Chapter Text
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.
SHIRO:
Y—Yeah, I’ll be home tonight. Yeah, I know. I know. Well tell him that he’s not allowed to…Yes Grandma, I know you’re not my messenger…Fine. Okay, see you tonight.
SHIRO ends the call and places the phone on the bed before him, looking into its empty screen for several moments as the window beside him welcomes in a wind that is silent as much as it is cold. He had spent the last two nights in the infirmary and had thus not been home with his Grandma since he left. She’s fine, and POMMY is well…eying his share of his snacks, but all seems to be right in their world, in his however –he had been in the infirmary for two days. That should really speak for itself. SHIRO leans back and gazes aimlessly in the air wondering what he could have possibly done to deserve this –discounting how much trouble he had heaped upon himself.
SHIRO:
The elements are still in my body….though that’s weird, why the heck wasn’t I able to use them up until now? It certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying.
SHIRO shifts his weight and studies his hands. They seem normal enough…so what’s the deal?
SHIRO:
Come to think of it, I’ve only been able to use wind abilities. I wonder why that is?
Frowning SHIRO gets out of his bed and stretches while surveying his empty room. KURO and REI had gone back to the dorms overnight leaving him on his own, and once he woke up in the morning the first thing he had done was to call his Grandmother. Now he’s hungry and confused –two things that really shouldn’t be experienced in tandem. He’d have to go to class again, and after everything that had happened to him over the last two days he wonders if he should. If he had been worried about his impression upon the class before that had all gone to hell, but that in a way is encouraging. After all could things possibly get worse? The answer is a resounding yes, but hey, at some point things have to turn around right?
SHIRO:
They won’t if I sit in here.
With a grunt he grabs his base uniform from a nearby chair and goes to change, willing to give this day one more shot to impress or prove him right. The nice thing about being a pessimist is one’s expectations are incredibly easy to arrange.
Episode 6: Explosive Explanations.
KURO:
Hey buddy, you feeling okay?
SHIRO tiredly waves at KURO who –to his surprise is in the hall leading to class alone.
SHIRO:
Don’t ask me like that, it sounds like just got dumped. On that note, where’s your girlfriend?
KURO:
She’s not my girlfriend. I left a little early to see how you were doing, and judging from this conversation, that was a waste of time.
SHIRO:
Shrugs.
I wouldn’t worry about me, but that’s my biased opinion.
KURO glares at him.
KURO:
So now you’re going to tell me about what kind of relationship you and our teacher have?
SHIRO:
Don’t say “relationship”. In short, he’s an idiot I happen to unfortunately be acquainted with. I thought he had died due to…circumstances, but apparently I was wrong. Apparently everything I’ve ever thought I understood is wrong.
SHIRO boredly opens a milk box and sips from it as KURO eyes him.
KURO:
Much edge, wow. Is he at least a decent teacher?
SHIRO stops sipping and appears to give this some thought.
SHIRO:
Yup, gonna go with no.
KURO:
Frowning.
Then how did he possibly get the okay to teach our class?
SHIRO:
That among other things is something I intend to find out. For now, all I can do is deal with it.
After a prolonged sip SHIRO crushes the milk box and tosses it in a nearby trashcan before beginning a leisurely saunter to class with KURO following closely behind him.
KURO:
You know, maybe it’s your insistence on doing things alone that has sent you to the infirmary two days in a row?
SHIRO:
Oh? And what should I do? Ask you for help?
KURO:
Firmly.
Yes. Yes you should. Also, quit hiding things from me.
SHIRO:
Ever think that maybe I keep things from you because I don’t want you to be involved? And don’t give me crap about it, it’s not that I don’t want you in this because we’re not bros but because well…it’s more than you could ever understand.
KURO:
Then explain it to me. Shiro I know the whole thing with Rei is awkward, but I’m still your bro.
SHIRO:
All you need to know is Regulus is bad news and to stay away from him. The rest is on a need to know basis.
Upon reaching the classroom SHIRO opens the door and heads inside without giving KURO a second glance, just to stop in his tracks upon entry. KURO nearly bumps into him and has to peer over his shoulders to see what’s going on. Once he does, he gives SHIRO a look and wryly comments –
KURO:
Bad news huh? Could have fooled me.
