Super Yukkuri Taisen: Stage 1 - The Prototype
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Skribulous
Mar 3, 2011, 2:33:39 AM3/3/11
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SUPER YUKKURI TAISEN
Stage 0
The Prototype
==========
The Institute for Yukkuri Studies.
Officially named the Center Of Research Environmental Science, the institute was the largest facility in the world dedicated to the study of yukkuri. From its beginnings as a small shack in the institute’s grounds where maverick scientists and researchers gather together to share their knowledge on yukkuri, yukkuri science has grown throughout the decades until it encompassed the entirety of the institute.
As the primary center for everything yukkuri-related, many people have passed through the gates of the institute for many reasons. Also, many products of yukkuri research have been developed from the discoveries in the institute’s extensive laboratories, from raising and owning pet yukkuri to various processed foodstuffs to cosmetics. Most important of these were the yukkuri generators, the answer to the World Fuel Depletion Crisis of the 21st century, and herald of in a new age of technological revolution.
Yukkuri Science as a field of study was established some time after the yukkuri appeared. With the appearance of cartoonified severed heads, like a comedic caricature of a fairytale monster, yukkuri were first discovered in Japan. The Japanese named them after their catchphrase, “Yukkuri shite itte ne” or Take It Easy, and as their existence defied scientific classification, they were all grouped together in that name.
They attained worldwide attention during the legendary incident, where an anonymous artist sent the iconic sketch of two common yukkuri types—a Reimu and a Marisa—to a television network during a live broadcast, with the yukkuri’s catchphrase as a message to its viewers. Many historians still debate on which show did this occur, and whatever reasons for the submission were long forgotten. The drawing and its caption captured the public imagination, and the yukkuri phenomenon spread throughout the world.
Even in the limelight, yukkuri fascination would have remained a passing fad had the scientists and researchers of the Institute for Yukkuri Studies not shared the fruits of their research to the world. In less than a decade, yukkuri had become ubiquitous for their many uses and byproducts. From compost to purifiers, from pets to caregivers, from a source of food to the most important breakthrough of all—a source of energy to fuel technology—yukkuri had become an indispensable part of modern society.
Many of the original researchers and innovators became instant billionaires, with small local cottage industries transforming into massive global corporations overnight. Backwater countries now found themselves with boundless resources, putting them on par with each other and with their formerly richer neighbors. At first a fringe scientific field, the study of yukkuri had evolved into a respectable career, and many now had fulfilling careers in yukkuri-related occupations. Outside of Japan, the Institute for Yukkuri Studies became the forefront of yukkuri science in the world.
At the moment, an experiment was in progress, no doubt will lead to another breakthrough in yukkuri science.
==========
Skribulous
Mar 3, 2011, 2:38:47 AM3/3/11
to yufa...@googlegroups.com
“Recording in three, two, one…” A middle-aged man, dressed in a casual attire of slacks and turtleneck shirt under his lab coat, narrated to the built-in microphone on his PC tablet. He was flanked by two men, one in a smart business suit and the other in fatigues. They in turn were flanked by several other scientists, who were the man’s assistants. He looked out of the observation room, which was an enclosed cubical platform raised above the testing area.
They were inside a cavernous hanger, big enough to fit two passenger shuttles. Lights dotted the ceiling, illuminating the simulated field below. “Experiment Number One Hundred and Eight, testing the Yukkuri-powered Machine Custom version, Model designation EXperimental Yu-Kai type ‘Marisa’ Zero Two, now commencing.”
“Marisa, Alice,” said his assistant, a young man seated in front of the scientist. “You have permission. Show us what you can do, girls.”
The indoor testing ground was converted into an open area, the floor covered in Astroturf to simulate the appearance of a grassy field stretching out as far as yukkuri eyes can see. Scattered around were bits and pieces of wood, rocks, and debris, adding to the illusion. Near the center of the field, right below the raised room, stood two humanoid machines, some distance between them.
“Okay, Big Bro!” Replied the yukkuri-powered machine, with the appearance of a slender female mannequin, painted dark blue with white trimmings. On the Yu-Ma’s forehead was a clear canopy where inside a yukkuri Marisa can be clearly seen snugly seated. A square-shaped badge containing the letter P affixed to her accessory. In the Yu-Ma’s hands was what appeared to be a witches’ hat similar to the hat the yukkuri wore.
“Yes, Big Brother!” The other Yu-Ma, the older prototype Yu-Kai model, responded a moment after the first one. Without the bulky plates that would give it the appearance of a jumpsuited armored human, the humanoid yukkuri machine was slightly shorter than Yu-Kai Marisa, boxy in shape and painted in blue with yellow highlights. Unlike the newer model, the yukkuri core block was not on the “head” of the machine, but instead enclosed at the chest, so its pilot could not be seen.
“What are they doing, Doctor Z?” asked one of the other observers.
“They’re competing on several trials, while the onboard sensors record the machines’ performance,” the lead scientist explained. “Meanwhile, cameras lining the testing ground are recording everything, which along with the data collected will be analyzed later by the Yu-Kai Project team.”
Down below, the two Yu-Ma circled each other slowly. Marisa had put the hat on her Yu-Kai’s head, covering the canopy and mirroring her own accessory.
“First will be a performance test in the form of a footrace along the boundary of the testing ground.” Doc said. “After completing one circuit, they will test for mechanical stresses through simulated grappling, with the winner successfully immobilizing the one other unit. And finally, a power output test via danmaku play.”
“’Dan-Ma-Ku’? Bullet hell?”
“Literally, yes. Danmaku play is yukkuri slang for…” Doc stopped to watch as the two Yu-Kai began running in tandem, the newer model running with an almost humanlike grace compared to the older machine’s ungainly pace. “Well, better you observe it for yourself.”
“They’re at the halfway mark now, Doc.” One of the other assistants informed them. “No anomalies so far. Both machines performing within projected levels.”
“As to be expected, Jeorg.” Doc patted his assistant seated in front of him. “Ota, drop a few obstacles on their path, and let’s see how they react.”
“Okay, Doc,” Ota said while he entered a command on his datapad.
Up on the ceiling, a panel slid aside, and a large box with a face on one side dropped down. In midair, batlike wings unfurled, and the U-pack glided down and ahead of the two running Yu-Ma. Before it crashed, its wings flapped, and the U-pack hovered into place. Its bottom opened, and out tumbled several yukkuri.
“It’s like flying in the sk—YUGIII!” yelled the yukkuri, along with other noises of pain and confusion.
Its work done, the U-pack flapped away, flying back into the opening on the ceiling.
