Chapter Text
The night sky seemingly explodes into multi colors as a firework kisses the dark horizon. Shrapnel of this fleeting relationship dive down, down, down into the trees past the grasp of the audience that watches in awe captivated by this wholesome love affair of color, sky, and sound. In particular, one familiar figure stands on a cape on their own watching the fireworks explode with an expression hidden behind an enigmatic ornate mask –white and shaped in the visage of a bear, yet their stance open in its admiration suggests that they are just as enamored –if not more so by the fireworks as the audience watching below. To them this is more than just a simple means of being entertained, no, It is something much deeper, something personal. A voice saunters into their consciousness, somewhat distorted as it is filtered in by memories.
VOICE:
Fire may be a blessing from nature, but it is not within its nature to help people.
The voice fades as the familiar masked person turns to leave the scene of merriment, their mission clear. They take one more look at something in their hand –a ticket to another world that shows Bomber Star as the destination, and with a small nod both to themselves and to the doubting voice in their head they exit as one more love letter from the terrestrials on the ground launches and explodes in the sky.
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 14: Fireworks Fantasy.
KIIRO:
It’s magic y’all!
The other members of class zero continue to arrange the house for the upcoming family event, completely ignoring KIIRO as he stands with one leg upon a box smiling triumphantly. He remains unmoving from his spot for several moments until it’s clear either no one heard him (or probably more likely, no one cares to ask follow up questions) and he quickly darts to the nearest person –SHIRO and grabs him by his collar, exaggerated tears falling like waterfalls down his face.
KIIRO:
Ask me a question dag nabbit! Ain’tcha curious as to what I mean?!
SHIRO responds with an overwhelming amount of ennui –enough that KIIRO gives them a bit of space…
SHIRO:
Not really.
CROW sighs and strides over to KIIRO, apparently being the one who understands the yellow bomber the best, and gives him a grin while wrapping his arm around his shoulder.
CROW:
Guys, I think Kiiro here wants to tell you about his plans for the family festival.
Everyone stops what they’re doing upon CROW speaking up.
KURO:
Huh? Oh! Sure, go right ahead!
REI:
If my Kuro is interested, then I am too.
NITROS:
Ah, you had something to say Kiiro? You should have spoken up!
BELL:
Oh? This should be interesting! Give us the details!
TOTO:
JUSTICE LENDS AN EAR TO ITS ALLIES!
AQUA:
Ssssh, Toto! But, please, tell us what you have planned, Kiiro.
KIDD gives KIIRO a cursory glance, and the masked student stops what they’re doing giving KIIRO their undivided attention.
CROW:
Floor’s all yours, buddy.
KIIRO’s exaggerated tears continue at this.
KIIRO:
I ain’t sure if I’m happy to have a friend like you or frustrated by the difference in treatment ‘ere…
KIIRO shakes his head and takes a deep breath.
KIIRO:
Anyway! I’m sayin’ I’m gonna throw a magic show ‘ere for the folks comin in to see us!
KURO:
Magic show? That’s interesting….I suppose it would be nice to have some entertainment.
REI:
Mm, I believe that the festivities we’re limited to a speech and a meet and greet originally.
KIIRO:
They were, and I got to thinkin that’s a real shame, so I’m gonna liven things up with a little hocus-pocus!
CROW bounces his head rhythmically at his friend’s idea.
CROW:
That’s using your head Kiiro, my man.
NITROS:
I’m down. You need any help, Kiiro?
KIIRO thumbs his chin.
KIIRO:
It’d be nice to have some fireworks goin’ durin the whole show, so maybe you pyromancers could give a bomber a hand?
NITROS:
No problem, dude! I can at least help set up, but I’d want to be able to hang out with my sister afterward.
KIIRO:
That’s cool, that’s cool. What about you Toto?
TOTO raises his hand triumphantly.
TOTO:
I’LL BE BUSY WITH MY FAMILY!
KURO:
Um, it’s nice you’re dedicated to them, but…uh, I’m not sure that’s something you have to volunteer with so much zeal..
AQUA:
Bowing.
I’m sorry everyone, it’s just…it’s rare for our older brothers to be in town, so we really want to spend as much time with them as a family as we can…
KIIRO:
Ain’t no big thing, I understand.
