need to get out of here before she sees us!"
Axe was frantic, whispering to his injured comrade to bail out of the place immediately before she spots them.
"N-No... We must--- we can't back down---...!",
"Waah!"
Suddenly, from afar to their feet, flew Don Jon's beaten body. Judging from the blows he took, Don Jon was beaten within an inch of his life. To be able to do such a feat, this assailant would have to be either more powerful than their boss or the devil itself.
"He's done. You don't have to force yourselves to fight."
Virgilia suddenly walked out of the dust cloud stretching her arms after a good work out, it would seem that she was back to her old self again.
"Say, weren't you that lousy lover of Angie Wills?",
"Huh--ah--umm... Well I... we're not together anymore."
Axe stammered as he was called out so suddenly, he could tell that Virgilia was much fiercer than the last time he saw her.
"'F*ck if I care if you guys are together or not. Don't worry, these men and women are gonna wake up soon enough with a head-splitting headaches."
Virgilia then snatched the worn-out kimono she discarded moments earlier and then wore it like a coat.
"Buck up, I need you two to work with me on this faction. We need a LOT of renovating to do here, this faction has been leading hapless neophytes into astray for too long. It's time I make some changes around here."
She clenched a handful of dust and just let the breeze carry it along with the wind. Axe and Hernan looked at each other for a while before just nodding to each other. They need not utter any more words, she had beaten the former boss of the Delinquent faction fair and square.
As the first order of business, the two were told to tend to the injured because by tomorrow, the Delinquent faction will now be under a new leadership. But then from far distance, two shadows stood by witnessing the entire brutal spectacle. A girl with a black grand ball dress and a parasol accompanied by her personal android maid.
"Clobi, we're leaving. The show is over, I suppose. Hmhmhm~ Virgilia-san has put up quite a show."
It was none other than Nobuki herself, back from a long absence. Her eyes now don a soulless gaze and her mannerism now more haughty than reserved. She exuded a malevolent presence, much more so than an Anomalus.
["Will it suffice that we keep track of her, my lady?"],
"No need to bother ourselves with that, Clobi. With her way of accomplishing things, we have our work cut out already. Come! We have to make preparations for our appointment tomorrow with the Elite faction.",
["Yes, my lady."]
And with that, the two disappeared within the shadows of the night. As the dawn broke, the YSU would never be the same again. At the dawn of the new day, an era will end and will give way to the new, now will the school usher its first golden age.
---------------------------------------------------
By the time when the bell first rang on that morning, the Yorktown State University held milestones all at once. It was overwhelming even for both the Student Council and the School administration itself, that it was almost an arms race. The student body were not stranger to it either, as the word just spread like wildfire.
The Delinquent faction, now being headed by Virgilia, walked by the the administration's desk to appeal to them of restoring its school club status, just as it should be. Although reluctant at first because they gave them no room for refusal, they ended up listening to Virgilia's sound arguments and well-written statements.
Despite her rough outlook, Virgilia was well-read and educated. Though she did not made much of an impact back in her school in Japan, her talents in negotiations was something noteworthy. All also thanks to Nanami, who further helped refined that specific trait of hers.
With the Delinquent faction now called Delinquent Club, it immediately saw through Virgilia's changes. First, Virgilia ousted the thugs and foreign elements from the club, and only kept those whom were willing to follow her. Second, she then abolished these "turfs" or territories of the former head from the school and then re-established the Delinquent Club to be an extracurricular security and disciplinary task force; they even worked hand-in-hand with the Disciplinary Committee, their former custodians.
Virgilia also imposed the club a set of strict tenets to follow, something that would separate them from common bullies and thugs.
First tenet was to never harass anyone from the student body outside their main territory, they were to ensure that these boys and girls would have a pleasant school life.
Second was never to incite fighting in and out of the school; although when out of the school they can, only if they were provoked and struck first. This was to preserve both the school's and their reputation.
Lastly, to disobey the first and second tenets would be subjected to being put to trial. Whether it would be excommunication from the club, school expulsion, or just a good old fashion rough discipline.
With these tenets, the former Delinquent Faction's rotten influence began to fade over time. Eventually, they became the most respected club among the Student Body and a force to be reckoned with by its opposition. There were still exist the conflict between them and the Elites but nothing too chaotic like in the previous.
Speaking of which, the Elite faction also underwent changes and at the helm, stood Nobuki herself. With her grand return, she took the school by storm. With her maneuvering, she ousted and demoted the head of the Elites and just trotted her way to its top.
