Chapter Text
Rain pelts the face of a raggedy, hairy alien as he slumps to his knees and then to his side, being released by a familiar hand –that of NITRO’s sister DYNA, another bomb she had willed fading from existence upon no longer being needed. DYNA surveys the barren landscape –an abandoned lot where she and her classmates are in the midst of bringing the justice. Not far from her, another yellow blur leaps into the air, and with a happy shout lands on top another raggedy, hairy alien, a bomb exploding almost nearly on contact. The yellow helmeted bomber looks back at his fallen foe, giving him a cute wave.
YELLOW:
Thank you, come again!
A pink bomber with a heart attachment at the end of her antenna tsk-tsks the yellow bomber, despite being in the middle of her own skirmish.
PINK:
Ravi, we’ve been through this before! When you beat an enemy you’re supposed to say something cool, like “You’re lucky I held back or you would have been ripped asunder”!
RAVI tilts his head inquisitively.
RAVI:
But sis, we use bombs, not swords! Plus I feel like a line like that exists somewhere…
PINK ducks under a punch all while not losing a thoughtful expression.
PINK:
Maybe you’re right. In any case….
The raggedy, hairy alien she fights against grows frustrated with her ability to stay one step ahead of him and hold a conversation –oh and of course that his comrade was defeated. All of this combines into him charging forward at the pink Bomber who turns, grabs his arm and with a small spark sets it aflame. The alien cries out in pain and tries to vainly swing his arm to put the fire out, but it soon engulfs his whole body and he is down for the count.
PINK:
You’re lucky I held back or…ah, yeah it really doesn’t work that well after all.
RAVI:
Told ya, Rosa!
DYNA joins the two, nodding approvingly.
DYNA:
That was easy enough, though I wonder how everyone else is doing?
ROSA:
We can go find out now, as we should check in with Ms. Mercy.
DYNA:
More like Ms. Merciless. Who’s heard of students doing dispatch like this? Though I’m happy for the opportunity, it’s still pretty crazy.
RAVI:
Cheerfully
It’s better than being stuck at a desk! I’m having a blast!
DYNA:
Point. Anyway, let’s head out.
ROSA:
I wonder who these guys are anyway?
DYNA makes a face –an expression that seems to be some parts annoyance and fear.
DYNA:
Y—You didn’t ask?
RAVI:
I was going to after the first two, but they were knocked out after I messed with ‘em a little!
ROSA:
Wow two?
DYNA:
Wow, TWO?! I mean I wasn’t messing around and I only barely managed to get one…
ROSA:
My little brother is no joke!
DYNA:
More importantly, no one asked what these guys were doing here? Ms. Merciless is going to kill us!
ROSA:
Oh, no! I guess we all just assumed the other person would ask…well, that is what interrogation is for, after all!
DYNA face-palms and shakes her head.
DYNA:
Before it can even get that far, she’s going to want to know why we didn’t ask before we bombed!
MERCY:
Didn’t ask what?
DYNA freezes in her tracks when she hears this voice, her face draining of color. RAVI exaggerates a wave, as ROSA smiles and perks up. MERCY returns this smile, though her current perch is anything but serene. She sits upon the body of a large furry creature, a fire lance lodged in it’s side. With some force, MERCY pulls the lance out and watches it fade into nothingness before her eyes before taking another –this time hardened glance at DYNA, ROSA, and RAVI. A short distance from her and her students is a white unmarked van, where a green bomber sneers at another creature collapsed in front of him as he digs his heel into the back of it’s head. In the van is a blue bomber slumped over a steering wheel –it’s hard to tell if they’re dead or asleep, although it’s clear from the lack of reaction of everyone gathered that this is not a bit peculiar.
MERCY:
I asked a question, cadets.
RAVI beams and leans back and forth.
RAVI:
We might have not asked why these guys were attacking in the first place, ma’am!
DYNA shoots him a dirty glare.
ROSA:
It’s not like we did that on purpose! We just sort of forgot!
DYNA:
I know you think it is, but that answer is in no way better!