The group discusses this as the masked student watches them from a distance. They want to speak up –to volunteer, but the voice to do so seems to be lost in a wave of lost confidence, past experiences and most of all, a sense of dread. Even though this is what they had come here for, it’s hard to break old habits…
***
REGULUS frowns at SHOUT who frowns back at him creating a mood of unpleasant perpetual motion. The two continue this for a moment until REGULUS turns and starts toward the door of the office they’re in, but makes the mistake of giving SHOUT one last look –this one being filled with enough venom that it feels like it could melt him if exposed too long. He sighs, heads back to the table and takes his seat as SHOUT clears her throat and gives him a condescending glance.
SHOUT:
You don’t have any intention of actually teaching anyone anything do you?
REGULUS taps the table in front of him –somewhat impatiently, somewhat thoughtfully and after a moment of this shrugs.
REGULUS:
Define teaching.
SHOUT:
It’s a noun –the occupation, profession, or work of a teacher, or ideas and principles taught by an authority.
REGULUS crosses his arms in an “X” formation and makes a buzzer sound.
REGULUS:
Bzzzzzt. You can’t use the word you’re defining in the definition.
In a moment REGULUS’s head is being grinded into the table by SHOUT who’s expression lacks humor, mercy and maybe even humanity. Her voice has also lowered an octave as she speaks…
SHOUT:
Ohhhh? So the guy who can’t teach a class sees fit to lecture me? How interestinnng.
REGULUS:
Okay, okay, I get it!
SHOUT lets him go and sits back in her seat, her fingers steepled as REGULUS adjusts himself.
SHOUT:
Listen, I know you’re way more hands on than the teacher the class had beforehand, but we’ve got a precedent to follow here. People are going to start asking questions, and while you don’t care about appearances, it’s basically my job to care about that very much.
REGULUS:
So what, you want me to like…hold hands with them and sing songs?
SHOUT:
….You’re quite an ass, aren’t you?
REGULUS:
Is there any way I can answer that question that won’t result in more pain?
SHOUT thoughtfully taps her temple.
REGULUS:
I plead the fifth.
SHOUT:
Cheerfully.
And it’s your freedom to do so. In any case, you need to figure out how to reach out to your students in a way that isn’t just violence.
REGULUS borrows a very familiar exaggerated sigh.
REGULUS:
You do realize the irony here right? You’re using violence to keep me from using violence to teach.
SHOUT:
Now that’s not fair! I’m not making you stay here –you can leave at any time. In fact if I’m to be honest, I’d encourage it. I’m not sure of the deal you worked out with the headmaster, but I’ve been completely against you being here from the start. I mean, your only reason for anything is that you’re saving us from that new kid, but so far I haven’t seen any reason we should be worried about him?
REGULUS taps the side of his face.
REGULUS:
You’re welcome.
SHOUT:
Humorlessly.
Seriously, either do your job properly or I’ll kick you out.
REGULUS:
Asking for grins and giggles, but do you even have the power to do that?
SHOUT’s face twists into an evil grin.
SHOUT:
Not directly, but I’m sure you know how that goes…it’s the indirect actions one takes that have the most effects. Care to find out what I mean?
REGULUS:
…I don’t think I do, no.
SHOUT:
Good boy. Meeting adjourned.
In the present REGULUS sits in the campus square with an extra-large funnel cake that he’s barely eaten any of as he stares up into the sky thoughtfully.
REGULUS:
Ahhh, how I’d like to simply cut and run, but I suppose that’d be too easy wouldn’t it?
He sits straight and watches students pass him for a bit, wondering what he should do. He’s really just here to train –and then probably(?) kill SHIRO, and while he could have just approached the bomber on his own in private, this seemed to be quickest means to get to him uninterrupted. Not to mention being on campus affords them facilities they couldn’t get if he had to train him on his own and let’s be honest, having a steady form of income is a thing to be celebrated. Though it is fair that the school would want him to –y’know, actually pay attention to the other students in the class, so he can’t be too miffed about how things turned out, but this exposes the fallacy in his plan….that is to say that he didn’t really have a plan aside from training SHIRO.
