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Time to get started!

Chapter Three: Gold Fiber

As Ryuko and Victor made their way down to Honnoujigahara, where the challenge was to take place, Victor's face never changed from a frown. He had a really bad feeling about the upcoming fight.

"Take this seriously, Ryuko. This isn't going to be as easy as last time," Victor said, as they approached.

"What are you talking about? It's the same person," Ryuko said, scoffing.

"I'm not so sure of that... Be careful. Please," Victor said, forcing the nearly foreign word from his mouth. Hopefully, that'd get her attention. She glanced at him, but said nothing in reply. When they reached the arena, Victor stepped back to watch.

"Giving someone who was beaten a second chance... You're a soft touch, Satsuki Kiryuin!" Ryuko taunted, showing that she either disregarded his warning, or was just taunting to taunt.

"Tell me again after the fight just how soft I am, Ryuko Matoi," Satsuki replied.

"Watch closely what happens when you force a man to change," Uzu said darkly. Victor felt something foreign around him. An aura different than usual was emanating from Uzu. Uzu transformed again, but still Victor didn't realize the difference yet. Something was going horribly wrong, though. He could feel it. When Ryuko transformed and cut a piece of Senketsu to cover all of the eyespots, he realized. He felt another presence searching the mental plane with him! As she dived to attack, he stood up to shout.

"Ryuko! Watch out!" he called, eyes wide. He was too late, though. Uzu fired a bamboo sword straight into her for a direct attack. This fight was already decided.

"This is the resolve of a man who has realized the error of his ways and sacrificed everything! Know that as you face him, Matoi!" Satsuki called. Victor didn't know if he could sit by and let this happen. Ryuko was about to be destroyed out there. She couldn't block or attack a man who could see everything. Even Victor's senses weren't that acute, but that was something that made him the Champion. His ability to sense all but the smallest of objects and intercept them.

"Here I come," Uzu said, sentencing defeat in three words. As his Blade Regalia stomped forward, the ground trembled slightly.

"What's this intimidating aura?!" Ryuko muttered, though Victor had opened his senses, to better understand Uzu. The Life Fibers that sewed his eyes shut must have augmented his senses!

"Men!" he shouted, the word for a head strike. Ryuko barely blocked it. "Dou!" Body. "Kote!" Wrist. Each blocked, barely.

"Oh, crap! These aren't the moves of someone with no eyes!" Ryuko gasped.

"You're terrified, aren't you, Matoi?" Uzu asked, a blanket of control.

"Say what?!" Ryuko growled, denying it. But Victor sensed it too. He too could feel her tension, smell her fear. His senses were increased, but Uzu's had no limit, probably. A ferocious blow, though blocked, drove her feet into the ground.

"Your breathing. The smell of your sweat. I can see the inner workings of your mind as clear as day. I can see it far, far more clearly than I ever could with my eyes! Everything about this world!" Uzu revealed.

"Shingantsu. The eyes of the mind. Victor too, possesses this, to an extent," Satsuki said, drawing the attention of Iori, the weaver. "Sealing his eyes shut boosted his affinity with the Goku Uniform. Uzu then began tossing Ryuko around with his blade like nothing.

"Men! Dou! Kote!" began echoing, over and over.

"The Goku Uniform is now Sanageyama's eyes! His nose! His ears! He has acquired the Shingantsu, which surpasses even the Tengantsu." Satsuki started, "There is only one here who might evade his attacks!" Ryuko was launched sky high, and her impact shattered the ground. Her scissor blade spun away from her.

"Without your weapon, you have no means of turning this fight around," Uzu said.

"So you'd think, right?" Ryuko asked. However, even Victor could see that what she was doing wouldn't work. She attached a fiber to the flying sword to swing it back around, but it was easily evaded, and Uzu appeared behind her.

"I thought I told you that I could see the entire world. Did you think your pathetic little trick would work?" Uzu asked, before beginning another barrage that made Victor stand. He couldn't allow this. But why couldn't he? What was forcing him to rise and step forward. Before the last blow was leveled, he flashed in front of her, blocking the path. However, Uzu's Uniform sparkled one last time, before steaming and reverting. As the confusion went down, Victor grabbed Ryuko and bolted, escaping with her. He couldn't fathom his own reasons, however.

"Let me down!" Ryuko hissed, angry even though he'd saved her skin. Well, the Uniform overheating did, but he acted to help her. He put her down roughly, making her stagger.

"You idiot!" Victor growled, feeling rage at her own stupidity. "I warned you over and over that Uzu and the Elite Four were no joke! I'm above them, and I warned you! Why did you assume that you would win? What if he killed you? What about Isshin? What about Mikisugi? What about m-" he cut himself short, and glared at her astounded face at being yelled at with such seriousness, such care by someone who was normally quiet, and who was also her enemy, in a sense. Then, he sighed, turned, and walked up into the air, without speaking to her again. She could get back by herself.

Victor skipped dinner for a shower that night. The next night, he was silent at the table, distant. He sighed after a moment of not eating anything. "I'm done for now. I'm going for a walk," he said, getting up and walking out, not meeting the eyes of any of the family. Guts started eating his food.

"Victor? Are you alright?" Mrs. Mankanshoku asked.

"I'm fine," Victor lied, an easier thing for him to do than he thought it would be. He walked out of the home silently, not able to take her worried gaze. He couldn't remain under that scrutiny at the moment. As he left to sort through his thoughts, the occupants of the household didn't seem happy about his disappearance. Mako approached Ryuko after dinner.

