Chapter Text
A platform rises through taciturn darkness, the dull whir of the mechanisms providing a steady rhythm. The ride into places unknown comes to a gentle end when the elevator reaches the top and seamlessly melds into the floor of a room that is almost appallingly white and the length of a football field. The recipient of the platform takes an unsteady step into the room, their features obscured by a strange metallic silver suit complete with helmet and black visor. Although there are some hinges to the outfit indicating that it is not wholly fabric, it could very easily be mistaken as such on first glance due to how smoothly it complements the body as the unknown person within the suit clasps their fist several times and tilts their head back and forth to work out kinks in their shoulders and neck. Feedback from a P.A. system cuts through the silence in the room and the person in the suit glances around in surprise at the sudden din before an androgynous computer voice speaks after a chime plays.
COMPUTER:
Greetings and welcome to this training module. Today we will be testing your reflexes inside the EX-suit. Please make the necessary preparations and indicate when you are ready.
The person in the suit glances around, does some stretches and then nods to no one in particular.
COMPUTER:
Understood –commencing testing protocol.
An audible click and whirr are heard as two crystalline towers rise from the floor a good distance away from the suit wearing mystery person who leans back assuming a stance.
COMPUTER:
And begin.
In a succession of quick movements, glass covers rise from the towers as they launch bombs at the mystery person. They nod to get themselves into a fighting mood and then duck under one bomb that explodes harmlessly in the distance. They then start running toward the towers, activating rocket boosters on their shoes that allow for a small glide as they move, dodging around other bombs before one is right in their path, and they have no choice but to engage it with an outstretched hand that they use a solitary finger to poke the bomb with –an action that surprisingly enough causes the bomb to shrivel and not explode but disappear silently into nothingness. Twisting in apparent delight, the person ducks under more bombs before grabbing two more which meet the same end as the first –complete and utter annihilation by erasure. They then turn to the tower and activating the rocket boosts leap from bomb to bomb erasing them by touch until they reach the towers and with a kick-drop-punch combo erases the towers completely as well. Two more pop up behind her and with moves straight out of the “matrix” the suit wearer takes great delight in leaning back, watching the bombs whizz past their navel and dodging to the side, dancing slightly in the air as they do. They then dash forward suddenly and with great force jut their hand through the tower leaving a gaping hole in the middle of it, the erasure stopping from deleting it from existence outright. The other continues its tirade of bomb launches as they simply glide at a distance, catching bombs and erasing them every so often. Finally they swoop over, twirl and drop kick the tower smashing it into pieces, the sad sound of glass meeting metal filling the white room of nothingness –an apt funeral for the once boisterous room.
COMPUTER:
Very well done. Efficiency has risen by 75% since the last assessment.
The person in the suit places an arm on their hip and tilts their head to the side --a clear sign of disbelief at this seemingly arbitrary number. Suddenly more static, and then the computer voice is replaced by a clearly human male one.
VOICE:
Excellent. The computer has been configured to the highest settings and you still made short work of everything it threw at you. It’s hard to believe that you’ve only been practicing here for a few weeks, but you’ve taken to this like a natural.
The person in the suit looks up at the ceiling of the white room –unclear if they’ve acknowledged the praise of this new voice.
VOICE:
We’ll make a few more tweaks to the EX-suit and have you come back in for further assessments, though I believe that we may be nearing completion.
The person in the suit nods curtly and strides back to the center of the room obviously self assured.
VOICE:
Wait.
The person in the suit stops, their hands raised to the helmet to take it off.
VOICE:
I am curious….what made you decide to finally come and take me up on my offer? Surely there’s a reason why you’d choose now of all times, as we’ve met years ago.
The person in the suit doesn’t respond rather they reach up and slowly remove the helmet as the voice chuckles amused.
VOICE:
Keeping quiet on the subject then? You were always a hard one to figure out…Rei.
Her hair in a messy bun on the top of her head, REI glances upward, her eyes narrowed, expression unreadable.
REI:
I just haven’t the time. Now if you don’t mind, school is in session, and a girl just cannot be late.
The voice speaks again tinged with amusement.
VOICE:
I can’t say I dislike youth that have priorities, but how long do you think you can keep up both?
REI:
Flatly.
I’m not sure how that matters to you? We’ve got a strictly business relationship, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to pry into my affairs.
