Chapter Text
A red streak bolts across the sky, sparks and flames dancing in its wake. Reacting to this is a huge spider like mechanical monstrosity, its eight legs dredging up mini tremors whenever it moves. On its back is a huge energy turret system, firing blasts of pure energy at random intervals at the red streak as it closes in on its prey. The streak is no bigger than a typical bomber, while the spider machine is at least as big as a skyscraper, if not that so to see something so small take on a machine far removed from its weight class is a spectacle on its own, more so when you consider the impressive amount of heroic yelling the red streak is doing as it hurtles towards its target.
???:
YAARRGGHHHHH!!! TASTE MY FIERY JUSTICE!!
TO—VERMICULUS has somehow gotten airborne, and prepares to slam into his target with his entire body aflame, that is until it rears back and launches a mechanical arm at him, sending the bomber flying and putting out his flame from the sheer velocity of his flight after impact.
VERMICULUS:
THIS IS GOING TO SMAAAAAAAARRT!!!
He flies off into the distance as the mechanical beast roars and slams its arms on the ground in some barbaric show of bravado. AQUA who is nearby in a makeshift shelter surrounded by rubble and debris has her hands to her face.
AQUA:
Totooo!!!
She then turns to the spider mech and her eyes fill with a rebellious flame.
AQUA:
You’ll pay for this!!
She wills a bomb and prepares to launch it when a hand reaches out and pats her shoulder.
AQUA:
Huh?
It’s KIDD who shakes his head and thumbs back at the others behind him –BELL, KIIRO, REI, KURO, CROW, NITROS, FLAMME and SHIRO are all there –scuffed up and dirty, but mostly fine. This is a battle that has clearly gone on for some time, and the class is seeing the worst of it –if they cannot win soon then it is only a matter of time before they’re all done for. SHIRO shakes his head and in an oddly authoritative tone inclines his head to CROW.
SHIRO:
I told that idiot to wait. Crow, would you go get him? We’re going to need his help.
CROW:
No prob, man.
CROW crouches, and then leaps, a pair of black wings growing from his back as he takes flight in the direction TO—VERMICULUS went flying in.
AQUA:
Shiro, everyone….we can’t win if we don’t do something!
SHIRO:
I’m aware.
SHIRO who is squats with his head down and hands in his knees slowly rises to his feet and strides over to AQUA as the others watch intently.
SHIRO:
I know what we need to do, but…do you guys trust me?
Pregnant silence ensues as the class exchange glances at one another, wanting to voice a sentiment, but unsure if they should. The spider mech outside stomps it’s feet and the mini shelter is rocked by the tremors reminding them of the situation they’re in and how time is of the essence. KURO nods –both to gather himself and to affirm his decision and replies…
KURO
I trust you, bro. Always have and always will.
NITROS clenches his fist, closes his eyes and nods quickly.
NITROS:
Same, you’ve got my support.
BELL:
Shiro, sir you’ve got both my and the land of the dead’s unwavering faith!
KIDD crosses his arms and gives SHIRO a smirk.
FLAMME:
Y—yeah! I believe in you!
KIIRO:
Sighs.
Don’t see what choice we got ‘ere. Yeah, yeah, I trust ya, okay?
AQUA:
Y—yes. I trust you.
They glance back at REI who leans against a wall, her gaze distant, distracted.
KURO:
R-Rei?
REI blinks upon hearing her name and is obviously flustered.
REI:
Oh! Um, yes, Kuro dear. I consent of course.
KURO frowns at this, but decides not to comment, as SHIRO smirks and nods his head up and down sagely.
SHIRO:
Good, because I’m going to need your help and then some to deal with this….but if you follow my directions, we’ll win…..maybe.
KIIRO:
“Maybe” Ain’t what I wanna hear right now.
SHIRO:
It’s the best you’re gonna get, buddy.
KIIRO glares at SHIRO.
KIIRO:
Oh and what happens if yer plan falls through?
SHIRO:
In my experience, it’s the guys who think about that stuff who don’t get anywhere.
SHIRO opens his fist and punches it with his other hand.