MERCY:
It seems your education is lacking…I’ll have to fix that later.
DYNA visibly shudders at this.
MERCY:
You’re quite fortunate though, we’ve got one of them here and they were quite talkative.
MERCY sighs and demurely glances away.
MERCY:
Is what I’d like to say, but although they talked a lot we didn’t really get any information.
DYNA:
Is that why Koriko is um…punishing that one?
MERCY grins, her eyes reflecting something like mischievousness.
MERCY:
One good turn deserves another doesn’t it?
DYNA:
Thinking.
Yup, being in this class is a mistake.
MERCY slides off her perch and strides back to the van, her class following her as she knocks on the window to wake up the sleeping blue bomber. After a few moments, the bomber stirs and languidly glances at the group before putting his head back on the steering wheel. For a few moments, it seems as if he intends to leave them out there, but he soon lifts an arm and flicks the automatic lock switch allowing the group into the car, MERCY in the passenger’s seat, and the others in the back.
MERCY:
So Ciel? Did you manage to find anything?
The blue bomber lifts his head again and yawns before slowly reaching over to the dashboard and pressing the tape deck’s eject button causing it to recede into the panel and flip around revealing a mini computer station.
CIEL:
Those aliens, the goriaians, are almost always hired hands, and considering just how many of them were involved in this (yawn) waste of time, it’s probably a pretty big job.
DYNA comes close and looks over the seat at the panel.
CIEL:
So I cross-referenced sightings and records of their recent arrests, and have come to an important realization.
There’s a pause as everyone waits with baited breath….for several moments until it’s clear CIEL has fallen asleep. MERCY sighs, and pokes him in the head until he slowly comes to.
CIEL:
W-what?
DYNA:
The realization!? What was it?!
CIEL:
I’m getting to that, no need to yell.
DYNA scowls as CIEL clears his throat.
CIEL:
This is most likely a diversion designed to get our attention while someone else goes after the real target.
ROSA:
Whoa! How’d you come to that conclusion?
CIEL:
Yawns.
It’s what I’d do, if I weren’t busy with more important things. Send a bunch of nobodies places, have them cause trouble and use that confusion to go for my actual goal.
KORIKO frowns, and in a small very cute voice asks…
KORIKO:
Do you know what that actual goal is?
CIEL:
Nah.
DYNA:
So not only were we fooled, but we’re back at square one?
She leans back in the seat and sighs.
DYNA:
I love having my time wasted in the morning.
RAVI:
That’s a funny thing to like! Haha!
MERCY suddenly narrows her eyes, and shakes CIEL.
MERCY:
We have to get moving now.
ROSA:
Ms. Mercy? What’s wrong? Was Ciel wrong about something?
MERCY:
No, and that’s just it. Taking that thought to it’s logical extreme, why not be rid of a nuisance that you’ve lead to a certain point unawares? We’re sitting out here bare to the elements, and I don’t like it.
DYNA:
That’s true, though I’d feel a lot better if it wasn’t Ciel driving.
Motioning to him to stop the car, MERCY slides over and changes seats with CIEL –an action that saves them when an explosion goes off mere feet before the van. MERCY flicks the transmission into reverse and pulls off quickly.
MERCY:
I usually really enjoy being right, but in this case I’d rather be wrong –but not the “dead” variety. Hang on everyone!
The van careens by quickly as a figure watches nearby –a man of average height and unnoticeable features –except for the fact that he has a mask resembling a clock face over his head.
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 10: Conspiracy Chaos.
???:
Where’s your passion?!
SHIRO looks down at a mass of machine parts in front of him and then glances at REGULUS who stands in the corner of the room with his arms crossed.
SHIRO:
That guy over there whittled it out of me with his constant attempts to end my life.
