New Encounters

May 7th 2018

Soon after walking into the building, Ryuuji is approached by two male students. They both stand in front of him, displaying chilling grins. Nervous, Ryuuji can only stare, waiting to hear what they have to say. Although the students continued the gossip about Ryuuji and his dad’s company after the news was released, no one has approached him since then.

“Hello, Takomi. How are you feeling this morning?”

“What kind of question is that? I don’t even know who you are.”

Ryuuji then looks at the other student who speaks next.

“I guess you could call us your new friends.” he says as he tilts his head. “You must be lonely now that no one wants to talk to you.”

Ryuuji takes one last look at each of them before walking around. “Whatever you’re offering, I want none of it.”

As Ryuuji leaves, one of the male students shouts, “It’s more like what you’ll be offering us! We’ll keep in touch.”

After that encounter, Ryuuji overhears students chatting about that confrontation; “Those were the senior students right?” “They’re relentless bullies, he’s done for.” “Isn’t that the kid who lied about his family?” “Serves him right.”

Ryuuji clutches his school bag and shouts in his mind to drown out the noise; Don’t you have anything better to talk about?! Once he reaches his classroom, he quickly sits and leans back in his chair. He closes his eyes, already feeling exhausted even though school has yet to begin.

Starting that week, random bullies would come up to me before class, on the way to lunch, and sometimes as I left school. They kept it light, saying vague comments I half listened to, and then I’d be able to walk away without anything else happening. I figured they would stop after a while and tried not to let it bother me. I also decided not to tell Sun, expecting her to find out since students just loved gossiping about everything that happened to me for whatever reason. Of course Sun did find out, but reacted in a way I didn’t expect, that Tuesday on the train after school…-

May 8th 2018

“Why didn’t you tell me about the bullies you idiot! I told you that you could talk to me about this stuff.”

Sun was shouting directly at Ryuuji, but he faces the window to avoid eye contact as he attempts to defend himself.

“Look, it just started yesterday and I didn’t think it was worth mentioning. Besides you said I could talk to you in school only if I felt like it.”

Knowing he shouldn’t have said that last part, he glances at Sun and is met with a demonic glare. Why am I the one getting yelled at?

Sun tries to help with a suggestion. “Mention it to a teacher tomorrow, maybe they can do something.”

“And tell them what? The bullies are saying stupid crap? They haven’t actually done anything to me and I’m sure the teachers hear the same rumors students do. They know and just won’t do anything.”

However, Ryuuji’s comment only disappoints Sun. She knows what he says is true, but didn’t want to hear it. To believe that nothing can be done and only sit on the sidelines as it all unfolds, it doesn’t seem fair. Ryuuji notices her reaction and tries to comfort her instead.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to mix you up in my mess like this.”

“Continuing our friendship was my choice. I should have known it wouldn’t be easy, but I couldn’t leave you to burn.”

“I wish you worded that better, but I appreciate it.”

Ryuuji then changes the subject to his favorite topic: Starfight. He says he started making a list of different spells she could learn and wanted to get her opinion before planning what quests they can do. Sun doesn’t understand what spells would be best, so she just picks whatever name sounds cooler. Though she avoids telling Ryuuji her simple reasoning.

The conversation lasted for the rest of their train ride. Ryuuji tells Sun he will try to talk to her more in class to avoid letting things build up again, just as she suggested. Hearing that makes Sun feel better, leading to a smile as she says goodbye before going home.

Ryuuji is able to uphold his side, even just by greeting her each day and talking a bit during lunch. The students still approached him as usual, but much to his surprise, those small encounters with Sun made it easier to deal with. Some of their classmates noticed the two suddenly interacting more and paid it no mind.

May 11th 2018

Ryuuji approached Sun’s desk during lunch to inquire if she wanted anything since he neglected to bring lunch himself. With a big grin, Sun shows off her own lunch, made by her mother, consisting of rice, eggroll, chicken, and edamame. Ryuuji is jealous that it looks so delicious.

“I wish you would make me lunch too.”

“In your dreams.”

“Yeah yeah that’s where all the good stuff is.” Ryuuji says, waving his hand as he exits.

Once Ryuuji is out of sight, Sun’s surrounding classmates turn towards her and ask about the sudden change. Even after Sun started speaking with Ryuuji daily, she would still interact with both of them the most in class. Although they saw it as strange at first, they became more concerned after hearing about the bullies.

“Hey, what’s going on between you two? If you keep talking to him, the bullies might target you next.”

“Yeah you should consider stopping. As your friends, we’re worried about you.”

They only intended to help, but their comments annoy Sun, causing her to cut them off.

“Friends? We only started talking to each other since our desks are so close. If you really feel that uncomfortable about it then maybe you should ignore me too.”

Whether or not she saw them as such, she doesn't like that they’re turning a blind eye like everyone else. The two girls look at each other and turn back around to continue their lunch together. Sun then starts eating with a fury after that ridiculous conversation.

Meanwhile, Ryuuji only took a few steps out of the classroom before he was confronted by two male students. They both stand in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. Ryuuji goes along with it to try and make the best of the situation.