VOICE:
But of course. The platform is ready –you can leave.
REI:
I’ll be off then.
REI steps on the platform and descends into the floor as up in a monitor room a familiar figure watches her and the footage of her training intently.
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 23: Schoolyard Scrutiny.
SHIRO’s brow is furrowed and his arms crossed as he thinks deeply about his current situation and how about seventy-five percent of it can be blamed on REGULUS. More importantly, what had been his deal earlier? Although being frustratingly obtuse is essentially his trademark, there was something more…dire this time around? Almost as if the guy doesn’t expect to be around anymore…?
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Come to think of it, he’s been oddly scarce lately….
He thinks back to their conversation a few hours earlier in the confines of his hospital room after REI had gone home. He sits upright in bed while REGULUS has flipped a chair backward and leans on the back.
REGULUS:
So you’ve got two more elementals to win over, huh.
SHIRO shifts his weight and leans his head in his hand, his expression askance.
SHIRO:
Basically. I’m not sure how to get Bem or Bulzeeb on my side.
REGULUS blows air.
REGULUS:
I’d ask to get in your head but aside from the knights there’s probably nothing in there, huh..
SHIRO:
Rei made the same joke a few episodes back, and it wasn’t funny then either.
REGULUS:
Should have made the effort to use nonviolence to solve your problems in the black hole.
SHIRO:
Need I remind you that it’s not as if you handed me the element in your possession without a fight?
REGULUS:
That’s your reply to everything, geez. Rather than Bomberman, your friends should call you “plunger”.
SHIRO frowns not understanding the reference.
REGULUS:
It’s because you’re always bringing up old sh—
SHIRO whacks him with a nearby IV.
SHIRO:
You called this stupid meeting, stupid. If you’re not going to be useful, go away. Oh and tell them I can’t participate in the evaluation.
REGULUS:
It’s not my fault you decided to go play Scarlet Shore Vice without letting me know and got a boo-boo. Letting you skip the test now would tarnish my sterling reputation.
SHIRO:
….No one thinks that highly of you.
REGULUS makes a noncommittal noise and shrugs.
REGULUS:
Gotta start somewhere. In any case, for your elemental impotency –
SHIRO:
Please find another way to phrase that.
REGULUS:
No.
He then coughs and clears his throat –a curious motion to SHIRO.
REGULUS:
Ahem. You need to think back to your fights and consider this –what exactly made those knights strong?
SHIRO:
Growling.
If I knew that I wouldn’t be sufferin—
REGULUS:
Sternly.
I don’t mean their attacks, I mean their personalities. Was there a single fight that you won? Or just five that you managed to survive somehow?
SHIRO:
I swear it feels like you’re insulting me….
REGULUS:
If you think that way then you’ve got a long way to go, and not much time to get there.
SHIRO blinks and leans in close at this.
SHIRO:
You keep saying that but I don’t understand?
REGULUS sighs and shakes his head.
REGULUS:
Nevermind. Just consider what I said and try not to embarrass us both at the evaluation.
SHIRO:
You aren’t going to be there?
REGULUS snickers as he rises and heads to the door.
REGULUS:
If I didn’t know any better I’d think you’re asking for a father figure. (Sing song) Hewwo? Did somwon forget that I’m their assassin?
SHIRO:
You’re lucky I’m recovering or…
REGULUS:
Yawn, yeah, yeah. I’m out –but Shiro?
SHIRO:
Incredulously.
Yeah?
REGULUS:
You did good work at the Shore.
SHIRO blinks but before he can comment REGULUS is out the door, leaving him confused. In the present SHIRO shakes his head and groans.
SHIRO:
Just what the hell was he talking about?
VOICE:
Umm….
SHIRO:
It’s driving me crazy, dammit!
BELL:
Shiro, sir?
SHIRO glances over at BELL who upon meeting his gaze simpers.
BELL:
Um, I don’t mean to interrupt your most likely expository inner dialog, but our proctor has been talking at you for some time now…
SHIRO:
…oh.
The class is in what seems to be an abandoned lot on the outskirts of town –this is apparently where their evaluation will take place. Though at the moment the class and proctor are staring intently at SHIRO who sheepishly scratches his head.
SHIRO:
Sorry, I was um…thinking.