SHIRO:
And right now the only path ahead is forward. We’ll wait for Crow to come back with Vermiculus, and then start the counterattack. Who’s with me?
The class responds with a resounding shout, and SHIRO stares up at their mechanical opponent with an anticipatory gleam in his eye –the counterattack is set to commence.
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 17: Robot Renegade.
It was merely a few hours earlier when class zero had been told to meet EIN and REGULUS at a scrap area for practical training –how had the situation gone so far off the rails? The question lies in a single misunderstanding of priorities, and the trap set by the indomitable human spirit. In short, a mistake –a catastrophic, unavoidable (to some extent) mistake. In any case, the class celebrates being outside of the confines of their classroom even if only for a little while, even if they’re not entirely sure what they’ll be doing.
NITROS:
The weather’s great today, huh guys?
CROW:
Yeah, man. I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever see the sun on a weekday again.
KIIRO:
Eh, it’s overrated I tells ya. What’s relaxin’ on a day like this gonna do for my bottom line? Nothin, I tells ya, nothin’!
SHIRO:
I actually agree with Kiiro on this one. Plus, I can’t really trust anything that guy –our teacher is involved in.
KIIRO:
Ooh, so you agree wit me? Never thought I’d see the day.
NITROS gives them both a wilting look and shakes his head.
NITROS:
You guys are such downers, you know that?
SHIRO:
You can’t be hurt by a fall if you’re grounded in the first place man. Besides, atmospheric conditions like weather are barely a thing to be happy about. Being happy about a sunny day is like a supervisor giving his employees a raise for minimum effort.
NITROS:
….Although you’re not wrong, and this is more in line with what I expected from you, I have to point out this is a little different than your argument back when we were setting up HE2L.
SHIRO:
Head tilt.
What now?
NITROS sighs.
NITROS:
Never mind.
BELL suddenly appears –between the trio somehow, though everyone has gotten used to her ability to just pop out of nowhere so this is not a surprise.
BELL:
Shiro, sir I was thinking we could have a picnic after classes have ended for the day! The weather is perfect for it!
SHIRO:
Oh, that does sound fun Bellsie.
KIIRO:
Oh, you’re fine with sunny weather when it’s yer gal-pal huh?
CROW:
Nah, I’m pretty sure it’s something like…
BELL and CROW speak simultaneously.
BOTH:
I know a graveyard that’s perfect!
NITROS:
That’s…uncanny.
KURO:
Bell, I’m pretty sure that’s illegal, or at least morally upsetting.
SHIRO:
Nah, I’m down with it.
Everyone eyes SHIRO incredulously, and he turns to them with a shrug.
SHIRO:
I’ve already established that dead things don’t bother me as long as they’re not out for my soul, and why in the world would I turn down handmade food from a cute girl?
BELL blushes brightly.
BELL:
Me? Cute?
SHIRO realizes what he said and also turns red.
CROW:
You two should just get together already.
BELL:
Ah, but we are together!
Everyone including SHIRO glances at BELL.
SHIRO:
Wait, wait, wait, wait, my turn this time….
He and BELL speak simultaneously.
BOTH:
As friends!
SHIRO sighs deeply and looks at his feet forlorn, as KIIRO pats him on the back sympathetically.
AQUA:
Bell, um, I’m pretty sure I know the answer to this already, but have you ever um, dated anyone?
BELL:
Akki, don’t be weird. I don’t have a need for such things, not as long as I have my studies, and Shiro, sir!
AQUA:
….I see. Poor Shiro.
BELL gives her an inquisitive look as KURO turns to REI who surprisingly hasn’t commented about this development in SHIRO’s relationship with BELL which threatens her ship.
KURO:
Uh, Rei? I’m kind of surprised you don’t have anything to say about this? Though, I guess in a way that’s a good thing?
REI stares out at the sky, withdrawn –her mind clearly on something else.
KURO:
Rei?
She comes back to herself and shakes her head as she smiles at KURO.
REI:
Hm? What’s the matter, my cocoa bean?
