Chapter Text
SHIRO:
An electronic whatsit?
KURO frowns, retrieves a smartphone like device from his pocket, and types for a minute on its touch screen surface before turning it over to SHIRO.
KURO:
Electronic ID. Every student gets one –it’s base function is for identification, but we also use it to access base information and get class updates remotely. Man, they didn’t even give you one of these?
SHIRO:
I don’t blame them really, I did sort of show up out of nowhere.
KURO frowns thoughtfully.
KURO:
I suppose there is that, but….
He trails off mid-sentence, and surprises SHIRO by suddenly speaking up.
KURO:
Anyway, it’s been a while since we’ve had a new student so maybe they figured “that” would be appropriate.
SHIRO:
Y’know, you’ve been really cryptic about something for a while and I’m wondering why you don’t just tell me what it is?
KURO smiles sheepishly.
KURO:
It’s don’t like I don’t want to tell you, it’s just –well, it’s like an unwritten rule not to talk about it.
SHIRO:
This sounds very much like hazing.
KURO reflexively lifts his arms and puts them on the back of his head managing to keep pace with SHIRO as they walk.
KURO:
That’s not true…er, well, not completely. It’s more like a pop quiz than anything.
SHIRO eyes KURO who sweats nervously and quickly changes the subject.
KURO:
Granny Momo must have been happy to have you back home, right?
SHIRO:
“Happy” might be overstating it. She’s definitely…something, at any rate, but I think it’s probably better for me to just focus on base things –well the ones that you’re not being frustratingly vague about.
KURO places his hands in front of him as if he has a box and turns to SHIRO.
KURO:
Oh c’mon! That was me putting the previous conversation into a box and leaving aside! Classic “topic change” 101, and you’re ignoring it! Don’t do this to me, Shiro! Don’t dig any deeper!
SHIRO makes a face but lifts his hands in surrender.
SHIRO:
Fine, fine, I won’t ask about it. ---speaking of asking, what’s been up with you? I hate to admit it, but I totally forgot to ask how your life is going. When we met on Primus we mainly talked about me, and, I-I-I didn’t ask about you at all. So what’s up man?
KURO:
Well, this is surprising. You interested in someone other than yourself?
SHIRO:
Yeah, yeah. Rub it in.
KURO:
I will, thanks. In any case, since you weren’t around I had no choice but to make other friends in order to survive. I tried my best to hold out for you but, but…
KURO puts his face in his hands in attempt to feign crying, which SHIRO groans at. Before long they’ve arrived at the train station, and soon head off to the base –and KURO fills SHIRO in on the details of his comings and goings while he had been away. As SHIRO listens to his friend talk, he thinks about his friend –who is from a well to do family unlike his and how they have been friends after his father’s passing. KURO is the studious and well-mannered sort –a foil to SHIRO’s mischievous nature. In fact it had been KURO who initiated the friendship between the two when he had noticed SHIRO moping at the train station after the funeral. He’d have to give him credit, even when he made it clear he wasn’t looking for friends, KURO hung around until eventually he just became a part of SHIRO’s life. A sometimes nosy and busy-body part –but a part nonetheless. It’s why SHIRO had felt a little bad about omitting some of his Black hole adventures from his explanations to KURO, but paradoxically it worries him to think about what his friend would think if he knew everything that had happened. For now, he’d enjoy being home with his buddy and worry about the rest later.They soon arrive at the base and head toward the classroom complex when KURO gets a ping on his electronic ID. Upon looking at it, he beams happily and turns to SHIRO.
KURO:
They just updated the roster, and we’re in the same class!
SHIRO:
Neat. That’ll save me having to track you down and ask questions.
KURO:
Actually you showing up brings the roster to 11 people!
SHIRO:
So ten other classmates huh...
KURO:
No need to worry, they're all pretty nice...mostly.
SHIRO:
Mostly?
VOICE:
Kuro! There you are! Do you know how much of the morning I spent searching for you?
KURO:
Ah, sorry, but good timing!
