Chapter Text
The vast silence of space only seems to infinitely expand the more it’s thought about, as if it feeds upon the mental energy expended upon it and grows in size. If this is true, then what hope do life forms with finite lifespans have to explore it all –to protect it? Still they try, try their hardest to defend themselves and others from things that reside somewhere within that imagination devouring universe and the dangers that lurk within. Though what can be done to protect oneself from a neutral being that can thrive upon thought and imagination itself? The answer to that is audacious in its simplicity…
The art of distraction.
Riiiiiiiing! Riiiiiiiing!!
YUKI languidly opens his eyes and sloooowly turns his head to the source of the boisterous din that would dare awaken him at…whatever time this is. He had only started getting used to the idea time in space during his, well, uh, time in space. He and NOTT had been assigned to “outer patrol” recently because of a staff shake up, and while the idea of blasting off into the stars is great initially, it gets old fast warranting the switching of guards to keep personnel from growing to stagnant up in the stars. YUKI hadn’t really been keen on the idea of being reassigned, but as a loyal base employee who respects protocol and the hierarchy, he hadn’t complained either but now he kind of wish he had.
Riiiiiiing! Riiiiing!
Ah right, there is that to address. A shame that the phone is closer to NOTT’s bed, since he insisted he’d be using it more to keep in touch with his many admirers….whatever that means. So then it would make sense for him to answer the phone, right? He can roll back over and regret not speaking up against taking this mission a bit more right? He can think about other things in a less narrative-like fashion, right?
Riiiiiiing! Riiiiing!
YUKI stares daggers at NOTT who is turned away from him resting peacefully either blissfully ignorant of the phone ringing or doing a bang-up-job of ignoring it –ignoring him. YUKI starts to complain, but knowing NOTT this would just degenerate into a claim that beauty must get its sleep and he just doesn’t have the patience for that right now. YUKI sighs, and with a huff gets out of bed and picks up the phone, his groggy voice surprising even him.
YUKI:
Hello?
On the line is…
TO—VERMICULUS:
Big bro? You sound kinda funny, is everything okay?
YUKI wakes up in a hurry upon hearing his little brother’s voice.
YUKI:
Toto? Wh—What a surprise! How are things?
VERMICULUS sighs deeply.
VERMICULUS:
Et tu, big bro….
YUKI frowns at this.
YUKI:
…Me too what? W-wait, let me put you on the vid phone. Hold on okay?
YUKI puts the phone on hold and nearly trips over himself making his way to the living quarters of the ship –his excitement to hear from his siblings evident. He had given them the number but considering this is space he hadn’t expected to hear from them too often if at all –especially since the base would be taking up their time. This “distraction” is exactly what he needed to save his thoughts from the deep emptiness that is space, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. YUKI makes it to the living quarters and to his extreme and somewhat violent shock, NOTT is reclining on the couch with blue sequin pants on, as if wasn’t just in bed mere seconds ago. YUKI trips over an end table upon seeing him, as NOTT stares tsks and shakes his head.
NOTT:
That’s not beautiful, Yuki. Beauty is grace and style….
YUKI:
HOW IN THE PEGASUS’S NAME DID YOU GET HERE SO QUICKLY!?
He then frowns.
YUKI:
Wait, you heard the phone then? Why didn’t you answer and more importantly what the heck are you wearing?
NOTT winks at him and gestures at his pants.
NOTT:
I wear only the best for my dear siblings.
YUKI:
I think one word sums up that fashion choice….painful. In any case, it’s Toto, so I’m gonna put him on.
NOTT nods and YUKI picks up the phone in the room, dials a direct line and in a moment, a monitor in the room blips into life and TOTO’s face appears, though since he is really close to the phone, YUKI and NOTT can only see his eyes.
YUKI:
Toto! Ah, it’s so nice to see you again!
NOTT:
Looking beautiful, little brother. Of course, you are second to me in every way, but with effort perhaps you can make second place just as wonderful—
VERMICULUS pulls the phone back and frowns with a sigh.
VERMICULUS:
You haven’t said it yet, big bro….
Both YUKI and NOTT exchange glances.