KURO:
Y’know, you’ve been acting kind of strange since the family fest, and not only that you didn’t come to meet my parents like you said you would. Is everything okay?
REI:
I apologized for that did I not? I just ended up being engrossed in some other matter and lost track of the time. You needn’t worry about me, okay?
KURO:
O—okay, Rei…but if there is something going on you’ll tell me right?
REI shifts uncomfortably under KURO’s gaze, but before he can inquire further TOTO stomps his foot on the ground to get everyone’s attention.
TOTO:
A-HEM! I would like you all to give me a moment of your time for an important announcement!
The class turns to TOTO who has his arms crossed confidently.
TOTO:
I have been born anew as a hero of justice!
NITROS:
Say what?
AQUA:
Oh dear, here we go….
TOTO laughs haughtily and points a thumb at himself.
TOTO:
For now on, you will refer to me by my super hero name, VERMICULUS THE SCARLET FIREBRAND!!
SHIRO:
…Why?
TOTO:
Hahahah! I know you’re jealous Bomberman, but do try to act with some decorum!
SHIRO:
Talking with big-ass words and using that name is going to end with you in the morgue, Scarlet asshead.
AQUA:
Toto’s been really happy with his new name everyone, so if you could please just indulge him…
TOTO glares upward.
TOTO:
That goes for you too, buddy! I see you still using that old name!
TO—VERMICULUS smiles as something corrects itself outside their celestial space.
KIIRO:
Stop breakin’ the fourth wall, we ain’t that kind of series most of tha time.
KURO:
But by telling him not to do something you’ve inadvertently…
EIN’s voice rings out from some distance away to get the student’s attention.
EIN:
Greetings class! Glad you could make it out here!
Everyone turns to EIN who stands with REGULUS by what seems to be a huge bunker.
AQUA:
Headmaster? Mr. Regulus? When did you get here?
REGULUS:
We were here the whole time, but I wanted to see what you guys talk about when you think I’m not around. You get an A+ for not talking crap about me behind my back –except Shiro but he fails in every category anyway.
SHIRO:
I take that grade with pride.
REGULUS:
In any case, the Prof here says you guys need practical application in melee combat together, so here we are. Apparently I’m not good enough to teach this lesson myself, so…
EIN winces.
EIN:
That’s not what I meant Regulus –you’re but one person, and there may be times where the students might need to use each other’s abilities against several foes, or in this case one major enemy. Coordination is the name of the game, and I decided to dust off the ol’ lab coat and perfect a machine for just such an occasion!
REGULUS:
I didn’t know you were one of those kind of professors, honestly.
EIN:
Ohohoho! I used to tinker quite a bit in my day!
REGULUS:
Not so much now huh?
EIN:
Well, running a school is a lot of work and….
EIN glares at REGULUS.
EIN:
I said “tinker” not “tinkle”, and I thought we talked about these jokes! This is a form of ageism, and I won’t stand for it!
REGULUS sighs.
REGULUS:
Extremely unapologetically.
Right, sorry.
EIN:
As long as you get it. In any case, I whipped up a machine with the purpose of training you to combine and synchronize your attacks! Not only that, but it is programmed to learn from its experiences and get stronger! It’s the ultimate training machine!
SHIRO:
…That sounds pretty deadly, prof.
EIN:
Oh don’t you worry, its purpose is to train you and that’s it.
SHIRO:
See, that’s what I mean. You said it learns from experiences right? So if you programmed it with the knowledge that it’s going to be training us, which is to say at some point it’ll either be defeated or put out to pasture after the training is over, who’s to say it won’t prepare for this possibility using the training you gave it? I mean, like if you knew something that might determine your future is coming up soon, you’d prepare for it right?
The class murmurs its consent to SHIRO’s commentary.
EIN:
Oh come on, now you’re just being ridiculous. Are you trying to suggest it’ll prepare itself for battle by gaining sentience? That’s ridiculous.
Suddenly the bunker behind them explodes, and REGULUS is just barely able to grab EIN and leap out of the way, as the students scatter.
EIN:
What the heck?!