SHIRO growls –before him is REGULUS leaning against the front desk apparently fast asleep as AQUA and BELL –well, mostly BELL is prodding him to find out if he’s alive. CROW sits in the front row with his legs up on his desk, with KIDD beside him doing the same. KIIRO is behind them both apparently eating out of his lunch early, while the masked person is beside him idly playing on a smart phone. NITROS, TOTO, and REI are nowhere to be seen at the moment.
BELL:
He’s got quite the sturdy body. In my hands he’d be a zombie with no equal! However if someone else were to claim him –well, may Space Pegasus help us.
AQUA:
Bell, I don’t really think he’s dead.
BELL:
Akki, don’t be weird. Of course he isn’t…now. I’m simply making plans for the future as anyone proficient in the black arts should. More importantly, where’s your brother? Has the time come to collect him?
AQUA:
Actually I’m not sure; after he woke up yesterday I haven’t been able to find him.
BELL adopts a phony accent.
BELL:
Veeeeery interesting. Perhaps we should set up a search party to find him before someone else does!
AQUA:
I’m fine with looking for him, but do we have to proceed under the pretense of his death…
CROW:
To be fair, I don’t think anyone’s shut your brother down like that before. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s off sulking somewhere.
AQUA:
Crow you don’t really think…
SHIRO marches past them and stands before REGULUS for several moments as if he’s wondering what he should do with this rare opportunity. He starts to rear his fist back, when he’s stopped by a familiar voice.
REGULUS:
You really don’t learn do you Shiro?
SHIRO:
Smirks.
Is it really learning when you’re this obvious?
REI is peering over KURO’s shoulder now.
REI:
How disappointing, I thought for sure he was going to land in the infirmary for a third time this week. Now I owe Bell lunch.
KURO:
Geez, Rei even you noticed he wasn’t actually sleeping? I guess I need more training…
REI pats KURO’s head.
REI:
Don’t be discouraged, my coffee colored summer child. I think your particular brand of innocence is most adorable. Somewhat similarly to Toto who I ran into on my way here.
AQUA hears this and turns to REI.
AQUA:
You found him?
REI nods and points to her side.
REI:
What’s left of him, anyway.
AQUA tilts her head inquisitively and walks over to where REI is pointing to see her older brother slumped to the side with a despondent expression on his face.
TOTO:
Ahhh, it’s over. All over. How could justice be so thoroughly defeated –I’m going to die…
BELL suddenly appears beside AQUA causing her to yelp.
BELL:
Really? You mean it? No take-backs?
AQUA:
Toto, what’s wrong?
Meanwhile in class REGULUS claps his hands and leans back.
REGULUS:
Okay kiddos, how about we get this moving? I’ve got to go apartment hunting later so I’d rather this didn’t take all day.
SHIRO:
Under his breath.
Even I know that classes have a designated time for ending.
REGULUS:
In this class I am king---no, God. So we adjourn when I say so. Any problems?
SHIRO:
Wow, I already hate this. (sighs). None.
NITROS runs up to the trio outside waving apologetically.
NITROS:
Sorry guys! Breakfast with the sister ran a little long! Has class started yet?
BELL:
Nah, you came just in time. Toto’s given up on life too.
AQUA:
He hasn’t!
REGULUS clears his throat and points at an honest-to-goodness golden pocket watch that he seems to have manifested out of nowhere, indicating class is about to begin, and everyone should assemble, waving SHIRO away absentmindedly just to annoy him. SHIRO doesn’t give him the pleasure of being annoyed to his face, but deep down he so wishes he could punch him hard. In any case SHIRO is about to take a seat beside KURO, but REI slides in before he can. He scowls at her for a moment, resigns to his defeat and takes a seat beside BELL. REGULUS regards the class and scoffs derisively.
REGULUS:
You kids have a long way to go.
There’s a long moment of silence as everyone waits for him to continue. REGULUS…sits at his desk, opens a drawer, takes out a cup and tea set and begins to grind his own tea leaves –making it very clear he has no intention of continuing the lesson.
KURO:
Um…in what way?
REGULUS looks up at KURO apparently genuinely surprised by his lack of understanding.
REGULUS:
I-I-it’s not obvious to you?
KIIRO:
Why would it be? Ya only fought us once, and if I’m recallin’ it correctly, you got blasted. So how do you get to figurin’ we have a long way to go?
REGULUS:
Y—you really don’t…
KIIRO fumes.