The proctor eyes SHIRO –something that unnerves him considering he only has one eye visible so it’s as if he’s focusing all of his attention on him all of the time.
DENTA:
While I’m not one to question a man’s resolve, I daresay perhaps you should reconsider this…
SHIRO gives DENTA a withering look as it’s revealed he’s in a wheelchair.
CROW:
I mean…he’s not wrong to ask…
SHIRO:
It’s not like I want to do this, thanks to our asshole of a teacher I don’t have a choice!
DENTA scratches his chin and nods.
DENTA:
I suppose there’s only one thing to do here.
SHIRO:
Y’mean override his decision and let me sit this out?
DENTA does some quick ninja-like hand signals before clapping and producing a binder filled with paper work.
DENTA:
I’ll need you to sign these waivers absolving me of any responsibilities in regards to your actions today.
EVERYONE:
Thinking.
….Modern ninjas are cool…
SHIRO:
I’m not entirely sure what you guys are thinking but I’m almost positive it’s wrong.
SHIRO sighs and takes the paperwork while DENTA paces, scrutinizing the class.
DENTA:
You’ve had practical exams, written work and one on one time with your teacher and so—
AQUA:
Um…actually we really haven’t done any of those things.
DENTA:
..What.
KIIRO:
Truth be tol’ he just fought us a few times and then scared us with personal anecdotes.
SHIRO snickers at this as DENTA looks on horrified.
DENTA:
What kind of monster is your teacher?
KURO:
One of us knows but refuses to say anything.
SHIRO stops snickering and everyone eyes him.
DENTA:
…I—In any case I suppose we can still proceed as the rules here are fairly simple.
DENTA extends his hand and like magic, three bombers –a short yellow one, a tall turquoise one, and a purple of average height walk from behind him like magic and line up. Their faces are obscured from view by black veils, and they stand statue like as if not to give away any information unconsciously.
DENTA:
Students, these are your “customers” so to speak. Being a base cadet isn’t just bombing enemies, it’s saving those in need. Today you will show that you not only have an affinity for using bombs but the ability to prioritize your mission when you have several before you.
REI:
It would appear to me that perhaps Shiro would be better served as someone to save rather than someone who saves.
There’s a murmur of consent to this as SHIRO fumes.
DENTA:
Clearing throat.
Of course just finding them isn’t going to be enough. I’ll be playing the role of villain –and I daresay I’ll do my very best to stop you from succeeding in your mission so be ready for an assortment of tricks and traps.
EVERYONE:
Yes sir!
DENTA:
Good. The evaluation ends once all six have been rescued.
His eye then takes on a sinister gleam.
DENTA:
Or if all the heroes are defeated, so beware.
This met with a noticeable gulp as DENTA motions to his group.
DENTA:
Good luck students.
And with that he and the six bombers disappear.
VERMICULUS:
Ninjas are so cool…
KURO turns to KIDD.
KURO:
Nice call, Kidd! At least we weren’t taken completely by surprise.
KIDD smiles.
KIDD:
Glad to be of service good chap! But what should we do now?
SHIRO:
I’d say splitting into teams is our best bet. We can watch each other’s backs that way.
KURO:
Good idea.
REI:
Indeed. I will take Kuro.
KURO smiles weakly and nods.
KURO:
I’m spoken for then. You guys can decide on your teams and we’ll get moving.
BELL:
But then that leaves one person without a teammate…
Everyone glances at SHIRO.
SHIRO:
Wait, why are you assuming I can’t go? I’m fine, dammit.
CROW:
M…maybe you should stay here man.
SHIRO:
You can’t abandon me, it was my idea!
AQUA:
Yes, but…um…
KIIRO:
Yer gonna hold us back with yer lack of mobility.
FLAMME:
Leave it to Kiiro to just flat out say it…
KURO:
It makes sense for one of us to stay anyway –just in case one of the people we need to save circle back.
SHIRO scowls and waves them off with one hand while leaning on the other.
SHIRO:
Just go away.
FLAMME:
S—Sorry Shiro…
SHIRO turns away from the class as they leave him behind and for several moments he’s silent until…
SHIRO:
I now have opinions on how the elderly and disabled are treated in media.
He sighs and wheels himself to toward an abandoned building nearby not realizing he’s being watched. Meanwhile KIIRO and VERMICULUS start their search, walking across the grassy space to a run-down building.
