Name: Alexi Yevgeny Bulgakov
Nickname(s): "Major" by several people in the 216th, Stone Hammer
Gender: Male
Age: 66
Birthday: November 4
Homeworld: Earth
Occupation/Rank: Commander of the 216th Special Combat Unit/ Major
Unit(s): 1st Expeditionary Strike Team (former), 36th Investigative Unit/216th Special Combat Unit- "Cross 0"
Mage Rank: S+ (AA with limiters)
Magic Type: Ustio
Mage Circle Color: Olive Green
Favored Element: None, although he has a lot of element-based spells.
Height: 5'9
Weight: 165 pounds
Hair: Graying brown-black hair put into a flattop.
Eye Color: Steel Gray
Build: For his age, he's extremely better off than the average person.
Device: Dual Device- "Potemkin/Odessa"
Voiced by: Utsumi Kenji
Background:
Bulgakov was born in Yeleninskoye, Russia on MC 0008. His father, Gregori Bulgakov, was a Red Army sergeant that fought in Stalingrad and worked with the village's most famous inhabitant, Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev. His mother, Yelena Bulgakov, worked in the tank yards of the Ural Mountains. Alexi's childhood life was normal, and he learned how to survive in the wilderness by his father, who took him hunting when he was 6. He learned how to shoot a rifle, and how to fight in close combat, things that would help him later, when he was 10. When he and his father went out hunting, a fierce storm came, and Alexi had lost sight of his father. Alone, cold, and without a sense of direction, Alexi eventually wandered into a cave, where something else resided. A shadow copy of someone was also in that cave, and was starting to attack Alexi. It was nearly a one-sided fight, but Alexi then got something attached to his fists: the Dual Device that would become his for years to come, Potemkin. By sheer force and luck, Alexi managed to beat the shadow copy of someone, and Potemkin spoke to him, saying that it was unlocked. At first, Alexi was pretty freaked out that something was talking to him, but he managed to calm himself down, and ask what Potemkin was. After finding out about Potemkin, he stayed in that cave, until the storm blew over. When he went back to the village after that, it was found out that his father had died trying to search for the boy, frozen to death. Other villagers found his body just 3 hours before Alexi came back. This hurt him deeply, to think that his father died looking for him. That wasn't all, though, as his mother contracted pneumonia and died three weeks later. Alone again, he ran away and was caught in another storm. He fell unconscious, and surely would have died if not for a mage from Mid-Childa and an Ustio user: Niva Destrill. On a reconaissance trip, she found the boy near-dying, got him into an abandoned house, and nursed him back to health. She knew that it was a mission that was secret and that she can't be seen by the prople living there, but she felt pity for the boy, and also saw his Device. When Alexi woke up, he was scared out of his mind that someone who had probably saved him was now holding a sword, with the blade near his throat. She told Alexi what was happening and gave him two choices: either follow her to finish this mission and back to Mid-Childa, or die by her blade. Reluctantly, he agreed to follow her, and so he was forced to be with someone that can kill him, although he didn't have any plan if he refused her choice. This day, though, turned out to be anything but a normal recon mission. Unbeknownst to both of them, the mission Niva got was leaked, and several rogue mages were planning an ambush to take her down. The ambush went as planned, and Niva surely would have been killed...if not for Alexi himself. Alexi showed his magical ability in the ambush, and nobody expected him to have a lot of magical prowess. He managed to both protect Niva and take down all of the rogue mages, and he showed that the Linker Core he had was sufficient enough to use the Ustio magic style longer than 10 minutes. After that, Alexi just stood over the people that he had taken down, contemplating on what could happen. Then, in a sudden move, he told Niva that he'll follow her, there was nothing that can be done to have a life he knew before. Niva was impressed, and both of them left, but not before Niva let Alexi see his village one last time. And so they went to Mid-Childa, and Alexi started a new life as an Ustio mage.