REGULUS:
O—wow. I mean, I know you guys are here to learn so that’s why I even bothered saying you had a long way to go to start with. It should really be obvious, but you really…that’s just, yikes. I’ve got my work cut out for me.
NITROS:
So um…
REGULUS sighs, puts his tea set away and paces at the front of the classroom, doing this for several pensive moments before turning to the whiteboard and slamming it with his fist causing it to turn. He catches it and on the other side three bullet points are written.
REGULUS:
Bomber: A genus of organisms who can use explosive tools known as bombs. Although this term is used to refer to all beings that live on this planet, there is actually degree of separation between them.
REGULUS then points at the top bullet point that reads “Bombers”.
REGULUS:
These are the folks who actually use the bomb like apparatuses. The energy is tucked away in the container known as a “bomb” and requires a certain amount of time to explode. While there are means to shorten and hide this that is the absolute rule of the “bomber”.
REGULUS swipes the teacup from his desk and twirls it by its handle on his finger while pointing to the second bullet point “Pyromancers”.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
..Whoa, I was wondering about that but I didn’t think we’d get to it this soon…!
REGULUS:
Second are the pyromancers who can manipulate and use fire. Sounds impressive, no? –Well, it isn’t as they cannot actually make fire –or bombs for that matter. However, if they are able to get in contact with flames then they’re pretty badass. Being able to weaponize flame and control it is pretty impressive as long it’s not raining and you’re in constant contact with a fire source.
REGULUS tosses the teacup in the air, lets it roll across his arms into the opposite hand and places it gently on the desk before pointing to the third bullet point which reads “Erasers”.
REGULUS:
And to balance this whole thing out are those who can’t mess with fire or create bombs. The erasers who can neutralize bomb energy. Not the types you wanna run into if you’re a rebel without a cause or backup plan. Bombers are great and everything as long as they can get their boom on, but once you take that away from them, they’re just awkwardly designed cursed creatures.
He then dramatically pauses and poses, arching his back and pointing at the class.
REGULUS:
And you brats all neatly fit in one of these categories.
NITROS raises his hand and REGULUS nods to him.
NITROS:
Um, we already know that.
REGULUS:
Ahh but do you all have a grasp on these basics? There might be some who aren’t quite as quick on the uptake right here in our very special little classroom, right –Bomberman?
The entire class trades glances with each other wondering who REGULUS is referring to, and it isn’t long till all eyes are on SHIRO whose face is a crimson red. He buries his face in his hands and curses REGULUS out, but his words are muffled by his arms. TOTO on the other hand raises his head and cocks his head slowly in SHIRO’s direction, his former languid expression replaced by one of unmasked jealousy.
TOTO:
B—omberman….?
REGULUS:
Anyway, to put this into perspective in relation to your abilities…you there, Red guy.
TOTO turns to REGULUS, his eyes once again burning.
REGULUS:
You and your sister have a pretty unique set up. She uses her bombs to give you the fire and you use your pyromancer abilities to light yourself up. The issue with this set up is her bombs take time to go off, and after the first time most people aren’t going to sit back and let you get going.
TOTO seems put off by this astute analysis of his ability, as AQUA looks on sadly.
TOTO:
Nnngh! It’s true, but….
REGULUS:
Yes, yes, weep about it on your own time. Blacky and ninja kid have the same idea going on with their combination, but it has the same flaw. Especially if you end up having to fight close up –Blacky gets fragged, and ninja kid is left without backup. Though at least he covers for his pyromancer weakness –somehow. I’d assume it’s those gloves of yours? They probably have some flame inducing agent that allows you to flame on whenever you need to. You’re a step ahead of the siblings, but that’s not enough.
NITROS slumps in his chair.
NITROS:
Bingo –right down to the gloves part.
REGULUS:
Sternly.
Don’t admit that to me, idiot. Anyone finds that out and they’ll take your gloves.
NITROS straightens up.
NITROS:
Yes sir!
REGULUS:
It’s not a bad plan as long as you are able to dispatch your enemies before they get wise, so I’ll give you a tiny compliment. Kidd is –through some training able to use his “will” to shrink bombs and send them flying at speeds that make ‘em more like bullets, right?
KIDD smirks and tips his hat over his head as a sign of acknowledgement.
REGULUS:
Mask there uses heat…somehow to create waves of fire, but that takes time. Meanwhile lil Miss Sunshine keeps an igniter in that fashionable coffin backpack of hers. Again, not a bad plan, but if your enemies figure it out it’s all for naught.