REGULUS leans forward, balls one fist and places it into the open palm of his other hand as he thinks about how he can proceed in the most efficient –(read with the least amount of effort) manor. He could go ask SHIRO about any other problems he’s been having, but it doesn’t seem as if he has any, and to admit this to himself would be tantamount to acknowledging that the kid really doesn’t need him beyond his training with the elements, and REGULUS just can’t have that, he just can’t. So then what next? He raises his head and notices one of his charges –the masked student walk by. To his probably (read most definitely) inappropriate relief, they seem pretty down about something –which means instructor intervention is not only appropriate, but perhaps wholly necessary! Plus what kind of problems could a kid have? It’s bound to be something trivial that he can solve with minuscule effort –a talking to at most and then he can “recommend” that they go talk to SHOUT about how helpful he had been and get her off his back, which is the best case scenario. Not win-win, but win for him. REGULUS stuffs the rest of the funnel cake into his mouth and in an impressive and not awkward-almost-falling-over-himself-way dashes over to the masked student.
***
The two sit across from each other at a café several minutes, REGULUS has a whole strawberry cake before him, while the mask student simply has a frappe. The two simply regard each other silently for several minutes, as REGULUS cuts a slice of cake and then eats the bigger side instead. The masked student simply stares down at their drink quietly, leaving REGULUS simultaneously bewildered and concerned about the avenue this conversation (or lack thereof) is going down.
REGULUS:
Um…I know I’m the one who offered to hear you out and stuff, but this requires a little bit of participation on your part, y’know?
The masked student looks up at him (maybe?) –he can’t tell as today they have an orange ornate tiger mask with ink lines creating the stripes. Whether they’re looking at REGULUS or not doesn’t matter, as it unnerves him all the same, but he goes through great lengths to not show this.
REGULUS:
Contrary to popular belief –and do feel free to share this with others, I’m a guy who does care about those he’s teaching, so why not tell me what’s on your mind?
REGULUS says the last part with as much genuine concern as he can muster, surprising himself, but the surprises don’t cease there as the mask student…speaks.
MASK:
I’m not sure you can help, sir.
REGULUS facefaults slightly at this –both out of surprise and annoyance. Telling him that he’s unable to do something does something to his pride. Also, the masked student’s voice is…well, hard to describe is the best way to put it –it’s a very androgynous tone, not denoting their gender or age or…well, anything, and REGULUS prides himself on being able to pick up on things like this through minor tells like voices.
REGULUS:
Clears throat.
Why not give ol’ teach a shot? You might be surprised.
MASK:
….What are your feelings on fire, sir?
REGULUS makes a face.
REGULUS:
Hot, bad, dangerous….I guess?
The masked student seems saddened by this and bows their head.
MASK:
I see…
REGULUS:
Wait, wait, wait, okay, lets start over. First off, you know me as the paragon of awesome –Regulus. What should I call you?
MASK:
Quietly.
Flamme .
REGULUS:
Okay, that’s a start. Flamme, what’s your deal with fire? Though, I suppose being a pyromancer, it is kind of your shtick, no?
FLAMME nods slowly.
REGULUS:
So then, what’s got you down?
FLAMME tilts their head and for a moment seems to be deep in thought.
FLAMME:
It might be easier if I just showed you, but not here.
REGULUS’s eyebrow rises, but he shrugs and stands up.
REGULUS:
Lead on, student of mine.
It’s dusk by the time the two have arrived back on campus –and the students have retired to their quarters for the evening. FLAMME has lead REGULUS some distance away from the main campus surrounded by forest, and with the setting sun as the backdrop, it seems as if the trees are aflame.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
Is this week’s theme fire…
To FLAMME
So? What’d you want to show me?
FLAMME obviously nervous exhales to ease their anxiety, and faces REGULUS before reaching up and slowly removing the mask. REGULUS crosses his arms upon seeing their face and inclines his head sagely.
REGULUS:
Can’t lie, wasn’t expecting this.
FLAMME’s face is a dark sphere except for where their eyes and mouth are –those are red-yellow lights, which illuminate the small space where they and REGULUS stand. It’s mouth is in an odd –yet someone cute zig-zag shape that gives the appearance of sharp teeth whenever FLAMME talks. Every so often when they breathe, a little flame comes out and slightly –only slightly their hands flare up a little as they hold the mask in their left and run their hand down their face with the right.
REGULUS:
You’re a honoo person from the planet Kagutsuchi, yeah? Rare to see you on other planets, but not really strange by any means…which begs the question, why’d you hide your face?
FLAMME:
Sheepishly.
I was expecting more of a reaction….but…no, um, this isn’t so much to hide my face as it is to limit my flames…sometimes when I’m unmasked like this it gets hard to keep myself contained…
REGULUS:
I’m not worried or anything, but…I am safe right?
FLAMME:
Y—yeah, you are, sir.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
Whew.