Getting to Mid-Childa, he was then put into the training academy, where he had a lot of trouble. He always was thinking of something else and controlling his magical energy was more than a hassle for Alexi. So, Niva was forced to help him. At first, he either couldn't or didn't try. He still couldn't get the thought of what happened away, and that distracted him. Whatever he was thinking, there was one reality, he was in another world with seemingly no one else that he could relate with, until he met Gil Graham, Julian Fredrick Asteright, and Jennifer Wright. It was purely by accident, but it was one that would impact him for the rest of his life. In a rush, he literally bumped into them. After saying sorry to them, he was about to run again when they asked him why he was in a rush. Alexi responded that he needed to go back to his room because he forgot his Device. What he didn't know was that Potemkin was with him; he didn't notice it. Fortunately, Graham knew and told him about it. Alexi was visibly embarrassed, but they forgave him. Then, they asked him to join them, and so Alexi did. He found out that they were from Earth, and came here on similar grounds. He started to be with them, and he eventually started to improve. By the time everyone graduated, he was one of the top trainees, and he was proud of it. After he was done training, he was sent into the 1st Expeditionary Strike Team, with Graham, Asteright, Young, and several others he had known.
By age 27, he was one of the top Captains in the TSAB, and his ability to both hit and take hits hard gave him the moniker of the "Stone Hammer". He served in the 1st Expeditionary Strike Team along with Graham, Young, and Asteright, being the proverbial "tank" in bad situations. He served greatly, until the mission into Ghostgate happened. During that time, the mission went terribly wrong, and almost all of Alexi's group were killed. Alexi himself was on the verge of getting killed, but he managed to get to the evacuation point. He recovered fully, but he felt responsible somehow for the deaths of every one of his group members, something that would bother him for years to come. When the Team was dissolved, Alexi was placed into the 36th Investigative Unit, but he couldn't shake off what happened at Ghostgate, preventing him from going any further, something that might have paved the way for what happened in September 0042. Hearing that a rogue mage was nearby a power plant near the capital, he and another mage named Bridget Stada, who he had taken an interest to, were sent there to deal with the mage.When they got there, Alexi saw both of Graham's familiars and asked them what was going on. Before Lizette and Lotte could explain, an explosion cut them off. Worried that Graham might be in trouble, Alexi, Lizette, and Lotte went inside while Bridget volunteered to stay behind. Alexi wanted her to come with them, but she refused, and she stayed near the entrance. Inside, they found Graham, and someone else they hadn't expected: Julian Fredrick Asteright, which they thought that he was dead. Alexi managed to take down Julian, but he got up soon after. There, Alexi was forced to fight one of his former friends, and when the fight was over, he was shocked as much as Graham about what just happened. Worse, when they got out, they found Bridget clinging to life; she had been attacked by Asteright when he was escaping. Healing her proved to be useless, as her injuries were already mortal wounds, but before she died, she made Alexi promise one thing: that if her sister, Rachel, became a mage, that he would have to protect her in any way possible. He agreed, and she died, leaving Alexi with both a deep hole in his heart and deep anger for Asteright.