"Did you and Victor fight over something?" the usually upbeat girl asked her. After a moment of silence, Ryuko shrugged. She wasn't sure. "Well, you two need to make up quick. Otherwise, Victor and you won't ever have fun ever again!" she said, before going on a tangent about friendship and a whole deal more. Luckily, Victor was still walking. He wondered what side he was on anymore. He'd promised his service to Lady Satsuki, but not it seemed that his heart wasn't truly with that decision anymore. It ached to see the harsh treatment of someone it was starting to truly care for. However, his crimes were the kind that demanded justice. He couldn't abandon his responsibility, could he? He had to keep his word and atone for his sin. He couldn't imagine that those souls wanted anything other than his death. Lady Satsuki was his salvation, his method of atonement. On the other hand, Ryuko Matoi... some things in his life just didn't make sense.

When Victor returned to Mako's he went straight to the joint bedroom and sat down against the wall, not even going to his bed. He didn't really want to undress and change into night clothing, or even lie down. He sat and thought for awhile, before nodding off. When they all woke the next morning, he got into his uniform and left with Mako and Ryuko for school. As they all opened their lunches, he shared in the delight, though distantly, with only a smile. He was... in a sense, troubled. When their lunch was interrupted by the former Acrobatics Club, he didn't even really move. He just ate quietly and protected Mako from the flying debris. He followed Ryuko and Mako to the courtyard, where Ryuko set up her Fight Club proclamation. As Gamagoori spoke with her, he sat and stared off into the distance, thinking about everything he'd done since he'd met Ryuko Matoi. He looked up at his Lady's appearance, and listened not to her words, but examined her outer form, her calm. He looked back to Ryuko, and saw passion, fire, and energy. He didn't know which he sided with anymore. He'd have to decide for himself, and soon.

Victor wasn't surprised that Mako was named the president of Fight Club, and was even less surprised to be named a member, but what he did find strange were the opponents they were facing. He was allowed to assist Ryuko slightly, so he put up shields for her while he remained in thought, going through most of his days in silence. However, when they got to live in the one-star district, he celebrated along with the rest of them, not wanting to ruin their happiness. He had to admit that the cutlets for dinner were delicious, as well. However, as he went to the room that he would share with Mako and Ryuko, he sat against the wall. He didn't have a bed, but he would be fine, either way. He had to study Ryuko, after all. It wasn't like he wanted to be in the same room all of the time, or anything... That was ridiculous. He stayed awake, contemplating things.

As they went on and took out more and more clubs, Victor only focused on shielding Ryuko, and nothing else. He wasn't permitted to attack, so he simply defended. But how long would he abide by that rule? Would he remain champion? He couldn't even use his full power to shield them, because of the aftermath. He had to hold back. When they were elevated to two-star status, he made up his mind. At the dinner table, Victor watched as the Mankanshoku family filed out on different, divided pursuits. All of them were caught up with their newfound luxury. Before Ryuko got up, Victor spoke, for the first time in a while.

"Ryuko," he started, surprising her. She even jumped a bit. "Would you take a walk with me?" he asked, smiling warmly. He'd made up his mind.

"S-sure," Ryuko said, raising an eyebrow. She was suspicious of him, and he understood that. But maybe she wouldn't after he spoke to her. He led her from the manor, walking down from the two-star district.

"Things have been getting a bit crazy lately, haven't they?" Victor asked, walking down the well-lit sidewalk beside her. He seemed to be making up for all of his previous silence and sullenness.

"Y-yeah," Ryuko said, trying to figure him out. What was he doing?

Victor walked past shops and stores, briefly glancing into them, just for something to look at. He was distracting himself, thinking of things he ought to say. What he needed to say. How could he get what he needed across? "See anything you want?" he asked, stopping in front of a window to peer inside. It was clothing, which was always a good start. Ryuko needed time to get away for a bit. Maybe this little outing would help a bit.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to look around," Ryuko said, shrugging, and still generally confused. The two went inside the store, and Victor made with the small-talk, not bothering to go into what he really had meant to talk to her about just yet. That could wait for awhile. He made friendly conversation, tried on clothing, and simply chatted with her for a bit. Every once in awhile, he thought he heard a whisper from Senketsu, but it was still indecipherable. After their expedition in the store, he followed her outside, laughing and generally having a nice time. However, after a moment, he looked up at the night sky, supposing that it was time for him to tell her.

"Ryuko," Victor said, sobering up.

"Yeah, Victor?" she asked, noticing the change in his demeanor. She wasn't sure exactly what he was so serious about.

"I'm on your side, you know that?" Victor asked, meeting her light blue eyes with his own bright green ones. "No matter what."

"Wh-what?! Where did that come from?" Ryuko asked, shocked by his sudden proclamation. "What about Kiryuin?"

"Lady Satsuki is very important to me, but I don't see her as my friend. Got it?" Victor asked, laughing softly. He turned back towards the manor and started walking without another word. He didn't really respond to her other badgerings, but he did reaffirm his position again to her, as her disbelief took her thoughts again and again. When they reached the door, he sighed and turned to her. "What will it take for you to believe that?" he asked.

"It's not that I don't believe you, but..." she trailed off. "Never mind. You'll prove it, either way, so it doesn't matter."