KIIRO:
…I ain’t sure why I teamed up with you, now that I think about it.
VERMICULUS:
I guess to defy audience expectations? Though yeah it was really a bad move on our parts –two pyromancers in one place is just asking for trouble.
KIIRO:
Yer soundin’ different than usual.
VERMICULUS:
Oh you mean that justice stuff? Man, I dunno. I feel like I’m phoning it in sometimes? Like maybe less is more.
KIIRO:
Yer sister threatened to beat the mess out of you for something ya don’ donked up huh.
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE KNOWS FEAR.
KIIRO
Huh, wait, I think I saw somethin’ over there?
VERMICULUS:
What? Really?
KIIRO:
Yeah, headin’ into that building. We gotta go check it out!
The two make a beeline for the building and upon entry see a small yellow bomber trying to climb out of a ground story window. KIIRO grabs the bomber and holds him down, his face furrowed in annoyance.
KIIRO:
Where ya goin? We’re tha heroes here!
VERMICULUS:
No need to fear citizen! Justice is here to save you!!
The yellow bomber glares at them, their eyebrows furrowed and what seems to be a cigar hanging out of their helmet. When they—he speaks it’s with a deep voice surprising the two.
YELLOW:
You two? Heroes? Don’t make me laugh. The way I see it, you idiots couldn’t save a video game , much less a person.
KIIRO:
…what the hell you goin’ on about?
YELLOW:
Oh you thought that because we’re supposed to be “saved” that we’d just throw ourselves into your arms and be like “Oh heroes, save me!” Morons, the real world ain’t that sweet.
VERMICULUS:
Which is to say that this is a….
A cold chill suddenly creeps up their backs and they turn to see DENTA in the remains of a broken window, his arms crossed.
VERMICULUS:
…trap?
DENTA:
A good deduction –but a little bit too late. As my comrade duly noted, there are situations where the line between bystander and accomplice are paper thin.
VERMICULUS:
You villain! Prepare to meet your end at the hands of JUSTICE INCARNATE! I am Vermiculus the scarlet firebrand!!
DENTA tilts his head curiously.
DENTA:
Vermiculus? Doesn’t that mean “little worm”?
VERMICULUS:
…what?
DENTA:
I fancy myself a hobbyist in ancient languages and I’m fairly sure that’s what it means. Not very heroic, I daresay.
VERMICULUS’s entire body goes slack and he leans over mentally defeated.
KIIRO:
Ah dammit, you can’t let him beat you so easily!!
VERMICULUS:
Ahhhh, not only am I not the one who came up with the name, but it means something so pathetic…I should be stepped on like the worm I am and die..
KIIRO:
WHATCHA GOIN’ ON ABOUT?!
DENTA’s eye gleams sinisterly.
DENTA:
Death? I can arrange that.
KIIRO and VERMICULUS stop in their tracks, trapped in DENTA’s eye where they see themselves on the receiving end of his fists which explode in their faces, flames erupting everywhere. Luckily for their sakes, this is only an illusion…
…and it is until the moment they turn and DENTA is behind them, rising to his feet.
DENTA:
12th art, hikken ougi –hissatsu bakureppai ken.
KIIRO:
Wh---
Two explosions near their faces rock them off their feet and against the sides of the building where they drop to the floor unconscious.
The small yellow bomber and DENTA then stand over the two menacingly.
YELLOW:
That’s what I like about you boss –no mercy.
DENTA:
Hmph, the bakureppai means “Explosive disposal of the weak”. If that’s not mercy, I don’t know what is. It’s a shame, but these two fail –they should have been more aware of their surroundings.
YELLOW:
Sneering.
Better luck next evaluation, idiots.
DENTA:
Now to see how the others are doing. I and one other person I hired are playing villain, while two of the targets were meant to be rescued. These two ran into you, which means someone will have the fortune of running into the other, but may the Pegasus help those who run into Terazawa.
Surprisingly YELLOW shudders at this.
YELLOW:
Dang, yeah. They’re the textbook definition of merciless.
DENTA throws his scarf over his shoulder and nods at YELLOW.
DENTA:
Look after these two. I’ll go check on the others.