He stayed with the 36th Investigative Unit, and even stayed when the 36th was reformed into the 216th Special Combat Unit. Being a Captain, he was asked to lead the first combat unit, Sky Squad, for his experience. He accepted, albeit with a lot of reluctance, and so led the first squad. Finding potential people to be placed with, he found a lot, but there were two that interested him the most: Rachel Stada, Bridget's sister, now a full-blown mage, and one other person: Satoshi Kazukuni. Having first seen him in the training academy, Satoshi reminded Alexi a lot of himself in his younger years. Eventually, both of them came to the 216th, and there, they both met Alexi. He and Satoshi trained with each other, with Alexi winning most of the mock battles, he learned much about Satoshi, including his father and how he died. Alexi knew him from being with the 36th and they were close friends, so he felt like he should help Satoshi as much as he could, leading Satoshi to long nights sparring with Alexi. He still trained with everyone else fairly, but he trained Satoshi slightly more due to the same style of magic. Doing this, he was reminded of the times when he was training with Niva, who had become a Major General and working in the TSAB HQ, on these same long nights. He still treated everyone else equally in Sky Squad, but a lot could tell that Satoshi and Alexi were close. With Rachel, he couldn't bear to see her die and betray Bridget's request, but she followed with Sky Squad, acting as Vice-Commander. He usually kept her out of battle, which led to some arguments, and some casualties, but he didn't have the heart to tell Rachel about her sister. As a result, they were usually distant with each other. He finally managed to tell Rachel about the truth while, on a mission, he took a magical blast to protect Rachel, when she was caught off-guard. This injured him seriously, since he had no chance to put any defensive spells up, and told her about her sister and the promise he made to her while he was transported to a hospital. As Sky Squad performed, he had to command a lot of young people, a lot of which died under him. He often lived with the burden of those deaths, something members of Sky Squad such as Satoshi, Sydney, and Rachel could feel. He thought of switching out of the unit, retiring, or even committing suicide, but Niva, who had known about this, stopped him from doing that. As more people became casualties, including Satoshi himself, he felt the pain of the cost of being a leader, but he decided to get through it and not think about it; it would bar him from doing his duty. As the years went by, the former commanding officer of the 216th, Major Steven Renault, retired, and selected Alexi to take his place, becoming a Major in the process. He then, in turn, put Satoshi as leader of Sky Squad. Rachel also went with Alexi, being the executive commander. One of Major Alexi's first plans was to make a second unit instead of having a large group of people on one squad, and so Thunder Squad was born, with two former Sky Squad members leading the group. He also approved the forming of Riot Force 6, after a lot of persuading from Satoshi, who had known the Aces, and fighting the Aces himself. It turned out to be a draw, and Alexi was clearly impressed with the 3 of them. Now, he's just doing his job as the commander of the 216th....
Personality:
He's one to have fun all the time normally, and he acts like an idiot to those who haven't known him that much, leading to a lot of people that are pissed with him rather than happy with. It doesn't help that he drinks a lot too, especially what the 97th Non-Adminstered World call vodka, as he tends to be even more of an idiot. That's just his way of having fun, though, and to the people that know him, he's a perfectly capable commander, able to make quick and decisive decisions when the time comes. He's pretty smart, and understands a lot of cultures from around his homeworld and in Mid-Childa. He's a tough individual for his age, which surprises most people. In battle, he's one not to be taken lightly. His fierce determination and toughness makes him a dangerous, even deadly, opponent. He is crafty, and will use his spells and everything available to take down a target. Inside, he's seen death, but he also has a lot of resolve, and won't let anyone's death be in vain.
Device:
-Dual Device Potemkin
Alexi's own Dual Device, Potemkin is the main system, and the one that Alexi uses the most. In it's sealed state, it takes the form of a black and gold chain. In it's Wraithguard Form, it resembles two fingerless gloves with a crimson-colored metallic loading system. It serves two other functions besides loading cartridges and discharging excess heat: it keeps the non-metallic parts with a invisible layer of magical energy, and it prevents them from breaking apart, although it is very unlikely. On Alexi's wrist, there is a semi-circle attached to the loader. That is the cartridge for Potemkin, holding about 50 caseless cartridges total (25 on right hand, 25 on left hand). It has a male AI, capable of speaking English, German, and Russian, and its personality seems to be like a weary warrior. Unlike other Dual Devices, it does not have any other forms, probably attributed to a lack of a major update. The lack of forms is made up for in Potemkin's apparent strength and protection; even punching through an AMF field, Potemkin shows no signs of damage, and Alexi has abused it to the point where other Devices would have broke.