A girl with whose long middle-of-the-back purple hair is done in a hime cut approaches SHIRO and KURO, her expression something between frustration and relief. She has the female variant of the base uniform complete with a plaid skirt. SHIRO feels like he might be just imagining it, but her eyes –a pretty shade of brown are completely focused on KURO and ignoring his existence completely, though again he’s pretty sure that he’s just overthinking things, maybe.
KURO smiles and extends a hand to SHIRO.
KURO:
Rei, this is my best friend Shiro.
He then extends a hand to REI.
KURO:
And Shiro, this is one of my friends at the base, Rei.
SHIRO:
O-oh. Hey, Rei. ‘Sup?
REI gives him a once over and sniffs dismissively.
REI:
A pleasure, I suppose.
She then turns to KURO and SHIRO can swear her entire aura changes.
REI:
Kuro you didn’t inform me of your intention to leave campus this morning, and I was ever so concerned that you might have gotten lost or worse!
KURO:
Ah, I mean…yeah I guess I should have told you I was heading out, but I’m fine Rei! I’ve lived here my whole life after all.
REI:
That is not the issue! Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or not, I believe I should know of your whereabouts in case of emergency!
KURO simpers.
KURO:
I suppose you have a point. Sorry Rei.
REI smiles and pats her hands together.
REI:
There’s no need to worry yourself as long as you understand. In any case there are a few things we need to attend to before morning lessons. You are aware that our previous instructor has been relieved of their charge of our class, yes?
KURO is surprised at this.
KURO:
R-r-really? That’s weird, I hadn’t heard. D-do you know what happened?
REI takes KURO’s arm and begins to walk with him.
REI:
Apparently there was an accident and they are no longer able to teach.
KURO:
Gasp.
Really? I hope they’ll be okay…
SHIRO:
Um, guys? What about…
Unfortunately before SHIRO can ask about his tour or well, where the class is, REI has already taken KURO out of earshot. SHIRO is miffed by this, but what really grinds his gears is how REI gives him one more dismissive look as they walk away. She’s clearly trying to keep him to herself….!
SHIRO:
At the very least they could have told me where to go first before going out on a date, dammit!
Opening theme: As long as I am me….
Is it because I am me, that I know powerlessness and loneliness?
If I were someone else, would I still have experienced misfortune?
Would shooting stars in the sky and the moon in the skies look different from another’s point of view?
The dreams and wishes I’ve embraced hard enough to break –would they still be as meaningful?
The little things; my height complex, stubbornness, and how I wear my heart on my sleeve,
Are all a part of me. Light at times, heavy at others, but never more than I can shoulder.
I know I face forward only because I don’t want others to see these tears of frustration,
And I run forward --I’m too stubborn and prideful to give up, because until the end I will be me.
Tripping and falling along the way only means I have a new starting point to begin.
The soil I kick up as I run is the only time I’ll stop and smell the flowers.
As long as I am me, even if others snicker under their breath, I won’t stop, and won’t be stopped.
Episode 4: School Strife
SHIRO stands before SHOUT’s desk, a clearly irritated expression on his face. SHOUT to her credit has a understanding smile on her face as she types into a computer, looking for SHIRO’s class information.
SHIRO:
How could he leave me his best friend in the world behind for some girl? I don’t get it! He was all excited to see me before, but then she shows up and I’m yesterday’s bomb fodder. What the hell, man. It’s enough to make a guy feel like he’s not welcome.
SHOUT:
Far be it for me to get in other people’s business….
She suddenly narrows her eyes and leans over to look into EIN’s office where he frowns and waves her away.
EIN:
I’m not going to say anything.
SHOUT:
Anyway, it sounds like you abandoned him for a while.
SHIRO:
It’s not the same thing at all. I was on primus looking for someone and…
SHOUT looks up at him expectantly.
SHIRO:
….O-okay, maybe there are a few similarities. It doesn’t change that he upstaged our bro-candor today.
SHOUT stops typing.
SHOUT:
“Bro-candor”?
SHIRO:
As in a bro comes first and foremost.
