AirHead/Pagkagising
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Airhead's combat simulation
This story describes Airhead's journey through the Mission Architect Arc called Pagkagising ng Kululuwa. It is a great Arc, written by Bayani. Please take the time to play it yourself before reading this. Text in bold is quoted from in-mission dialogue.
Airhead wandered wide-eyed into the Architect Entertainment Center. It never ceased to amaze him how they fit so many adventures into this one building. No wonder the roof is so high! On the way in, Airhead recognized his friend, Brown-Haired-Guy, the Architect Entertainment Greeter, and waved gleefully at him. Today was extra-special already!
The coming adventure was advertised on a poster that Airhead had seen outside the building. Airhead had stared at that incredible poster for hours, in awe of every little detail. One fellow wore a hat just like Airhead's foster-father. The words meant nothing in particular, but Airhead was a natural at keeping an open mind. Although it took him several attempts to type ‘Pagkagising’ into the console, nothing could keep him away from all those big, brightly-colored martial artists.
The contact for today's adventure would be Red Moran. Red was once an instructor for a martial arts academy in the Philippines, and he had a ticket for Airhead!
"Sure, it couldn't hurt to give it a go", our hero blurted.
Red almost smiled at Airhead's youthful eagerness, but held him back for a moment to relate some of the history of his academy, called the Limang Paaralan. The title of that poster outside referred to a test used at the academy, and Airhead was going to give this test a try! Airhead would fight four instructors and their students. Duplicating the events faced by an earlier challenger, two of these instructors would seek to stage a coup. One of these ‘splinter’ instructors would be first. Something in the back of Airhead's mind suggested this ‘Rikti War scenario’ took place some time ago, but with a Rikti Invasion Weekend going on outside, and Airhead's lack of critical thinking, the whole situation felt very real.
The adventure began with Airhead "becoming the storm". He would be an 'Airstorm'! Airhead drifted (moonwalked) menacingly through the corridors, which were surprisingly empty. He soon came upon a crate, that took a little effort to open. While he was doing this, he was interrupted by a Baguhan wielding an escrima.
Airhead was surprised, more than hurt, by the first blow. The Baguhan looked quizzically at her weapon, and slapped it into her other hand. It didn’t seem to hurt her much either. She hit himself harder, and then in the head, but something definitely wasn’t working. She shrugged, and headed off to try fire-hardening her rattan stick again. She’d barely gotten around the corner when Airhead heard the thud and cry that indicated she’d knocked herself out.
The next encounter was with two warriors called Sundalo ng Bato and Sundalo ng Tubig, of the Stone and Water clans respectively. The Sundalo ng Bato waved his arms, and the ground rose to encase Airhead's legs. It was definitely a little annoying, and Airhead rolled his eyes. The two Sundalo looked sheepish, and, bowing a quick apology, headed off to find something else to do.
Airhead ('Airstorm!') emptied the crate, and two more, finding sufficient parts to build something. The unusual alloy did not immediately suggest what it should be to our hero.
In any case, six warriors appeared to take offence at Airhead's curiosity, and rushed to stop him. "Get away from those!", cried Sundalo ng Asero, of the Metal clan. Airhead felt that was a good idea, and promised to steer clear of the unwieldy, and now empty, wooden boxes. The ambush thanked Airhead for his compliance and departed with a quick bow.
A few more Sundalo and Baguhan stopped to provide helpful directions, and Airhead was soon on his way upstairs. A whiteboard caught his eye, depicting the assembly of a mace. While another hero may have determined that the pieces resembled the parts from the crates, Airhead was more interested in a sound he thought he heard, and hurried along to see who it might be.
The sound seemed to come from a Kapitan Remalante. “Kulog! You’re behind schedule! Dahon wants the shipment now.” It sounded like a real life bladesmith, perhaps he was making a blade. Yet he didn’t seem as thrilled to see Airhead.
“Hey! You’re not supposed to be here!”, cried Remalante.
“I’m not?”, asked Airhead.