Today’s class is technical studies, which meets in a laboratory type setting, with machines and computers in different stages of assembly placed at seemingly strategic locations around the room. SHIRO is the only one not busily working on assembling something out of the parts in front of him, as BONGO watches from a terminal on one side of the class, clearly not the one lambasting SHIRO for his lack of action, rather it’s a small spherical robot of a purple and blue color and a screechy voice floating near his head using an unseen force. This voice is somewhat familiar –somehow, except one wouldn’t be wrong to think that last time it was heard it came out of a wholly different object? In any case, SHIRO groans and waves the robot away.
SHIRO:
I’m tired, okay? I’ll have more passion tomorrow or something, I promise.
The robot fumes, opens up its chest cavity and two hand pop out, both of which grab SHIRO’s face and pull it from either side.
ROBOT:
First of all you’re going to refer to me by name, you got it?!
SHIRO:
Straining.
I would if I knew what your name was?! The big guy went over what we’re supposed to do, but I have no idea where the heck you came from all of a sudden?!
KURO who sits across from SHIRO chimes in.
KURO:
Ah, that’s Gang, he’s Prof. Bongo’s lab assistant. Though, I feel like it’s been a while since we last saw him?
GANG:
See, now this kid gets it! NOT. I’ve been around the whole time, consarnit! It’s just that yellow gorilla keeps modifying me into different things and…
He looks up at BONGO who’s expression is unreadable.
GANG:
I-I-I-I-In any case I’m running the show today, so get moving!
GANG zooms off to another side of the room after letting SHIRO’s face go, the hands retracting back inside of his cavity as he does. SHIRO rubs his face and scowls while REI titters at his misfortune.
REI:
I’d say that your face is unfunny, but that’d be stretching the truth, I daresay.
KURO:
Rei, c’mon, don’t be like that.
REI:
But it’s funny, Kuro my dearest! He’s like silly putty with an attitude!
SHIRO:
Grumbling.
Someone out there is going to celebrate your death, I’m sure of it.
BELL who is beside SHIRO chimes in.
BELL:
Not me, nope. I’m totally not interested in getting my hands on your corpse to do experimentations on! Who would dare insinuate that?
SHIRO:
…You, very loudly I might add, but I like being proven right so we’ll go with it. More like, you’re feeling okay now?
BELL’s eyebrow rises as she turns to SHIRO.
BELL:
Okay? Why wouldn’t I be?
SHIRO:
Uhh, you really don’t remember being possessed?
BELL:
No? I’m pretty sure I’d remember that.
SHIRO:
So where did you go after summoning my Dad? I had things to do so I couldn’t check, but I was kind of worried.
BELL blinks and looks upward while tapping her chin.
BELL:
Come to think of it, I don’t really remember? I remember going with you and then waking up in my bed but that’s about it.
REI:
If only I could forget the time I wasted talking to him….
SHIRO:
I can arrange that with a bomb to your face.
KURO:
Shiro, seriously…don’t…
Suddenly GANG goes flying and smacks SHIRO in the face. And REI, BELL and KURO all glance over at the origin of his flight path and see REGULUS dusting off his hands.
REGULUS:
Only assholes talk during class.
SHIRO gets up quickly and tosses GANG aside.
SHIRO:
THIS IS THE FIRST REAL CLASS I’VE BEEN IN?! YOU BARELY DO ANYTHING!
BONGO:
Hey, Regulus.
REGULUS gives BONGO a look.
BONGO:
You should have let me reconfigure him into a football, da bongo. He would have been easier to throw.
GANG:
HEY, YOU BIG LUMMOX!!
REGULUS:
Ah, true. It was a little tough on my shoulders.
GANG:
BOTH OF YOU ARE DEAD TO ME!
SHIRO:
GET IN LINE!
BELL:
Can I also get in line? If someone’s gonna die then…
REGULUS:
Hey, don’t embarrass me in front of the other teachers.
KIIRO who is at an adjacent table frowns at this.
KIIRO:
Quietly.
I kinda think you do a bang up job of that yerself.
CROW snickers, and before REGULUS can react the phone at BONGO’s desk rings and he answers it. The caller is unclear, but he brightens up considerably as he nods along to whatever the person is saying, and by the time he hangs up, he’s practically beaming.