SHOUT:
Dryly.
…That’s very progressive of you.
SHIRO:
Aww c’mon, you don’t really think that a girl and a guy can be friends do you? There’s always a sense of self-serving conduct in those sorta relationships. Now, the relationship between bros is pure and should be treasured above all others!
SHOUT:
Under breath.
Spoken like someone who’s going to be alone forever.
SHIRO:
Hmph. I don’t expect a lady to understand the deepness of brolationships!
SHOUT:
If you keep talking I won’t help you find your classroom.
SHIRO:
Sounds more like a problem for you than me.
SHOUT scowls at SHIRO and turns her monitor to him that shows a map and a glowing red dot that indicates where his class is. She then double clicks this and the information including class number comes up on the screen.
SHIRO:
“Class Zero”?
SHOUT:
The name is more like a formality. There are many classes in the base, but two stand out at the top of the pack. You should consider yourself lucky that you got into one of those classes, Shiro.
SHIRO:
I guess, but to what do I owe this dubious honor?
SHOUT:
Shrugs.
Like I said, its luck. While we do try to group classes by ability and other related factors, we don’t actually know where you stand so it was a tossup to decide on where to place you. That being said, you can be moved if you underperform so keep that in mind.
SHIRO:
Sure. Though wait, something that’s been bothering me this whole time is the lack of paperwork? Why haven’t I had to sign anything or ask my grandma to sign anything?
SHOUT tilts her head thoughtfully.
SHOUT:
Well you are a unique enrollment. Do you want to field this one, Professor?
EIN answers from his office.
EIN:
Nope!
SHIRO narrows his eyes and glares at EIN who shrugs.
EIN:
We have a gentleman’s agreement, and I might have granted you entry, but I have no obligation to do any more than that or give you anything else!
SHOUT:
Man that’s petty….
EIN:
So is eavesdropping!
SHIRO:
Discuss your personnel problems when you’re not on my clock, okay? Geez. Can a bomber get an ID at the very least? I feel like I don’t belong here.
EIN:
Technically you don’t, but I suppose if it makes you feel better I’ll have an ID made for you.
SHIRO:
Thanks your benevolence. Now I suppose I should go to class.
EIN:
Indeed. You all have a new teacher coming later on so your timing is pretty good.
SHIRO:
Oh right, the previous teacher was in an accident? What happened?
EIN:
That’s need to know info, and you don’t need to know.
He waves SHIRO off.
EIN:
It’s a free period for today, so why not take this opportunity to meet your classmates?
It is now that SHIRO realizes he would have classmates other than KURO….it’s an obvious thing, but he hadn’t given it much thought. KURO had mentioned ten other people (not including the two bomber bros) so SHIRO would be meeting 10 people for the first time. Suddenly this all seems very overwhelming to him, but he had come this far so he can’t back down now. He gives SHOUT and EIN a curt nod and leaves the room for his class. The school buildings are but a brief walk behind the administrative building he’s seen so much of and soon he’s in the one that houses his class –class Zero. It’s a weird thing to consider, that this class of strangers will soon be his classmates –and the nature of the base itself. He notes the awards that past classes have won as well as the posters seeking recruits from the base in different industries from law enforcement to infrastructure engineering. Although the name “Bomber Base” suggests training, the facility also acts as a school it seems. These are things SHIRO had probably known before but they had been associated with his father and when he passed away they had gone with him, as the base just represented one more thing that had slipped out of his grasp –his control. Now he had taken the first step to regaining control of things once again, but as someone who hadn’t stepped foot in class before, how would he do?
SHIRO:
Rather than thinking about how I’m going to do it, I should ask myself what I’m going to do.
He arrives at the door to class Zero, takes a deep breath and walks in to find the back of a red bomber’s helmeted head.
SHIRO:
Um…
A girl seems to be reprimanding him, but due to SHIRO’s position he can’t quite see what she looks like. Her voice is quiet and gentle, though in this instance there’s a bit of exasperation –as if she’s had this very same conversation may times before.