News of her return also reached Virgilia and Kurome's ears, although they would prefer not to talk to her directly at the moment. Even from afar, Virgilia could tell that Nobuki was now an entirely different person, it was as if a stranger was wearing her face. They could only assume that the death of Nanami changed her, and the rift between them became a chasm from which they could no longer reach for her.
The Elite faction was then later renamed, the Tea Party at Nobuki's behest. Like the Delinquent club, they have relinquished all their said territories around the school and just focused around the political side. Though they have a somewhat threatening outlook, the Tea Party has helped the school administration establish connections to other schools throughout the globe; they even assist the Student Council to political and governance affairs.
Though Nobuki was at the head of the Tea Party, she still answers to an enigmatic higher up. It had been clear to Virgilia that Nobuki may be up to something, but until they do not know what it was they cannot actively act against them. Hence both rival clubs were at an indirect truce for now.
Days had gone by, the Tea Party just slowly gaining considerate influence from the School Administration that it now rendered the Student Council obsolete. Ever since Nanami's disappearance, the council has been understaffed, forcing them to pass on their supposed responsibilities unto the Tea Party. It was only a matter of time, before the Student Council collapse, it was now just a shell of its former self.
It was then, it finally happened. An influential figure for some time now, a student rose above his status and began an uprising against the Student Council itself. His name was Richie Marcus, a student of a second year and son of the superhero, Impact Man.
With the backing of a portion of the Delinquent Club and some financial support from the Tea Party, Richie Marcus effectively overthrew the Student Council. Although his triumph came at a rather suspiciously convenient means, his victory was still assured. By overthrowing the Student Council, he effectively took control of the Student Body.
But he was not Virgilia nor Nobuki whom had at least goals for the school, Richie Marcus just used his newly-found influence to bend the rules as he saw fit. He actively wasted the Student Council's budget to fuel his indulgence and abused his authority over the Student Body. Worst part was, with his influence, he was untouchable, not even Virgilia can bring herself to punch him on the kisser.
----------------------------------------------
YSU, Abandoned Warehouse Complex
"Come on... please. I just want to see her, is that so wrong?"
From the entrance of the Delinquent Club's territory, a small commotion was currently in play. A boy has been begging for the two delinquents to let him pass and see the boss. It would not have been a big deal, only that this boy has been at it for a few hours now since club period.
"We already told ya kid, if you don't have an appointment set in advance, you can't see her. Go home, this place is off-limits for fresh meat like you.",
"Appointment? What appointment? I already told the previous gatekeeper here that I'd be back by tomorrow and here I am! My name is Walter Olven. Just tell her my name, she'll know---uwwwagh!"
Suddenly, the delinquent gatekeeper grabbed Walter by the scruff of his neck and lifted him up with an annoyed expression on the former's face.
"Look... I know we have tenets to follow, but people have limits kid... You really do not want this up your you-know-what.",
"Kuh..."
Walter flinched as he felt a chill crawl up his spine as the gatekeeper held his fist against Walter's face. After all, even though among the delinquents were normal humans, he bruise too easily like a peach. He was aware that if he overstep his bounds, he might get in deep trouble, but he was tired of waiting, he wants to see Virgilia right now.
"Oy---oy... what's with this welcoming commotion here?",
"Gah! B-Boss!"
As if being jolted in his spine the delinquent gatekeeper immediately straightened out as soon as her heard that familiar voice. He let go of Walter and turned to pay his respect to Virgilia, together with her Alphas, Axe and Hernan. Judging by their bruised and roughed up looks, they just got back from a rumble with rival gangs outside school.
"Uh... V-Vee? I-Is that you...?"
Walter was quite shocked to see his childhood friend this up close. This would be their first meeting face to face, in a very long time. He would always see her from afar since she came back from Japan, now her changed outlook was apparent before him.
She was now taller than him, her changed physique easily dwarfs Walter's. It looked like Virgilia was matured into an adult, whilst Walter was stuck in his still-round physique. But despite the drastic change she had undergone, he knew the familiar presence whenever they were together in the past, and not to mention the gentle eyes that she has.
"Do I know you?",
"Vee, it's me! Walter! Walter Olven! You know... from Pineswood?"
Walter was just brimming with excitement, in contrast to Virgilia's deadpan reaction. Normally, an ordinary individual would have stepped back in her presence, but Walter did not even flinched. That was because he already knew her so well, but still oblivious to what had transpired over her life in his absence.
"Ah wait!",
"Hmm?"