"I'm glad. Now that that's settled, let's go ahead and get to bed. If we don't do our best tomorrow, Mako'll be disappointed," Victor said, stepping into the manor. He was glad he'd gotten all of the loyalty talk done with. It was time for him to return to normal, now that his mind had been cleared.

Victor was getting tired of the ceaseless fighting. The gym was one thing, but the football and baseball clubs, too? That was ridiculous. After the day ended, he and Ryuko were left eating alone, in silence once more. He didn't make conversation simply due to exhaustion. He didn't want to speak, anyway. Ryuko spoke to Senketsu, which he enjoyed listening to, anyway, so he didn't want to ruin anything.

"Do you want to talk to him, Victor?" Ryuko asked, surprising him. Victor considered it.

"How? And what made you think of it?" Victor asked, honored, but shocked.

"Well, you said you liked listening in to our conversations. I could tell you what he said, if you want?" she offered, seeming slightly flustered.

"Well, then sure. What does he want to talk about?" Victor asked, knowing that the kamui could hear him.

"You. Why you're being so kind, where you come from. Who you are," Ryuko said, for the suit.

"Ah. I'm Victor Trelós, of course, and I suppose I'm kind because you're kind to me. I'm quiet, not very interested in the world around me, except for people I find important, I get good grades and am the Champion of Lady Satsuki. My family lived in America all my life, but we're a European clan, and we moved to Japan when I was a little kid," Victor explained. "What's it like being made of cloth?" he asked in return.

"Very difficult, but ironing is fantastic," Ryuko replied. Victor felt strange, looking at Senketsu's eye, which was over Ryuko's chest. But, he supposed it didn't count, at the moment. Though he didn't mind too much...

"I suppose that doesn't sound bad. Kind of like hot stone treatments," Victor said, feeling a strange bonding begin with the Kamui. That's how the rest of their evening, having a chat between the three of them. It was pleasant, and when Victor fell into his bed across the room from Ryuko's, he found himself feeling light, while tired as well. It was a good way for him to end the day, he supposed. He closed his eyes, falling asleep while listening to the sounds surrounding him. Those mostly consisted of Ryuko's steady breaths.

The next day, Ryuko and Victor strode into the main courtyard to meet Mako, and they were late of course. They'd made their decision to stop their power hungry friend. So, Victor wasn't surprised when Ryuko tossed the letters of resignation in Mako's face. What was surprising to him was the wardrobe that descended from the sky to Mako. Things were going to get serious.

"Fight Club President Mako Mankanshoku!" Lady Satsuki addressed. "Your Two-Star Goku Uniform is inside that wardrobe!"

"My uniform?" Mako asked.

"This is bad..." Victor murmured at the same instant.

"If you want to keep your current social standing and lifestyle, fight and defeat Ryuko Matoi!" Satsuki instructed.

"Say what?!" Ryuko asked, nearly growling.

"Defeat Matoi, and I will grant you a Three-Star Goku Uniform," Kiryuin continued.

"Lady Satsuki..." Mako breathed.

"That's playing dirty, Kiryuin!" Ryuko shouted.

"The choice of whether to accept lies with Mankanshoku," Satsuki countered.

"You bitch! Life Fiber Synchronize, Kamui Senketsu!" Ryuko exclaimed, transforming.

"Don't be so hasty. I'm not the one you face today," Satsuki said, smirking. Victor turned to the wardrobe, eyes wide. If they actually had to fight Mankanshoku... The wardrobe blew open, Mako appearing where it once was.

"Fight Club-spec..." Mako started, in her own fearsome outfit, now, "Two-Star Goku Uniform! Fight Club President Mako Mankanshoku!" Ryuko and Victor stood still across from Mako. "Ryuko-chan, Victor-kun... Say your prayers!" she exclaimed, launching volleys of vicious attacks. Victor and Ryuko blocked most of them, albeit a wrench to the face for Ryuko. She blocked Mako's bat.

"Mako, cut it out!" Ryuko commanded.

"I can't. Not when we finally have a life of luxury! I can't go back to being poor!" Mako argued.

"Idiot! Snap out of it!" Ryuko growled. Than Mankanshoku family drove into the courtyard. "Mr. and Mrs. Mankanshoku!"

"Mako, what are you..." Barazo started as the car stopped. Ryuko stood in front of them, to shield them.

"Stop! Mako's not in her right mind right now!" Ryuko warned. "If you try to stop her, you'll put yourselves in danger, too!" she continued, as they calmly walked to the stands. "Huh?" she hummed, as they weren't there when she turned.

"What are you standing around for?!" Barazo shouted. "Hurry up and beat the tar out of Ryuko!"

"Yes! Rush her!" Mrs. Mankanshoku agreed. It was obvious whose side they were on.

"Send her straight to hell!" Mataro agreed.

"You're not gonna try and stop her?!" Ryuko exclaimed, before being caught off guard by Mako. Victor was also wrapped in the chain forced up against Ryuko.

"Sorry Ryuko m'dear, but we can't give up the lifestyle to which we've become accustomed," Barazo said.

"Don't worry! We'll make sure to enjoy life for you two, too!" Mrs. Mankanshoku said, smiling. Ryuko let out an astounded screech as the two of them were drawn back through the air. Victor just shook his head, getting himself ready for pain.

"Observe, Matoi! This is human nature in its purest form!" Satsuki called, triumphant. "Prosperity will lead to greed, and greed will lead to their eventual downfall! Once they've had a taste of worldly pleasures, they're enslaved by them forever!" she continued, as Ryuko and Victor were slung back and forth against the ground, painfully squished together. "They've become slaves to this academy I have created! Truly, they are pigs in human clothing! Pigs! Which must be tamed by force!"

