Chapter 2: Zero #2: The Falcon's Flock
As time passes by, Alfredo's circle of friends grew as he found new people that understood him. In middle school, he befriended a blue-haired girl named Nagisa, and a fellow swordfighter named Kuroi. Nagisa also happened to be a friend of Yurika too in the past, and she loved video games. She was known as an avid gamer by her friends, and she could beat her favorite games without continuing or saving. Personality wise, Nagisa is a docile yet kind girl who loves to avoid conflict, though she's a bit klutz like Yurika. While Kuroi is a a boy from the Yakumo clan, one of the strongest clans in Aomori alongside the Takahitsuji and Futaba clans. He's proficient in kendo and his Sigil allows him to blend in with the shadows and permeate through air, allowing him to deliver stealth attacks.
Kuroi was a rather worthy opponent for Alfredo during mock fights. His swordsmanship was almost par on him, and his Sigil made him hard to evade or to predict. However, Alfredo's hand-to-hand combat skills is much better than Kuroi's, which gave him a chance to disarm Kuroi and pin him down. Before things gets too far, Yurika stopped the mock fight and gave Alfredo a cuddle for winning against Kuroi. Despite that, Kuroi believed that Alfredo won fair and square, and he'd like to learn a lot from him.
"Aru-san, you've bested me in that mock battle. Mind teaching some of your martial arts skills to me?"
"Sure. You can come to Midorikawa-san's dojo if you want. I usually train there during weekend mornings to get my body in shape, and polish my fighting skills"
"That's great. Maybe we can come there together?"
"Sure thing!"
Kuroi learned a lot of new things from Alfredo, and their friendship grew stronger. Even Natsume felt a bit jealous when he saw Alfredo spending some time with him. He couldn't decide which one is his best friend, but Yurika is always in his heart for being his first ever friend, and the one who saved him from despair after being bullied too many times. Yurika was like the light to his heart's darkness and emptiness, a savior destined for him.
Weeks later, Marika told her parents that the massive Lazuline project called Sunshine City has been completed. A huge artificial island built off the shore of Kanagawa, made for Espers to live free without discrimination. She was concerned after seeing her younger brother being bullied so often, and also seeing news of Espers being ostracized and feared left and right. She felt that Espers deserve to live freely and in peace, so she built the island for almost 5 years alongside her mother Mizuki. The island is capable to hold up to millions of Espers inside, and a tower lies in the middle of the island that serves as Lazuline's headquarters.
Before Alfredo and his family moved, he bid his farewell to his friends and relatives before hitting the road, and told them that he's going to miss Aomori and its people so much. But he knew that this was for his own good, so he accepted it. Aside from Alfredo, Yurika and her family are also moving to Sunshine City as well. His fellow Esper friends were moving too, now that they found a better place. After they moved, Alfredo stayed at the tower with his family until their new and bigger mansion finished building. His house was even better than the old one in Aomori.
"Dad, this is the best house we ever had! It's much bigger and has a lot of cool stuff!"
"I know you're gonna like this one, son. Your sister Marika said it's a gift for you"
"Aww.. Thank you Mari-nee! This is so awesome!"
"Haha, no problem, Aru-kun"
A week later, Alfredo transferred to Rurigaoka Middle School, a school for Espers built by Lazuline. He never felt better ever since he found a school where he cound see and meet his fellow Esper brethren, including Yurika. Not to mention, he didn't faced discrimination here, and no one feared his appearance. On the other side, Yurika and Nagisa found themselves some new friends, namely Suika, Hiyori and Alice. Together, they formed a baking class, led by Yurika herself. They learned a lot from Yurika's mother, especially her recipes. Meanwhile, Alfredo wasn't too interested in joining any club, despite Kuroi wanting him to join the kendo club.
"Hey, Aru-san! Wanna join the Kendo club? You said you wanna teach me a lot about swordfighting!"
"Not now, Kuroi.. I just wanna be alone right now"
"Why?"
"I just.. don't like school clubs. I still had some traumas of bullying, and I think it won't go away quickly"
"Oh come on, pal. Tsubaki-san said that she trained under your father, and she wants to spar with you"
"Spar with me? Very well then.."
Alfredo reluctantly joined the Kendo club to duel Tsubaki in a mock battle. He felt uneasy at first, but he finally got the hang of school clubs ever since he never faced bullying again. He managed to best Tsubaki in a mock battle, and she said that Alfredo reminded her a lot of his dad. He was flattered to hear it, and he would love to train with his father alongside Tsubaki someday. He felt that Rurigaoka is the place where he could grow his circle of friendship and gain happiness. His former antisocial personality faded away as his friends supported him through time.
Meanwhile in the Lazuline headquarters, Marika felt suspicious after hearing about Takahitsuji Securities' partnership with Kamiyama Industries. She knew that the CEO, Shinzo Kamiyama is a rather dirty person known for his unfair business tactics, and allegations of abuse towards his employees. She was unaware until she browsed through her computer files. She needs to act quick or else her family's status will be tainted if she doesn't act fast.
Omega Fury and Zero arcs done!
Thanks for waiting! Now only 2 arcs left to finish!
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