The smoke and debris fades, and before them is a giant mechanical spider with a machine gun turret on its back and pincers on its claws and mouth. It emits a low whirr as it glares down at the students and professors with crimson glowing eyes, chomping its makeshift mandibles as it does. EIN’s mouth hangs open, unbelieving of what he’s seeing.
EIN:
Wh---what is this?! Where’s my training mech?!
CROW:
Looks like it made a few upgrades while we were out here talking.
VERMICULUS:
We’re supposed to fight that thing?!
SHIRO:
….I do hate it when I’m right.
The mechanical spider roars and fires upon the class. REGULUS grabs EIN and leaps away from the spider mech while the others run as fast as they can. The energy bullets raining down upon the ground explode sending scrap flying all over as well as soil. Everyone takes cover behind another bunker –well except REGULUS and EIN who land on the other side of the spider.
EIN:
Regulus, what are you doing?!
REGULUS:
You know what they say, the show must go on. I’d love to fight that thing myself, but I’ve got you to worry about ---we’d might as well see how they do against that monstrosity you sic’ed upon them.
EIN:
Regulus?! I know you’ve got a different way of handling things, but this is….
EIN looks hard at REGULUS who seems…fatigued, somehow? And it’s now he understands what’s going on. The students have a chance of being able to defend themselves at least a little, while if REGULUS heads out to fight the mech with them, he—EIN will be completely defenseless. Moreover, whatever affliction is currently plaguing REGULUS makes fighting full out a liability for him –leaving them both frustratingly powerless.
EIN:
Regulus….I’m sorry.
REGULUS:
…Me too.
REGULUS shores himself up and shakes his head.
REGULUS:
For now, let’s get out of here and regroup. As much as I hassle those kids, they should be able to handle themselves until I can get my bearings.
EIN nods, and REGULUS quickly dashes away while the spider mech is unaware. Meanwhile SHIRO stares up at it, and wills a fire bomb into existence.
KURO:
S-Shiro!? What are you doing?
VERMICULUS:
Oho! Now that’s a plan I’m down with!
SHIRO:
It’s either us or this thing. Those upgrades and that machine gun make it very clear those are the two choices.
Everyone glances at SHIRO and then back at the mech spider, preparing mentally and physically for battle. The mech roars and brings down a metal arm to flatten them, but they manage to leap out of the way in time. SHIRO tosses the bomb in his possession at the mech, but it bats it away as the speed and distance aren’t enough. SHIRO grunts and prepares another; however the mech fires upon him directly, leaving him open to attack –that is until FLAMME launches a firework up into the air which distracts the mech for a second –just enough time for SHIRO to dart away as KIIRO opens fire with the orb in his chest, using SHIRO’s technique of funneling the energy with his hands to give it maximum distance and pressure. The blast impacts the mech’s leg, and causes it to stumble slightly, but to their surprise it simply repurposes some nearby trash into repairs for the damage and roars again at them.
CROW:
Dryly.
I know this isn’t the time for it, but you gotta admire the Prof’s handiwork.
KIIRO:
DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT JUS HAPPENED?!
SHIRO:
Thanks, Flamme, you saved my ass there.
FLAMME gets flustered before nodding quickly.
FLAMME:
N-n-no problem Shiro.
SHIRO:
Plus we learned that it likes shiny hot things, and that it can repair itself so that wasn’t a complete waste. Bellsie!
BELL:
Ah! Yes, yes, yes, Shiro, sir?!
SHIRO:
I think we need some of your specialty!
BELL:
You got it!
BELL’s backpack opens and a flame jettisons outward, gathers around her hands and with a flick of her wrist, turns into small flaming bats. She smiles and pushes the bats forward with her will and they soar at high speed at the spider mech, like small missiles, flying around the mech and striking it when close. SHIRO nods, and gestures at everyone to make a move while the mech is preoccupied with this threat.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
So high heat sources cause it to stop in its tracks? Makes sense as some of us fight with literal fire.