Virgilia tilted her head as he rummaged through his backpack; the gatekeepers were about to intervene but she just silently gestured to stay back for a while.
"Here you go. I fixed him up for you.",
"Th--This is..."
She was surprised to see a familiar object that Walter pulled from his bag, something that she once held dear in her life when she was still a child.
"Osito!",
"Yep! I fixed you stuffed toy up when I found it in the bin. Just after you left for Japan, I'm not good at sewing but I think I did a good job. I was sad that you had to throw him away. Even though you did not mind it that time, I knew you had him when your father was still around, you said."
It was Virgilia's favorite toy, a stuffed teddy bear which she named "Osito". After saving her from the bullies that time, she was saddened that her toy cannot be fixed anymore. Walter had to comfort her that time, because for her, it was the only memento her father left her.
And from the teddy bear's grasp, another item of importance whom she held dear, a flower. The Morning Glory flower, the flower that she held during her hardships in Japan. It was all coming back to her, the reason that she held on, the motivation that died along with her mother.
Last but not least, in the teddy bear's grasp, it was Virgilia's last letter to Walter. Signed and sealed by her, the paper was a bit old and crumpled but it was still intact and legible. Walter kept it safe, like a lucky charm.
"Oh yeah that flower, it's from originally from those fields we used to visit before you left. Heh, I caused quite the ruckus to that real estate company back then that I made it to the local news. Had to keep them from leveling that place, but I'm just a kid... I'm alone... So I just took some before the heavy equipment came barreling through that place.",
"..."
Virgilia just fell silent, and even though Walter was merrily talking about what happened, his words fell on deaf ears; deep down, she did not understand... How was she indifferent about this? She should be jumping for joy, and happy that they were reunited and yet... But regardless, still oblivious, Walter kept at his story.
"After that I decided for myself and holding your letter, I would dedicate the rest of my life to saving up to go to Japan and find you. I did from small time chores to part-time jobs at the community... But then I was shocked when the news came up about what happened to Japan. I didn't know what to do... I refused to believe that you died. I kept praying and praying every night."
Walter's face became sullen as he thought back at the ordeal that he went through upon hearing the cataclysm on Japan.
"I was lost. Helpless that I wasn't there to save you. I was about to lose hope but then... I came to this school and saw you with the Cheerleading squad. That's when I found a new motivation, I tried so hard to come visit you in your club, but I always came up empty-handed.",
"Ah you're that---! Oh sorry, don't mind me, mate! Do carry on!"
In the middle of Walter's statement, Axe suddenly reacted. It turns out, that Axe was there when Walter was going back and forth in the Cheerleading Squad gymnasium. He was planning on approaching him, but have not had the chance to do so.
"Anyway... Umm... Well... If you'll let me, Vee. It's just for the longest time, I wanted to return your feelings written on that letter. I--"
Walter was mustering his courage at this moment, then as he raised his head his mind and feelings were clear as day.
"I love you too..."
He said it clear and proud, that was so like him, headstrong and optimistic. The people around him were shocked at the straightforward and sudden confession. It was silent as if everything was completely robbed of sound.
"Pft... hahahahaha!",
"Yeah good luck with that boy! Hahaha!",
"Is this guy for real!? Haha!"
Everyone around them except Virgilia and the Alphas suddenly burst into a laughing fit. Axe was a bit impressed at least, whilst Hernan was just shaking his head. Amid the boisterous atmosphere Walter was trying his best to hold his ground; he was aware that his confession was a bit sudden, but he had to show them that he meant it, even if it cost him his dignity.
He spent the rest of his childhood waiting for this moment, he was prepare to shoulder this shame. After everything he had done, culminating unto this moment---he held his head high. Walter let the atmosphere drown in his thoughts of the journey to get to where he stood now, and then smiled, a smile to welcome her home.
"Vee, I---...!"
Then at that moment, it felt like an illusion, a dream. All of a sudden, Virgilia held up her letter and then tore it into pieces in front of her childhood friend; he then felt something bumped on his chest that Walter did not even saw it, it was the teddy bear forcibly returned to him. Walter was at a loss for words, just as his confession was sudden, so did this.
"V-V-Vee...?",
"Are you done? If that's why you came here, then that's my answer. Get off my turf."
Her response was unusually cold, as if she was another person entirely. The unexpected response even surprised both Axe and Hernan, along with the members of the Delinquent Club present. Even they knew that their boss was not this cold and cruel; normally, she would just laugh it off and let Walter off easy if she rejects him, but this was entirely different.