Mako forced the chain down again, for another slam, when Ryuko snapped it, freeing Victor and herself. Mako's bat broke, revealing a rocket that flew towards them, colliding with the scissor blade and Victor's shield. In the fireball, Victor sensed everything going on around him, since he couldn't exactly see. Ryuko transformed, surprisingly. How did she expect to win without Awakening? She told Senketsu she'd be fine, as the smoke cleared, and Victor stood beside her, still taking no action. The two of them looked pretty ragged. As Mako started to walk towards them, Victor grasped her state of mind. So they weren't going to fight. He understood the sentiment, he supposed. His inner madman protested, though, of course. He lowered his shield, reluctantly, to allow Mako to strike at them directly.

Mako beat them until sunset, relentlessly powerful. Victor took strike after strike with Ryuko, refusing to stay down. When Mako finally stopped and cried, letting her true feelings out, Victor listened in silence with Ryuko, grabbing a hold of Ryuko's scissor blade hilt when Mako went to strike at the ground, so as not to be swept away as well, his psychic shield still down. As the battle of friendship resolved itself, Victor stood with Mako and Ryuko as Mako's uniform exploded into fireworks after being destroyed by Ryuko. Victor watched with an amused smile as the family bowed and apologized, and as Ryuko scolded them. He felt strangely at home. When they returned to their No-Star residence, he and Ryuko, though thoroughly scuffed and beaten, ate dinner with renewed gusto. It was good to be back to normal.

Victor sighed as he walked through the hall behind Lady Satsuki. His peace hadn't lasted long, as he'd been called back to her side for her election plan. He couldn't help but miss it. Ryuko had given him a pretty angry glare when he said he had to go, because they had to keep up the appearance of him being against her, after all. She didn't seem to care about that. It was more of the fact that he technically wasn't "On her side," like he said he'd be. He wondered why that was so important. Especially seeing as how he'd return to her later. Satsuki gave him a look, but didn't say anything to him.

Victor stood beside her as she announced the event, even though he didn't really care at all about the Election, since his position wasn't in danger. He didn't have to fight anyone he didn't wish to. He could intervene freely as he saw fit. After she gave the order to fight, he hopped off her tower, floating down to the ground level, walking away from the chaos and to the Mankanshoku residence. He had seven days after all. Even if he'd been called back formally to work, he had a lot more time to continue hanging out with Ryuko and Mako. As they started the Jammer Emission, he started walking towards the Mankanshoku residence, since he'd said that he would meet them there. He simply blocked the weak attacks by the silly one-stars, even making it back in time to see the family drinking tea, even amidst all of the chaos. When Ryuko asked for the scooter, Victor decided that he'd take the chance to try and patch up her frustration with him.

"Mind if I tag along, Ryuko?" Victor asked, offering her a smile of slight surrender. "There's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"I suppose, Trelós," Ryuko said, clearly not very happy about it. She reverted back to using his last name. "But I'm driving."

Victor could have just used his powers to keep him on the scooter, but he wrapped his arms around her anyway. They started driving to wherever it was Ryuko wanted to go, in silence for awhile. He spoke up. "I'm sorry I went back to Satsuki. It's part of spying for Mikisugi," he shouted over the sound of the motor and the wind.

"It's fine. I understand," Ryuko replied, totally sarcastic.

"Why are you so angry? I'm still on your side!" Victor exclaimed, sighing.

"Are you going to fight me tomorrow?" Ryuko asked. "Or are you going to fight WITH me?"

"Neither! The Champion doesn't have to fight unless he chooses to! I'm not making an active move for either side!" Victor replied.

"Then you aren't really on my side, are you?" Ryuko asked, refusing to say anymore.

When they reached the ruined remains of her family home, she told him about her past, since he asked, briefly putting aside their feud. He listened carefully, taking in her story, her reason for fighting, and her wish for vengeance without interrupting. She wanted answers. She transformed and broke into the basement, but there was nothing. Then, they started home. The scooter ran out of gas, however, because the gauge was busted. So they started walking.

"You know that you're not alone, right, Matoi?" Victor asked, catching her attention. He gave her a warm smile. "You've got Senketsu, the Mankanshoku's, and me, too, you know? We're all here for you." Ryuko smiled, nodding.

"Yeah, I know that," she said, her anger with him momentarily forgotten.

"Great. Because I'm pretty sure that pink car is Gamagoori. Let's hitchhike," Victor said, waving at Ira. Ira sped by, leaving behind choking smoke, but he backed up afterwards.

"What's the matter? Did you break down?" Ira asked. He didn't seem hostile.

"You followed me out here?!" Ryuko exclaimed, always assuming the worst.

"Calm down. I have no intention of fighting you here," Ira said, predictably.

"Come again?" Ryuko asked.

"My fight with you will be on Sudden Death Runoff day," Ira said. Victor had expected as much.

"What do you want, then?" Ryuko asked.

"Get in," Ira said, eliciting a gasp from Ryuko. "I am IRa Gamagoori, Honnouji Academy Disciplinary Committee Chair. If we come across a Honnouji Academy student in trouble off of campus, it is the duty of committee members to assist them. That, and Victor is with you. He is my fellow council member."

"But we can't..." Ryuko started, before Victor cut her off.