The masked person leans on their hand upon this and BELL points to herself.
BELL:
Me? I’m Lil Miss Sunshine?
REGULUS:
The yellow guy can create his own bomb-like energy, but it’s not a rapid fire process. One is all you can manage at a time…you’re not gonna be pleasing any ladies like that, man.
KIIRO:
Fuming.
I’ll have you know I’m the darlin’ of—
REGULUS:
Moving on. Bomber--,err Shiro’s as traditional as it gets. Weak bombs, high output. He’ll probably die first in any confrontation you all have as a class. Meanwhile Blacky has low output but high accuracy and explosive power. You guys would do best to stay away from each other lest someone think your complimentary powers are part of some kind of weird tryst.
SHIRO:
What does one thing have to do with the other?! More like, stop calling me that!
KURO:
He is right though…
SHIRO stares at him horrified.
KURO:
No, no, not about the tryst….
He turns, feeling REI’s eyes on him, and she turns away in time, barely hiding malevolent glee at REGULUS’s observation.
KURO:
I was more referring to our abilities. How were you able to analyze them during battle like that?
REGULUS:
Comes with the territory, kid. Almost die on a weekly basis, and you pick up a few things. Ah, last but not least, there’s you two –the purple haired woman and birdman. You guys are the rare eraser class –birddude’s feathers are coated with a special aura that shuts bombs down on contact and then there’s the girl who…well, I don’t exactly know how hers works since she was actually pretty wise and stayed out of battle. Makes me think she’s trying to hide something…
CROW:
Amused.
Bingo. Man, you are good.
REI on the other hand changes expression and gives REGULUS a look that he ignores while continuing to pace.
REGULUS:
And that’s the long and short of it. These are your abilities so I figured you already knew you had a long way to go, but apparently I was giving your sense of selves too much credit. Luckily other than Bombeiro there, none of your flaws are too crippling so there’s hope for you yet.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
He’s clearly trying to piss me off by combining my nickname with my actual name.
Out loud.
If you ask me, your flaw is being a horrible teacher.
REGULUS:
Shrugs.
Probably. I mean I’ve never done this before; meanwhile you all have had your abilities since birth. I think you’re more on the hook than I am right? Anyway, I’m bored and hungry so consider today’s lesson over. Go uh, do things that don’t require me to talk anymore –or well, you don’t have to go home and you can stay here, because I’m leaving.
NITROS:
Um what should we do to improve?
REGULUS:
Don’t worry so much about it. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it’ll take time to get good. I guess I could come back tomorrow if you guys really insist.
EVERYONE:
Thinking.
He wasn’t planning on coming back tomorrow….?
REGULUS takes out his tea set again and with as much nonchalance as possible strolls out of class and closes the door behind him.
KIIRO:
I don’t think I like that guy one bit.
There’s a murmur of consent to this.
CROW:
Well, I guess the way he put us out there was kind of…not cool, but he’s not wrong. ‘Sides, we’re here to learn. Might as well take him up on his offer.
BELL:
Why am I lil Miss Sunshine? Someone explain it to me!
SHIRO scowls and gets up to leave.
KURO:
Where you headed bro?
SHIRO:
Home. I’ve been on campus the last two days, and since that lazy-ass is adjourning class early I’d might as well head back.
KURO looks forlorn at this but nods in agreement.
KURO:
Yeah you should spend time with Granny Momo.
NITROS:
Oh, you live nearby Bombeiro?
SHIRO:
Do. Not.
SHIRO exits, as his classmates wonder just what they’re getting into. Although he makes a beeline for the station so he can head home, he almost wants to stop and ask EIN what on earth he was thinking when he hired REGULUS, but decides to place his home situation as the higher priority. After all some sort of weird fate had found it appropriate to bring REGULUS back in his life for the time being so it’s not like he’d have to be in a hurry to see him again.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
I’ll have every day to deal with him. Might as well go see people I haven’t for a while.
With that, he has an uneventful ride home arriving at his grandmother’s house in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a gorgeous day –a azure painting with white flecks painted in strategic places in the sky. It’s enough for the perennially frustrated SHIRO to think positively for a moment. Yeah REGULUS is back somehow, and he’s also his teacher, but he also seems to understand how the elements work, and if he only has to see him during class that might not be so bad. SHIRO allows himself a small smile as he slides open the door to the main house, almost in a good mood until he sees MOMO serving tea to someone –someone that he’s able to see when she turns to greet him.