Walter was still at a shock to what just had transpired, it was like time literally froze as Virgilia just passed him like he was some random stranger. As he turned around, the air of familiarity in her was gone, Walter felt distant around her. His gut feeling tells him otherwise, though he was not around for the majority, he knew that there was something wrong with her.
"...!"
Before she could take another step, she felt her hand being grabbed by Walter. This sensation, this touch, it was so familiar that she went wide-eyed upon feeling it again for a very long time. All those memories and all those emotions of her childhood, came flooding back to her.
"Vee... I'm aware of your response. I was ready for rejection, but this... This isn't like you at all!"
Walter declared it loud and clear, he chose to follow his gut upon this matter.
"I know I wasn't there long enough... But I can't shake this feeling that something was bugging you. Tell me what's wrong, Vee? I'll listen--just like I always hav---uuuuuaagh!"
As he let go of her hand and prepared to reason with her, all of a sudden, Virgilia's fist came flying unto his face. The force of her blow was more than enough to slam his body to the ground, he was a mere human after all. Virgilia looking down on him with her shadowed gaze, engulfed with an unusual anger, approached Walter as if being controlled.
In her mind and heart, all those memories and those emotions she felt back then, were suddenly clouded and drowned. Something within her that took those memories and emotions, and then warped them into something malicious. She had felt this too during her stay in the Indian Metro Zone, where she almost wreaked havoc if it had not for Kurome and Nobuki's help.
This time, her two friends were not around to stop her as she direct this battle lust. Pinning Walter before he could turn around, she began wailing him down with relentless and ruthless punches with a dead expression on her face. The people around them did not even tried to stop her, Virgilia's malevolent presence was too much for them.
"Agh--aah... kkuh... V-...Ve... Vee..."
As he was beaten close to death, Walter weakly raised his arm until he finally touched her cheek. At this moment, Virgilia suddenly stopped. She seemed awoken by his warmth as he caressed her cheek.
"Tell me... kkuh... wh-what's wrong... I'll listen. J-J-Just as I always have."
With his swollen countenance, Walter mustered his strength to even speak and then somehow still form a smile with his torn lip. There were no words, as Virgilia's vision began to cloud again. But before she could deliver the final blow, she was forcibly held off by Hernan and Axe one in each of her arms.
"Don't do this!",
"You're gonna kill him at this rate, so please clam up, boss!"
Out of sympathy for Walter, the Alphas held off their leader from making a mistake that will cost her everything. As if waking up again from her battle lust, Virgilia forced her body to move. By the sheer force of will alone, she suppressed the urge boiling inside her.
"Uwagh!",
"Gah!"
With her sheer strength, she shoved both of her Alphas aside then stood up from the Walter's beaten body. As if nothing happened, Virgilia began walking away from him. Axe immediately went over to Walter to check up on him, but when he did...
"DON'T touch him. Let him walk out of here. Nobody touch or talk to him, anyone does will be next for a sandbagging from hell. Understand!?"
Virgilia was visibly furious as she delivered her orders. With her threatening tone, the delinquents were left with no room to protest. Axe hesitated at first, but her orders were absolute.
He should have at least let him take Walter to the clinic or hospital. The poor boy did not deserve any of this, especially when he was there to witness this boy's perseverance. Axe may not be in a position to object, but he thought Walter needed at least a bit of slack.
Walter was left by the pavement, alone, beaten and bruised by the very woman that he loved. It was a painful moment for him in all aspects. This was not the pain of rejection, it was the pain of helplessness.
-----------------------------------------------
YSU, Abandoned Construction Complex
After that commotion, Virgilia did not even waited for her Alphas to catch up with her. As if in a rush, she retreated unto the Delinquent Club's makeshift quarters. Along the way, she yelled at her members present in the area to bail out as soon as possible.
"Grrr...!"
The delinquents did not even bothered to ask why, she said it as a demand and sounded like a threat. Soon enough, the club members immediately vacated the area and retreated unto the warehouse complex. They moved as if being evacuated from an incoming catastrophe.
"Raaaah...!"
As soon as all members retreated to the warehouse complex, the earth itself began to tremble. Followed the tremors were visible explosions coming from the construction complex. Explosions being dealt by raw Nexus Energy going berserk; the Alphas did their best to keep the club members in check, whilst their boss vent out some steam.
"GRRRRAAAAAAAAGGHH...!!!"