REGULUS:
Good call, I assume?
BONGO nods quickly.
BONGO:
Do you mind watching the class for a moment, da bongo? I have a guest!
REGULUS’s whole presence darkens in pure malicious glee –something only SHIRO picks up on.
SHIRO:
NONONONONOOOOOO don’t leave, he’s totally going to…
BONGO is already out of earshot, with GANG in hot pursuit.
GANG:
A guest?! Who? Tell ‘im I’m coming too!
SHIRO:
….take advantage of this situation and make me suffer…
REGULUS:
So, I’m dead to you huh, Shiro?
SHIRO:
I’d ask for mercy but that’s not going to happen, so…
He sighs.
SHIRO:
Let’s just get this over with.
BONGO and GANG dash as quickly as they can to the main building where EIN’s office is located, and in the lobby find SHOUT and a familiar white bomberman deep in conversation.
SHOUT:
And Bajira still checks in even today! Can you believe it?! Who knew your clutzy move would gain us a supporter for life?
SHIRO’s uncle grins.
UNCLE:
It was a calculated move on my part…
BONGO:
It’s really him! You’re here, da bongo!
GANG cries exaggerated tears.
GANG:
Ahhh I thought we’d seen the last of you!
UNCLE:
…Gang that really sounds messed up, but I know you didn’t mean it that way.
BONGO scoops him up in a bear hug.
UNCLE:
I missed you guys too! Man, I’m so sorry I haven’t been in touch lately, adventuring takes me all over!
SHOUT:
I would have never thought a wimpy good-for-nothing like you would have struck out on such a dangerous path, though!
UNCLE:
Seriously Shout? Even now you’re just pouring on the salt?
SHOUT grins, and he laughs, soon bringing them all together in a hearty guffaw.
UNCLE:
Man that was good. How’s my nephew doing? I know he’s a handful, but if he came here on his own accord that must mean he wants to learn right?
SHOUT crosses her arms as the humor disappears from his face.
SHOUT:
If I’m to be brutally honest, I’m really suspicious about the whole thing….him being here and all.
UNCLE:
Oh?
BONGO:
Yeah, Ein bent over backwards to have him enroll, da bongo.
SHOUT:
And even invited a new teacher at the same time…it’s really suspicious.
UNCLE:
Hey now, he’s my nephew and Mighty’s son. Are you saying you don’t trust us?
SHOUT:
No, it’s not like…it’s just the timing of the whole thing is suspect…
SHIRO’s uncle leans back in his seat and blows air.
UNCLE:
No, I mean…as much as I’d love to say I’m here on a social visit, the truth is there is a bunch of shady stuff going on that I was investigating and the trail brought me here.
GANG:
Shady stuff? What do you mean?
SHIRO’s uncle leans in and whispers.
UNCLE:
It’s unrelated, but I’ve been investigating my bro’s death and instead have dug up some dirt on Bagular.
BONGO:
Bagular, da bongo?
SHOUT:
The philanthropist businessman? It’s hard to believe he’d have any dirt to be found…
SHIRO’s uncle nods gravely.
UNCLE:
It’s all circumstantial right now, but when I tug a string in regard to bro’s death, something related to him reacts. Of course, he’s careful enough not to be directly involved in anything shady but it’s enough to raise an eyebrow or two.
GANG:
Sounds serious man….are you gonna be here doing investigation for a bit then?
UNCLE:
That’s the plan. Though, I really need to see Ein. On my way here, I ran into something he’d be interested to know.
SHOUT:
Ah, well that’s a funny thing. Right before you got here, he was suddenly called off on some urgent matter and left in a hurry.
UNCLE:
Dang, I was too late then? Did he say where he was going?
SHOUT shakes her head.
SHOUT:
No, but I have a feeling it might be related to Bagular. I happened to be uh…
She glances around at her present company.
BONGO:
Eavesdropping?
SHOUT:
…that’s just such a dirty way of putting it.
UNCLE:
Yeah? What did you hear?