GIRL:
You’re only bothering everyone else with your outbursts…why are you always so loud, Toto?
The red bomber grows indignant and smacks SHIRO in the face with his fist as he waves his arms around.
TOTO:
What kind of hero would I be if people didn’t know I was here?! A hero’s worth is proportionate to how many know who he is! Moreover, I told you not to call me that…name.
The red bomber says the word “name” as if it personally offends him. SHIRO lowers his fist forcefully, but he seems to be so preoccupied with talking to the girl that he doesn’t notice. It is now SHIRO gets a look at her, and she’s a petite bomber of light blue coloration with a white bow on her antenna. At the moment she’s caught in a confused albeit very cute headtilt at red’s last comment.
GIRL:
But that’s the name we were given by our parents.....it’s not very heroic to disrespect them.
TOTO:
Crosses arms.
Everyone makes mistakes! I’d like to think of it as being conscientious enough to take the initiative and fix something that’s wrong! If you’re really my little sister, you’ll respect my feelings!
SHIRO and the girl make the same face ---“Does he not realize the irony in what he’s saying?” Another dark and…feathered arm is on the girl’s shoulder as one more person joins their conversation.
???:
Ah, let him be, Aqua. He keeps things interesting around here after all.
AQUA:
B-but…
The new entrant into their conversation has human like features, but his head and face is that of a bird’s. He has on a jean jacket over his base uniform, and his extremities are covered with black feathers. His eyes are red –sharp, but friendly toward the two and his voice a low but relaxing rumble.
TOTO:
I am not here for your entertainment Crow! I am here to kick ass in the name of heroism!
CROW smirks and shrugs.
CROW:
It’s your inability to chill out that makes class less boring for me, so have at it, justice.
TOTO’s eyes flare up at this.
TOTO:
That’s right, I am justice incarnate!
AQUA:
Ahhh, Crow don’t encourage him…
SHIRO:
Um…
SHIRO tries to get their attention but another voice from behind them grabs their attention –it’s a rose colored female bomber who wears a frilly black lace dress, a coffin backpack and black boots. Her white hair spills out from the back of her helmet and her purple eyes seem dull –somewhat sleepy. She’s a little shorter than AQUA and comes between the trio –apparently not noticing SHIRO behind them.
GIRL:
There’s no need to worry Akki, if your big brother dies in an accident while in the pursuit of justice, I’ll bring him back good as mostly new.
AQUA:
I appreciate the thought, but I’d rather that didn’t happen…more like, if that were to happen, I’d really like more than mostly new.
The girl frowns and shakes her head.
GIRL:
I’m not quite at that level yet. I can at least promise he won’t hunger for the flesh of the living……probably.
AQUA:
I think at that point he’d be better off dead.
TOTO turns to his sister with a sad look in his eyes.
TOTO:
Ahhh…my sister wants me to die….
AQUA:
That’s not what I meant! I meant…oh, Bell say something to him!
BELL smiles and nods.
BELL:
What she meant was death is not an apology!
CROW:
Pretty sure some other show used that line…and better.
AQUA:
That’s not what I meant either!
SHIRO:
HEEEEY!!
It is at this outburst that everyone turns around and notices SHIRO, which catches him off guard.
SHIRO:
Ah, um…hi, I’m uh…new here, so y’know…er…..hi.
AQUA and TOTO simply stare at SHIRO and blink as CROW and BELL look on.
SHIRO:
Um….did I…did I say something wrong?
TOTO:
H---he—he looks like big bro!
SHIRO:
Come again?
AQUA:
Our older brother is a white bomber like you….
SHIRO:
Oh, well I mean, it’s not exactly an uncommon color….
BELL:
He’s right. It’s the color of ghosts, and graves.
SHIRO:
….I’m gonna need you to dial it down a notch.
CROW:
New blood huh? Weird that they didn’t have some sort of announcement –or at least notify us on the ID’s.