MOMO:
Oh Shiro, back ho—
SHIRO:
YOOOOOOOU?!
REGULUS takes the tea and sips deeply.
REGULUS:
Wearily.
Meeeeeeee.
MOMO gives them both a cursory glance and frowns.
MOMO:
You two know each other?
SHIRO:
WHY ARE YOU HERE?!
In the corner of his eye he sees POMMY hiding around a corner with a remorseful expression.
SHIRO:
Why didn’t you stop this cheesebrain?!
POMMY:
Oh come on! What’s Pommy supposed to do? This isn’t Pommy’s house, and Pommy isn’t sure how much Shiro wants to tell everyone about---
SHIRO leaps over to him, snatches him up and clamps his mouth shut very quickly.
REGULUS:
To answer your question, I didn’t have a place to stay so I asked around and found your grandmother is taking tenants, which is something we were just talking about when you came back. If I had known it was your house I might have reconsidered….
SHIRO:
You still can! Just get the hell ou—
REGULUS:
And killed you in the hospital so I’d have peace and quiet here.
MOMO:
Hospital? Shiro were you in a hospital?
SHIRO:
Yes, because of him!
REGULUS:
Lying is unbecoming of you kid. You picked two fights and got beat twice. That has nothing to do with me. Though if you’re looking to go three for three we can step outside.
SHIRO:
Grandma, please tell me you’re not going to give him a room. I think this short interaction has shown how detrimental to my health that would be!
MOMO:
I’ve been trying to get boarders for a while and he’s the only one who seems interested and is willing to pay. Unless you want me to charge you, I don’t see why I shouldn’t give him a room.
SHIRO:
HE JUST THREATENED TO HURT ME TWICE.
MOMO:
So? You’re going to let words get to you? My how kids have become sissified nowadays.
REGULUS:
Right? I mean when I was his age I would have let a threat or two roll right off my back.
REGULUS sets the tea down and shakes his head.
REGULUS:
When did children become so sensitive?
SHIRO:
Grandma, may I talk to you for a second….in private?
MOMO:
I don’t see why I should, but whatever. Give me a minute to deal with his drama, and then we’ll talk monthly rent.
REGULUS leans back and gives a lazy nod as SHIRO storms out of the room with his grandmother behind him. Once they’re out of earshot he turns to her.
SHIRO:
Listen, Grandma that guy is really bad news. He can’t stay here!
MOMO:
As I said before, I need extra income, and he’s willing to pay it.
SHIRO:
Did you not just hear him threaten my life? This isn’t some schoolyard bully! He’ll really do it!
MOMO surprises SHIRO by glaring at him and lowering her voice.
MOMO:
You certainly didn’t ask for my help when you ran away from home, you brat.
SHIRO:
G—Grandma?
MOMO:
Then you just waltz back in here and think you can start calling the shots? Let me tell you something that you may not have realized –life went on without you. Not just your life, but mine as well. You made a decision to leave me out so guess what? I learned to adapt and part of that process is getting a tenant. I didn’t run away from home, Shiro. You did, and even now you’re keeping things from me.
SHIRO:
B—But I’m…
MOMO:
You’re not? Even without your “cat” being a blabbermouth, it’s as clear as day that you’re still insistent on doing everything yourself, which, hey, if that’s what you want I’m too old to give a damn. However, you don’t get to tell me what I do in my house if you’re not going to be straight with me. You can’t pick and choose when you do and do not interact with people and expect them to dance to your tune. Now, that guy is going to live here because he’s paying me. You either get with the program or find somewhere else to live –it’s not like you haven’t before, right?
SHIRO bows his head and MOMO brushes past him back to where REGULUS is sitting –where SHIRO can hear her apologizing for his rudeness, and beginning to discuss the terms of his rental.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
I guess….I never really thought about it that way….that everyone moved on. Did I really think that I could just come home and everything would be the same?
He turns as if he’ll go back to his Grandma and REGULUS but thinks better of it and heads to his room where he flops on the bed face down and sighs deeply. Before long POMMY joins him and pats his friend on the back.
POMMY:
Pommy is sorry that he couldn’t do anything, myuu.