-Dual Device Odessa
Alexi's Dual System Storage Device, and one that Alexi uses in special occasions, like Satoshi. It resembles a PTRS-41, an anti-tank rifle from the 97th Non-Administered World. Like the weapon that it is based on, it is heavy and slow to fire. It is also not good for stealth, as it is also loud. It can fire far, though, and it is very strong. It carries 5 extremely long and big cartridges, made by combining 6 caseless cartridges into one round. It has a male AI, which acts like someone who is new, which Alexi finds amusing.
Incantation:
As the old light passes and a new one begins, I will be the spearhead and break the darkness to guide the new light to its place. Potemkin, Set Up!
Fighting Style:
His style of fighting is basically to fool someone and switching to another style of fighting. Most people would think that he fights strong but slow, and try to use speed, but Alexi has the ability to move quickly, fooling them and then taking down the opponent any way he can. He is an adept fighter, and will randomly switch his way of fighting to keep them on their toes. He uses his spells very well, and is not afraid to spam cartridges if he needs to. Combining these abilities and his experience fighting, he can be a extremely helpful ally or a dangerous enemy. He prefers to not kill, only when forced to.
Barrier Jacket:
His Barrier Jacket has gone through some changes during the years. When he first made the Barrier Jacket, it was basically a copy of the Red Army's World War II uniform. By age 27, he had changed it a bit, from the bottom being covered with a long skirt of sorts and red metallic boots. Currently, his Barrier Jacket is a black T-shirt covered by a bright orange combat vest. He wears water camo combat pants, with black boots. He also wears a scarlet beret, with the 216th Special Combat Unit insignia attached to it.
Spells:
-Other:
Eagle's Eye: Same as Satoshi's Eagle's Eye, Alexi taught this to Satoshi. His is different in that he has honed this so much that he doesn't have the problems Satoshi would have himself when using this and he can also use this for long-distance targeting. His eye color changes from steel gray to a steel blue, a major change compared to Satoshi's eyes when he uses this.
Ground Break: Alexi uses the ground to bind himself down, this is helpful for Odessa's more powerful attacks, as not using it would knock Alexi back.
-Air Break: Alexi uses wind to slow down the kickback he gets when using Odessa's more powerful attacks.
Electropic Stealth: Same as Satoshi's own Electropic Stealth, this is one of the spells Alexi taught Satoshi. Unlike Satoshi, he can keep this up indefinitely at the cost of a lot of magic energy when used. Due to this, Alexi uses this in small bursts.
-Movement:
Mach Speed: Same as Satoshi's Mach Speed, he taught this to him. he is slower than Satoshi, but he can keep it up far longer than him.
Trapar Wave Flight: One of the few spells Alexi taught to Satoshi that Satoshi improved over Alexi's own version of it. It's nearly the same, except that Alexi leaves a distinct trail of wind when he flies.
-Offensive:
Burst Shooter: Same as Satoshi's own Burst Shooter. Alexi can fire more than Satoshi, at a cost of reducing the speed in which he can fire it.
Bunker Buster: Alexi makes a enormous arrow of magical energy, and punches it hard, enabling it to go through reinforced objects. Uses 4 cartridges.
Chain Breaker: Alexi collects magical energy, making several balls and an Ustio magic circle near them. When he punches them, it passes through the magic circle, becoming an extremely large beam. He can punch more for a spamming effect. Uses 2 catridges.
Lochender Schuß (Punching Shot): With Odessa, Alexi fires a bullet covered in magical energy. It can break through several Drones easily, and can punch through concrete like butter.
Stonehenge: Alexi's best attack with Odessa, Alexi uses all of the cartridges to make a shot that makes a sonic blast. It is extremely lethal, and could obliterate everything in its direction. It has the drawback of loading slow and if standing up or in flight, knocking him back a long distance.
Polaris: Alexi, using magical energy, attacks pressure spots, and the impact of magical energy blows up the pressure points, imploding the target. This is rarely used. Uses 6 cartridges.
Magnum Opera: Alexi temporarily makes Potemkin ditch itself under extremely high magical energy; the magical energy is then used to beat the collective crap out of targets. He then reforms Potemkin again. Due to the massive energy of this spell, it is very tiring for him. It is also Alexi's best spell with Potemkin. Uses 10 cartridges.