“Hey, were you waiting long?”

The one student laughs at his comment and places his arm around Ryuuji’s shoulder. “No, not at all. Let’s have a little chat shall we?”

The students lead him down the hall. Not wanting to go along with their comments any further, Ryuuji drops the act immediately.

“Don’t you have better things to do?”

“What do you mean, I thought we were pals? As such we were hoping you could help us with some purchases.” says the other student who follows close behind.

As they trek through the school, the other students can only watch. Either feeling fearful of what may happen to them if they do help, or they know who Ryuuji is and feel he deserves whatever they do to him. Not that he expects anyone to help.

There is just one girl who thinks differently. She was walking back after buying food until she noticed the odd group. Reading Ryuuji’s face, she can tell they’re forcing him to go somewhere. Rather than head back to her classroom, she gathers the courage to follow them, even if it means shortening her break.

Ryuuji is led behind a stairwell and shoved into the wall, shoulder hitting first, resulting in him falling to the ground. He sits up and leans against the wall, rubbing his right shoulder before shouting, “That hurt!” as he glares at them.

However, they just shrug it off.

“Sorry about that, I tripped and lost my balance. Not that this is much different from the attitude you displayed when you first came here.”

“Very different, actually.” Annoyed that he has to go along with this farce, Ryuuji clenches his shoulder, not even noticing the pain anymore.

Laughing at his comment, the one student continues. “Just show us that wallet of yours. Even if your dad lost his own company, you still have money right?”

Yeah, but he doesn’t give me any. Ryuuji thinks to himself before saying, “Why should I give it to you?”

“To avoid our fists from flying.” the one student says without hesitation.

Knowing that wasn’t an empty threat, and with no chance of escaping safely, Ryuuji decides cooperating is his best option. Of course it’s not his father’s money that he carries in his wallet, but what he earned from working. His hard earned money that he uses to get by, about to be taken by some petty thugs. He can’t stand the thought. He reaches into his pocket until a soft voice interrupts.

“W-what do you think you’re doing?!”

They notice a female student standing behind them. A younger student with long black hair and brown eyes. She tries to hide her nervousness, clenching her hands in front of her chest, but they can easily see through her facade.

The student who pushed Ryuuji approaches her, trying to intimidate her. Determined to help this student she doesn’t know, she stands her ground and stares back in return.

“I’d like to ask you the same thing. Getting in our way like this, who the hell are you?”

The other male student who thought she looked familiar then says, “Isn’t that Kiyama’s girl?”

“You mean Kiyama Seiji? That nuisance.”

“Yes!” the young girl shouts the best she can, then declares her name in an attempt to keep their attention. “My name is...Hinami Hanabi!”

Shocked that this girl is standing up to these bullies, Ryuuji knows he can’t let her get hurt because of him. Afterall, judging by what they just told him, they aren’t afraid to start a fight. Setting his fear aside, he releases his shoulder, and attempts to get up to avoid things getting worse.

Before Ryuuji is able to make a move, a young boy shouts “HEY!!” seemingly at the top of his lungs and loud enough that it echoes through the halls, drawing all attention towards him. Appearing behind the girl is a boy with black hair, blue eyes, and a small scar to the right of his forehead. She turns around, relieved to see him.

“Seiji!!”

Less than excited at his arrival, the students state his name in disdain, “Kiyama.”

“Yeah that’s me.” he says, frustrated that they were approaching Hanabi. “Mind telling me what you’re doing to my girl during precious lunch time?!”

The one student clicks his tongue. “You can’t help getting in our way, can you?”

“It’s not my choice. Maybe you should find better hobbies.”

Not wanting to deal with the new arrival, the two male students nod at each other and decide to save this for some other time. Seiji stands firm as they pass him. Once they’re gone, Seiji rushes to Hanabi and hugs her, worried that she was in serious trouble.

“At this rate they’ll just go after you, Hana.”

“But I couldn’t just leave him.”

With his arm still around Hanabi’s shoulder, they both turn to the mysterious student as he stands up.

“So? What’s your name? You already heard mine just now.” Seiji immediately asks, wanting to know who Hanabi risked herself for.

“...Ryuuji.”

Although he would rather not say anything, Ryuuji decides to at least give his first name in an attempt to hide his identity. Even mumbling hoping he won’t be heard.

Seiji tells Hanabi to go back to class, reassuring her that he will follow shortly after. Hanabi agrees, but before doing so, she reaches into her bag and hands one sandwich to Seiji and then another to Ryuuji. She bought a few they sell here at school since she didn’t have time to make lunch for Seiji and herself this morning.

With a smile, she tells Ryuuji, “There isn’t much time until lunch ends. Eat while you can.”

Not saying a word, Ryuuji takes her gift and watches Hanabi leave. After she’s out of sight, Seiji removes the plastic wrapper and starts eating while berating Ryuuji.

“Taking one of my sandwiches and time with my girl, who do you think you are?”

Feeling attacked, Ryuuji shouts in defense, “You’re blaming me? I didn’t ask for any of this!”

“I’m sure. No one asks for any of the torture they’re put through each day. Trust me, I know.” Seiji says as he continues eating.