YUKI:
S…said what?
VERMICULUS’s cheeks puff out in a pout.
VERMICULUS:
My super hero name! I told you back at the family fest didn’t I?! I’m not Toto, I’m VERMICULUS THE SCARLET FIREBRAND! Yet, yet…no one will call me that…
KORIKO’s voice is heard in the background.
KORIKO:
I said I’d call you that if you paid me –and I even offered to take installments!
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE DOESN’T TAKE BRIBES!
CIEL:
Yawns.
In this case aren’t you the one bribing him?
RAVI:
Hey bros! How’s space? Did you run into an alien? Or over an alien?
YUKI can’t help but smile at his siblings –no matter when it is they never change –even if it is a little frustrating sometimes.
YUKI:
I’m sorry, uh…what was it again?
VERMICULUS:
Whining.
That’s not faaaaair! I went through all the effort to think of a cool name but no one is taking me seriously!
KORIKO takes the phone and waves at his brothers.
KORIKO:
Hey big bros! Um, this is tough for me to say but…I’m going to need a bigger allowance to deal with this!
YUKI:
….That seemed pretty easy to say.
ROSA takes the phone…cheerfully, somehow.
ROSA:
Hey bros! Don’t let space get you down! We’re all doing totally fine here!
VERMICULUS:
I’M NOT! GIVE ME BACK MY PHONE, AND CALL ME BY MY NAME!
CIEL:
Nah. I’ve adjusted my life to make it as simple as possible; including speaking and your name is several syllables over my limit.
RAVI:
How many syllables?
CIEL:
All of them.
VERMICULUS takes the phone back.
VERMICULUS:
SEE?! DO YOU SEE THIS?!
YUKI:
Ahah…yeah, it does seem like you have it tough….
VERMICULUS stares at his phone expectantly.
YUKI:
….yeah I can’t. I’m really sorry.
VERMICULUS sighs and his eyes slowly become despondent.
VERMICULUS:
Ah…maybe I should die. It’d be easier for everyone.
CIEL:
Probably. “Death” has fewer syllables than whatever your name is, and we only have to say it once.
RAVI:
Laughing.
Wow! Dark!
NOTT:
Little brother, I will give you a bit of advice, but listen well as beauty does not repeat itself.
VERMICULUS blinks sadly, slowly.
NOTT:
If you do not believe in yourself, then no one else will. Be proud of your name despite what others say, and eventually they’ll come around –and even if they do not you will be proud of yourself.
VERMICULUS frowns at first but nods in understanding.
VERMICULUS:
Yeah….yeah! You’re right! Thanks Nott!!
YUKI glances over at NOTT surprised.
YUKI:
…That was surprisingly not vapid of you.
NOTT:
Beauty can surprise as well, dear brother.
VERMICULUS:
Well, ah, we should go –it’s almost time for classes!
YUKI:
W—wait, is that it?
VERMICULUS:
Thanks a lot big bros! Talk to you again soon!
Before YUKI can say anything else, VERMICULUS has hung up.
YUKI:
….Huh. That was nice but…I was expecting something else.
NOTT:
Oh? What do you mean?
YUKI hits a button on a nearby remote and a calendar pops up with a date circled on it.
YUKI:
I would have thought they’d be calling us for help on their midterm evaluations since they’re in a few days…
NOTT:
Ahhh to be young again….those evaluations were brutal –especially if you know who is going to be the proctor.
YUKI shivers at this.
YUKI:
Yeah….it scares me to even think about it. Though I guess since they didn’t ask they’ll be fine?
Meanwhile back in the dorm, VERMICULUS is pressed against a wall as the shadow of AQUA growing larger as she approaches, her eyes gleaming sinisterly as she cracks her knuckles.
VERMICULUS:
W—wait, Aqua, so I forgot ! We can just call them back and---
AQUA:
Quietly.
I told you to ask them for help, so why did it turn into a phone call about your insecurities?
VERMICULUS:
Have mercy pleaaaaaaaaaaase!!!
AQUA:
Request denied.
VERMICULUS:
MORE LIKE WHY IS IT JUST ME GETTING PUNI—
There’s a loud WHAM sound as VERMICULUS’s voice is snuffed out.