“Walang hiya ka!” He sounded almost angry.
“Hiya too”, returned Airhead, holding out a hand.
Remalante glowered. “You will pay for this insult...”
“Okay. But hasn’t anyone taught you to say please?”
“No, I will not fail Guro Dahon!” Remalante hurried off through a concealed door, leaving it open. If only he’d said ‘please’, he wouldn’t be in this much trouble with his teacher. Airhead nodded to the Baguhan standing around. This was a lesson they all could learn.
One more escalator to go, and Airhead met Reynaldo Locsin, also known as Guro Kulog, a warrior of Olympic-boxer proportions. His clothing seemed slightly worn. Perhaps Reynaldo really liked that outfit, thought Airhead, overlooking the possibility that he might have financial difficulties. Reynaldo spoke in a thunderous voice. “Pack up the rest of the crates and get ready for the Pagkagising.”
Airhead oohed at the size of the crates. “Hey, could I fit in one of them?”
It was a strange request. Reynaldo sized up the crate. Did Airhead think it was a coffin? “Ah, you’ve arrived early for your funeral, challenger.”
A young Baguhan broke out into fits of laughter. Crate – Coffin – he got it! He gave the Guro a congratulatory slap on the back. With Airhead nearby, Reynaldo barely felt it. “You’ll have to hit me harder than that, fool.”, said the Guro. “NAKAMPUTA!”
The Baguhan and Airhead looked quizzically at each other. Guro Kulog rolled his eyes. Did nobody speak Tagalog around here? Not even the Baguhan? “Shameful...”
Nobody thought to ask for a translation, and nobody translated, so Airhead bid his farewells and headed back down to Remalante’s concealed exit. There, in a hallway, he met his contact, Red Moran. Red marvelled at the pieces of Arachnos War Mace in Airhead’s hands. Apparently this was evidence of shady activities within Guro Dahon’s organization! It wasn’t entirely clear to Airhead what he’d done, but he’d done it good!
It was time for the second mission. Airhead hyperventilated briefly to catch his breath, then let Red know, ”I am ready!”. Red failed to hold Airhead back with one holographic hand, then reappeared in front of him to remind him of some important details about the task ahead. Kapitan Remalante’s teacher, Guro Dahon, had captured Guro Niyebe, and was now after Guro Magsasaka. Airhead was to defeat Dahon, rescue Niyebe and deal with Dahon’s nefarious business partners.
It was a a lot to remember, but Airhead trusted that the bad guys would be bad, the good guys would be good, and things would sort themselves out. Even that was forgotten as soon as Red announced this mission would be named, ‘Rush of the Wind’. Airhead would now be called... ‘Airwind’! ‘Airwind’ leapt into action, bouncing like a tornado, singing like the breeze, a breeze that sounded a lot like ‘Kung Fu Fighting’.
Very soon after re-entering the run-down office building hosting the Pagkagising, he encountered a Sundalo ng Hangin, of the Wind clan, standing in a doorway. The Sundalo’s red lightning assault was painful, but very pretty too, and Airhead asked him how it was done. The Sundalo shrugged broadly, short-circuited on the metal door frame, and lay down for a while to catch his breath.
A voice came through the paper-thin walls. “It appears that we have to accelerate our plans, but no matter. After we eliminate Niyebe and Magsasaka, Moran will be outnumbered and the Limang Paaralan will be mine for the taking...” It must be Guro Dahon! Airhead ran around, trying to find a path to the Guro. Suddenly, there he was, with two shiny, big pistols!
“What the...how did you get in here?! Damn it. Kulog!”, shouted Guro Dahon.
“Hi, I’m Airhead, but you can call me Kulog if you want. I like your pistols!”
“I hope you like armor piercing rounds!”, added Dahon. She really was proud of her sidearms.
“May I try one?”, asked Airhead. Dahon beamed proudly, and passed one of the pistols to Airhead. Airhead waved it around, making ptchoo, ptchoo noises, before trying to spin it on his finger. But the pistol flew through the air and landed heavily, the bullets falling out of the revolving chamber.
