Sigma/Star

Chapter 108: Do You?

"Very good," Shotuku praised Riya as the young girl stepped away from Sigma, her bout against the android complete. Her brow was covered in sweat, thick strands of raven hair clinging to her skin, absorbing the moisture to create bunches. She moved away from Sigma, bowing in respect before grabbing a towel and a cup of tea from Rick.

Porter narrowed his eyes as he watched the pair, permanently suspicious of anything Rick did. "Where did you even get those things on a tropical island?"

Rick looked up from his own cup of tea, staring at Porter over the brim of his drink. "One should always be prepared wherever they go."

"So you're saying you packed up towels and a complete tea set specifically for your trip down to Earth where you didn't know you would never be returning?" Porter's attempt at an accusation came out as nothing more than selfish jealousy, and he received a collective glare from Shotuku, Riya, and Sigma, leaving Rick to simply sip at his beverage.

"Yes." The response bashed Porter over the head, ending his assault on Rick's intentions. It seemed like for every step Porter took towards Riya, he took two steps backwards at the same time, and then tripped over himself trying to move forward again. Were things getting better or worse between them?

"Regardless of baggage we brought with us," Shotuku said, trying to exert his dominance and refocus the group, "we have training to accomplish, and Riya's form looked quite impeccable during that last match-up."

"Well thank you, sir." Riya blushed, a cute red filling her cheeks. Porter had to avert his eyes, switching his view down to his own feet, as he was unable to watch Riya any further without blushing himself. She was just so pretty, so adorable in every tiny detail, that he knew he would lose his focus and swoon if he kept looking at her. "But I don't think I was that good. I'm not very strong after all."

"Nonsense, my dear." Shotuku continued to fawn over the attractive young woman, praising her endlessly and showing her different movements. He would grab her arms, adjusting them into different positions to explain "flow," and all the while Porter seethed. "It is not about strength, but about prediction. Your goal is not to beat your opponent through physical power, but through mental fortitude. You, I believe, have the greatest potential."

"I thought I had the greatest potential," Porter whined, recalling private training sessions with the elder. An angry glare shot down Porter instantly, and he slumped forwards on the log, his eyes roaming around out of boredom. Ardwen and Raul were off elsewhere, along with Nami, and Doctor Roth was near the shuttle on the beach, surrounded by different computers and mechanisms. Even Alpha had disappeared, normally so attentive to Sigma and Roth, she had wandered away under predetermined commands to ensure the survival of all humans on the island. She was probably gathering food or more firewood for the night.

"Now then Porter," Shotuku grumbled, his posture suddenly deflating at the very thought of having to work with the seemingly hopeless teen, "it is your turn once more. This time, try not to go with any flashy light shows."

Porter stuck out his tongue as a response, standing up and stretching a bit as he approached Sigma. His brother barely moved, only endlessly watching Porter with his robotic eyes, the irises shifting and twisting as they adjusted and focused. "I'll get it this time."

"No you won't." Sigma spoke in such a bland manner, his tone completely flat and devoid of emotion. Porter could never tell if the android was messing with him, or seriously couldn't understand the situation. It was strange dealing with a cyborg whose mind was partially mechanical.

"Well, I guess I will just have to prove to both my teacher and my older brother, that I can get this." Porter threw his tongue out at each of them in turn before taking up a fighting stance. He was immediately hit with a punch in his gut, sending him reeling back while doubling over. "W-what...what was that," he wheezed.