SHIRO:
Yeah, uh…I don’t have one. I’m going to get one soon, maybe…actually do you know Kuro? He’s my friend….I think, and we’re supposed to be in the same class…
The group blinks and slides out of the way for SHIRO and he spies REI and KURO in the back –the former attempting to feed the latter.
REI:
I know you cannot “open wide” but at least enjoy this porridge I cooked this morning for you.
KURO:
I’m telling you Rei, I’m fine…
SHIRO narrows his eyes and marches over to the two of them.
SHIRO:
You two abandoned me this morning, and for what? This? Thiiiis? What if something happened to me?!
KURO:
Ah! Shiro! …oh Shiro….sorry.
REI gives him a thoughtful look for a moment and then ‘ahs’ to herself.
REI:
I was unsure of it at first, but it surely fits. You remind me of an upset lemur….no, a baby upset lemur.
SHIRO:
Simpering.
L-Lemur? I would have been okay with cat or dog, but why such an obscure animal…?
REI:
Ah, Dog it is then. I’ve certainly heard the phrase “Men are Dogs” often enough, but to think I’d live to hear one admit to it is simultaneously puzzling and pleasing.
SHIRO remembers his rage and points at the girl.
SHIRO:You shut up! You’re that girl who’s been hanging around Kuro! Maybe HE doesn’t get what you’re trying to do, but I sure do!
KURO glances between the two of them and tilts his head.
KURO:
Wait, I don’t get what?
REI gives SHIRO a look.
REI:
Sternly.
I sense this...conversation is going to go downhill quickly. Regardless of this, I feel I must address two things. One being that I am not ‘you’, but Rei. At least before shooting accusations out of your non mouth, you should learn my name. Second, I don’t know what it is you think I’m doing, but I assure you that my interactions with Kuro are on the level.
SHIRO:
Whatever. He and I are bros, and I don’t appreciate you trying to muscle in on him. (Pause) What are you even doing here anyway? This is ‘Bomber’ base.
REI:
Tsk-tsking.
With that sort of logic, space travel would still be the fevered dream of madmen. Frontier spirit is not something limited to race or species, pup.
SHIRO:
I went from Dog to Pup?! Why am I actively being demoted?!
REI:
Glowering.
I did not say that I was finished speaking, did I?
SHIRO:
How am I supposed to—
REI:
Pointedly.
Kuro is here so I am here too. That is all you need to know.
SHIRO gives REI a long withering look.
SHIRO:
The heck kind of answer is that? I know for a fact that you didn’t write that on the application to enroll, and if you did they wouldn’t have let you in! How did you even meet Kuro anyway?
REI:
You’re a nosy one. Did you perchance think that maybe Kuro wants to pursue a friendship with me? Certainly, you know that there is no crime against having more than one friendship.
KURO tries to get a word in edgewise, but SHIRO interrupts him.
SHIRO:
IF you wanted to be friends, I would be fine with that. More power to you two! But you’re clearly trying to keep him away from me! It’s like you wanna be his girl or something!
KURO:
Wait, Shiro it’s totally not like that…just let me explain…
At this REI demeanor stiffens, and any playfulness she might have had earlier disappears.
REI:
Coldly.
Watch that you do not cross me. I came in an effort to meet Kuro’s friend since he’s spoken highly of you, but I see that despite having exquisite taste in other matters that he is not perfect. Alas.
SHIRO is taken aback by this change and tries not to show it.
SHIRO:
Miffed.
So what’s your damage then? More like, you didn’t answer my question! Why the heck are you here?
REI:
Sneer.
You’d really like to know, wouldn’t you?
SHIRO:
Deadpan.
Uh, yeah? That’s why I asked….twice.
REI:
Shrugs carelessly.
That is your decision I suppose. You’re the one who has to live with it.
SHIRO:
Confused.
Wait, what?
REI points at him in dramatic fashion, which is enough to get the classes attention.
REI:
It’s a challenge you mutt! Meet me after class on the training grounds! Be there or be a vague geometrical shape!
SHIRO eyes her, and while he begins to think about turning her down, the other student’s whispers about his chances of victory (and lack thereof) shuts down the common sense area of his brain.