SHOUT:
It sounded like he was talking to someone he was really familiar with….and while the professor has lots of friends, there are only a few he really gets personable around…
UNCLE:
You think it was Bagular who called him?
SHOUT nods and SHIRO's uncle thumbs his chin.
UNCLE:
Interesting…anyway, do you guys wanna hear a story?
***
In the metropolis of Diamond City, one building towers above the rest – the HQ of Techtronic –the energy infrastructure giant of Bomber Star and the HQ of the aforementioned BAGULAR. On top of this building is a greenhouse where exotic plants of different planets grow, and it is located dead center of the city as if its whole existence is for the express purpose of showing off its splendor. As SHOUT had said, EIN is inside and after being buzzed in by reception, walks into an elevator and heads up to see BAGULAR. He is dressed impeccably in a dark suit and tie, his hair slicked back, and his glasses shined to perfection despite still being opaque enough to hide his eyes. His jaw is set and his mouth in a line so that it’s difficult to tell how he’s feeling, though the seriousness in his movements and lack of levity on his face lends itself well to the atmosphere of this not being a social visit. EIN reaches a set of silver double doors, checks his hair one more time, and pushes them open to enter BAGULAR’s office –an open space that feels more like a studio apartment than a work space. The clear windows give way to a view of the sea in the distance as well as the forests and mountains which seem to meld together photogenically, a couch set near the window nearby situated in a way that BAGULAR and his quests can enjoy the scenery while deep in discussion. Meanwhile, BAGULAR’s desk itself is a mahogany splendor, strength radiating from it as the sun reflects off its surface –as a window into BAGULAR’s personality it is largely undecorated except for a laptop on one side, and a bonsai plant on the other. Upon EIN’s entry, BAGULAR looks up and offers a curt nod, rising from his place behind the desk and striding over to his visitor. The man himself is strongly built –tall with no wasted muscle even in his business attire, his arms thick and rippling despite his age. In fact, other than his bald head and impressive white beard that reaches to his chest, he looks like a man in his middle age. His eyes are small and hard set and his jawline solid. This is a man who is all business, and has no use for pleasantries. Despite this, he still offers EIN a curt smile and handshake before offering him a seat on the couch nearby, which the latter nods and accepts. Soon they both are sitting and have a long look out into the distance before BAGULAR speaks, his voice gruff but not overly so.
BAGULAR:
It’s been some time hasn’t it Ein?
EIN:
Nodding.
Yes, It has. I almost thought you had forgotten about me, Bags, not that I blame you –what could an influential man such as yourself want with a lowly school headmaster like me?
BAGULAR:
Chuckles.
You’re always like this Ein –belittling yourself and your achievements with the study of Bomb elements in some attempt to be coy that I’ll never understand. Why, if you weren’t content with taking a knee, you could be the foremost authority in bombology in the entire universe.
EIN:
I thank you for your kind words, but you overestimate me and the need for such studies. We are human after all, Bags, so no matter how much we study bombs and their abilities, we’re merely spectators in a sport we can never play.
BAGULAR shifts his weight at this and clasps his hands together, which EIN takes as his opportunity to shift the conversational topic.
EIN:
Excuse my rudeness, but while I am glad that I wasn’t forgotten, I do wonder what the reason was for the sudden call. Surely you didn’t just have a bit of free time an decide to spend it with me?
BAGULAR smirks.
BAGULAR:
Astute as always, Ein...bluntly so. There’s someone there who rightfully should be here with me, and I’m sure you’re aware of this.
EIN stiffens.
BAGULAR:
You are right that I had a bit of free time –and I thought it prudent to remind you of this fact.
EIN:
Bagular, I know as a businessman you’re used to either buying or taking what you want, but the same cannot be said for people. That one chose to come of their own accord, all I did was to offer a place for them. I don’t doubt with your wealth of resources that you would have been able to do the same, but what they needed wasn’t things but warmth.
BAGULAR gives EIN a quick glance.
BAGULAR:
Are you suggesting I lack that?