SHIRO:
It’s fine cheesepuff. I shouldn’t have yelled ---there really wasn’t anything you could have done.
POMMY:
But it’s weird! Why is Regulus still alive? Pommy and Shiro saw him die, myuu!
SHIRO:
I have no idea. I’ve been asking myself the very same question all day long. Apparently he’s even managed to land a gig as my teacher.
POMMY stares at SHIRO an exaggerated gasp beginning before he tilts his body and makes a thoughtful face.
POMMY:
Maybe Regulus feels bad for Shiro and that’s why he’s following him around?
SHIRO lifts his head and peers at his friend.
SHIRO:
Feels bad for me?
POMMY:
Well, Pommy thinks there’s a pattern of actions that leads up to this point, myu! Regulus gave Shiro his powers to fight the demon when he could have saved them for himself, right? And then according to the flashback in the last series, REGULUS ran away from fighting Shiro when he could have finished him off before and didn’t come back for years. Isn’t that weird, myu?
SHIRO sits up in his bed and clasps his legs.
SHIRO:
….Huh, I just thought he was just being an asshole, but yeah. Siri—that guy and I fragged his plans big time and he just hung back. If the whole B.H.B incident hadn’t occurred then we probably would have never met again –and even then he helped me out more than he really did any harm….and even now he’s offering in a very dick-ish way to help me learn the elements…
POMMY:
Myu? The elements?
SHIRO stares at his hand as his mind whirls with possibilities.
SHIRO:
Forget it. I’m just going to take a nap and think about this later. There’s nothing I can do about him living here apparently, and since I’m underage I can’t drink my woes away so that leaves sleeping and letting later Shiro deal with it.
POMMY:
Does Shiro want Pommy to stay, myu?
SHIRO:
Sure, I could use a pillow.
POMMY scowls at SHIRO who pats him on the head, lies down and turns on his side, soon falling fast asleep.
***
The world of dreams is painted in pastel colors that come at the senses in waves. A wave of pastel red and pink bats SHIRO in the eye as he floats along half-awake through a bottomless either. The pastel colors swivel around him creating a mini whirlpool that he is sucked into and falls through events of different kinds –his birth, his first bomb, his first day out with his dad, the unfortunate day of his father’s passing, his first meeting with KURO and then SIRIUS, and then the day he left home for Primus all come at him in different waves, ebbing up to him with one memory and receding back to return with another. Finally SHIRO stops moving and finds himself seated at a table across from a person hidden by an oversized newspaper. The pastel colors recede one more time leaving a watercolor trail of stars overhead as SHIRO smacks his head to get dream…water? Out of his helmet.
SHIRO:
Ugh. I’m not even sure what this stuff is, much less where it’s been. Actually isn’t it sorta meta to know I’m dreaming while I’m dreaming?
The newspaper rustles as the person flips to the next page. SHIRO peers around and realizes that he and his tablemate are floating through the pastel stars seemingly with no destination in sight.
SHIRO:
Then again this dream isn’t even trying to be subtle.
The newspaper rustles again –this time with more intensity as the page flips, something SHIRO doesn’t seem to notice as he gazes around.
SHIRO:
So what’s the point of this dream anyway? Is there a point? I guess there doesn’t have to be a point to dreams or anything but it seems like---
Slamming the newspaper down on the table is ASHTARTH who reaches across the table and grabs SHIRO by the collar.
ASHTARTH:
I WAS TRYING TO BE GENTLEMANLY ABOUT THIS BUT YOU CLEARLY HAVEN’T LEARNED ANYTHING! DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW TO GREET SOMEONE?! “HELLO HOW ARE YOU?” “WHO MIGHT YOU BE?!” SOMETHING? ANYTHING?!
SHIRO simpers as ASHTARTH glares at him for several moments before he lets him go and takes a deep breath.
ASHTARTH:
Hmph. This has got to be the worst dream sequence I’ve ever been a party to, and I’ve seen Inception. Twice even, because Zoniha insisted on having someone else suffer through the movie with her. I don’t get why she didn’t ask Baelfael, I mean they were dating…or at least friends with benefits and…
SHIRO:
…Wait, you’re Ashtarth. Why are you in my dream?
ASHTARTH:
Oh nooooow you’re interested in talking to me? Well I’m not interested in talking to you anymore! Hmph!
SHIRO:
Ah, but don’t gentlemen enjoy the fine art of conversation?