The bats don’t do much damage, and the spider is soon able to fend them and focus its attention on the students, firing its energy machine gun upon them again. NITROS bangs his fists together making a spark and conjures a flame shuriken, dancing past each one of its shots, and when the spider lunges forward one of its arms jutting out like a spear, he leaps upon it and runs up the side of this arm. VERMICULUS shakes with anticipation, and follows NITROS, gathering bits of the sparks for his own usage.
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE IS ON DUTY!!
AQUA:
Toto!!
Both fighters acknowledge each other with a nod as they race up the arm, avoiding energy fire, and trading twin trails of fire as they alternate their paths running up the mech’s arm, until they reach the top, VERMICULUS completely on fire, NITROS’s shuriken now twice its regular size.
BOTH:
EAT THIS!!
The mech instead armors its head –not including the dome of its skull, receiving a hefty dent but no real damage from the flames.
VERMICULUS:
What the heck?!
NITROS:
Wow, the prof really did think of everything…
It tosses them both off and fires upon them with the machine gun attacks, but a bomb soars into the air and explodes dispersing the energy bolts, giving the two a chance to escape relatively unharmed, much to KURO –who tossed the bombs, relief.
SHIRO:
Whistles.
You’ve still got that mean arm, bro. I tossed one and it didn’t go nearly that far.
KURO:
Yeah, but a lot of good it did us, that thing didn’t take any damage!
SHIRO:
But we’re learning what it’s capable of, which is just as good if not better.
VERMICULUS:
Dang it, I wasn’t able to show that thing what justice is all about!!
AQUA:
Toto, don’t run off like that again!
The mech roars and lunges at them, mandibles open, and the class scatters around it. KIDD fires a few mini bombs of his own at its underside while running alongside its bottom, the explosions jostling it a bit, but not doing any real damage. NITROS bangs his fists again and tosses another shuriken, this time at its leg, but this one disperses upon contact. Say what one wants about EIN’s teaching, but he truly is a man who knows his way around machines, much to the student’s detriment. The mech surprises them by raising one of its arms into the air –the reflection of which blinds the students temporarily and almost doesn’t prepare them for the arm to lash out, sweeping along the ground sending debris all over as it does. It’s only AQUA last minute willing and tossing a bomb that saves everyone from being swept away completely, though all this does is slow the arm down enough for them to escape, and destroy some of the bigger bits of debris.
BELL:
Nice going Akki!
AQUA:
Run everyone!
Another arm comes down upon them, and this one nearly flattens them, but SHIRO interrupts it with a thunder bomb blast, given via a strong uppercut upward, this being enough to shatter a section of the leg before it reaches them. The arm and SHIRO fade into the bright white of the explosion, and the mech almost as if it was expecting this fires its energy blasts again, but CROW on a hunch takes flight and crossing his arms fires feathers at these energy discharges, rendering them inert as they drop to the ground as black spheres.
CROW:
Thinking.
Bomb energy?
Bolts of energy travel up the arm as SHIRO fades in from seemingly nowhere, wind bomb sending him flying upward, flipping him in midair as he sends three fire bombs downward all of which are deflected by the mech’s armament. He is then swatted down by its arm, just as another of KURO’s amazing throws lands a bomb on its side, the explosion rocking the nearby surroundings and knocking the mech off its feet.
KURO:
That took a lot more out of me than I thought…!!
SHIRO lands in front of the group as KIDD rejoins them, and CROW swoops in. The mech rights itself using three of its arms, and as if in a rage sends a volley of fire orbs at the students, each exploding in a brilliant pillar of crimson, scrap and debris scattering into the wind and craters being left in their wake. Its arms lash out quickly and mercilessly as well, a double threat designed to subjugate them completely.
SHIRO:
EVERYONE MOVE IT!!
The class moves before SHIRO’s words have left him, but the attacks are fast and strong. So much so that REI is left in the path of an energy blast.
KURO:
REI!!
REI is oddly serene considering her proximity to oblivion, the shot so close that it’s reflected in her eyes, and rather than running she stands, hand outstretched as if she intends to grab the energy.
SHIRO:
What the hell is she doing?!