RAVI:
Hahah! Midterm evaluations are coming and we’re doomed!
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 22: Preparatory Panic.
Cut to an overhead view of the base infirmary ward –and a musical flourish found in retro 70’s sitcom transitional theme with accompanying trumpets and percussion line. The camera pans over hallways of medical professionals making their way through the halls, helping students, checking in on patients and keeping the infirmary clean and efficient. The camera cuts to a certain wing of the ward the “Shiro ward” as the music tapers off, and a laugh track punctuates the scene as the camera heads into a certain room and a upbeat theme associated with light scatting starts. It’s here that SHIRO sits in a hospital bed, his expression unamused as a sitcom “ooooh” floats over the scene. A deeper male voice suddenly begins to speak –not SHIRO’s voice at all but very clearly narrating his thoughts.
VOICE:
At sixteen years old, I think I’ve been in the hospital longer than I’ve been at school at this point.
Laugh track.
VOICE:
Certain things occur to you when you’re in the infirmary ward enough times in a semester that they name a wing after you.
Laugh track but this time with more raucous laughter.
VOICE:
Am I doing something wrong? Doing something right? Maybe I should reconsider my options? Pick up a book instead of my fist? Pray to the deities above more? It’s really a tossup. I mean, if there are deities up there, they’d keep me from ending up here in the first place right?
Consenting sounds from the audience.
VOICE:
Though more seriously, what am I doing here? I guess we’ve all asked that question to ourselves at some point but usually there’s an answer…some answer. I was content just being that guy who searches for his, but now I wonder…could I be doing more somehow?
A soft piano track begins as SHIRO gazes out the window.
REI’s voice suddenly cuts into his thoughts, bringing the mood and his music to a literal standstill.
REI:
Turn this into your own little TV show if you want, but I’m not going anywhere, pup.
SHIRO sighs and turns over to REI who sits at the side of his bed in a chair –or well, emerald mini throne decorated with rhinestones as she munches on caramel popcorn, another throne with KURO’s name written on scotch tape on the seat beside her.
VOICE:
--More importantly why is she here…
REI:
I’d prefer if you used your non mouth to talk to me yourself. More like is that what you think you sound like? (Scoff), I’ve heard we sound different to ourselves, but this is taking it too far. Your voice has a more “female voice actress trying to sound tough” edge to it.
SHIRO:
FINE, I’M TALKING TO YOU, HAPPY?! WHY THE HECK ARE YOU EVEN HERE AND WHY CAN’T YOU LET ME HAVE MY OVERUSED SITCOM TROPES IN MY TIME OF IMMENSE PAIN?!
The corners of REI’s mouth rise in a half-smile-half-sneer and her eyes narrow as she pops another snack in her mouth.
REI:
You should be honored that I as a member of the fairer sex deem you worthy of attention. Considering your stagnant relationship with Bell, and the –by your own admission “troubled” relationship you have with your grandmother, this is the pinnacle of feminine attention you’ve received in recent memory, no?
SHIRO:
First off, do not look at me like that. Second, me and Bellsie are fiiiiiiiiiiiine. Third, Grandma and I are…uh, doing better, and last I don’t need your pity so go away, dammit!
REI:
I could do that, or I could stay here. I don’t see how you have the faculties to stop me.
SHIRO glares at her and turns over in bed.
REI:
Dyna asked me to thank you, by the way.
SHIRO turns his head.
REI:
She got off relatively unhurt from the ordeal you engaged in –seems you and Nitros bore most of the brunt. She says it’s thanks to you, and while I find that hard to believe, she seems like the trustworthy sort.
SHIRO:
….How’s Nitros?
REI:
Didn’t you request that I leave just a few moments ago?
SHIRO:
…I’m sorry.
REI:
Oh, so the puppy can be house trained after all, hmmm? I accept your apology. To answer your inquiry, Nitros is in serious condition, but Dr. Ein has said he’ll be fine with some bedrest. Though that begs the question, what on earth were you doing out there?
SHIRO lies on his back and breathes lightly.