“You're ruining everything!”, fretted Dahon.
“I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.” Dahon picked up the pistol, and tried firing it into the air. But the firing pin had turned rubbery, and nothing happened. Her favorite pistol! Pouting, fuming, and a little teary-eyed, Dahon stormed off.
“I will have my revenge!”
Airhead felt bad about what had happened. If something like this happened back at the orphanage, he’d be sent up to his room. This wasn’t the orphanage, but Airhead found solace in heading up the escalators. He was in no mood for the Baguhan and Sudalo along the way that wanted to play. Airhead began to drag everyone down.
But there, on the top floor, he found the beautiful Guro Niyebe, doing some kind of spectacular electrical dance. “This Stasis Field that our client provided for containing the Guros works like a charm”, admired one Baguhan.
“Even if I die here, Moran and Magsasaka will have your hides when they discover what you've done.”, retorted Guro Niyebe.
Hide? Hide and Seek? So awesome! Two Arachnos patrols also joined the party.
“Are you doing anything after this?”, asked the Crab Spider Slicer and a Mu Striker.
“Maybe. There are a few seedy clubs in Malate I've heard good things about”, said the Fire Tarantula and the other Mu Striker.
Airhead dashed into the room. “Can I join in? Please? Please?”
“No! Niyebe must not be freed!”, cried the Baguhan.
“What? How did you get here?”, asked Niyebe.
“I, uh, I used the elevator. Can I play hide and seek too?”
The four Arachnos, the Baguhan, and one speechless Sudalo looked at each other, and at Guro Niyebe. Then they all ran off to hide, leaving Niyebe and Airhead to count to ten.
Niyebe rubbed her elbows as she got up off the floor. Electric break dancing must be pretty difficult. “The force field they used has left me weak. I will need your assistance in escaping this place.” So! Airhead was designated "it" for this game. Sure, he could help Guro Niyebe hide, but then he’d have to try to forget where she hid! A moment’s thought – yes, he could do that. In fact, it seemed kind of natural. They headed back downstairs together.
A couple of Crab Spider Slicers intercepted them as they searched for a good closet. “Chapman says the meeting's been compromised. We've been instructed to eliminate all targets”, said one Crab Spider.
“No bigs”, said his colleague. “These chumps are just a bunch of backwater stick-wavers. This ain't Return of the Jedi.” Airhead agreed with them. This was Hide and Seek. Maybe they could be stick-waving Jedi at the club in Malate later on. The Crab Spider Slicers nodded, and ran off to find a good hiding place. Airhead and Niyebe continued down to the first floor.
“Where is Dahon?”, asked Fortunata Chapman. "Tardiness for this exchange is inexcusable. All squads report in as soon as you find out what exactly is going on here.”
“Don’t worry about Dahon. I’m going to start counting soon!”, explained Airhead.
“You! I recognize you from my visions! Agents: Eliminate them immediately!”
“You saw me? But I thought I was ‘it’?”
Fortunata Chapman looked confused. What game was Airhead playing at? “Your parlor tricks are no match for my psychic abilities!” he countered.
“If you’re so good at hiding, then hurry up”, warned Airhead. “If you’re still here when I open my eyes, then you lose!”
Fortunata Chapman suddenly realized what the game was. It wasn’t a game she was particularly good at. It didn’t help to be wearing a bright red jumpsuit. “I need backup here!”
“Sorry, I can’t help you, I’m helping Niyebe. You’ll have to hide yourself.”
“No! This cannot be!” Chapman ran off fast to find a closet of her own. “You haven't heard the last of Arachnos!”
Airhead finally found a big door, marked Exit, where Niyebe could hide. After ensuring that the coast was clear, Guro Niyebe thanked Airhead briefly, and handed him a security card that unlocks the building's main elevators. “Salamat. Here...I lifted this security card from one of the fallen students.”