Haubitzefaust (Howitzer Fist): Same as Satoshi's own Habitzefaust, Alexi can hit faster and harder with his own version of the Habitzefaust. Unlike Satoshi's, Alexi has to use 2 cartridges for this.
Hammer Fall: Alexi makes an illusion of himself, hides, and then comes out of the air to elbow a target.
Spiker: Alexi covers Potemkin with magical spikes, and he can pierce targets with this. Uses 2 cartridges.
-Needler: Alexi can shoot out those spikes into a target. The individual spikes are not deadly individually, but Alexi fires these very fast. Uses 2 cartridges.
Erdbeben (Earthquake): Alexi punches the ground and uses magical energy to amplify the vibrations, enough to shake the area. He can also move the vibrations in one direction.
Sturmwind (Storm Wind): Alexi taught Satoshi a variation of this. His version is that he contains air on Potemkin, and punches it, making a wind bullet instead of a wind blade. The effect is still the same, though.
Pyro Kette (Pyro Chain): Alexi taught Satoshi this spell; his variation has his chains shorter than Satoshi's, but he can cast two at once, while Satoshi can only make one.
Infernal Bullet: With Odessa, Alexi fires a bullet that explodes on contact and leaves a fire, similar to napalm. Uses 2 cartridges.
Blaze Jet: One of the spells Alexi taught Satoshi, his variation lasts shorter than Satoshi's, but it is also heavily stronger and uses less magical energy to make. Uses 1 cartridge.
Elektrischefaust (Electric Fist): Alexi makes electricity to shock an enemy. He likes to say "Kuwabara, Kuwabara" as some sort of joke. Uses 2 cartridges.
Frozen Ground: Alexi freezes the area around him, avoiding friends, but haveing the potential to freeze enemies. Uses 3 cartridges.
-Defensive:
Variable Shield: Same as Satoshi's own Variable Shield, Alexi's has a bit more defensive ability than Satoshi's.
Advent Shield: Alexi taught Satoshi this spell, and with his variation, he can make 6 shields total, although they still cannot interlock. Uses 1 cartridge for every shield made.
Iron Skin: This reinforces Alexi's skin, making him stand hits that normally would have been dangerous.
Wind Stop: Another spell Alexi taught Satoshi, he can stop almost all sized projectiles at him, he can't stop large projectiles, though.
Focal Break: Another one Alexi taught Satoshi, this is one of only two spells that both of them use that can be said is exactly the same.
Bind Destroy: A variation of Bind Shatter, Alexi can destroy most binds in a short time, and he could destroy other people's binds too, at the cost of him taking longer to break his own bind.
Sturmgeist (Storm Sprit): Same as Satoshi's Sturmgeist, Alexi's variation is a sort of greenish electricity that covers him; it also serves as a way to absorb maigcal energy.
-Binds:
Schattenbindung (Shadow Bind): The second spell both Satoshi and Alexi uses that can be considered exactly the same.
Crush Bind: Alexi uses heavy magical binds to hold a target down. He can also crush them if needed to.
Trivia:
-Since Alexi got the rank of Major, everyone in the 216th has been calling him "Major," which he takes in stride.
-Every time since Satoshi, Sydney, or any others turned 21, Alexi's been offering a drink to them on some occasions. Some accept and others refuse.
-Nanoha, Fate, Hayate, and others call him "sofu-san" (grandfather), much to his chagrin. Taking on this joke, Alexi calls them "vnuchata" (внучата; "grandchildren" In Russian)
-He can eat and drink things that anyone else would have considered awful.
-Alexi has taught some people a bit of Russian, such as Satoshi, Vincent, and Rachel.
-He likes the outdoors, and when on vacation, would usually go there instead of being stuck in the city.
-He is also a sort of philosopher, but he doesn't consider himself a true philosopher.