SHIRO:
Cleaning up the neighborhood I guess? Something like that.
REI:
Hmmmm? I see. The base was in quite an uproar –I thought for a while that they’d consider expelling you…there was talk like that for a while –for all of you. Taking actions like yours without permission looks bad for the base.
SHIRO:
Interesting way of phrasing that.
REI shrugs as she crumples up her empty bag and shoots it basketball style into a nearby trash can, but misses. She sighs, stands up and places it into the can properly, speaking as she does.
REI:
I won’t say I doubt the bases’ intention to make fine students out of us all, but they can’t do that if their reputation is shot. They are dealing with the most precious commodity to some –their offspring. If it looks as if they can’t control them, then their reputation falters and it all falls apart.
REI returns to her throne and with a sweep of her hair gives SHIRO a level look.
REI:
It’d be good of you to consider that in the future, pup.
SHIRO blinks –it’s true he hadn’t considered that, but what could he have done differently back then? They were knee deep in trouble –trouble the base with all of its resources could only keep at bay….that his father had to personally step outside his normal purview and handle personally.
SHIRO:
Say, you never did tell me…why did you come to the base?
REI is genuinely surprised by this question.
REI:
Why ask that now?
SHIRO:
Well…I had asked everyone else, and they were pretty resolute in their answers –I have to admit it makes me kind of jealous….heck, even the guys here just to find answers are doing so because they feel like this is the best they can make of things. Meanwhile, I…I just feel like I’m sorta hanging out here without a reason, and then when I was out there with Nitros and Dyna, I realized that the base…or well, me being at the base may actually be holding me back .
SHIRO sighs.
SHIRO:
It is messed up to think that way; I mean who the hell am I to be so arrogant? Though, I dunno…the more I think about it the more I can’t shake that feeling.
REI leans on her hand.
REI:
I’m not at all sure knowing what my reason will do to help you, though. What if I’m like you?
SHIRO turns to her at this, but she titters and leans back in her throne.
REI:
I didn’t say I was like you, perish the thought.
SHIRO:
….Why is Kuro not here? Why is anyone other than you not here?
REI:
Oh, right, they’re all busy preparing for midterm evaluations. Considering the nature of my ability, there’s not a whole lot I can do for that, so I happened to have free time that I gracefully decided to spend with you, so rejoice.
SHIRO:
Hard pass. Though wait, when will the evaluation be?
REI:
A few days I believe?
SHIRO:
…Well, I guess I’m out.
REI:
Mmmmm, I wouldn’t say that if I were you. Seems our professor was quite….vexed by your actions and insisted that you take the evaluation whether you’re up for it or not.
SHIRO sits up quickly and gasps in pain.
SHIRO:
Dammit that ass…!! I almost forgot about him…!
REI:
That’s not surprising, I suppose…he’s been surprisingly hard to find lately. It’s rather curious, actually.
SHIRO:
I don’t care about that! I have to go practice or find out what exactly we’re supposed to be doing!
REI:
Singsong.
Good luck pup.
SHIRO:
Stop calling me that!
SHIRO gingerly makes his way out of bed, and REI with a sigh helps him much to his surprise. Meanwhile EIN and SHOUT are in a meeting with a man in a black trench coat and purple scarf which covers his face and a visor that covers his head except for one eye set in a no-business glare as he sits across from the former two with his arms crossed.
EIN:
It’s amazing how time flies…back at midterm evaluations already are we?
The man nods, and when he speaks his voice is deep, and his words direct.
MAN:
It is, Mr. Ein. I will ensure that the children are ready for the path ahead.
SHOUT:
We’ve got a good crop of kids this year, so it’ll be exciting to see how they do!
EIN:
Denta, what do you have planned for this year?
DENTA chuckles and shakes his head.
DENTA:
Mr. Ein, you ask me that each year, and you know I won’t tell you.
EIN laughs as well.
EIN:
Can’t blame a guy for trying!
The two stand and shake hands.
EIN:
As always I entrust the students to you.
DENTA:
I daresay I won’t let you down.
DENTA strides down the hallway, as EIN and SHOUT head back into the office.