“Yuuu?” The yukkuri, suddenly freed from their confinement, were confused. “Where is Marisa? It’s scary…”
“Shitty Mister Human! Where is Reimu’s sweet-sweets?!?”
“Look! Look!” An Alice pointed out excitedly to her fellow yukkuri. “A city-sect Marisa is coming this way!”
“Yun… What an easy Marisa!” A Reimu agreed. “Could it be Dosu?”
“Let’s greet Marisa!”
“Yes!”
“All together now…” All the yukkuri chorused. “Take It Ea—YUPIII!!!” *STOMP*
*STOMP*
*STOMP*
*STOMP*
“WHYYYYY???” *STOMP*
Yu-Kai Marisa ran through them, flattening all the yukkuri in her path without a second thought.
“Well,” the observer in the suit commented. “That was…”
“Anticlimatic,” Doc finished his sentence. “It happens, Mister Kuro. What can you do? Those were used lab yukkuri anyway, and were scheduled for disposal, so no loss.”
“Wouldn’t your test P-yukkuri be uneasy?” the man in fatigues finally spoke. “Killing their own kind, that is.”
Doc looked visibly annoyed. “These are trained yukkuri, Major. Nothing like those gutter thrash polluting our planet. The worth of a yukkuri is in what they can give us, and even one of the P-yukkuri is even more valuable than dozens of lesser badged pet yukkuri. Not only are P-yukkuri willing to follow orders even if it is ‘uneasy’ for them, they will volunteer without hesitation whenever the opportunity arises.”
“Like soldiers…” the major muttered.
“However!” Doc continued ranting. “Unlike the military, the P-yukkuri does not follow orders because of duty, or that it’s their job. They do it because it’s their life. Their philosophy is ‘to do uneasy things to make everyone easy’. Forsaking momentary comfort and satisfaction for long-term goals that will benefit everyone. Quite an admirable mindset. And useful. But enough of this debate.” He called one of his other assistants. “What’s the status?”
“Both EX Yu-Kai ‘Marisa’ Zero-Two and Yu-Kai ‘Alice’ ProtoType Two had completed the first trial, with Yu-Kai Marisa as the winner.”
Yu-Kai Marisa had already taken her position for the second trial, and was calling out to her partner to hurry up. “Don’t take it easy and come over here, Alice! Don’t be sad Marisa is the better P-yukkuri than Alice, ze!”
“Alice is not upset. To be upset is not city-sect,” Yu-Kai Alice replied with a huff as she trudged to her spot. “Alice does not find it city-sect to dirty Yu-Kai Alice’s feet-feet with uneasy thrash. Alice took it easy not to step on uneasy thrash, so that was why Yu-Kai Alice fell behind Yu-Kai Marisa.”
“Fufufu,” Marisa snickered. “Alice is such a tsundere.”
“Hmpf! Even though Marisa is a P-yukkuri, Marisa is still a country bumpkin.”
“Good job, Marisa and Alice,” Ota said through their onboard speakers, interrupting their friendly taunting. “You may begin the second test.” He took a deep breath. “ROUND TWO! FIGHT!”
Yu-Kai Marisa broke into a run. “Alice is no match for the Great Marisa! Give up, easy!”
Ota turned around to face his boss’ glare. He scratched the back of his head nervously. “Well, it sounded right at the time,” he meekly explained.
Doctor Z was about to say something, but—
*KER-RASSSH*
“What just happened?” He demanded.
They were inside a cavernous hanger, big enough to fit two passenger shuttles. Lights dotted the ceiling, illuminating the simulated field below. “Experiment Number One Hundred and Eight, testing the Yukkuri-powered Machine Custom version, Model designation EXperimental Yu-Kai type ‘Marisa’ Zero Two, now commencing.”
“Marisa, Alice,” said his assistant, a young man seated in front of the scientist. “You have permission. Show us what you can do, girls.”
The indoor testing ground was converted into an open area, the floor covered in Astroturf to simulate the appearance of a grassy field stretching out as far as yukkuri eyes can see. Scattered around were bits and pieces of wood, rocks, and debris, adding to the illusion. Near the center of the field, right below the raised room, stood two humanoid machines, some distance between them.
“Okay, Big Bro!” Replied the yukkuri-powered machine, with the appearance of a slender female mannequin, painted dark blue with white trimmings. On the Yu-Ma’s forehead was a clear canopy where inside a yukkuri Marisa can be clearly seen snugly seated. A square-shaped badge containing the letter P affixed to her accessory. In the Yu-Ma’s hands was what appeared to be a witches’ hat similar to the hat the yukkuri wore.
“Yes, Big Brother!” The other Yu-Ma, the older prototype Yu-Kai model, responded a moment after the first one. Without the bulky plates that would give it the appearance of a jumpsuited armored human, the humanoid yukkuri machine was slightly shorter than Yu-Kai Marisa, boxy in shape and painted in blue with yellow highlights. Unlike the newer model, the yukkuri core block was not on the “head” of the machine, but instead enclosed at the chest, so its pilot could not be seen.
“What are they doing, Doctor Z?” asked one of the other observers.
“They’re competing on several trials, while the onboard sensors record the machines’ performance,” the lead scientist explained. “Meanwhile, cameras lining the testing ground are recording everything, which along with the data collected will be analyzed later by the Yu-Kai Project team.”
Down below, the two Yu-Ma circled each other slowly. Marisa had put the hat on her Yu-Kai’s head, covering the canopy and mirroring her own accessory.
“First will be a performance test in the form of a footrace along the boundary of the testing ground.” Doc said. “After completing one circuit, they will test for mechanical stresses through simulated grappling, with the winner successfully immobilizing the one other unit. And finally, a power output test via danmaku play.”
“’Dan-Ma-Ku’? Bullet hell?”
“Literally, yes. Danmaku play is yukkuri slang for…” Doc stopped to watch as the two Yu-Kai began running in tandem, the newer model running with an almost humanlike grace compared to the older machine’s ungainly pace. “Well, better you observe it for yourself.”
“They’re at the halfway mark now, Doc.” One of the other assistants informed them. “No anomalies so far. Both machines performing within projected levels.”
“As to be expected, Jeorg.” Doc patted his assistant seated in front of him. “Ota, drop a few obstacles on their path, and let’s see how they react.”
“Okay, Doc,” Ota said while he entered a command on his datapad.
Up on the ceiling, a panel slid aside, and a large box with a face on one side dropped down. In midair, batlike wings unfurled, and the U-pack glided down and ahead of the two running Yu-Ma. Before it crashed, its wings flapped, and the U-pack hovered into place. Its bottom opened, and out tumbled several yukkuri.
“It’s like flying in the sk—YUGIII!” yelled the yukkuri, along with other noises of pain and confusion.