YELLOW salutes and DENTA disappears like the wind. Meanwhile SHIRO lightly dozes in his hiding space on the ground floor of a building, using the armrest of the wheelchair to support his head, the boredom of being left alone getting to him.
SHIRO:
Sleepily.
Ugh, if I was just going to sit around I could have just stayed in my hospital room. It’s a screwed up thing to say, but I think I actually envy Nitros.
He sighs and wheels himself closer to a window to look outside –or well that was the plan, but instead he finds he’s face to face with a strange pair of very familiar purple eyes.
HIGE-HIGE:
Hige.
SHIRO:
….Haven’t I met you before?
The Hige-Hige bandit narrows it’s eyes in annoyance and does a pose extending its arms to one side.
SHIRO:
Wait…YOU!? Which means….
???:
MWAHAHAAHAH! SO WE MEET AGAIN, SHIRO!!
MUJOE steps into the clearing, hiding his face behind his cape until he flings it away dramatically and laughs.
MUJOE:
HAHAAHAH! Fancy meeting you aga---
SHIRO is peddling his wheelchair as fast as he can in the opposite direction.
SHIRO:
Oh heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllll no! I’m not dealing with you here, dammit!
MUJOE frowns, and jogs over to SHIRO, catching up almost immediately due to his impressive physique, and the latter being groggy from sleep and not being used to using the wheelchair.
MUJOE:
Hey, hey, hey. Why so cold? I thought we had a bonding moment in the forest!
He grabs the back of the chair sending SHIRO flying from it due to the sudden stop. The young bomber lands face forward, remaining on the ground unmoving.
MUJOE:
Whoops, guess I don’t know my own strength! Anyway it’s actually kind of nice to meet a familiar face!
SHIRO doesn’t respond.
MUJOE glances around, thumbing his chin as he does so.
MUJOE:
Not a bad place you’ve got staked out here, kid. Though what’s with the gear? Did you get hurt doing something dumb?
SHIRO doesn’t respond.
MUJOE:
Man, I remember when I was young and reckless. I did dumb stuff just to prove I could. Like this one time—
SHIRO:
Muffled.
…Seriously dude can’t you take a hint….
MUJOE stares down at him confused.
SHIRO rights himself so that he’s lying on his back.
SHIRO:
I thought if I played dead you’d go away.
MUJOE:
Do I look like a bear to you?
SHIRO:
Nah, more like a pro wrestling gorilla.
The HIGE-HIGE bandit laughs at this until MUJOE glares it into silence.
SHIRO:
What the hell are you doing here anyway? Isn’t being anywhere near base activities kind of a big no-no for you?
MUJOE:
That’d normally be the case; I was hired to be a professional bad guy! I mean listen to that title?! It’s made for me, right? So I guess I’m supposed to get in your way and stuff, but then the guys..
Another HIGE-HIGE bandit appears at the window beside the first and both do the pose.
MUJOE:
Said they saw you and I had to peek in!
SHIRO:
Ah, so as usual my luck is pretty friggin terrible. Well, as you can see I’ve been abandoned by my friends, my teacher, and ostensibly God at this point. “Ostensibly” because I’m sure whatever deity is on duty is watching and laughing at me.
MUJOE:
Daaaark. Have you ever considered writing for TV?
SHIRO:
Actually….
MUJOE checks his watch and gasps.
MUJOE:
Ah sorry, I’m on the clock so I can’t just sit around chatting.
SHIRO:
…You started this conversation with me.
MUJOE’s eyes harden as he picks up SHIRO by the antenna.
MUJOE:
Nothing personal kid, this is all business.
SHIRO:
…Yay, I’m being kidnapped.
MUJOE:
It’s hard out here for a professional.
MUJOE walks away with SHIRO in tow. Meanwhile KURO and REI investigate a grassy knoll in the abandoned property. REI is radiant, as she follows the former, her smile wide enough to threaten engulfing her entire face. KURO sighs and scratches the back of his head, frustrated that he has no leads.
KURO:
I know rescue missions are vague by nature, but this is annoyingly so.
REI pats him on the shoulder.
REI:
There’s no need to be cross my dear! As long as we’re together we can overcome any threat!
KURO:
I’m glad you’re so confident but the more time goes by the more anxious I become –especially when we’re not sure of what we should be looking for. It’s the perfect means of leading into an ambush…
KURO stiffens and glances around, scanning the area.