EIN:
After the hubbub of the events in Scarlet Shore, something a little more normal is right up my alley.
SHOUT:
Speaking of that, how are we going to go forward with what happened there?
EIN:
We really should have listened to Regulus in regards to Shiro…I knew he’d be a handful but not to this extent. Bringing down the Golden epidemic with two other students? And then I haven’t even heard of this “Valora” person until now either. Do we know anything more about who she is and where she came from?
SHOUT shakes her head.
SHOUT:
It’s all still a mystery. She refuses to talk to us, and the guy she was working with is an invalid for the most part. We were able to ascertain that he has golden in his system but it has an adverse effect on non-bombers.
EIN runs his hand through his hair and breathes a sigh.
EIN:
And here I thought my days of damage control were behind me…
SHOUT:
Yet you’re still keeping Shiro on….
EIN regards her for a moment, his expression remote.
SHOUT:
It’s not like that. Even if I wanted to get rid of him, it’d be a bad idea to do it now and essentially admit fault. I just think at this point we should do a little more than hope Regulus will solve the problem. On that note, are we sure Shiro’s okay enough to take the evaluation? Regulus insisted he was but I can’t help but think some of that was from a place of spite.
EIN:
It probably was, but he is the one who claims to know Shiro the best, so I can’t argue with him. Besides, I’m curious as to how he’d do in Denta’s evaluation myself.
SHOUT nods.
SHOUT:
Same here, as much as I hate to admit it. Anyway, I’ll check on the Valora investigation.
SHOUT exits as EIN sits in his chair and leans back.
EIN:
Thinking.
Steping out of the framework of bureaucracy to get things done….I’m jealous of you Shiro. Though it’s amazing just how similar to your father you are without knowing it.
Meanwhile in the cafeteria, the members of class zero sans NITROS, REI and SHIRO meet to discuss the upcoming evaluation while eating lunch. Except TO—VERMICULUS who is in a corner unconscious, something that KIIRO seems to be quite interested in.
KIIRO:
So, uh, ya gonna tell us what happened to your bro, Aqua?
AQUA casts him a forlorn glance before remembering something.
AQUA:
He wronged me and therefore needs to be punished.
The group exchanges a glance.
CROW:
Hey, anyone check on Nitros? How’s he doing?
KURO:
I heard he’s through the worst of it now, and he should be fine. He’s not going to make it to the evaluation, but they’ll have a retest for him later.
There’s a sigh of relief at this.
FLAMME:
That’s good. I was worried when they brought him in and said it was touch and go for a while.
BELL:
He really shouldn’t worry his sister by doing crazy things! Though it’s good he’s okay….now if he were a zombie he’d never have to worry her again!
FLAMME:
I’d think everyone else would be worried though…
KIIRO:
Gettin’ the subject off of whatever happened to To..er, whatever tha hell he’s callin’ himself now is good and all, but we gotta discuss the biggest matter right now.
There’s a sense of gloom as KIIRO says this.
CROW:
The evaluation huh…
FLAMME:
It apparently changes every year so there’s no way to know what to expect, but the proctor is the same.
CROW nods.
CROW:
That’s the truth –though no one really knows anything about the guy except his name.
BELL:
Ooh, an enigma! Shiro, sir has dealt with those easily before so we should be fine with his guidance!
AQUA:
Our teacher was certainly insistent on having him take it despite the rumor going around that Shiro is in bad shape.
KURO:
I think it’s scary how used to their antics we’re getting…
CROW:
It’s alien nature man, you see stuff enough and it becomes normal.
FLAMME:
So with the evaluation, does anyone have any idea of what to expect?
AQUA:
Sighs.
I was going to ask our brothers, but they’re busy on a mission and since they’re in space, reaching them can be difficult –sadly that didn’t work out---
AQUA stops and glares at VERMICULUS who was trying to make his way to the table, but immediately shirks back upon being found.
KURO:
Hm, well I guess we’re on our own.
CROW:
Where’s your girl, Kuro?
KURO:
She’s not my girl. Uhhh, she mentioned going to “puppy-sit” which I assume is code for going to bother Shiro. I was in the middle of training so I couldn’t stop her, and besides even if I wanted to she’d just go anyway. That and….she’s acting more like herself and I don’t wanna get in the way.