Its work done, the U-pack flapped away, flying back into the opening on the ceiling.
“Yuuu?” The yukkuri, suddenly freed from their confinement, were confused. “Where is Marisa? It’s scary…”
“Shitty Mister Human! Where is Reimu’s sweet-sweets?!?”
“Look! Look!” An Alice pointed out excitedly to her fellow yukkuri. “A city-sect Marisa is coming this way!”
“Yun… What an easy Marisa!” A Reimu agreed. “Could it be Dosu?”
“Let’s greet Marisa!”
“Yes!”
“All together now…” All the yukkuri chorused. “Take It Ea—YUPIII!!!” *STOMP*
*STOMP*
*STOMP*
*STOMP*
“WHYYYYY???” *STOMP*
Yu-Kai Marisa ran through them, flattening all the yukkuri in her path without a second thought.
“Well,” the observer in the suit commented. “That was…”
“Anticlimatic,” Doc finished his sentence. “It happens, Mister Kuro. What can you do? Those were used lab yukkuri anyway, and were scheduled for disposal, so no loss.”
“Wouldn’t your test P-yukkuri be uneasy?” the man in fatigues finally spoke. “Killing their own kind, that is.”
Doc looked visibly annoyed. “These are trained yukkuri, Major. Nothing like those gutter thrash polluting our planet. The worth of a yukkuri is in what they can give us, and even one of the P-yukkuri is even more valuable than dozens of lesser badged pet yukkuri. Not only are P-yukkuri willing to follow orders even if it is ‘uneasy’ for them, they will volunteer without hesitation whenever the opportunity arises.”
“Like soldiers…” the major muttered.
“However!” Doc continued ranting. “Unlike the military, the P-yukkuri does not follow orders because of duty, or that it’s their job. They do it because it’s their life. Their philosophy is ‘to do uneasy things to make everyone easy’. Forsaking momentary comfort and satisfaction for long-term goals that will benefit everyone. Quite an admirable mindset. And useful. But enough of this debate.” He called one of his other assistants. “What’s the status?”
“Both EX Yu-Kai ‘Marisa’ Zero-Two and Yu-Kai ‘Alice’ ProtoType Two had completed the first trial, with Yu-Kai Marisa as the winner.”
Yu-Kai Marisa had already taken her position for the second trial, and was calling out to her partner to hurry up. “Don’t take it easy and come over here, Alice! Don’t be sad Marisa is the better P-yukkuri than Alice, ze!”
“Alice is not upset. To be upset is not city-sect,” Yu-Kai Alice replied with a huff as she trudged to her spot. “Alice does not find it city-sect to dirty Yu-Kai Alice’s feet-feet with uneasy thrash. Alice took it easy not to step on uneasy thrash, so that was why Yu-Kai Alice fell behind Yu-Kai Marisa.”
“Fufufu,” Marisa snickered. “Alice is such a tsundere.”
“Hmpf! Even though Marisa is a P-yukkuri, Marisa is still a country bumpkin.”
“Good job, Marisa and Alice,” Ota said through their onboard speakers, interrupting their friendly taunting. “You may begin the second test.” He took a deep breath. “ROUND TWO! FIGHT!”
Yu-Kai Marisa broke into a run. “Alice is no match for the Great Marisa! Give up, easy!”
Ota turned around to face his boss’ glare. He scratched the back of his head nervously. “Well, it sounded right at the time,” he meekly explained.
Doctor Z was about to say something, but—
*KER-RASSSH*
“What just happened?” He demanded.
Skribulous
Mar 3, 2011, 2:43:11 AM3/3/11
to yufa...@googlegroups.com
One of the displays rewound and played back the scene. One moment Yu-Kai Marisa was charging at Yu-Kai Alice, hands outstretched for a takedown, and the next moment Marisa’s Yu-Ma tripped over and crashed to the grassy field, headfirst.
From the playback, it was observed that at the last moment before Yu-Kai Marisa collided with Yu-Kai Alice, Alice sidestepped to the right, grazing Marisa’s bull rush, with one armed raised up high. The action was like a cross between a matador and a ballerina, graceful yet efficient.
“Yuuu…” Marisa groaned, stunned.
“Did Alice do that?” Kuro remarked in admiration.
“Of course,” Doc chuckled as he recognized the move.
“How?”
“Watch carefully.” Doc gestured to the other assistants. “Jeorg, zoom in at all sides, and put the visuals all on display. This will be an interesting demonstration.”
“What now, Marisa?” Alice taunted at Yu-Kai Marisa’s prone form. “Not so city-sect now?”
“Yuu…” Marisa growled as Yu-Kai Marisa righted itself up. “Marisa will not lose, ze! Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa is strong, easy! Mister Doctor built Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa for Marisa! Marisa will show Mister Doctor and Alice Yu-Kai Marisa’s strength, easy!” She drove her machine forward again, attempting to hit Yu-Kai Alice with heavy open palmed swipes.
Somehow the smaller and bulkier prototype machine outmaneuvered the newer experimental model, as Yu-Kai Alice calmly leaned aside, weaving and grazing each and every one of Marisa’s melee attacks. “Alice’s Yu-Kai Alice is an old hag! Yu-Kai Alice should go take it easy, forever!” Marisa yelled in growing frustration.
“That may be true,” Alice said, as Yu-Kai Alice grabbed her opponent’s midsection in mid-charge. “But Marisa is not city-sect to be Yu-Kai Marisa.” Twisting around, she slammed Yu-Kai Marisa into the ground in one graceful motion. Yu-Kai Marisa’s hat was thrown off, and it floated a good distance away.
“Yuuu… Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa’s hat…” Before Marisa could get up again, Yu-Kai Alice brought her foot down on Yu-Kai Marisa’s head, immobilizing it.
“Alice is Yu-Kai Alice, and Yu-Kai Alice is Alice! Understand that, easy!”
“Good job girls! Alice, you win the round,” Ota said through the speakers.
“Wait, Big Bro!” Marisa struggled. “Marisa has not given up yet, ze! Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa can still fight!”
“Sorry Marisa,” Ota said apologetically. “Time’s over. You know the rules.”
“But-but, Marisa’s Unbeatable Record…” Marisa sniffled.
“What does Marisa meant by ‘unbeatable’?” Alice interjected haughtily. “Didn’t Alice beat Marisa every single time?”
“What did Alice meant when she said ‘Alice is Yu-Kai Alice, and Yu-Kai Alice is Alice’?” Kuro asked Doc back in the observation room.