To FLAMME
So what’s dousing your fire?
FLAMME:
Sadly.
That’s just it, I’m not sure how to keep my flame from hurting people when I’m unmasked like this. Again, it’s not like I mean to hide myself from the rest of the class, it’s just…I don’t want to frighten anyone, plus…
REGULUS tilts his head at this part as FLAMME trails off.
REGULUS:
Plus?
FLAMME:
I want to make fire something that can be useful to –maybe even save others.
REGULUS:
I see. That’s why you asked me that earlier, huh?
FLAMME nods, and REGULUS feels a wave of guilt.
REGULUS:
Geez, I didn—sorry. My answer probably didn’t really help, did it? Though to be charismatically blunt –my endearing trait, that is generally the impression people have of fire, y’know?
FLAMME clenches their fists.
FLAMME:
And I want to change that!
The area near FLAMME suddenly bursts into flames, causing them to react in a panic and try to stomp the flames out. REGULUS takes a breath and wills a wave of pressure that instantly douses the flames and knocks FLAMME off their feet.
FLAMME:
I—I’m sorry, sir! I just….
REGULUS:
Don’t sweat it. I’m beginning to understand the issue here. So you want to show folks fire’s their friend, yeah?
FLAMME:
…n—n—not something that ambitious no, just…you know, that it’s not that scary.
REGULUS:
That’s still pretty ambitious to me, honestly. Though I guess that is the reason you don’t see many honoo unless you head to Kagutsuchi….it’d be hard for joe everydude to realize he’s living next to a bonfire in human-ish form.
FLAMME:
Eventually I want to make it so people don’t feel that way about fire –about us.
REGULUS:
Lofty goals, kid. Though I can’t say I dislike that kind of dedication. How were you going to start on this long road of yours?
FLAMME:
I..I was thinking maybe at the family festival, maybe? Kiiro is planning on throwing a magic show, and I was thinking I could help him, but my ability could hurt lots of people if used incorrectly…
REGULUS:
Ah, and that’s where I come in, huh?
FLAMME nods.
FLAMME:
To be honest I was kind of afraid to ask you because of how you are in class –but you seem really strong, despite what Shiro says.
REGULUS:
“Despite what Shiro says”? So the little brat is spreading rumors about me?
FLAMME realizes what they said and waves their arms.
FLAMME:
Nononononono that’s not what I meant! I don’t want to get Shiro into tro—
REGULUS:
Darkly.
It seems I haven’t taught him fear quite yet….I suppose I’ll need to hasten his lessons.
FLAMME:
Panicked.
What are you talking about sir?!
REGULUS:
Perhaps it’s time to send him to the shadow realm once and for all.
FLAMME:
SIIIIIIRRRRR?!
REGULUS:
Anyway, I’ll be glad to train you a bit. It is my duty as your teacher after all.
FLAMME:
T—Thank you? Though what’ll happen to Shiro?
REGULUS:
Okay, let’s meet here tomorrow then.
FLAMME:
That’s fine, but are you going to hurt Shiro because of what I said?
REGULUS:
Class adjourned.
FLAMME:
Um, we’re not in class, and are you going to answer my question?
REGULUS pauses, and then strides away quickly.
FLAMME:
…Sir?
***
KURO:
Bro, I can’t believe you!
The group is back at HE2L setting up for the magic show and putting the finishing touches on decorations, as KURO and SHIRO seemingly have gotten into an argument as REI watches with a lovesick look in her eyes.
SHIRO:
I tell it like it is.
KURO:
But that’s harsh, even for you!
SHIRO:
No, no, what’s harsh is your entire worldview.
KURO:
Listen, without a system of rewards and balances, people wouldn’t have a reason to excel! Doctors, lawyers, and the like are paid for their efforts and profit because they put in the effort to excel at their fields, which in turn encourages healthy competition!
SHIRO gives KURO a condescending look.
SHIRO:
But all that encourages is these ideas that because one doesn’t earn something that it’s totally okay to watch them suffer and then die.
The two stand mere inches from each other –a sign of aggression.
KURO:
Oh, and I suppose that you’re fine with not having recognition for your individual needs, or talents huh? You’re just totally fine with everyone doing the same thing as coerced by the state as long as it feels good? That people in charge simply know what’s right and will never become corrupt and self-serving?