BELL:
More like herself?
KURO:
It might be me, but she’s been acting weird since the family fest –disappearing at times and showing up at others, acting really reserved and quiet….as if she’s hiding something from us.
BELL:
Ooh. Well you must know that a secret makes a woman, woman!
KIIRO:
Don’t go stealin’ lines from popular media, it’s uncouth.
BELL:
Sorry.
KIIRO:
Now unpopular media is a differn’t story. Not only do ya look clever cause no one’s ever heard of the stuff, but yah might even have the effect of making it relevant again.
BELL:
Ooh! Like the argument for and against difficulty in video games?
Everyone winces.
BELL:
What, what, what? Shiro, sir introduced me to video games recently and he said that people unable to “get good” annoys him!
EVERYONE:
Thinking.
Is their relationship getting better or worse…
CROW leans back in his chair and sighs.
CROW:
So does anyone have any leads on this guy?
KURO:
His name is Denta, and apparently he’s trained in hand-to-hand combat but with bombs…whatever that means.
AQUA:
That’s really vague.
KURO:
It’s all that’s written on his chirper profile.
KIIRO:
If yer gonna gonna be annoyingly vague, why get social media in tha first place…
A voice clears it’s throat bringing the conversation to an abrupt end. Everyone looks up and realizes that KIDD who has had his arms crossed and head down at the table made a noise…?
KURO:
K—Kidd? You had something to add?
KIDD lifts his head and nods.
KIIRO:
How ya gonna do that if you don’t speak…
BELL:
Eh? But you guys seem to be able to communicate with him just fine…
CROW:
Ah, well to be honest? I was sort of adlibbing.
KIIRO:
Ya were? I was just goin’ along with you…
BELL:
And I was going along with you two!
KURO:
Admittedly I didn’t want to be left out so….
FLAMME:
Same here…
AQUA:
So…we’ve all just been assuming that the others know what Kidd says when in fact no-one has been sure at all?
KURO:
It appears that’s the case.
KIDD:
It’s fine, as I went out of my way to remain taciturn on purpose.
Everyone collectively gasps and turns their head in his direction.
KIDD:
After all, a true warrior speaks with his actions and not his words, am I right chaps?
KIIRO:
HE CAN TALK!? MORE LIKE YER A WALKIN’ WESTERN STEREOTYPE BUT YA TALK LIKE A GENTLEMAN?!
KIDD:
Oh I suppose you’re referring to my garments. I quite fancy them so I purchased and wore them immediately! I do apologize if there was any type of misunderstanding.
KIIRO’s face twists in confusion but CROW ever the one to just roll with a situation shrugs.
CROW:
Okay, sure. I can dig it.
KIIRO:
HOW?!
CROW:
The more important thing here is that you spoke up cause you know something about the guy doing the evaluation?
KIDD:
Ahh, yes. Sir Denta. Although it seems that the pattern for the evaluations is without rhyme or reason, there is in fact a method to the madness so to speak. You see, I do a bit of probability studies in my free time, and judging from the sample data I’ve gathered after years of researching the base something has become abundantly clear!
KIIRO:
Under breath.
What’s becomin’ clear to me here is that Shiro ain’t the only one who shouldn’t be assumin’ he knows things about the people he’s in class with.
KIDD:
There are actually only four different possibilities for evaluation.
KURO:
Four? Whoa, that’s…manageable! How’d you figure that out?
KIDD:
From studying past evaluations! It would seem while Sir Denta does change minor details to trip up students, there are four “patterns” that the evaluations follow. 1) A bout between students, 2) a written test, 3) Bomb annihilation, and 4) A heroism practical.
AQUA:
Number 3 sounds terrifying.
KIDD gestures in the air with his hand.
KIDD:
Oh, my, yes. Very few manage to keep their mental faculties intact after that evaluation. I think the government is actually lobbying to make it illegal.
VERMICULUS is at the table and shakes, terrified.
VERMICULUS:
T—t—that one has the lowest possibility right?