SHIRO:
Bring it on!
REI:
But of course. It will be a pleasure doing business with you.
She curtsies and with a dramatic turn walks away from his desk. SHIRO clenches his fist with a burning ambition to defeat REI at her own game before he realizes something important.
SHIRO:
Hey, um….where ARE the training grounds?
Later, KURO and SHIRO walk toward SHIRO’s challenge, though it’s obvious KURO is against the whole idea.
KURO:
Only YOU could give a first impression so bad that it ends with a duel….
SHIRO:
She started it.
KURO:
And you continued it! It’s your first day here dude –do you seriously want to set some kind or precedent?
SHIRO:
Sure do.
KURO:
What?
SHIRO:
A precedent that says when someone steps up to me, they get stomped down.
KURO face palms and shakes his head.
KURO:
Seriously you don’t know what you’re setting yourself up for! You can still back out and I’ll talk to Rei okay?
SHIRO:
Pointedly.
Don’t you get it? It’s because you’re talking to that stupid girl that I have to do this! She’s clearly trying to get between us! Please tell me you’re not so dense that you haven’t noticed?
KURO:
Sheepishly rubbing his head.
Well, yeah I guess she is a little clingy sometimes, but to be fair you left for Primus like two years ago dude. Did you really think I’d just not interact with people until you came back?
SHIRO:
Of course I didn’t! However, there’s a thing called Bro-candor that she has to respect!
KURO:
Quizzically.
Bro-candor?
SHIRO:
As in a bro comes first and foremost.
KURO:
Pretty sure that’s not what that means.
SHIRO:
It’s not the meaning, but the FEELING.
KURO:
You can’t go redefining words because you feel like it! Wait, I’m getting off track here! Don’t do this Shiro, I’m making a Bro-candor or whatever request!
SHIRO:
You’re only saying that because you’ve been seduced by your girlfriend!
KURO:
She’s not my girlfriend, and I haven’t been seduced! I’m your bro right? If Bros come first, listen to me and don’t fight her.
SHIRO:
Nag-nag-nag-nag. I think she’s turning you into a woman.
KURO grabs SHIRO’s arm and forcefully tries to drag him back, but the two have already arrived at the training grounds while they were bantering. REI stands with her arms crossed and a headband with Shiro’s crossed out face on it in the middle of the outside field as the two bombers come into view. SHIRO yanks himself free of his friend’s grip and points at REI.
SHIRO:
So you showed up huh? Good! I thought you’d chicken out or something.
REI:
Why? Would you have been relieved if I had not shown?
SHIRO:
Annoyed.
Of course not! I would have been pissed, cause then I’d have to hunt you down!
KURO leaps between them and holds his arms out in protest.
KURO:
Seriously you two, don’t do this! Shiro, this is your first day and I’m warning you this is not the kind of reputation you want. Rei, I’m sorry my friend is kind of a jerk, but once you get to know him he’s….uh, still a jerk, but he’s totally got some redeeming qualities that are escaping me right now.
REI:
Sweetly.
Kuro, I don’t want to harm your lovely midnight colored head so please step aside.
KURO:
Blushing.
Uh, thanks but no can do. I can’t let this fight happen!
SHIRO:
Enraged.
YOU CALL YOURSELF A FRIEND AFTER THAT INTRODUCTION!?
REI:
I thought it was totes accurate.
SHIRO:
YOU DIE NOW!
SHIRO wills a firebomb into existence and leans back to throw it. Kuro waves his arms in futile protest, as REI breaks out in a dash to the left. SHIRO follows suit and the two are running away from KURO who watches helplessly. SHIRO tosses the firebomb at REI who stops and reaches out for it. SHIRO is surprised by this and stops running.
SHIRO:
What the heck is she doing?