SHIRO:
Some hero you are. What you’re suggesting is that you’re okay with unfair distribution of wealth and economic inequality as long as someone is making a quick buck. See, the thing is the economy is inherently instable, and therefore without the ability to provide for everyone if we just pursue profits.
The two glare at each other as the others look on.
AQUA:
I can’t say I know too much about Shiro aside from what Kuro has said, but I sort of think….
NITROS:
….Yeah, no, I get what you mean Aqua…shouldn’t they be arguing the opposite things here?
KIIRO:
I’m still tryin’ to figure out how this topic of conversation even came up.
BELL cheers from the sidelines.
BELL:
You tell him, Shiro, sir! Down with the corporate bourgeoisie!
REI holds herself and blushes.
REI:
Ahh, childhood friends having a lovers spat, it’s enough to send a fair maidens heart into a flight of fancy~
CROW:
Whoa there girl. Unless you brought a change of clothes, I don’t think you wanna get too excited there.
FLAMME is watching the din –their mask back on, until they get a message from REGULUS to meet him outside. They take a precursory look around before walking past the class unnoticed as they continue to watch and/or egg on SHIRO and KURO’s fight. It isn’t long until they find REGULUS standing in the trees of the forest they met in last night high above the ground.
FLAMME:
Sir? Why are you up there?
REGULUS stares down at FLAMME.
REGULUS:
I feel more comfortable in higher places. Makes it easier to look down upon others.
FLAMME:
….I see?
REGULUS descends and lands before FLAMME.
REGULUS:
Okay, let’s start training. I have to tortu—er, train Shiro in a bit.
FLAMME:
…That slip up seemed to be wholly on purpose, sir.
REGULUS:
…Moving along, judging from how you’re not a flaming pillar right now, you have basic control of your abilities, yeah?
FLAMME:
Yes, I think so.
REGULUS:
Then minute, precise flame control is the problem. That is fundamentally an image issue, which is generally speaking easy enough to fix.
FLAMME:
Image?
REGULUS:
It’s the same issue that moron has. If one doesn’t have a clear image of what they’re trying to achieve with their abilities then they become that much harder to control. So as long as you know what you want to do and aren’t a moron who adlibs things off the cuff then…
FLAMME:
..when you say “that moron” you mean Shiro right? You certainly seem to have a close relationship with him…after all you keep bringing him up unprovoked.
REGULUS blows air thoughtfully. Is their relationship “close”? It’s true he has gone a long way for someone he’d consider an enemy, though it just seemed like the right thing to do so he hadn’t really thought too deeply about the implications that come with such an attachment.
REGULUS:
It is worth thinking about, yeah.
FLAMME looks up at him questioningly.
REGULUS:
Try to think about what you hope to achieve by using your ability, and then focus on it, shape it into something tangible. In what way can fire help others?
FLAMME closes their eyes and considers this –and it’s now that REGULUS’s earlier words about it being a lofty goal. How then would one be able to shape it into something more manageable? What else besides “help” is there? FLAMME remembers the night they had decided to leave home for the base –the night their guardian had told them that an ability like creating fire –the instinct that the honoo have would never be of help to anyone. From behind a desk, an elder of the honoo, dark faced like FLAMME but taller –older perhaps shakes their head and says to FLAMME…
ELDER:
Your ambitions are noble, but I just can’t see how you’ll be able to achieve anything of merit going down this path.
FLAMME:
B—but…!
ELDER:
Fire may be a blessing from nature, but it is not within its nature to help people. Surely you must understand that.
FLAMME is silent as the ELDER comes from around the desk and pats them on the shoulder.
ELDER:
Please understand Flamme, this isn’t to discourage you, just an advisement to look at reality.
It was that night that the normally even tempered FLAMME takes the first step into deciding for themselves what they will do with their ability by leaving home, but not before seeing the fireworks one last time….
FLAMME opens their eyes, outstretches their arm and opens their palm.
REGULUS:
I see you’ve got something?
Due to the nature of FLAMME’s face, REGULUS can’t tell directly if they’re determined, but the aura that he can sense around them gives away a sense of confidence that wasn’t there before.
FLAMME:
Y—yeah, I think I do!
REGULUS:
See? All you needed was to imagine what your goal would be. Having a clear image of what one wants out of something can make it that much easier to actually do something.
FLAMME nods eagerly –an infectious gesture that fills REGULUS with something…warm, good…hot? REGULUS glances around and notices that their surroundings are on fire.
REGULUS:
Uh, kid?