Sun then arrives at the end of the stairway to overhear them.

“I know who you are even if you try to hide it and honestly, I don’t care. If you put my girl in danger again I won’t be there to save you like I did here.”

“How is that fair if she just appears out of nowhere?”

“That girl, Hanabi, she’s been through her share of what you’re going through now. She can’t stop herself from helping others which is why I’m by her side to protect her.”

“Yeah, a lot of good that did today.”

Ryuuji storms past Seiji, not wanting to converse with him any further. When he turns the corner, he’s surprised at first to see Sun and they both walk back together.

Ryuuji takes one look at the sandwich he was given and decides it best to eat it even if he’d rather not accept their charity. Well, more like ‘her’ charity, but he can’t help associating the two as one even though he just met them.

“Was that Kiyama and Hinami?” Sun asks.

“You know them?”

“Just through rumors. In their junior high they were apparently the biggest couple. Something like, ‘she saved his life and he declared his love for her in class’. They’re first years and I still heard about it so it must be true.”

“You mean that brat is a grade under us and has the nerve to talk to me like that?!”

Sun can only laugh even if it doesn’t bother her. She also doesn’t need to ask what happened. The bit at the end of the conversation made it obvious the bullies used more than words this time. Rather than make a bigger deal out of it, she says, “I’m glad you’re alright.”

“...it’s good to know someone is.”

May 13th 2018

Finally finding a time they can all get together, Sun, Ryuuji, and Steve are playing Starfight. Before doing anything, though, Ryuuji rants about his meeting with the two younger students. He keeps the bullying part out of it, not wanting to discuss his personal issues, and describes it as a random encounter hoping Steve won’t inquire further. True to his character, he says the one thing he shouldn’t;

“That kid sounds a lot like you, Ryuuji!”

“I can’t believe you just said that.” Sun actually agrees with him, but knows how Ryuuji will react and didn’t want to deal with it the other day.

“How are we alike?! That kid needs to learn some manners.”

“Well I guess that’s true. Anyway, let’s move on.” Through the microphone they can hear Steve clap his hands before asking, “So? What kind of quest should we do? Any items you want?”

“No, but it seems like there’s something you want.” Sun says.

“How could you tell?”

“You’re the one who sent a link in the chat.” Ryuuji points out the obvious.

Steve double checks to see that he did indeed send the message with a link to information on a quest.

“Oh did I send that already? Guess I got too excited, tehe~”

Ignoring his childish giggle, Ryuuji clicks the link to see that it’s a newer quest by the Towering Sea to defeat Serpentine Max. The suggested level is 75. Since he and his father would often talk about upcoming updates to Starfight, he knows the basics about a lot of quests and various other things in the game, including a couple that have yet to be implemented.

“Sure, let’s do it. This should be good practice for Sun.” Ryuuji says.

“You really think so? Then I’m in!” Sun says.

“I assume you want the rare sword?”

“That’s the plan! It may take a few tries, but I’ve already been up all night, might as well keep at it.” Steve says.

~For years, the hero Galeer has successfully fended off Serpentine Max, preventing it from wreaking havoc, saving many coastal residents and allowing fishermen to continue their business. However, during one battle, the creature got the upper hand and devoured the warrior's right arm, along with his legendary sword Yora. The warrior has long since passed, but many challenge the creature, believing humanity will one day regain possession of the sword.~

‘Defeat Serpentine Max and receive the sword to continue the story.’

Once the story is finished, they get right into battle. Serpentine Max attacks by firing blasts of venom from its mouth and slams its body on the land, sometimes temporarily immobilizing itself as a result.

Sun remains in the background shooting arrows at random times. Meanwhile, the boys strike it with a barrage of attacks. Ryuuji took advantage of his fast speed and unique skill ‘Red Scar’ to strengthen his blade. Steve also reinforced his weapon, making it sharper with the skill ‘Final Sheen’.

However, the creature attacking with his body affected them more than expected so they change their strategy after the first round.

“Even if it stuns itself, that attack does way too much damage!” Steve complains.

“Sun, don’t you have a spell that’s more powerful on water beasts? Maybe use that when it looks like it’s about to slam down.” Ryuuji suggests.

“Hmmm you mean ‘Deep Blue’? Sure I’ll try.”

When they tried again, to Ryuuji’s surprise, Sun knew the exact time to shoot Serpentine Max as it was about to slam on the ground. He figured she would ask for advice, but it wasn’t necessary. She’s learning to play faster than I thought she would.

It took 5 attempts until the sword dropped, each taking 10 minutes at most. It worked out since Sun started to get bored towards the end.

“Awesome, thanks guys! Do you want to farm in the area for now?” Steve asks.

“Don’t you want to finish the story now that you have the sword?” Ryuuji asks.

“Nah I can do that later. Let’s keep playing while we still can!”

“You guys can play. I’ll sit this one out.”

Steve and Ryuuji continued near the Towering Sea, while Sun was happy to join their conversations.

********************

Starfight Tips;

Few quests have a story to go with them, and also require you to gather items to learn the skill or spell. If it does require items, it typically involves the beast from the NPC’s story.