REI’s eyes are focused, clear and without hesitation as she reaches up and is engulfed by the energy –but to the surprise of everyone, rather than being annihilated, the energy ball breaks into several pieces and shatters, fading into the wind.
KURO:
R—Rei?
SHIRO:
…Come to think of it, I never once thought about what her abilities actually are….
The spider mech seems to be just as confused as the class as it simply stands regarding this situation for a moment before cautiously firing another shell at her. REI’s eyes narrow as if she’d dealing with a petulant child, and she prepares to block this too with her strange abilities until a voice rings out in her head –EIN’s.
EIN:
You mustn’t…..not another soul must know of what you possess.
REI’s hand suddenly stiffens, and drops to her side. SHIRO notices this and with a curse activates his wind powers and rushes forward careening into REI and sending both of them rolling as the energy blast crashes into where REI once was, leaving a crater. The smoke clears and both are sprawled over awkwardly, but otherwise okay which everyone breathes a sigh of relief at. The mech remembers its anger, and brings down two arms with a crash, in hopes of crushing everyone with a scissor attack. The ground is uprooted in this massive movement as scrap goes flying asunder. SHIRO glares at the mech and with a heave, pumps and tosses a bomb the explosion of which grabs the mech’s attention for a millisecond –just enough time for BELL and NITROS to launch a flaming bat bomb shuriken, blowing up one of its arms, and melting another with the intensity of the heat. SHIRO takes this chance to grab REI’s hand and run past the now teetering spider, and back to the rest of the class who quickly take refuge in a pile of scrap.
SHIRO:
Panting.
Everyone good?
KIIRO:
That’s a weird question, it’s almost as if there ain’t a giant mecha spider out there with us in its sights.
SHIRO:
So, maybe?
CROW:
Admittedly nothing brings a group together faster than imminent death.
BELL:
Shiro, sir, it is of my expert opinion that if we don’t do something soon we will become what I study!
SHIRO:
Yeah, basically.
SHIRO squats down and draws in the ground, making imaginary calculations.
SHIRO:
Just chill for a minute and let me get my bearings together.
VERMICULUS stands up and clenches his fists, trembling as he does so.
VERMICULUS:
Justice doesn’t “wait”! We have to do something now!
SHIRO glares up at him.
SHIRO:
I said wait.
VERMICULUS gives him a look and marches outside, arm outstretched to grab the flames of a nearby fire left in the wake of the mech’s attacks.
VERMICULUS:
And I said Justice doesn’t wait.
VERMICULUS dashes out where the mech sees him and it smashes the ground with its leg sending the hero up in the air, but this is apparently what he wanted, as he grins manically as he jets through the air, a crimson fire locked onto its target.
VERMICULUS:
YAAAAAARGH!! TASTE MY FIERY JUSTICE!!
It rears back and launches a mechanical arm at him, sending the bomber flying and putting out his flame from the sheer velocity of his flight after impact.
VERMICULUS:
THIS IS GOING TO SMAAAAAAAARRT!!!
He flies off into the distance as the mechanical beast roars and slams its arms on the ground in some barbaric show of bravado. AQUA who is nearby in a makeshift shelter surrounded by rubble and debris has her hands to her face.
AQUA:
Totooo!!!
She then turns to the spider mech and her eyes fill with a rebellious flame.
AQUA:
You’ll pay for this!!
She wills a bomb and prepares to launch it when a hand reaches out and pats her shoulder.
AQUA:
Huh?
It’s KIDD who shakes his head and thumbs back at the others behind him are scuffed up and dirty, but mostly fine. This is a battle that has clearly gone on for some time, and the class is seeing the worst of it –if they cannot win soon then it is only a matter of time before they’re all done for. SHIRO shakes his head and in an oddly authoritative tone inclines his head to CROW.
SHIRO:
I told that idiot to wait. Crow, would you go get him? We’re going to need his help.
CROW:
No prob, man.
CROW crouches, and then leaps, a pair of black wings growing from his back as he takes flight in the direction TO—VERMICULUS went flying in.
AQUA:
Shiro, everyone….we can’t win if we don’t do something!
SHIRO:
I’m aware.