AQUA glances over at him, her eyes narrowed.
AQUA:
Who invited you to the table?
KIDD:
Oh but you needn’t worry! That one was the most recent, and Denta doesn’t like repeating tests.
KIIRO:
Oh thank merciful Pegasus.
KURO:
Is no one going to ask why something so dangerous sounding is just coming up now?
BELL:
Then which one do you think it’ll be Kidd?
KURO:
We’re not going to explore that, huh.
KIDD:
If I were one to take a wager, I’d think it’s either the first or fourth. They should be up next in the cycle, but I can’t say for sure which it might be.
AQUA:
It’s a lead, though! Thank you Kidd.
KURO:
We’re not going to talk about that other thing at all are we?
KIIRO:
So we just need to be prepared to fight each other or a heroism practical….what is that anyway?
CROW:
It’s like the name suggests. We get tested on how heroic we can be –saving people, using our abilities in practical situations and so on.
AQUA:
That sounds easy enough….
KIDD:
Oh but it’s quite the challenge, I assure you. Still, I believe from all I’ve observed in this class that we’re up for it.
AQUA:
Kidd….
CROW:
That’s just what we needed to hear Kidd.
KURO:
Sighs.
All right, since we’ve moved past that point….everyone, I too believe we can do it. We’ve been through this semester together and even fought a giant robot, so we can knock out whatever comes our way if we work together!
Everyone cheers and KURO nods sagely.
KURO:
Okay, meeting adjourned!
The class departs from the cafeteria as in another hallway SHIRO wheels himself in a wheelchair as quickly as he can –which isn’t very quickly as he’s still very tired. From time to time REI who’s following him will give him a push and in his furor he’ll wheel faster to get away from her just to run out of strength and the cycle to repeat again. It’s then that REGULUS walks out from an adjacent hallway and stands before the two his arms crossed.
REGULUS:
Funny running into you here.
SHIRO:
You’re just the ass I was looking for! How the hell am I supposed to participate in the evaluation like this?
REGULUS:
Oh, and I suppose running out and busting a drug ring was my idea?
SHIRO:
Growling.
Fine, fine, that was my fault but cut me some slack here, geez! At worst I’ll hold everyone back and at best I’ll fail which’ll look bad on your part anyway!
REGULUS stiffens and reaches up to his visor where he…wipes a tear?
REGULUS:
Blackmailing me? Y---you are learning….ah…they grow up so fast. Which means I’ll need to kill you soon before you grow up any further.
REI shakes her head.
REI:
I’m afraid I cannot allow that professor. Without him Kuro would be heartbroken. I may not care about Shiro overall, but Kuro’s happiness is paramount to me.
REGULUS:
Ohh? So you’re standing up for him?
REI:
Besides a girl has needs and I need for them to get to second base –and maybe further with all the nasty details.
SHIRO:
I think I might actually want you to kill me now.
REGULUS:
Anyway time is running out and you need more training to be less sucky so meet me later.
SHIRO:
Huh? Wait, what do you…
REGULUS turns and walks down the hall before SHIRO can form his question, leaving both he and REI confused. As he walks his thoughts fade back to a certain “deal” and how things are falling apart at the seams.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
Should have asked for the fine print on this deal….as it appears coming back from the dead has stipulations I wasn’t aware of…
He stares out into the distance feeling a disconcerting sense of slippage –like something within him is pushing his very essence out, and it’s taking all of his strength to maintain a control that should be his.
REGULUS:
Thinking.
Heh, working under pressure is one of my specialties, but I can’t say I love this situation.
Meanwhile REI peers down at SHIRO and asks…
REI:
What did he mean by “time running out”?
SHIRO shakes his head.
SHIRO:
Beats the hell out of me….but it looks like I’m doing this evaluation.
DENTA meanwhile is in the heart of the capital and stands on the top of a building overlooking an abandoned lot nodding approvingly.
DENTA:
I daresay this shall do perfectly for what I have in mind.
His eye reflects an unnerving amount of sinister glee as the sun sets behind the mountains in the distance. Soon the base cadets would be at his mercy, and far be it from him to not relish this fact.
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.