REI:
I think you might just be worrying too much dearest. As far as we know, the others might have apprehended the targets and we’re just wasting our time.
KURO:
Still, we should be careful—
KURO turns and behind REI, a blur approaches them at an ungodly speed.
KURO:
REI!
Before she can register her name being called, a bomb is careening toward her at top speed, courtesy of the blur. REI instinctively reaches out her hand and with a touch the bomb disappears into the air. The blur leaps over REI and throws two more bombs at KURO who dodges one by ducking and catches the other, tossing it back at the sudden enemy who despite being in midair twists their body as the bomb flies by. KURO wills a bomb of his own, as REI ducks down quickly –in sync with his movements. With a heave he tosses the bomb at the intruder who cannot avoid this one fast enough and is engulfed in flame. To their surprise however, the intruder comes out of the smoke, and charges at the duo –revealing the purple bomber with DENTA –a pretty girl of average height, a beauty mark under the left of piercing blue eyes and black hair. KURO is taken aback by this revelation for just a moment –receiving a bomb in his face for his indecision that sends him flying back several feet.
REI:
K—KURO!!
The girl turns to REI, her expression somewhere between amusement and disdain.
GIRL:
Why do you hesitate? He’s your partner, no?
REI blinks blushing despite herself.
GIRL:
Amateur. I got bored of waiting for people to find me, so I came looking. Perhaps it is your poor luck that I “hunter” Violet Terazawa saw you first.
VIOLET suddenly leaps back as a bomb flies at her, and then another that she kicks away, barely paying attention to it as it explodes harmlessly nearby. KURO stands up holding his arm and breathing heavily, his eyes on VIOLET who motions at him flicking her fingers in a “come and get it gesture”.
KURO:
Rei, we need to work together to beat her. I’m not sure what’s going on but we’ll have to figure it out on the fly.
REI glances at her open palm and shakes her head.
REI:
No, we should run. We won’t gain anything from a head on confrontation….she’s clearly more powerful than both of us.
KURO regards both women for a moment and shakes his head.
KURO:
I can’t afford failure here, Rei. If I’m to become a base cadet, backing down isn’t an option.
VIOLET:
Internal conflicts? How delicious, but your inability to work together will get you hunted.
She lunges at REI, bomb in hand. KURO pivots forward in an attempt to wrestle the bomb from her as REI falls back stunned. VIOLET grins –this is what she was expecting, exactly what she wants. KURO grabs her arm, and she has no choice but to will it away so that she is not caught in in the explosion, however with her free arm she makes a quick succession of symbols before whispering…
VIOLET:
10th art, hikken ougi –renketsu bakuha!
KURO gasps as from her open hand, a bomb forms through will and turns into a dozen, and then two dozen.
KURO:
You’re crazy! You’ll blow us all to smithereens!
VIOLET:
Hmph, I’d expect someone who hasn’t learned to channel their will to say something like that. With enough practice, one can “train” their bombs to choose their targets –and that prey is you.
KURO turns to REI.
KURO:
Rei! You have to use your ability! It’s the only way we’re going to get out of this!!
REI shirks back, her hand and eyes trembling.
KURO:
REI!
REI bites her lips as her whole body shakes –torn between the desire to help her beloved and that warning…
EIN:
You mustn’t….not another soul must know what you possess.
Tears form in her eyes as it feels like she’s being torn in two.
KURO:
REII!!
VIOLET:
Explode!
For a moment sound just poofs out of existence as if sucked out of the air into an invisible void just to return seconds later in the form of a massive explosion centered around KURO. REI gasps her hands over her open mouth.
REI:
Quietly.
Oh no…what have I done…
VIOLET stares unblinking at the smoke, her arms crossed.
VIOLET:
Oh? Maybe you aren’t as inept as I thought.
REI’s brow is furrowed as she follows VIOLET’s line of sight. For a moment there is nothing of note, until KURO stumbles out of the column of smoke, his eyes hazy and breath labored.
REI:
K—Kuro…
VIOLET:
Hmph, taking the path of least resistance, huh? You used your own bombs to propel you out of the apex of that explosion, but I can’t imagine you got out without feeling the burn.
KURO collapses to one knee and REI runs to his side.