"Come on, Ryuko. Gamagoori's big and frightening, but he's a big softie. Isn't that right, Ira?" Victor asked, sliding into the back seat. Ira took up most of the front, and besides... He'd rather sit next to Ryuko anyday. Especially after that joke. Ryuko reluctantly got in, and they started the drive back. Unfortunately for them, the ride didn't stay peaceful for long. A car started to pass Gamagoori, and, after a comment about the rules of the road, Victor noticed a glint of a gun. He put up a shield, frowning. "That looks like the new Automotive Airsoft Club, right, Ira?" he asked, holding off the airsoft shots.

"Yes. They're very likely after myself. You don't wear a uniform, Victor, and Maiko Ogure proved that no one but Matoi can wear her Kamui," Ira confirmed.

"So they're after Gamagoori's Three-Star Goku Uniform, then?" Ryuko inferred.

"And they brought the whole club, it looks like," Victor murmured.

"I told you we shouldn't have gotten in," Ryuko said, sighing. After a series of very predictable events, the car crashed into the highway wall. Gamagoori's airbag deployed and saved him, and Victor ended up sprawled in the backseat with Ryuko, shielding her from debris. She blinked up at him for a second, and, with a oddly crimson face, shoved him off of her. Victor winced and bashed his head on the door, his own face flushed, as well, as the high-beams of the cars filled his vision, nearly blinding him. Ryuko stood first. "Oh, you guys think you're hot stuff, huh?" she asked, ready to fight. However, Ira intervened.

"Matoi, stay out of this," Ira said, stepping in front of her, eliciting a 'What?!' from her, "this is my mistake, so I'll fix it." Victor stood beside Ryuko, rubbing the sore bump on his head with a slight glare at Ryuko. She didn't seem to notice. That, or she didn't react.

"We have you cornered, Gamagoori!" the president shouted. "Cry or shout all you want, you'll get no mercy from us!" Victor smirked, drawing a raised eyebrow from Ryuko.

"Gamagoori's fighting style is... odd, but effective," is all the blonde said in explanation.

"It'll take more than the likes of you to make me cry!" Gamagoori proclaimed in response, "and even if I did shed a tear, I would wipe it away myself! I would ask no one else to!"

"You're still going to talk big huh? Let him have it!" the president growled. A missile shot at Gamagoori, but his whip thwarted it.

"Three-Star Goku Uniform: Shackle Regalia!" Gamagoori announced, transforming. The club began firing, and Victor shielded them from the stray rounds.

"Man that thing is hard," Ryuko said, making Victor chuckle. That was asking for innuendo.

"It's not just hard," Ira said, as his uniform began to swell. He started groaning, and Victor laughed harder. "That's it! More! Punish me more!" he continued. "I've been a bad boy! Punish me! Every time you punish me, my heart is whipped!" Ryuko got more and more uncomfortable, but Victor kept laughing, finding it hilarious. "Yes! The more it's whipped, the stronger I become! Just like I was that day..." he trailed off into a memory. As he continued to monologue, his uniform kept absorbing attacks. The cars rammed him, for more powerful attacks. "Yes! That's more like it!" he exclaimed. "The more I'm punished, the more my hardness towers mighty and strong!" Victor managed to stem his laughter.

"I almost forgot how much of a pervert you are, Gamagoori!" Victor exclaimed, struggling to remain sober.

"Not pervert, convert," Ira corrected. "The instant I reach my climax," he started, expanding further, "the power that has been building up inside me will burst out..." his uniform shone, readying its power, "...all at once!" The club was devastated, and a serious Victor was shielding Ryuko mentally. "Three-Star Goku Uniform: Scourge Regalia!" Gamagoori revealed.

He wasn't going to be easy to beat tomorrow, that was for sure.

A week later at eight-thirty AM, Victor Trelós walked up the long staircase that had descended for him, taking his place at Lady Satsuki's side as the Life-Fiber Jammer Emission lowered. It was time for the Sudden Death Runoff Election, so he was expected to take his official position, until he chose to fight, if he did at all. Once he made it to the platform, Satsuki stepped out to announce the event. As she explained the rules of the battle. The ground began to shake, and the five pillars began erupting from the ground, each at varying heights. The Elite Four and Ryuko made it to the tops, as Victor expected. Then, Gamagoori made his move.

"Lady Satsuki! We, the Elite Four, hereby propose a new rule for the Sudden Death Runoff Election!" Ira proclaimed, drawing her attention. Victor quickly made up several possibilities as to what it might be.

"We each wish to be allowed to face Ryuko Matoi in single combat," Uzu revealed. Victor had thought as much. They were her enemies, after all.

"If we're going to fight her anyway, this grand stage is the place for it," Nonon added.

"I believe it to be a fitting way to cap off the climax to the Naturals Election," Inumuta agreed. Satsuki smirked.

"This should prove just as amusing, huh?" Satsuki asked. The ground shook and a stage appeared. The Naturals Election Polling Place. "This is a king of the hill final battle! Matoi! Battle the Elite Four and emerge victorious! Do so, and I shall tell you the details of your father's death."

"Say what?!" Ryuko growled.

"Matoi! This is where I will face you in battle!" Gamagoori announced, leaping the distance to the stage. "I am Lady Satsuki's impenetrable shield! And this is where I am going to crush you!"

"I accept!" Ryuko replied, transforming with her Seki Tekko. She leapt to face Gamagoori.