FLAMME blinks and realizes what’s going on, and then begins to run around frantically to put the fire out.
REGULUS:
Of course, knowing what to do, and knowing how to do it takes a bit of practice. Eh, you’ve got a bit of time, I suppose. Just, y’know, don’t kill yourself –or well, more importantly me in the process. Also, could I ask you to write up an affidavit of how well I helped you to….
REGULUS sighs.
REGULUS:
Never mind, let’s put this out.
***
It’s some time later when KIIRO sighs dejectedly, as CROW pats him on the back.
CROW:
Everyone wants to be with their folks for the festival, so they can’t help you during the event.
KIIRO:
I get it but I need a pyromancer other than myself to make this work…
CROW:
I’d help you man, but I’m not equipped for it.
KIIRO’s exaggerated tears return as he buries his head in CROW’s chest.
KIIRO:
I just can’t brin’ myself to rip people’s families apart! Even if it is to make me oodles o’ cash!
CROW:
I think your true intentions just leaked out, bro-mide, though on that note, what about your parents?
KIIRO:
Ah, yer askin’ about my origin story? Well, that’s a long tale…
SOMEONE:
Excuse me…
KIIRO:
Who’s that?! Yer denyin’ me my magic show and my origin story?! Yer goin too far with that one!
CROW:
Whoa….
KIIRO blinks and looks at what CROW is surprised by and he follows suit. Before them is FLAMME –with mask on, bowing before them.
FLAMME:
I—If you don’t mind, I can help you Kiiro.
KIIRO:
Y—
CROW:
Y—
BOTH:
YOU CAN TALK!?
FLAMME:
Ah! Um, sorry to surprise you, yes, yes I can…I’m just uh…kind of shy.
KIIRO:
Forget about that, ya said you’d be able to help me?
FLAMME nods.
KIIRO:
That’s tha good stuff!
KIIRO runs over to FLAMME and takes their hands, shaking them vigorously!
KIIRO:
Ya won’t regret this, trust me! I’ll handle everything, you just light up when I tell ya to, got it?
FLAMME:
O—okay! Gotcha!
CROW:
…I wonder what made them decide to speak up all of a sudden?
CROW smirks and shrugs.
CROW:
Eh it’s all good I suppose.
Meanwhile, REGULUS is in an undisclosed location nonchalantly sipping tea while enjoying a blueberry muffin. He thinks back to his conversation with FLAMME before they left…
REGULUS:
Going with the mask again?
FLAMME places the mask back on their face and sheepishly rubs their head.
FLAMME:
Yes, I thought it would be a bit awkward to reveal myself all the way right now. I’ll ease myself into it.
REGULUS:
Good point. You can come back for more training whenever you want….I figure while that technique is good for a show, it’s not the end of the road you were aiming for, no?
FLAMME:
Y—Yes, thanks! I appreciate it! Though, sir?
REGULUS:
Yeah?
FLAMME:
T-try not to go too hard on Shiro, okay? If he’s like me, he just needs time to find that “image”. You’ll help him with that right?
REGULUS scoffs.
REGULUS:
I’ll try, but sometimes a case is terminal, and it’s best to give up.
FLAMME:
Thank you for everything, sir!
REGULUS:
No need for the sir, kid. “Regulus” is fine.
FLAMME:
G—gotcha! See you later, Regulus!
REGULUS waves farewell, and the scene fades into the present where it’s revealed he is using SHIRO as a seat as he sips his tea in his Grandmother’s home. Apparently MOMO isn’t around, and REGULUS is using this opportunity to enact his revenge.
SHIRO:
HOW DID YOU CONVINCE ME TO DO THIS?!
REGULUS:
How am I supposed to know? We were off screen and I was reminiscing about today’s events.
SHIRO:
On that note, why the hell haven’t you been around to help us with the responsibility you stuck us with?
REGULUS:
Why indeed.
SHIRO:
…ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION.
REGULUS doesn’t pay him any mind and instead looks at the affidavit with a certain amount of pride. Maybe teaching isn’t so bad –maybe even a little rewarding. It’d be a cold night in hell before he’d admit this to anyone, but the thought alone is enough to provide him a sense of satisfaction that had long since been absent. For so long he had been “feared” or “respected” but admittedly there’s something to being “liked”.
SHIRO:
WAIT, DON’T END THE EPISODE ON THIS NOTE, THIS SUCK—
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.