SHIRO slowly rises to his feet and strides over to AQUA as the others watch intently.
SHIRO:
I know what we need to do, but…do you guys trust me?
Everyone states their trust in SHIRO and he strides forward.
SHIRO:
Right now the only path ahead is forward. We’ll wait for Crow to come back with Vermiculus, and then start the counterattack. Who’s with me?
The class responds with a resounding shout, and SHIRO stares up at their mechanical opponent with an anticipatory gleam in his eye –the counterattack is set to commence.
It has been some time and the mech grows notably antsy –despite the animal it’s supposed to be modeled after, when the students haven’t appeared. Meanwhile REGULUS has returned and stands at the ready, masking his concern for the students he cannot immediately see with indifference. However to his surprise, the mech suddenly starts moving toward something, and he spies it…FLAMME setting off huge fireworks, the sparks rising in the air and fading as they drop to the ground.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
The prof says that its priority is fire based attacks, so what is Flamme doing?
FLAMME meanwhile nervously steps back as the mech approaches.
FLAMME:
Thinking.
I hope Shiro knows what he’s doing…
The mech is almost upon him when KIIRO from behind launches another of his attacks, this time damaging it’s back, but it isn’t long until this is fixed by more scrap repurposing.
KIIRO:
Dang it…!
The mech prepares to slam them both with its arms when a bomb flies up into the air and explodes overhead, courtesy of KURO. This bomb rains down flaming debris that KIDD and NITROS use as camouflage to hide their bombs and flaming shuriken, both launched from the sides of the mecha –it’s blind spots.
NITROS:
I didn’t think I could be more impressed with Shiro, but man…
Flashback to SHIRO explaining the plan as he stands and uses his hands in small gestures to demonstrate what he means.
SHIRO:
So what I’ve gathered from our different run-ins with that thing is this.
He flips his hand and holds up a finger.
SHIRO:
One, it prioritizes fire attacks over anything else, which makes sense considering what we’re all about. Two, it’s head is armored to keep us from attacking that directly, so that’s one weakness down, however if it completely armored up there then it’d have problems seeing. Three, it’s sides are big blind spots, which it uses the armament to make up for, but the bigger something is, the harder it’ll fall –and the harder it is to move it around. Last, but not least, our attacks are having effects on it, but only when we put our backs into them –so we can’t hold back even a little. Which is to say….
SHIRO spreads his arms and grins cockily.
SHIRO:
You guys have my permission to go all out as long as you follow my plans.
KIIRO:
I dunno if I like how arrogant yer bein, guy.
VERMICULUS:
You mean I can execute ALL of my Justice?!
SHIRO:
And then some, but you have to listen to me, got it?
VERMICULUS:
Understood, mighty hero Bomberman!
SHIRO:
…For once I don’t mind that. Anyway, let’s do this.
In the present, NITROS, KURO and KIDD cross beneath the mech, firing off attacks as they do. With FLAMME and KIIRO keeping it occupied from the front and back, it’s unsure who to attack. Suddenly a flame bat flies overhead, and the mech seemingly unable to use its turret surprises when it’s back opens revealing a laser cannon that fires upward at the attack cutting through it and the clouds above, leaving a wake of flames as it does. From within this flame bat is SHIRO, CROW and VERMICULUS who hurtle toward the mech via CROW’s abilities of flight, SHIRO hanging from his leg, and VERMICULUS on his back. The fire deflects off of CROW as he dive bombs, using his eraser abilities to keep them safe, VERMICULUS reveals he’s holding a bomb that his sister gave him, and takes CROW’s feather out like a pin on a grenade causing it to explode, and setting him on fire. He then releases crow and descends down at a rapid pace, screaming all the way.
VERMICULUS:
BURNING JUSTICE MISSSLLLLLLLLLEEEE!!
He lands on the laser weapon with a flaming punch and melts it in a fiery explosion, rocking the mech, but not stopping its arms from reaching out and apparently crushing him –but then another flame bat, this time controlled by BELL who is nearby delivers him to a safe area where she and AQUA await.
AQUA:
Thank you Bell!