“Yukkuri are such impressionable beings, aren’t they?” Doc said. “A creature driven wholly by ego and instinct, their sense of identity is still malleable. Among the yukkuri used in my trials, they have become convinced due to long exposure and training that the machines they are in control with are in fact extensions of themselves. Like cripples given artificial prosthetics, they have taken to the Yu-Ma like it was their own bodies. That is, if the idea of yukkuri with human bodies isn’t so farfetched.”
While Kuro nodded in agreement, the observer in fatigues remained silent.
“Both EX Yu-Kai ‘Marisa’ Zero-Two and Yu-Kai ‘Alice’ ProtoType Two had completed the second trial, with Yu-Kai Alice as the winner, despite the performance disparity.” One of the other assistant scientists reported.
“Now then, for the main event! Saving the best for last… Begin Danmaku Play!” Doc waved theatrically.
“He he he heh,” Marisa chortled as Yu-Kai Marisa retrieved their hat. “Time to show Alice Yu-Kai Marisa’s full power!” Vents on Yu-Kai Marisa’s main chassis slid open, and hissing noises can be heard as steam was expelled out. Sensors on the observation room’s displays indicate an aura forming around Marisa’s machine.
Yu-Kai Alice assumed a defensive stance.
“Don’t hold back! Show us your moves!” Doc yelled out, striking a familiar pose.
“He gets to have all the fun,” Ota muttered under his breath as some of the assistants stifled giggling.
“Spell Card! Star Sign 「Meteonic Drizzle」,” Marisa yelled. Yu-Kai Marisa raised its arms forward, and its chest plate opened up to reveal a circular device crackling with energy. Yu-Kai Marisa’s optics flashed red, and several star-shaped energy projectiles were launched from its chest, traveling along the length of its arms before shooting off toward Yu-Kai Alice.
Yu-Kai Alice gestured to the side. All of a sudden, some of the debris scattered on the field flew up, and rushed in. They formed a barrier in front of Yu-Kai Alice and deflected the baseball-sized star energy bullets. Several flashes of light as the shots dissipated revealed hair-thin wires floating in midair linked to Yu-Kai Alice’s hands.
“As you can see, that’s how Alice uses her special ability,” Doc elaborated. “Alice types have the ability to control objects smaller than itself through physical contact, sort of like a weak form of what is known as telekinesis—mind over matter. This P-yukkuri Alice has further developed the ability to extend her range with the use of monowires connected to the Yu-Ma.”
“Amazing,” Kuro marveled. “How did you manage to stumble on this breakthrough?”
“Actually, Alice developed this technique on her own. Or rather, this ability is not actually unique to our Alice, but one that is a staple to Alice-type dosuyukkuri. Because our P-yukkuri Alice is not a true dosu, her power is very limited, only a fraction of the power a dosu is truly capable of. To give proper credit though, the wires were all Alice’s idea.”
“Hold on,” The major spoke up. “You let these yukkuri meddle in the project?”
“Meddle, you say? No. Contribute. And why not? They’re directly involved as ‘test pilots’, after all. It’s a waste of their intelligence if all we’re using them is as batteries. Also, a yukkuri can be very creative in their pursuit of easiness.”
“Spell Card. Focus Power 「Trip Wire」,” Alice declared.
Yu-Kai Marisa readied for another volley, but was then taken off-balance as something tugged at her leg. Recovering quickly, she bent her legs as she leaned closer to the ground, her arms grasping at the air until she snagged the wire Yu-Kai Alice had managed to attach to her leg earlier. A tug of war resulted, as both Yu-Ma pulled on the near-invisible wire.
“Sir!” One of the assistants reported. “The meters on EX Yu-Kai Marisa 02 had gone off the scale! Yu-Kai Marisa’s yu-power level has gone haywire!”
There was a snap, and Yu-Kai Marisa tugged one more time. Yu-Kai Alice stumbled forward, letting the wire go. Righting Yu-Kai Alice, Alice threw every item her wires had attached to at Yu-Kai Marisa. Instead of dodging, Yu-Kai Marisa stood her ground, even as her chassis was pelted by rocks, planks, girders, crowbars, patches of turf, and the remains of yukkuri scattered nearby.
“SPELL CARD! STAR SIGN 「METEONIC SHOWER」!” Marisa yelled.
From the playback, it was observed that at the last moment before Yu-Kai Marisa collided with Yu-Kai Alice, Alice sidestepped to the right, grazing Marisa’s bull rush, with one armed raised up high. The action was like a cross between a matador and a ballerina, graceful yet efficient.
“Yuuu…” Marisa groaned, stunned.
“Did Alice do that?” Kuro remarked in admiration.
“Of course,” Doc chuckled as he recognized the move.
“How?”
“Watch carefully.” Doc gestured to the other assistants. “Jeorg, zoom in at all sides, and put the visuals all on display. This will be an interesting demonstration.”
“What now, Marisa?” Alice taunted at Yu-Kai Marisa’s prone form. “Not so city-sect now?”
“Yuu…” Marisa growled as Yu-Kai Marisa righted itself up. “Marisa will not lose, ze! Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa is strong, easy! Mister Doctor built Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa for Marisa! Marisa will show Mister Doctor and Alice Yu-Kai Marisa’s strength, easy!” She drove her machine forward again, attempting to hit Yu-Kai Alice with heavy open palmed swipes.
Somehow the smaller and bulkier prototype machine outmaneuvered the newer experimental model, as Yu-Kai Alice calmly leaned aside, weaving and grazing each and every one of Marisa’s melee attacks. “Alice’s Yu-Kai Alice is an old hag! Yu-Kai Alice should go take it easy, forever!” Marisa yelled in growing frustration.
“That may be true,” Alice said, as Yu-Kai Alice grabbed her opponent’s midsection in mid-charge. “But Marisa is not city-sect to be Yu-Kai Marisa.” Twisting around, she slammed Yu-Kai Marisa into the ground in one graceful motion. Yu-Kai Marisa’s hat was thrown off, and it floated a good distance away.
“Yuuu… Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa’s hat…” Before Marisa could get up again, Yu-Kai Alice brought her foot down on Yu-Kai Marisa’s head, immobilizing it.
“Alice is Yu-Kai Alice, and Yu-Kai Alice is Alice! Understand that, easy!”
“Good job girls! Alice, you win the round,” Ota said through the speakers.
“Wait, Big Bro!” Marisa struggled. “Marisa has not given up yet, ze! Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa can still fight!”
“Sorry Marisa,” Ota said apologetically. “Time’s over. You know the rules.”
“But-but, Marisa’s Unbeatable Record…” Marisa sniffled.
“What does Marisa meant by ‘unbeatable’?” Alice interjected haughtily. “Didn’t Alice beat Marisa every single time?”
“What did Alice meant when she said ‘Alice is Yu-Kai Alice, and Yu-Kai Alice is Alice’?” Kuro asked Doc back in the observation room.