And then Red Moran the hologram appeared. Time was up! Airhead hadn’t found anyone! Nonetheless, Red was impressed. Apparently the Arachnos were expected to win, but then they must have realised they were no match for Airhead. Airhead gave a huge, self-satisfied smile. He really was pretty good at this game.
Airhead braced himself for the last stage of his adventure. He had already prevented a coup; all that remained was the glory of completing the Pagkagising trial. Guro Dahon’s revenge remained a possible threat, but Airhead was hopeful that Dahon’s pistol might be working fine again, and all would be forgiven.
Red Moran called this last stage, “Crimson Fist, Burning Blood”. It sounded... painful. “Just bring it,” said Airhead. But don’t call it... that.
Trekking once more through the halls of the run-down offices, humming to the Karate Kid musak, Airhead passed more Sundalo ng Asero, the mace-shipping metal guys working for Guro Dahon. ”Do you think the challenger could defeat Magsasaka?”, said one. “I doubt it”, came the reply. Airhead took a moment to book a bet between them, holding their longbows in escrow.
It didn’t take long for Guro Dahon to show up. Airhead heard her around the corner – “I will redeem myself in the eyes of Arachnos... starting with destroying the challenger for his meddling.” So Dahon was competing too. A three-way bet?
“Hi Dahon, I really am sorry about your pistol. But my Sundalo friends here are betting against you in the battle with the challenger and Magsasaka. Do you want to make a bet too?”
Guro Dahon glared at the startled Sundalo. ”I will kill you for your transgressions.”
Oh oh. Airhead had screwed up again. First the pistol; now he’d said the wrong thing. “Sorry, Dahon, I didn’t mean to say you’re going to lose.”
“This fight is far from over!”, retorted Dahon, brandishing her pistols.
Airhead rushed forward to apologize. Dahon instinctively fired her pistols. Both bullets went straight through Airhead. Tearing through his skin, but pushing his springy organs and bones safely aside, the bullets exited cleanly. Airhead was a little upset, and gingerly poked a finger at the bullet hole in his chest. It was even more of a shock for Dahon. “I don't believe this! How have you gotten stronger and faster after all the previous battles?!”
Airhead tried to recall any recent battles. Nothing came to mind. “Do you mean my gambling friends?”
Guro Dahon turned to the Sundalo. His face was full of regret. “Arachnos will kill me if I don't end you! Die already!”
The two Sundalo nodded sadly, and took each other out in a hail of arrows. Airhead really had screwed up. He decided that ‘sorry’ probably wasn’t going to cut it, and crept sadly off to the elevators.
On the top floor, Airhead approached Guro Magsasaka. “Hush. I sense the challenger approaching”, growled Magsasaka. So Airhead was the challenger! This ephiphany was tempered by the realisation that the Sundalo betting on Airhead to win was now dead.
“Welcome to your final test, challenger”, said Magsasaka. “Do you have enough left in the tank to defeat me?”
Airhead suddenly bawled. “I don’t think there’s any point. The guy who was betting on me is now dead.”
Magsasaka put a comforting, and very large, arm around Airhead’s shoulder. “A blow like that will not break my armor.” It was a strange turn of phrase, but strong, and oddly comforting. Airhead couldn’t see Magsasaka’s eyes filling with tears under his straw hat.
“What should I do? Red Moran said I have to defeat you. I don’t think I can. I’ve screwed up so many times today.”
Magsasaka thought for a moment. “Ah, I see your strategy now...” He lay face down on the floor, holding his hands out behind him, signalling to Airhead to grab on. “Hold....*cough* I yield."
Airhead was over the moon. He tried to help the enormous Magsasaka to his feet, and thanked him profusely for helping him finish his task. Guro Magsasaka was thrilled to see Airhead cheered up. Even Red Moran was very pleased, if a little surprised to see Magsasaka and Airhead sharing a joke as they came out of the building together. It had been quite a trial, but Airhead had completed the Pagkagising. And best of all, he’d made some very special friends.