BELL:
Of course Akki! I’m not the type of woman who would let death occur to someone before it’s their time!
Meanwhile the spider mech strikes out with its arms as crow dodges them nimbly with SHIRO in tow, each of the attacks only barely missing their targets. CROW is slowly losing altitude due to fatigue and glances down at SHIRO who adjusts his goggle and gives CROW a nod.
CROW:
Hope you’re ready buddy.
SHIRO:
As ready as I’m gonna be!
They both share a smirk and SHIRO releases his hold on CROW hurtling down toward the mech, all while thinking back to MOLOK’s words, summoning the old warrior to his side as he falls.
MOLOK:
Hell of a place to be considering me, Brussel sprout.
SHIRO:
Sorry Mo’oldman, but I never did tell you what it is I fight for did I?
MOLOK:
Amused.
Figured it out did you? Well, let’s have at it.
SHIRO:
Moments like these…..where hope can triumph over despair. Even if I’m not that hope, to be an inspiration for it….that’s what I fight for.
MOLOK nods at this.
MOLOK:
By golly, I think you’re onto something, kiddo. Well then, go ahead –this old codger’s power is yours.
SHIRO extends his arm and braces himself as an earth bomb appears in his grasp.
SHIRO:
GET WRECKED, SPIDER ASSHOLE!
The bomb explodes as SHIRO lands on the mech’s back, melting it with the intensity of a volcanic explosion. Whereas the armament on its head might have protected it, the blind spot right behind that is bare, and melts almost immediately upon contact, burning a hole right through the mech and destroying its surrounding legs completely, the lava dissipating as it hits the ground due to it being summoned by the earth elemental. SHIRO lands, hand outstretched to the ground, knees bent in a heroic pose. He then slowly rises and looks back at the now destroyed spider mech with a cool gaze and flicks his goggle upward, his job now done. REGULUS nods sagely and turns from the scene, satisfied at the results.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
Kid’s really becoming something of a phenomenon.
He gives a cursory look back and frowns.
REGULUS:
Which might be necessary considering what’s in his future….
REGULUS stares down at his hand, his vision becoming unfocused –leading him to wonder what kind of future awaits him….or does a future await him at all? Meanwhile the class gathers around SHIRO once they realize they’re safe.
KURO:
B—bro did you just summon lava?!
SHIRO:
Magma, technically but yeah something like that.
KURO:
HOW?!
SHIRO sighs and looks into the eyes of his classmates –it really isn’t fair he doesn’t tell them anything when they completely trusted in him and his plan.
SHIRO:
…Okay, I’ll tell you guys but you have to promise not to let this get out to anyone.
BELL:
Your secrets are safe with me! Shiro, sir!
VERMICULUS:
I’m kind of torn since Justice doesn’t lie, but if no one asks me….
CROW:
I doubt anyone will, so you should be fine. As for me, I’m a Crow, not a canary so I ain’t gonna sing.
KIIRO:
Heh, I ain’t promising nothin’ unless you pay me!
KURO:
I’m just finally happy you’re going to open up, bro. You have my word.
NITROS:
Thinking.
…I was thinking of asking him for help, and this just cinches it….Shiro’s the man I need!
To Shiro.
Sure, I can keep quiet, but in exchange can you do me a favor?
SHIRO:
Uhhhh, well I guess as long as it isn’t blackmail, then…
FLAMME:
Shiro, no need to worry, your secret is safe! You are our classmate after all!
AQUA:
You’ve been great to everyone, so I don’t think one secret will hurt.
KIDD nods approvingly and SHIRO smiles.
SHIRO:
Okay, good! W-wait, Kuro where’s your girlfriend?
KURO:
She’s not my girlfriend, and…good question.
REI still remains in the makeshift shelter one hand clasped on her arm as she trembles, and her gaze fixed on her open hand. Ein’s voice continues to ransack her consciousness;
EIN:
You mustn’t…..not another soul must know of what you possess.
As visions of KURO and his kind smile haunt her. Can she keep hiding what she really is from everyone –and if she can, is it really worth continuing to live a lie?
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.