VIOLET:
I’ll applaud your quick thinking, but now what? You’re injured and your partner seems reluctant to help you.
Her eyes narrow and her voice drips with venom.
VIOLET:
Or do you think me an opponent so weak that I can be defeated by an injured student?
KURO’s eyes meet hers and they size each other up for a moment until VIOLET smirks and turns away.
VIOLET:
I have no need for the weak. Taking the head of injured prey in the hunt is without merit.
Before they can react, VIOLET disappears right before KURO and REI’s eyes. KURO coughs and with great effort stands up straight, limping away to…somewhere.
REI:
Kuro, you musn’t! You’re still injured…please, let me help you!
KURO responds, his voice quiet, harsh –completely unlike him.
KURO:
Oh, now you want to help? I don’t know if you noticed but it’s a little late for that, Rei.
REI:
Kuro…
Her face contorts and she bites her lip in grief.
REI:
I’m so—
KURO:
What did you come here for Rei?
REI:
Wh—what do you—
KURO:
Why are you at the base?
REI:
That’s…I…I can’t say.
KURO laughs derisively.
KURO:
Really? You can’t? That’s surprising. Since the Family Fest you’ve been acting weird–which hey I’m totally fine with, it’s your business, but Rei…this isn’t about you. I could have died just now because of whatever your reasons are. You’ve been hiding something from me this whole time and I’m sick of trying to figure it out! I could have died just now and you still can’t be straight with me! Is this a joke to you? Are you here to hold me back on purpose? I—I just…
KURO sputters and shakes his head.
KURO:
J—Just leave me alone. I’ve been patient, but maybe that was a mistake.
KURO limps away and REI futilely reaches for his back her vision filling with tears.
REI:
Crying.
P---please…wait…
In her mind she visualizes SCHREITER walking aside with KURO –away from her grasp.
REI:
I don’t want to be left behind…
All of this a confirmation of what she had believed back when she had moved into that castle so many years ago….
She’s not wanted.
Not by her family.
Not by her beloved.
Not by anyone.
She lies on the ground curled up, paralyzed with emotion. Meanwhile as BELL, KIDD and AQUA stare each other down over their capture of the third bomber –clearly debating who should get credit, while CROW and FLAMME watch on as SHIRO is presented to DENTA by MUJOE and the HIGE-HIGE bandits.
DENTA:
I daresay you’re doing quite well boy.
SHIRO:
Yeah, yeah, just yuck it up.
MUJOE:
Mission complete, boss!
DENTA:
You’ve done well, Mr. Mujoe.
MUJOE takes a bow.
It’s then that VIOLET appears out of thin air and walks by MUJOE and DENTA, and leans against a nearby wall.
DENTA:
Terazawa….considering I don’t smell the stench of pain and gunpowder on you, I assume there were no casualties?
VIOLET:
Hmph. Nothing worth commenting on.
DENTA scrutinizes her for a moment.
MUJOE:
Uhh, bad time boss?
DENTA:
No, it’s fine. Although it is a shame that the students were so ill-prepared.
SHIRO:
To be fair, we have a crappy teacher.
DENTA:
…I really must meet this person.
SHIRO:
Sing song.
Waste of tiiiiime~
Everyone looks up suddenly to see KURO in the doorway of the building, holding his arm and walking with a noticeable limp. VIOLET regards him for a moment, but says nothing as he walks in, his gaze transfixed on the floor.
SHIRO:
Shocked.
B—Bro, what happened to you?
KURO limps by him at first, but comes to a sudden stop and turns.
KURO:
Nothing.
He keeps going leaving everyone confused, as MUJOE leans down to SHIRO and says..
MUJOE:
Pretty sure that ain’t nothing, little guy.
SHIRO:
….Gee thanks captain obvious.
Still where he left her, REI has managed to sit up and is on the phone with someone, her eyes bloodshot red from crying, her voice monotone as she speaks into the receiver.
REI:
I’m ready.
There’s an unmasked amusement in the tone of the man on the other end, like a child who had been waiting patiently for their toy and is on the verge of finally getting it.
BAGULAR:
There’s no turning back –you do understand that, right?
REI takes a long, slow breath that comes out partially as a sigh and a sob.
REI:
I have nothing to return to.
At this BAGULAR grins.
Nothing more needs to be said.
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.