It is EIN’s turn to chuckle as he shakes his head.
EIN:
You’ve always been about cold hard logic and results….which admittedly I’ve always admired about you. Though in exchange for that, you lack fundamental empathy for others….which is exactly why you’ll never understand why I chose this path for myself.
BAGULAR harrumphs at this and looks down at his clasped hands.
BAGULAR:
The Declaration of Universal Tourism act….such an innocuous name, but the ramifications of its formation are impossible to ignore. Whereas humanity thought itself to be the pinnacle of galactic life, it was this act that made us realize the truth of our weakness. While some chose to curse this and the universe for betraying them, there are others who wisely decided to use this opportunity to seek more, to do more, to be more, and I for one celebrate this effort. Would we have had the ability to know anything about bombs or bomb elements without it? Perhaps, but now such efforts are within our grasp, and I intend to take full advantage of them.
EIN:
You’re still going on about that “ultimate life form” that you mentioned in our school days then?
BAGULAR:
Oh I’ve had to be patient for a time where technology and resources came to a point where I could utilize it properly, but now…now, I’m close to a breakthrough.
BAGULAR grins –a cold dark expression that EIN could swear lowers the temperature in the room by several degrees.
BAGULAR:
Things will go my way before long, Ein…whether you stand in my way or not.
EIN:
Bagular….
BAGULAR rises and strides over to his desk.
BAGULAR:
I thought that as my old friend I should tell you this face to face. That student which has found their way into your hands might be there for now, but I am a patient man, and they are an unstable force. How long do you think you can keep a lid over a force that cannot be contained?
EIN quietly regards BAGULAR as he moves, unable to refute him and hating himself for it.
BAGULAR:
Oh, and I heard some of your students ran into trouble during a patrol this morning…
EIN stiffens and shoots BAGULAR a look.
BAGULAR:
Now, now, no need to worry about them…it seems an outside force came and saved them from peril, but I would advise you get into the habit of telling your classes to choose their missions wisely –it would be a shame if they got hurt investigating matters they shouldn’t be.
EIN:
Quietly.
Bagular…would you…?
BAGULAR:
Scoffs.
Of course not. Just because I don’t do pleasantries doesn’t mean I’m a villain. Besides, I’m right here with you…how on earth can I be in two places at once?
EIN:
Of course….yes….
EIN shoots BAGULAR a look and the latter smiles –this time without the chilling aftereffect. Meanwhile, SHIRO’s uncle rides his Rui back home, his meet and greet with his friends at the Base finished, but his thoughts rushing faster than his loyal kangaroo steed. He thinks back to the events of today and what he had talked about with the others…
SHOUT:
You ran into Mercy and Class one? Are they okay?
UNCLE:
Yeah, it’s a good thing I showed up when I did though, or they might have been in big trouble.
BONGO:
She goes off on her own often, but she’s usually able to handle herself, da bongo….
SHOUT:
Though…what if this was a set up?
UNCLE:
Nodding.
That’s my thought too. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to catch the guy behind it, but at least they’re safe.
GANG:
Now I see what you wanna meet the prof, but he isn’t in.
UNCLE:
It’s fine, I’ll just have to contact him later. You guys keep on the alert –I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
SHOUT:
Will do, but you be careful as well.
He nods, as his memories flash to the present.
UNCLE:
Thinking.
I got there in time, but it feels like there’s something we’re all missing here…but what?
Fade back to the scene where the van with the members of class 1 are narrowly avoiding explosives erupting under them one after another as MERCY makes break neck turns around the field.
MERCY:
Thinking.
These are clearly land mines of some sort, but how were they able to get so many here without us noticing?
DYNA:
Watch out!
MERCY snaps out of her thought as a flame shoots up right before them, and she’s forced to take a hard right, causing the van to tilt under the quick shift of momentum. It’s then that MERCY sees a glint in the corner of her eye and gasps as she realizes not only is there a mine right in their path, but how the whole set up works.
MERCY:
Thinking.