“Yukkuri are such impressionable beings, aren’t they?” Doc said. “A creature driven wholly by ego and instinct, their sense of identity is still malleable. Among the yukkuri used in my trials, they have become convinced due to long exposure and training that the machines they are in control with are in fact extensions of themselves. Like cripples given artificial prosthetics, they have taken to the Yu-Ma like it was their own bodies. That is, if the idea of yukkuri with human bodies isn’t so farfetched.”
While Kuro nodded in agreement, the observer in fatigues remained silent.
“Both EX Yu-Kai ‘Marisa’ Zero-Two and Yu-Kai ‘Alice’ ProtoType Two had completed the second trial, with Yu-Kai Alice as the winner, despite the performance disparity.” One of the other assistant scientists reported.
“Now then, for the main event! Saving the best for last… Begin Danmaku Play!” Doc waved theatrically.
“He he he heh,” Marisa chortled as Yu-Kai Marisa retrieved their hat. “Time to show Alice Yu-Kai Marisa’s full power!” Vents on Yu-Kai Marisa’s main chassis slid open, and hissing noises can be heard as steam was expelled out. Sensors on the observation room’s displays indicate an aura forming around Marisa’s machine.
Yu-Kai Alice assumed a defensive stance.
“Don’t hold back! Show us your moves!” Doc yelled out, striking a familiar pose.
“He gets to have all the fun,” Ota muttered under his breath as some of the assistants stifled giggling.
“Spell Card! Star Sign 「Meteonic Drizzle」,” Marisa yelled. Yu-Kai Marisa raised its arms forward, and its chest plate opened up to reveal a circular device crackling with energy. Yu-Kai Marisa’s optics flashed red, and several star-shaped energy projectiles were launched from its chest, traveling along the length of its arms before shooting off toward Yu-Kai Alice.
Yu-Kai Alice gestured to the side. All of a sudden, some of the debris scattered on the field flew up, and rushed in. They formed a barrier in front of Yu-Kai Alice and deflected the baseball-sized star energy bullets. Several flashes of light as the shots dissipated revealed hair-thin wires floating in midair linked to Yu-Kai Alice’s hands.
“As you can see, that’s how Alice uses her special ability,” Doc elaborated. “Alice types have the ability to control objects smaller than itself through physical contact, sort of like a weak form of what is known as telekinesis—mind over matter. This P-yukkuri Alice has further developed the ability to extend her range with the use of monowires connected to the Yu-Ma.”
“Amazing,” Kuro marveled. “How did you manage to stumble on this breakthrough?”
“Actually, Alice developed this technique on her own. Or rather, this ability is not actually unique to our Alice, but one that is a staple to Alice-type dosuyukkuri. Because our P-yukkuri Alice is not a true dosu, her power is very limited, only a fraction of the power a dosu is truly capable of. To give proper credit though, the wires were all Alice’s idea.”
“Hold on,” The major spoke up. “You let these yukkuri meddle in the project?”
“Meddle, you say? No. Contribute. And why not? They’re directly involved as ‘test pilots’, after all. It’s a waste of their intelligence if all we’re using them is as batteries. Also, a yukkuri can be very creative in their pursuit of easiness.”
“Spell Card. Focus Power 「Trip Wire」,” Alice declared.
Yu-Kai Marisa readied for another volley, but was then taken off-balance as something tugged at her leg. Recovering quickly, she bent her legs as she leaned closer to the ground, her arms grasping at the air until she snagged the wire Yu-Kai Alice had managed to attach to her leg earlier. A tug of war resulted, as both Yu-Ma pulled on the near-invisible wire.
“Sir!” One of the assistants reported. “The meters on EX Yu-Kai Marisa 02 had gone off the scale! Yu-Kai Marisa’s yu-power level has gone haywire!”
There was a snap, and Yu-Kai Marisa tugged one more time. Yu-Kai Alice stumbled forward, letting the wire go. Righting Yu-Kai Alice, Alice threw every item her wires had attached to at Yu-Kai Marisa. Instead of dodging, Yu-Kai Marisa stood her ground, even as her chassis was pelted by rocks, planks, girders, crowbars, patches of turf, and the remains of yukkuri scattered nearby.
“SPELL CARD! STAR SIGN 「METEONIC SHOWER」!” Marisa yelled.
Message has been deleted
Skribulous
Mar 3, 2011, 3:02:19 AM3/3/11
to yufa...@googlegroups.com
The polarized windows immediately dimmed, shading the onlookers from being blinded by the intensity of Yu-Kai Marisa’s energy attack. To the observers, the attack was similar to the previous one, except that the star bullets have increased in size and number. Yu-Kai Alice was overwhelmed by the sheer ferocity of the curtain of basketball-sized bullets.
“Sir! Yu-Kai Alice’s motive actuators have shut down! Yu-power levels have dropped! Should we terminate the test???” The same assistant scientist from earlier asked with a panicked expression on his face.
“No need to cancel, Jeorg,” Doc said. “This trial is already concluded.”
“My God,” Kuro gasped. “How did they do that?”
“That’s classified information.” Doc shook his head, a thin smile on his lips. “All I can tell you that the ‘Spell Card’ is my SCS, a top-secret yukkuri machine module that I have invented and patented myself.”
“Are they dependable?” The Major asked coolly.
“Of course they are,” Doc replied, meeting his gaze.
While the observation room slowly descended to the testing area, Yu-Kai Marisa was at Yu-Kai Alice’s prone form. Alice’s Yu-Ma was in bad shape. Yu-Kai Alice had toppled over when one of the star bullets broke through the knee joint, cutting off her left leg. Both arms were cut off, with her left arm severed from her shoulder, and the right arm at the elbow. The main body was battered and dented all over, and the head had cracked open, revealing the various sensors and other circuitry inside.
“Alice! See? Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa is strong like Marisa, ze! Mister Doctor never lies!” Her voice changed to one of worry as Yu-Kai Alice remained unresponsive. “…Alice?”
“Danmaku play,” Doc began to explain as the observers exited the room. “This is what the yukkuri call their way of handling disputes among themselves. Our human equivalent is known as dueling, and for all intents and purposes it is the same. What makes yukkuri’s duels unique is that in a danmaku play the yukkuri’s yu-energy—the same energy that we humans have harnessed to power our modern society—are raised to levels above what a yukkuri outputs as an energy source. Danmaku play is also more ritualistic than real fighting in nature, as it determines the pecking order within a herd of yukkuri, with the strongest and most creative yukkuri naturally on top.”
Kuro surveyed the damage done to the area. “Even as a game, their battle was devastating. How come this sort of thing does not happen more often in the wild?”