"What's this?" Nonon asked, "you talk like you're going to be the first to fight."

"I'll be the first to fight Matoi," Uzu argued.

"Fine by me!" Ryuko exclaimed boldly. "I'll take you all on!"

"You really are a fool," Inumuta interjected.

"Say what?!" Ryuko growled.

"We said one-on-one, didn't we?" he continued. "Each of us wants to defeat your Kamui with his own power."

"Who will fight has already been decided," Satsuki interrupted, stealing their attention. "Haven't you Elite Four noticed that the pillars you stand on are of different heights? The more students you have defeated, the higher your pillar. Gamagoori defeated the fewest, so he is first. Then Inumuta will fight, followed by Jakuzure, and Sanageyama." The Elite Four had their own little mutterings, before Victor decided to add a plan of his own.

"Lady Satsuki," Victor spoke loudly, to gain everyone's attention. "I don't very much like to be left out of the fun, so I'd like to propose another rule, myself," he added.

"Go on," Satsuki said, nodding.

"I would like to be able to randomly decide to fight Matoi, jumping in line, so to speak. After a fight is over, I would like to have the choice to fight her next, at any time I so wish. The wild card," Victor said, smirking.

"Interesting..." Satsuki said, while the Four glared at him, with Ryuko. She was still angry with him, and that made his loyalties seem questionable, as well. "I accept." Then, after some dialogue, they decided to wait until one PM. Victor went to go meet Ryuko and Mako for lunch, still trying to smooth things out. He could explain his actions then.

He sat with them, trying to explain himself. "I don't plan on fighting you at all, actually," Victor said, shaking his head at Ryuko's enraged expression.

"Yeah right, traitor! Then why make that rule?!" she growled.

"To give you a chance to rest if you get really worn out! It'll just be a time for you to sit down and do nothing!" Victor explained.

"That seems like cheating. Why would you do that?" she asked.

"Because I'm on your side!" Victor exclaimed. Aikuro walked up to them shortly afterwards. He exchanged words with Mako and froze her, then explained the situation to Ryuko. Victor hardly listened. He just got even more frustrated because of her stubbornness.

"Or maybe we will fight, Matoi," Victor growled, interrupting them. "The choice is yours. Ignore the people trying to protect you, or take their advice and help. I'll note your decision when the time comes," he snapped, storming away from her. He had to go get something from his briefcase before the fight, anyway. It was time for him to get serious.

At one, Victor stood with Satsuki, his gaze level, and radiating with quiet anger at the stubborn girl who didn't ever seem to care that he cared about her. He barely paid attention to the fight, though watching Ryuko get smacked around made him wince internally. He watched her struggle, because of Ira's vast strength and resolve, but eventually he got cocky, and he tried to crush her inside of his Shackle Regalia's cloth. However, she had reached his weakness. She managed to transform into her new form, Senketsu Senjin, a bladed version of Senketsu. Then, she absorbed his life fibers. Satsuki stopped him from killing himself. Next came Inumuta.

Inumuta's battle was slightly different, of course. While Gamagoori had focused on defense and counter-offense, Houka's fighting style was based on stealth and speed. He dodged with his prediction algorithm, while using his optical camouflage to confuse her. He struck whilst invisible, though Victor's eyes followed the style of his spirit. Ryuko managed to strike him by striking everywhere at once, swelling Senketsu's eye. After that, Inumuta forfeit, to retain the data he'd gathered. It was rather predictable of him. All in all, the battle wasn't overly exhausting for Ryuko. Jakuzure was to take the stage next.

Jakuzure marched onto the stage with her band, a true Drum Major. Her style was also different from the other two's. She used sound to strike her enemies, with her huge boombox suit, pretty much. It was a very powerful offense, which also doubled up as defense by blowing Ryuko away. When it took to the skies, Nonon seemed to be completely dominating the battle. However, Ryuko did counterattack a few times, like when she forced Nonon to the ground. The ground shattered under a blast of music, though, and her grip was lost. It looked like she would lose due to the fact that she was falling. This battle was taking a lot out of her. The relentless blasts began destroying the stands. Victor's eyes widened when he saw Ryuko's trump card, though. Senketsu had evolved into a flying mode! Senketsu Shippu! It was evolving quickly. Too quickly, in fact. Interesting. He was now watching a sky battle. Nonon's frantic attacks weren't graceful at all. Jakuzure was losing her calm. Ryuko made the mistake of trying to attack Satsuki, but was rammed by Nonon. Ryuko threw one of Nonon's missiles back to her, blowing up her uniform. Nonon was grounded. Ryuko used her finishing move, but she didn't actually absorb Nonon's Fibers. The crowd began calling for an encore. Nonon was a performer, after all. Her uniform transformed again. Jakuzure's last song punished Ryuko by cutting off her connection to Senketsu. Ryuko was in a tight spot. Surprisingly, Ryuko focused her energy, bringing it to a clear, resounding tone that blocked the music. She was taking the power of the sound to match her own, strengthening her connection to Senketsu. Then, Nonon got a taste of her own medicine, her music sent back full force with Senketsu Mubyoshi. Jakuzure tried to fight back, but Ryuko's tone and ki burst forth, overtaking her. Then, Ryuko finished it with her signature: Sen-i-Soshitsu.

Victor supposed that he ought to make his move. Even though Uzu was next in line, Victor exploited his rule.

"So it's finally my turn, eh?" Sanageyama Uzu asked. Victor cleared his throat.