Is that what’s going on?! But that should be impossible…!
KORIKO:
We’re gonna dieeee! I’m too young for this!
The van tips, but before it lands, something swoops in, grabs the mine and dodges being flattened by the vehicle in one swift motion. Although it shakes everyone up, the van lands on its side relatively harmlessly –a much better conclusion than they could have initially hoped for.
ROSA:
Whoa, what was that?
MERCY:
I think it was…a person?
CIEL:
A white bomber to be exact. You guys missed that and yet you say I’m the one who sleeps too much…
KORIKO:
As expected of our brother! (under breath) of course the guy who’s dead inside would be observant of all his surroundings. Keh.
MERCY climbs out of the van and spies their savior in the distance –SHIRO’s uncle who has leaped off his Rui, tossing the mine up and down in the air –it’s shape changing as he does so until it’s a run of the mill bomb…?
MERCY:
I knew it, but now I’ve just got more questions than ever….!
UNCLE:
Hey buddy, I’m really curious as to how you made this happen.
The bomb in his hand erupts into a flaming orb as he speaks, and…
UNCLE:
So why not come out here and explain it to us?
He leans back and with a grunt throws the bomb.
UNCLE:
SHINING FIRE BOMB!!
It sails toward nothing in particular and explodes, leading MERCY and the other members of her class to wonder who SHIRO’s uncle is referring to. Suddenly, the scenery itself seems to move as something shoots out from the flames of the explosion, and silently disappears into the distance.
UNCLE:
The shy type, huh?
Without turning around he says to MERCY and the others…
UNCLE:
It should be fine to come out…whatever magic was occurring had to be connected to that person’s abilities, and they’re gone now.
RAVI:
Whooo! Thanks for saving us stranger! I was totally scared! Hahahaah!
MERCY climbs out the side of the car and makes her way to SHIRO’s uncle.
MERCY:
So you noticed it too, huh?
UNCLE:
Yeah, but it doesn’t make a damn bit of sense unless they have time manipulation abilities…
MERCY:
My thoughts exactly. Not only that, but this was clearly a set-up meant to catch us off guard which means someone knows of our investigation into this whole matter.
UNCLE:
Yup, so do me a favor and watch your step. There’s definitely something going down here and if you’re not careful, a jacked up van will be the least of your worries.
MERCY:
Good advice, but I didn’t get to where I was with the base by backing down on a lead.
She glances over at the class helping each other get out of the van.
MERCY:
Though it seems this is an investigation I’ll have to do on my own…for their sake.
SHIRO’s uncle tips his hat and shakes his head.
UNCLE:
If you ask me, you should take a step back for their sakes, but I’m the last person who should be giving that advice. I’m heading to the base, so I’ll let everyone know you’re out here.
MERCY:
Much appreciated.
He hops back on his rui –where he is in the present still running. Although he had intended to look into MIGHTY’s death, it seems a whole new conspiracy is unfolding right before his eyes, one where the players involved aren’t clear, and want to keep it that way, even if it means silencing others forever.
UNCLE:
Thinking.
I was thinking I’d ship out of here soon after bro’s death anniversary, but there’s more to this that I have to see through….it’s what he’d do.
As he rides off, the man with the clock-face mask walks through Diamond city, a burnt satchel under his arm, and a cellphone to his face. His voice is deep, and almost completely without emotion as he reports to an unknown party…
MAN:
Yes, I was able to grab the plans, however an unrelated party came before I could be rid of the hindrances, and that is the reason for my delay, sir. I apologize.
He pauses as the other party speaks and nods at their words.
MAN:
Of course. We should be able to proceed once I analyze the system and find a point I can compromise with my abilities. We will be able to get what it is we need, sir.
The man inclines his head upward though what he gazes at isn’t clear both because of his mask and there being nothing remarkable above him.
MAN:
I will crack the Bomber Penitentiary like an egg.
He then hangs up the phone, and continues making his way leisurely through the streets of Diamond City, unremarkable except for his ambition of which remains almost wholly unknown.
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.