With a powerful punch, Virgilia caved the entire ground into a massive crater. Her aura of pure Nexus Energy tearing through the air like a volcanic eruption, manifestation of her seething rage being emitted from her scars. As she stopped, she looked to gaze upon her hands, only for Walter's beaten face to flash in her mind.
"What have I done... what have I done...?"
Her knees just buckled as she fell kneeling, her tears falling from her eyes to her fists.
"Walty... uuughuuuh... I was glad... I was happy I finally found you and yet..."
Winding up her fist, she punched the ground one more time, powerful enough to obliterate even bedrock.
"Why...? WHY!?!?"
Hugging herself, she fell unto the dirt as the emotions that drew from Walter were being maliciously corrupted into battle lust. She thought she had it under control, but it only came back stronger. Walter's warmth, even the mere thought of him were being reciprocated into a perverse urge of violence.
'Walking the Path of the Oni, meant to walk with the path of a raging demon. In order to achieve this path, one must sacrifice something to achieve this strength. You don't get to choose what was to be sacrificed, you will only know it when it's too late. This path is a cruel one, one must pull through or else they will be consumed by the demon within. Remember this Virgilia.'
Virgilia remembered Mr. Caleb's important lesson about her discipline. She had originally thought that the demon within had taken her mother as a sacrifice. But as it turns out, it chose her memories and her feelings she held for Walter.
"It's not fair... not fair... uuughuuugh."
Her rage reciprocated by this anomalous entity within, drowned into sadness.
"I wanted to touch him... hold him in my arms... tell him that I still love him. Walty--I'm so sorry..."
Upon the roaring thunder of her onslaught and upon her lonesome, only her cries were heard. With no one to console her, Virgilia was again wracked with the pain of loneliness. The pain of knowing she could never go back to Walter, knowing that the next time she would see him, she would fear that her reciprocated rage might kill him for real without her even knowing it.
She lost her way unto the path that she had chosen... The path that she hoped that would lead her back to him... Him whom was the reason she wanted to earn this strength, him whom she wanted to protect.
------------------------------------------------------------------
"
Ugh---guh."
After hours of being unconscious, Walter finally wakes up as if a jolt spiked through his brain. Immediately, the soreness of his face struck him from getting up. His face was completely bruised, swollen and mangled, thanks to Virgilia's beating.
In normal circumstances, he would have been dead by now judging from that injury. But it was as if some unknown strength was keeping him alive, his willpower was the only thing keeping him from the claws of death's door. He tried to get up but his vision was blurry and the concussion still persisted.
He was conscious but barely awake, he can feel that his body was moving on its own. Crawling forward, he reached forth and grabbed something before him. It was a piece of paper, from the love letter Virgilia wrote and tore before him.
"Uugh... ugh..."
Fighting through the dizziness, Walter found the other pieces of the torn letter before him. Taking his time, he gathered the pieces he could find. Not before long, he then accumulated the torn pieces unto his palms.
"..."
Walter's swollen lips trembled and tears began to drop at the pieces of paper. Thinking back of what had happened earlier, how Virgilia crushed his hopes and how distant she grew. His only regret, and the only regret that he had over the years, was that he was not there to save her.
"I'm... sorry... Vee---I'm so sorry. I'm not strong enough---uuuugh."
He could not help but break down. All those years, wishing he had the strength to save her, wishing that he would become a superhero, or at least emerge as a Novus. Even though he was willing to go such lengths, fortune was not on his side as he still lacked plenty aspects.
"...!"
At the distance, just sitting by the wall, Walter spotted Virgilia's teddy bear.
"Osito..."
He mustered the last of his strength to crawl his way towards it; then he just propped himself up the wall.
<'I'm so sorry Osito... I couldn't keep my promise to you. Don't worry, maybe tomorrow...'>
He could not even speak anymore, he just talked to the stuffed toy in his mind as if communicating with it. The toy was still intact, but the flower that it held was ruined and was starting to wither. Held it close to him akin to sheltering a lost animal in this neon jungle, as his consciousness began to fade again.
"Well... Well... looks like we have some hobos trespassing in the school grounds, eh?"
It was at that moment, three tall shadows loomed over the injured and beaten Walter.
"God... and he looks ugly too!"
One of the figures openly mocked Walter's state when he was clearly bleeding and sore from his injuries. As he raised his head upon the source of the laughter, Walter narrowed his blurred sights upon the individuals before him. His consciousness was fading fast because of the concussion, it was then he recognized one of them.
"Richie... Marcus---"
That was the last words he uttered before he saw Richie's hand reached for him.