“They do, actually,” Doc lectured. “It’s the numbers of yukkuri in the wild that has gone down drastically due to massive culling by us humans. Besides that, the nature of true danmaku play would most often guarantee in the death of one side, or even both participants, thus most disputes are commonly handled through contests like tests of strength or courage. For instance, who can carry the most food within the day, or who can cross a stream the fastest; things like that. Danmaku is the extreme form of that, since it involves manipulating their very energies that gave them life, and use it as a form of plumage—or a weapon. But if none can agree to any terms, their dispute would be settled through a third party, usually the herd’s leaders.”
“I know that,” Kuro said. “Among yukkuri, the leaders are called the Boss yukkuri. After a certain age, and depending on the size of the clan, the Boss would evolve into what yukkuri called a DOS yukkuri. Dosuyukkuri are the yukkuri herd’s elders, protectors and advisers.”
“That’s right,” Doc nodded, “though the conditions to trigger the change from Boss to Dosu are still a mystery that the Institute is studying. I’ve also heard rumors of a yukkuri serving as the judge of all yukkuri, but I’m sure those are extinct by now if they’re real to begin with.”
“They are,” The Major interrupted. “Only that their numbers are very, very rare.”
“Whatever,” Doc said. “As for yukkuri found in urban areas, they are more concerned with survival above all else, so even though all yukkuri seem to know about it innately, they have the survival instinct never to invoke danmaku play.”
“They seem to not have the sense to stay away from humanity, though,” Kuro chuckled darkly.
“Even if they do, it wouldn’t last long or cause any major damage, as the energy expenditure would be fatal for non-augmented yukkuri or non-dosu. Thus, danmaku play is only possible with the SCS in my Yu-Kai, as without them yukkuri are nothing more than animated flammable bean bags, with danmaku as a spark that sets them on fire.”
"Say, I realized something," the major commented. "Marisa-types are known for their Yu-Spark. The P-yukkuri Marisa seems to have manifested a different variation. Is this her own as well?"
"Like I said, never underestimate a yukkuri, when the pursuit of easiness is concerned."
“Alice! Alice!” Marisa frantically shook Yu-Kai Alice. “Take it easy, Alice!”
A sudden hiss of static was heard from Yu-Kai Alice’s external speakers, before Alice finally replied. “Yuuu… Marisa is such a country bumpkin.”
“Alice! Marisa is happy Alice is fine,” Marisa said. “Marisa is sorry for being so strong!”
“Yes, Marisa is city-sect. Alice is sorry for saying not-city sect things to Marisa.”
“Good job, Marisa,” Doc said to them. “Your success today is the perfect cap on your retirement day.”
“Yu? Mister Doctor!” The canopy on Yu-Kai Marisa slid away, and the head opened up to reveal Marisa seated inside. “Marisa does not need to be uneasy anymore? Marisa can go home?”
“Definitely. As of now, Marisa is no longer obligated to follow my orders. You all know I always keep my word, and as promised, your reward will be easy days for the rest of your life.”
“But,” Marisa sounded unsure. “Marisa lost to Alice in the bump-bump test, and Marisa almost made Yu-Kai Alice take it easy forever. Marisa wants to be sure if Marisa can do more for Mister Doctor, ze.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Your new owner needs you more than I do now, and I’m sure she’ll still think of you as an easy Marisa. Isn’t that right, Jun?”
“That’s right, Doc,” One of Doc’s assistants, a young woman with brunette hair done up in a ponytail, stepped forward. “Hi, Marisa! I’m your new owner now. I’ll be taking you home today, and starting now you will be living with me.”
“Uwaaa! Big Sis!!!” Marisa squealed. “Marisa is so happy!” She cried, leaping right into Jun’s outstretched arms.
“You must be tired, Marisa.” Doc said. “Now you are at the「Twilight Frontier」 of your life… Maybe you should 「Rest」 for a while, easy. We’ll celebrate when you wake up.”
“Understood, easy,” Marisa yawned, eyes suddenly drooping. “Marisa will go… sleep-sleep now.”
“Awww…” Jun said as Marisa snuggled onto her ample bosom.
“Such a country bumpkin,” Alice snickered.
“Have the rest of the day off, Jun,” Doc said. “After all, you’ll have your hands full with the new member of your household. In other words, take it easy.”
“Thank you, Doc. Take it easy to you too,” Jun smiled happily as she carried the now-sleeping Marisa away. Behind them, Yu-Kai Marisa was lifted to a Yu-Ma forklift and carted away.
"Just as well," Doctor Z muttered to no one in particular. "Marisa would've dried up with that last stunt."
“Interesting…” Kuro commented. “Post-hypnotic suggestion?”
“Not quite,” Doctor Z explained. “What the Institute has learned, in the years of studying yukkuri, is that yukkuri respond to certain universal expressions, or rotes, and will react spontaneously. Like, for instance, saying their catchphrase obligates them to respond in kind, or suffer a sort of psychosomatic withdrawal—or in their own words, ‘become uneasy’—if they are unable to.”
“Oh, that I know,” Kuro nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve always wondered if there’s a verbal killswitch for them?”
“A sort of ‘Power Word: Kill’ command?”
“Yes. Would be really convenient to have it on hand to clear out annoying beggar strays on my daily commute.”
“Yes, convenient… Until you realize the same command can be used to make Okuu yukkuri in power plants—like the one in our Institute—go into nuclear meltdown. Among other fun things you can do to set human society all the way back to the Industrial Age, if not cause the collapse of civilization right there and then… Fortunately, there’s no such rote. I’m sure the military has tried to find out with no success. Isn’t that right, Major?”
“That’s classified information, Doctor Z,” the major replied.
“And so is my Yu-Kai Project demonstration, but I’m not playing cloak and dagger here, so relax. Anyway, wild yukkuri that still somehow manage to thrive these days are particularly resistant to many of the known rotes. Even among yukkuri exposed to humanity, not all yukkuri respond the same way, so what might work for Marisa, for instance, won’t work on Alice, here. So they’re not a foolproof way to keep yukkuri under control.”
“As for you, Alice…” Doc said to Yu-Kai Alice being loaded to a Yu-Ma forklift with the help of another Yu-Ma. “The Yu-Kai will be sent back to the labs for repairs. You should come out of there, girl.”
“…Alice was trying, Mister, but Alice can’t open Yu-Kai Alice’s door.” Alice meekly replied.
“Hmm… I see. Marisa’s danmaku damaged your front plates. Hold on, girl, I’ll get you out.” Retrieving a screwdriver from one of his assistants, Doc unscrewed the front plate and wrenched the cover open. He noted the custard caked on the inner surface of the core block cover, and peered inside. “You’re in pretty bad shape, Alice. You sure you’re all right in there?”