"Not quite," Victor called, laughing. "I think now's as good a time as any. I announce the Special Round! Victor Trelós is taking the stage!" he said. Satsuki smirked in amusement and the stairs lowered from her platform. Victor walked down them slowly, gazing at Ryuko. Uzu growled, angry that he'd been forced to wait longer. Victor reached the stage, standing opposite of Ryuko.

"Are we going to fight, Victor?" Ryuko asked, grip tightening on her scissor blade.

"That depends on you. If you transform, it will signal to me that you wish to fight. If not, I will allow you as much time as you desire to rest," Victor said, coldly. She had pushed his last nerve, so no matter how much he cared for her, he was angry.

"Special Round, begin!" Satsuki announced. Ryuko leveled a stare at him for a bit, then grit her teeth.

"Do you really I'm that much of a coward?" she asked, pulling the pin to transform. She rushed him, slashing down viciously, only to meet his shield. It was layered, due to the fact that a single shield would break under her new power. It slowed her attack down long enough for him to evade it.

"As you wish. Let me tell you a story, then, Ryuko-chan," Victor said bitterly. "I believe I told you that I joined Satsuki to take vengeance for my family, correct?"

"So what?! I'm doing the same thing, but I'm fighting with my own power!" she growled, striking again, only to miss.

"The one who killed my parents," Victor started coldly, "was myself," he finished, putting up his hand, fingers pressed together. He snapped, releasing his first real attack in ages. The force of it was astounding. The blast was barely avoided by Ryuko, but it carved a trench through the platform, rushing out into the air, cutting a hole through some of the remaining spectator area. The blast had nearly been invisible. Victor used his mind, his will, his ki, per say, to unleash unimaginable attacks.

"What?!" Ryuko exclaimed, eyes wider than he'd ever seen them. Victor revealed a side of him that he kept locked tight most of the time. His own eyes widened, and tears streamed from them. His heart pounded, the adrenaline and thirst pumping through his veins. He began to laugh, a horribly unhinged sound. He laughed madly, as his tears fell. A conflict of persona's. His sweet, loving, and remorseful side was battling the side that was twisted after the incident, after the trauma.

"That's right!" Victor said, cheerful, almost. He let out another blast by snapping his fingers, that Ryuko dodged. She lunged to attack him, but he deflected it with his shield. "It was all my fault! This power that you bear witness to sprung forth with beautiful power and smote the entire area! The city and all of its inhabitants! My parents were killed, my friends were killed, my neighbors were killed. The only survivors were those shielded by young Satsuki Kiryuin!" he continued, attacking with blast after blast. One hit some of her hair, some of the strands blasting away into oblivion. "I asked her to kill me! To give them peace, but instead, she offered me a chance to atone by facing a fate worse than death! By pledging myself to her! And I accepted!" he continued, giggling as the tears poured from his eyes.

"What about your promise to me, then?!" Ryuko questioned charging again. That got his attention for a bit.

"That..." he hesitated, dodging her blade. She twisted and her fist broke through his shield, slamming into his cheekbone. He staggered back, stunned.

"Was that some sort of lie?! Do you expect me to accept all of your self-pitying garbage?! Do you really think that I'll hate you just because of something that wasn't your fault?!" she demanded, relentlessly striking him. He couldn't believe it. The madness ebbed. The thirst for battle waned. "Aren't we friends?!" she roared, kicking him back. He looked at her in astoundment and wiped away his tears, sobering up from his minute of madness.

"Of course we are," Victor said, shaking his head to push the voice of insanity away.

"If this is your worst, than maybe you don't deserve to be 'Champion,'" Ryuko taunted, still angry with him for his selfish display. She had reaffirmed that their relationship wasn't over, though. He smiled and laughed.

"I never said it was my strongest..." Victor started, shaking his head. "But I suppose I ought to pull out the stops for you, Ryuko. I guess it's time for me to get dressed."

Those words caught the attention of everyone. Victor didn't wear a Goku Uniform. Surely he didn't mean...

"What?!" Ryuko exclaimed, for what must have been the millionth time that day. Satsuki's eyes widened, showing that even she was surprised. Uzu looked astounded, as well. He'd hidden its presence quite thoroughly. Victor took a hold of his normal uniform and tore at it, ripping it off to reveal the golden sailor uniform beneath it, shining brilliantly. Victor laughed again, though not crazily. Victor used his mind to pierce his skin in select areas to connect them to the uniform, starting the process.

"LIFE FIBER SUBJUGATION! KAMUI KYUKETSU!"

Victor's words rang out as the outfit twisted into its true form. The gloves of the outfit took on claw-like characteristics, sharpening at the ends. Their length merged with the sleeves, skin tight up to where they connected with the shoulders, which were also tight, golden cloth, black trim lining it. The collar of the suit spiked out into a collar that seemed designed for an animal, in a very BDSM style appearance. Two of the large spikes had the eyes of the living clothing on it. The uniform's cloth went down his upper chest, but left his abdominal area exposed the entire way around. A gilded chain attached the collar and upper part of the outfit to the bottom, which was a tight material as well, outlining muscle and... well, his erogenous organ. The fabric went down all the way to his ankles, where they connected to clawed boots that weren't bulky, but looked tight and well-fitted. His Kamui was made for speed, obviously.

The shock of the crowd, Ryuko, and the Council was palpable. Ryuko barely managed another "What?!" before he pounced. He heard the voice of Kyuketsu, his new partner.