ASHTARTH gives SHIRO a level look and shrugs.
ASHTARTH:
You’ve got me there. To answer your barrage of insipid questions, yes this dream does have a point, no it’s not subtle, and you’re aware you’re dreaming because this isn’t a dream but a conversation.
SHIRO:
Conversation?
ASHTARTH:
So the other knights and I were talking and we’ve agreed you’re really quite dense.
SHIRO:
…This is the first time my dream has called me stupid to my face.
ASHTARTH walks over to SHIRO and gives him a noogie.
ASHTARTH:
“Conversation” not “Dream” you ingrate.
SHIRO:
Owowowowow! Okay, okay! I got it!
ASHTARTH:
Anyway, we can only come out one at a time since the elements –while still in your body are dormant due to overuse in your battle against the Sovereignty system, oh and also you’re having some kind of mental issue, I think. Though now that we’ve had time to rest, we’ve come to a realization ---being in you is boring.
SHIRO:
Did you call me here to insult me? Because if that’s it, then I’d like to wake up now. Or log off from this “conversation”, if that’s the proper term for it. Also, mental condition? What the hell does that even me--
ASHTARTH:
Oh but wouldn’t you like to have our powers again?
SHIRO:
…Go on.
ASHTARTH:
You’ve gotta earn it though.
SHIRO:
And how would I do that?
ASHTARTH grins as he heads back to his seat.
ASHTARTH:
There’s someone you can ask, if you’re willing to put aside your pride and do so.
SHIRO:
Huh, what? Wait!
A loud voice cuts into SHIRO’s thoughts.
VOICE:
YOU’VE GOT MAIL. GOODBYE.
SHIRO:
What?!
A loud buzzing noise rings in SHIRO’s head as the pastel world fades and SHIRO falls down, down, down into the searing white.
SHIRO:
Um there is a bottom to this right?!
AS if to answer his question a sign pops up beside him that reads “404 THIS PAGE NOT FOUND, THIS SITE IS OFFLINE FOR MAITENENCE AND WILL BE BACK SHORTLY.”
SHIRO:
I REALLY HATE META DREEEEEEEAAAAMS…..
He awakens in his bed with a start that jolts POMMY and causes him to roll off.
SHIRO:
Ah, what the hell was that?
POMMY:
That’s Pommy’s question to Shiro, myuu!
REGULUS:
Ah I had wondered when they’d try to talk to you. Makes sense.
SHIRO’s expression sours and he turns his head slowly to see REGULUS in the doorway to his room.
SHIRO:
From a dream to a nightmare. Nice.
REGULUS:
Good evening to you too, kiddo. I take it from the rising and not shining that you had a particularly interesting dream?
SHIRO:
…I’d ask how you know that, but I’ve already got a laundry list of questions for you.
SHIRO sighs and flops back into bed.
SHIRO:
At least I’m smart enough to know when I’m whipped though….when do we start training, Master Regulus?
REGULUS:
Mock surprise.
Whooooot, you want me to help you? Whatever for?
SHIRO:
Ashtarth was in my dream and he said to find out what I need to do to get the elements back, I need to put aside my pride and ask.
SHIRO forces a smile.
SHIRO:
So I’ll ask again. When do we start training….Master.
REGULUS:
Soon enough. I actually came here because your Grandma –who is a rather enchanting lady …hard to believe she’s related to you, Anyway, she told me to get you to come and help set up my room.
SHIRO:
…You didn’t come with anything to put in a room so how am I….
SHIRO pauses and growls.
SHIRO:
I’m supposed to go help you get furniture too, aren’t I?
REGULUS:
Ding dooong. But no need to worry, I don’t wanna stay here with you too long either. This is just until I find my own apartment.
SHIRO:
Usually people take care of that first.
REGULUS:
And usually people don’t need help drawing out their hidden powers. Or wait, they do, but usually they’re not failures like you.
SHIRO tosses a pillow at REGULUS who shuts the door before it hits him.
POMMY:
Ashtarth? You met him?
SHIRO:
You could say that.
SHIRO sighs and gets out of bed.
SHIRO:
It’s less putting aside my pride and more losing it in midlife crisis sized chunks at this rate….but…
He recalls REGULUS’s actions until this point.
SHIRO:
Just this once I wanna make a decision that doesn’t result in me making things worse.
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.