“Alice is… Alice hurt-hurt… very much.” Alice groaned before throwing up more custard.
“Easy, easy, there!” Doc fished out his flask from his pocket. “Here, drink this.”
Alice gulped down the orange juice. Almost instantaneously, the color returned to her luxurious golden hair, and the blemishes on her skin cleared. “Ha-ha-happiness!... Thank you, Mister.” Now revived, Alice bounced off the opened core block into Doc’s waiting hands.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”
“Alice does not want Marisa to be uneasy. Alice is happy that Marisa is happy…” Alice pursed her lip. “Marisa who has already forgotten Alice…”
“So, you’re saying you did not follow my orders and intentionally lost to Marisa?”
“No!” Alice shook her head violently while trembling, “Why would you say that?!? Alice did the best that Alice could do! Yu-Kai Marisa was much-much city-sect than Yu-Kai Alice.”
“Is that so~?”
“Alice does not lie! Lying is not city-sect! Marisa cheated!” Alice insisted, tears in her eyes. “No! Alice meant… A-Alice thinks Marisa is city-sect.”
“Ha ha, just kidding. I believe you, Alice.” Doc said, stroking Alice’s head with his hand over her blue ribbon, careful not to accidentally detach the P-badge on the ribbon.
“Mister is so mean,” Alice sniffled. “B-Bullying is not city-sect... But Yu-Kai Alice was hurt-hurt badly too... Alice is s-sorry.”
“Now, now. It’s all right.” Doc looked at the remains of Alice’s Yu-Ma being carted away. “The data collected from today’s trial is invaluable compared to any Yu-Ma. With this, I can rebuild Yu-Kai Alice just for Alice. The new Yu-Kai Alice will be stronger than before. Stronger than all the other Yu-Kai I have built. A Yu-Kai Alice that Alice will find most city-sect. So wipe your tears and look forward to it, understand easy.”
“T-thank you, Mister!” Alice rub-rubbed on Doc’s palms.
The Major silently watched them.
“Sir! Yu-Kai Alice’s motive actuators have shut down! Yu-power levels have dropped! Should we terminate the test???” The same assistant scientist from earlier asked with a panicked expression on his face.
“No need to cancel, Jeorg,” Doc said. “This trial is already concluded.”
“My God,” Kuro gasped. “How did they do that?”
“That’s classified information.” Doc shook his head, a thin smile on his lips. “All I can tell you that the ‘Spell Card’ is my SCS, a top-secret yukkuri machine module that I have invented and patented myself.”
“Are they dependable?” The Major asked coolly.
“Of course they are,” Doc replied, meeting his gaze.
While the observation room slowly descended to the testing area, Yu-Kai Marisa was at Yu-Kai Alice’s prone form. Alice’s Yu-Ma was in bad shape. Yu-Kai Alice had toppled over when one of the star bullets broke through the knee joint, cutting off her left leg. Both arms were cut off, with her left arm severed from her shoulder, and the right arm at the elbow. The main body was battered and dented all over, and the head had cracked open, revealing the various sensors and other circuitry inside.
“Alice! See? Marisa’s Yu-Kai Marisa is strong like Marisa, ze! Mister Doctor never lies!” Her voice changed to one of worry as Yu-Kai Alice remained unresponsive. “…Alice?”
“Danmaku play,” Doc began to explain as the observers exited the room. “This is what the yukkuri call their way of handling disputes among themselves. Our human equivalent is known as dueling, and for all intents and purposes it is the same. What makes yukkuri’s duels unique is that in a danmaku play the yukkuri’s yu-energy—the same energy that we humans have harnessed to power our modern society—are raised to levels above what a yukkuri outputs as an energy source. Danmaku play is also more ritualistic than real fighting in nature, as it determines the pecking order within a herd of yukkuri, with the strongest and most creative yukkuri naturally on top.”
Kuro surveyed the damage done to the area. “Even as a game, their battle was devastating. How come this sort of thing does not happen more often in the wild?”
“They do, actually,” Doc lectured. “It’s the numbers of yukkuri in the wild that has gone down drastically due to massive culling by us humans. Besides that, the nature of true danmaku play would most often guarantee in the death of one side, or even both participants, thus most disputes are commonly handled through contests like tests of strength or courage. For instance, who can carry the most food within the day, or who can cross a stream the fastest; things like that. Danmaku is the extreme form of that, since it involves manipulating their very energies that gave them life, and use it as a form of plumage—or a weapon. But if none can agree to any terms, their dispute would be settled through a third party, usually the herd’s leaders.”
“I know that,” Kuro said. “Among yukkuri, the leaders are called the Boss yukkuri. After a certain age, and depending on the size of the clan, the Boss would evolve into what yukkuri called a DOS yukkuri. Dosuyukkuri are the yukkuri herd’s elders, protectors and advisers.”
“That’s right,” Doc nodded, “though the conditions to trigger the change from Boss to Dosu are still a mystery that the Institute is studying. I’ve also heard rumors of a yukkuri serving as the judge of all yukkuri, but I’m sure those are extinct by now if they’re real to begin with.”
“They are,” The Major interrupted. “Only that their numbers are very, very rare.”
“Whatever,” Doc said. “As for yukkuri found in urban areas, they are more concerned with survival above all else, so even though all yukkuri seem to know about it innately, they have the survival instinct never to invoke danmaku play.”
“They seem to not have the sense to stay away from humanity, though,” Kuro chuckled darkly.
“Even if they do, it wouldn’t last long or cause any major damage, as the energy expenditure would be fatal for non-augmented yukkuri or non-dosu. Thus, danmaku play is only possible with the SCS in my Yu-Kai, as without them yukkuri are nothing more than animated flammable bean bags, with danmaku as a spark that sets them on fire.”
"Say, I realized something," the major commented. "Marisa-types are known for their Yu-Spark. The P-yukkuri Marisa seems to have manifested a different variation. Is this her own as well?"
"Like I said, never underestimate a yukkuri, when the pursuit of easiness is concerned."
“Alice! Alice!” Marisa frantically shook Yu-Kai Alice. “Take it easy, Alice!”
A sudden hiss of static was heard from Yu-Kai Alice’s external speakers, before Alice finally replied. “Yuuu… Marisa is such a country bumpkin.”
“Alice! Marisa is happy Alice is fine,” Marisa said. “Marisa is sorry for being so strong!”
“Yes, Marisa is city-sect. Alice is sorry for saying not-city sect things to Marisa.”
“Good job, Marisa,” Doc said to them. “Your success today is the perfect cap on your retirement day.”