"So I am fed once again, Trelós boy. Do you desire my power?" it asked, from his heart. He was melding with it, leaving his embarrassment behind. He knew that it would hold him back. He remembered Ryuko's struggles and had learned from them. He slashed at Ryuko with his razor sharp claws, meeting her blade, his smirking face right before her astounded one.

"But how?" she asked, still stunned.

"To put a spin on my Lady's quote... Ask not a kitten how the lion roars!" Victor said, attacking again, at a speed hard to contend with. Even Uzu hadn't been so quick. Ryuko began to counterattack, however. She slashed with her blade, though Victor blocked with his clawed hands, unharmed. "Kyuketsu. I wish to befriend and join forces with you."

"Another Kamui?!" a different voice sounded. He recognized it from a whisper.

"So I finally hear you... Senketsu," Victor said, smile widening. He blocked another slash from Ryuko, and another. Then, he revealed Kyuketsu's power. "This Kamui's name is 'sucking blood,'" he said, laughing. "It was named not only because of it's thirst, but for its ability." The claws erupted in golden flame, fueled by the absorbed energy of Ryuko's attacks. "It absorbs power and makes it its own!" he said, slashing the air. The fire rushed at her in an arc, as if he had cleaved down swords of flame.

"Why didn't you tell me you had a Kamui?!" Ryuko shouted, deflecting the fire with her scissor.

"It's my family legacy! It was my only memory of them. A secret," Victor said, shrugging and stepping forward slowly. Ryuko began moving to face him.

And then Hell itself arrived. A blonde woman dressed in pink floated down with her parasol, standing before them. Victor blinked. At the outrage of another entrant forced Uzu to jump into the fray, in his Blade Regalia.

"Victor! Sangeyama! Get back!" Satsuki shouted, totally losing her composure. Victor and Ryuko returned their Kamui's to their normal appearances, frowning. "Why have you come here, Nui Harime?" Satsuki asked. The woman leaned on letters of her own name, seeming to control some measure of reality. She reached out and touched Satsuki's face, without her moving from her spot.

"This isn't fair Lady Satsuki, doing something this fun without telling me!" the one named Nui complained.

"I'm not obligated to tell you anything," Satsuki replied coldly. The two continued their dialogue, as Victor became more and more cautious. She was dangerous. Uzu tried to deal with her, and she blocked his first attack. She had no uniform either, and she was simply using her umbrella. She severed his Uniform's Banshi with her nail before his second attack and knocked him away.

"Whatever, let's just get to it," Ryuko said, snapping him into attention. The board changed. Three-Way Battle! To make matters worse, while taunting Ryuko, she pulled out a purple half of a scissor blade. She explained that she killed Ryuko's father, as well. Ryuko immediately transformed in anger.

"BITCH!" she screamed. Victor widened his eyes and transformed as well, attacking with her. They had a better chance together. He attacked as well, but she blocked every one of their strikes. He wasn't even listening to the words. He was analyzing their opponent. She severed one of Senketsu's Banshi's, but he stayed together. Kamui's often had many Banshi's, too. Kyuketsu quivered at the sight and voice of the woman. As they battled her, he noticed Ryuko getting angrier and angrier. At this rate...

"Ryuko!" he yelled, trying to stop her. However, he was too late. Senketsu mangled her against his will and made her into a human Kamui monster. She shattered the stage with one blow and began rampaging. She'd die at this rate! He tried to calm her. "RYUKO!" he called again and again, to no avail, trying to hold her off. Lady Satsuki started head towards them to forcibly stop her. Mako was making her way to them, as well. As Ryuko bled and bled, she twisted further, and Tsumugu appeared to try and halt her as well, barely evading Nui. Ryuko spotted something, too. Tsumugu destroyed buildings to halt her, as Satsuki made her entrance. She tried to get her to stop, as well, but then decided to kill her. Victor got in her way, fighting both of their sides. The clash of powers was destructive, and Victor was taking a beating, due to his disadvantage in numbers. Mako intervened, barely managing to make it to her, past Satsuki and Victor. Satsuki stopped Nui from killing Mako, as she talked her out of fighting. Victor approached her too, but as he passed Nui, she made her move. A purple blade sprouted from his abdomen, right as Ryuko changed back. He fell to his knees, eyes wide. Ryuko only saw out of the corner of her eye, and then noticed, even as Nui pulled her blade from him. Ryuko rushed over to him as he fell to his back, blood seeping from the wound as Nui disappeared from their sight.

"Victor!" she exclaimed, kneeling beside him as his vision blurred.

"I'm glad you're alright," he said, his insides burning. "I don't know what I would have done." She knelt there in silence, even as she felt herself begin to lose consciousness. He decided that if he might die anyway... He reached up and grabbed Senketsu, pulling her down. He pressed his lips gently to hers, expressing his true feelings for Ryuko in one intimate, heartfelt kiss. He pulled away after a second, managing to get one more sentence out. "I'm... always... on your side," he whispered, before coughing, blood seeping up his throat. A drop hit her cheek as he collapsed totally.

Blackness enveloped Victor's world.

So that's it for chapter three! Victor Trelós is back, everyone! I'm sorry for making you wait for so long, which is why I made sure to add a lot more into this chapter than the other ones! I know I started with a chapter on each Sunday, but it's gotten harder to stay on schedule! I got one out in June, though! I'll do my best to get chapter four to you quickly, okay?

Drax out!