REI grabs the bomb, and just like it appeared in SHIRO’s hand out of thin air it disappears in hers. SHIRO blinks and if his mouth could hang open, it would be. REI tilts her head and returns SHIRO’s surprise with a “done yet?” expression. SHIRO turns red and tosses three more bombs at REI who pivots forward, placing her hands behind her in an obvious Kamehameha pose before thrusting her hands forward and causing each bomb to disappear as they reach her; their kinetic force and explosive power rendered moot.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
S—She’s able to erase bombs?! I—is that sorta thing even possible?! Wait, I’m asking a pretty redundant question considering that I’m seeing it happen. More like, I sure am thinking a mile a minute right now, sorta like what happens in movies right before someone is about to die---
With a leap, Rei is above SHIRO in moments, the skirt of her Bomber base school uniform flapping in the breeze. SHIRO looks up in horror as REI grins maniacally and nails the hapless bomber on the noggin with a devastating drop kick. SHIRO’s eyes white out and he collapses on his back unmoving. REI turns to KURO with an enthusiastic “peace” gesture, which he sighs at.
KURO:
I told him not to do it…
REI:
Smugly.
The little twat should be pleased when he awakens. I gave him quite the nice view before sending him off.
KURO:
Shocked.
Y-You mean….y-you’re not…
REI:
Teehees.
Men are so very adorable. Of course I’m wearing them. This lass is no tramp.
KURO:
Sighs with relief.
Okay, I mean….S-sorry, I didn’t mean to imply…
REI:
No worries. It’s not like I never have after all.
KURO:
…I feel like that’s a thing you shouldn’t casually reveal to strangers…
REI:
But YOU are not a stranger. You’re Kuro my---um….no worries.
KURO’S eyebrow rises as REI turns away quickly and notices that they have spectators from the nearby building who had heard the challenge in the classroom earlier.
KURO:
Maaaan, this is what I was trying to tell him. His cred is all but ruined now –he’ll be known as the kid who challenged someone on his first day at the base and lost miserably.
REI:
Spits.
He had it coming.
KURO sheepishly rubs his head and takes his friend’s legs to drag him off the field in the view of his classmates. It had been one eventful day, and only the beginning of SHIRO’s troubles….troubles that would continue almost immediately the next morning. Staying at the base (to save face from his Grandmother), SHIRO wakes up and heads to class. When he gets there he can feel the eyes of everyone on him after yesterday’s spectacle, but he simply ignores them, finds a desk and lies with his head down hoping to get by unnoticed. He’d hate to admit it but KURO was right –this isn’t the kind of rep he wants for his first day.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Hopefully everyone gets the hint that I want to wallow in my hubris for a while and doesn’t talk to me.
He seems to get what he wants for a bit until chairs shuffle and it’s clear everyone has taken their seats. It’s then that SHIRO can hear EIN, but still feeling sorry for himself, he doesn’t lift his head.
EIN:
I know you’ve been enjoying your free periods, but it’s time to get back to business. As such I’d like to introduce your new instructor!
The class clamors over this for a moment –all except for SHIRO who simply turns his face….that is until he feels a presence. It’s dreadful, heavy, and most of all…familiar? He slowly lifts his head to take note of the new instructor, and feels his stomach fall out from under him as the new teacher strolls into the classroom.
EIN:
I’d like to introduce Regulus to you class.
REGULUS stands before them with a textbook in his hand and a clipboard under his arm. He’s back to being blue again –the way he was when he met SHIRO years ago. Other than that, nothing has changed which unnerves SHIRO even more.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
DIDN’T YOU DIIIIIE?!
Ending Song: Passionate Orbit
Say, did you know, that heart beating in your chest…
Is a gift from the depths of this wide universe?
When we are born our guardian star breathes a silent prayer to the galaxy,
And in the break between dusk and morn, dyed silver-black hues it ends up in our hands.
As we experience our lives and are touched by the gentle but rusted hands of time,
Colors born from daily life drip from this gift from the galaxy yearning to be shared –to take orbit.
So when the time comes and your little universe yearns to orbit another’s –don’t be frightened.
Just clasp your hands together, and let those feelings bubble to the surface and become a star.
For each time two hearts intertwine and orbit one another,
A little more of the universe is filled with color.