“Yu? Mister Doctor!” The canopy on Yu-Kai Marisa slid away, and the head opened up to reveal Marisa seated inside. “Marisa does not need to be uneasy anymore? Marisa can go home?”
“Definitely. As of now, Marisa is no longer obligated to follow my orders. You all know I always keep my word, and as promised, your reward will be easy days for the rest of your life.”
“But,” Marisa sounded unsure. “Marisa lost to Alice in the bump-bump test, and Marisa almost made Yu-Kai Alice take it easy forever. Marisa wants to be sure if Marisa can do more for Mister Doctor, ze.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Your new owner needs you more than I do now, and I’m sure she’ll still think of you as an easy Marisa. Isn’t that right, Jun?”
“That’s right, Doc,” One of Doc’s assistants, a young woman with brunette hair done up in a ponytail, stepped forward. “Hi, Marisa! I’m your new owner now. I’ll be taking you home today, and starting now you will be living with me.”
“Uwaaa! Big Sis!!!” Marisa squealed. “Marisa is so happy!” She cried, leaping right into Jun’s outstretched arms.
“You must be tired, Marisa.” Doc said. “Now you are at the「Twilight Frontier」 of your life… Maybe you should 「Rest」 for a while, easy. We’ll celebrate when you wake up.”
“Understood, easy,” Marisa yawned, eyes suddenly drooping. “Marisa will go… sleep-sleep now.”
“Awww…” Jun said as Marisa snuggled onto her ample bosom.
“Such a country bumpkin,” Alice snickered.
“Have the rest of the day off, Jun,” Doc said. “After all, you’ll have your hands full with the new member of your household. In other words, take it easy.”
“Thank you, Doc. Take it easy to you too,” Jun smiled happily as she carried the now-sleeping Marisa away. Behind them, Yu-Kai Marisa was lifted to a Yu-Ma forklift and carted away.
"Just as well," Doctor Z muttered to no one in particular. "Marisa would've dried up with that last stunt."
“Interesting…” Kuro commented. “Post-hypnotic suggestion?”
“Not quite,” Doctor Z explained. “What the Institute has learned, in the years of studying yukkuri, is that yukkuri respond to certain universal expressions, or rotes, and will react spontaneously. Like, for instance, saying their catchphrase obligates them to respond in kind, or suffer a sort of psychosomatic withdrawal—or in their own words, ‘become uneasy’—if they are unable to.”
“Oh, that I know,” Kuro nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve always wondered if there’s a verbal killswitch for them?”
“A sort of ‘Power Word: Kill’ command?”
“Yes. Would be really convenient to have it on hand to clear out annoying beggar strays on my daily commute.”
“Yes, convenient… Until you realize the same command can be used to make Okuu yukkuri in power plants—like the one in our Institute—go into nuclear meltdown. Among other fun things you can do to set human society all the way back to the Industrial Age, if not cause the collapse of civilization right there and then… Fortunately, there’s no such rote. I’m sure the military has tried to find out with no success. Isn’t that right, Major?”
“That’s classified information, Doctor Z,” the major replied.
“And so is my Yu-Kai Project demonstration, but I’m not playing cloak and dagger here, so relax. Anyway, wild yukkuri that still somehow manage to thrive these days are particularly resistant to many of the known rotes. Even among yukkuri exposed to humanity, not all yukkuri respond the same way, so what might work for Marisa, for instance, won’t work on Alice, here. So they’re not a foolproof way to keep yukkuri under control.”
“As for you, Alice…” Doc said to Yu-Kai Alice being loaded to a Yu-Ma forklift with the help of another Yu-Ma. “The Yu-Kai will be sent back to the labs for repairs. You should come out of there, girl.”
“…Alice was trying, Mister, but Alice can’t open Yu-Kai Alice’s door.” Alice meekly replied.
“Hmm… I see. Marisa’s danmaku damaged your front plates. Hold on, girl, I’ll get you out.” Retrieving a screwdriver from one of his assistants, Doc unscrewed the front plate and wrenched the cover open. He noted the custard caked on the inner surface of the core block cover, and peered inside. “You’re in pretty bad shape, Alice. You sure you’re all right in there?”
“Alice is… Alice hurt-hurt… very much.” Alice groaned before throwing up more custard.
“Easy, easy, there!” Doc fished out his flask from his pocket. “Here, drink this.”
Alice gulped down the orange juice. Almost instantaneously, the color returned to her luxurious golden hair, and the blemishes on her skin cleared. “Ha-ha-happiness!... Thank you, Mister.” Now revived, Alice bounced off the opened core block into Doc’s waiting hands.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”
“Alice does not want Marisa to be uneasy. Alice is happy that Marisa is happy…” Alice pursed her lip. “Marisa who has already forgotten Alice…”
“So, you’re saying you did not follow my orders and intentionally lost to Marisa?”
“No!” Alice shook her head violently while trembling, “Why would you say that?!? Alice did the best that Alice could do! Yu-Kai Marisa was much-much city-sect than Yu-Kai Alice.”
“Is that so~?”
“Alice does not lie! Lying is not city-sect! Marisa cheated!” Alice insisted, tears in her eyes. “No! Alice meant… A-Alice thinks Marisa is city-sect.”
“Ha ha, just kidding. I believe you, Alice.” Doc said, stroking Alice’s head with his hand over her blue ribbon, careful not to accidentally detach the P-badge on the ribbon.
“Mister is so mean,” Alice sniffled. “B-Bullying is not city-sect... But Yu-Kai Alice was hurt-hurt badly too... Alice is s-sorry.”
“Now, now. It’s all right.” Doc looked at the remains of Alice’s Yu-Ma being carted away. “The data collected from today’s trial is invaluable compared to any Yu-Ma. With this, I can rebuild Yu-Kai Alice just for Alice. The new Yu-Kai Alice will be stronger than before. Stronger than all the other Yu-Kai I have built. A Yu-Kai Alice that Alice will find most city-sect. So wipe your tears and look forward to it, understand easy.”
“T-thank you, Mister!” Alice rub-rubbed on Doc’s palms.
The Major silently watched them.
Skribulous
Mar 3, 2011, 3:07:12 AM3/3/11
to yufa...@googlegroups.com
==========
(End of Stage 1)
Author's Skribblings:
Many things have happened in the past weeks, some beyond our control. So I decided to continue posting the rest of this series. Hopefully updates will be coming out faster. Everything should fall into place by then.
I forgot to mention last time, but a big thanks to Harouki and MET for beta reading. I owe you a lot, guys.
As usual, comments and constructive criticisms are always welcome.
Stage 2 will be posted in a little while, watch for it warmly.
Thank you for reading.
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