Chapter Text
BAGULAR leans back in behind his desk, his eyebrows slightly lifted in a slight show of haughty arrogance, but his smile curled up slightly in amusement. His hands rest on his stomach as he eyes the guest in his midst and with a playful affect says…
BAGULAR:
I rarely accept meetings with clients who are minutes late talk less of years. So, tell me why I should talk to you right now….Lewisha.
REI frowns in disdain.
REI:
I don’t go by that name anymore. I am Rei and don’t play coy with me –I haven’t the patience for it.
REI sits across from BAGULAR her posture prim and proper but not without some rigidity. BAGULAR eyes her for a moment before leaning forward and tapping his finger on his desk.
BAGULAR:
While I understand and share your dislike for small talk, you should understand your position.
REI’s mouth curves downward in a sneer.
REI:
Oh I understand my position exceedingly well. While I was flustered during our first meeting, I’ve had time to consider things since then and have come to one pertinent conclusion –you need me more than I need you.
BAGULAR regards her quietly, his expression unreadable.
REI:
My eraser abilities are important to you for whatever reason, no? Well, I’m willing to go along with whatever plan you have as long as I have a say in what happens.
BAGULAR:
…Fair enough. A good businessman knows when a deal is too good to pass up. Though, why did you finally leave Ein and come to me now of all times?
REI’s lip quivers as she remembers the Family fest and her unfortunate run-in with her older half-brother CLAYTON. Before she can fall into the gully of despair however, she shakes her head responds quietly.
REI:
I just remembered the reason why I came here is all –what begins must eventually see itself to an ending. One can’t start a new chapter of a book and then not finish it.
BAGULAR looks down his nose at her as if he wants to pry –but thinks better of it and smirks instead.
BAGULAR:
I hope you don’t think I’m like that doddering old fool who will be your surrogate parent. If it’s a business relationship you want, then that is what you’ll get –along with everything that comes with it.
BAGULAR then extends his hand for REI to shake.
BAGULAR:
If you’re fine with this then let’s sign off on the deal.
REI hesitates –not because she’s unsure of trusting BAGULAR –she knows she shouldn’t but because this is a major step that will undoubtedly have major consequences, but she believes in what she had said to BAGULAR –she had come here for a reason and while her time at the base with her friends had placed this on the back burner, CLAYTON’s reappearance had all but forced it into first priority. If her “family” would threaten what she has then she would destroy them –even if it meant making a deal with the devil himself. After all she has everything she needs now with the base and her beloved KURO so…
REI:
I’d expect it no other way.
She shakes his hand knowing full well that only damnation awaits.
Episode 25: Inky Incendiary.
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.
???:
Nnngh, I can’t…
A familiar voice squeaks this out as their body hits the ground defeated.
ROSA:
Nooo! Koriko!!
ROSA has her arm extended as her youngest brother falls, but is just shy of reaching him. Beside her is RAVI and CIEL who are both unconscious, and DYNA who stands several feet behind, her back turned from ROSA to another familiar presence. Meanwhile standing over them is DENTA and MUJOE, their arms crossed and expressions grim.
DENTA:
A shame. Only the pink girl has managed to survive our onslaught, I daresay.
MUJOE nods grimly.
MUJOE:
Thought these kids had more than that in ‘em, but I guess we were wrong.
DENTA shakes his head sadly.
DENTA:
It makes me wonder just what Ein has been doing with these children –their battle techniques are decent, but everything else is lacking….
Meanwhile DYNA glances back at ROSA for a second and is nearly hit by a bomb when she does so.
???:
Am I boring you, cadet?
DYNA dodges the bomb by faking to the right and glares at her opponent –VIOLET.
DYNA:
Smirking.
To the contrary, you’re so exciting I can’t keep my eyes off of you. Really hot to boot –a shame we couldn’t have met under better circumstances.
VIOLET:
A shame indeed, but this is all business. If you survive you can come and see me again.
DYNA:
Confident, huh? I like you even more now, but I’d worry about your chances for survival.
VIOLET twitches summoning her will into her palm when suddenly her concentration is broken by something nearby and she jerks her head back at DENTA.
DYNA:
Confused.
What the…
VIOLET:
Master!
DENTA’s gaze is on something in the distance although his stance doesn’t change.
DENTA:
Yes, I sense it Terazawa.
MUJOE:
What? What are you two talking about?
DENTA:
There’s an alarming about of explosive energy expanding and then being snuffed out –far too fast for a normal explosion or remote bomb, and the fact that this is going off all at once suggests that this is a fight.
MUJOE:
A fight? But who’s fighting who?
DENTA:
I think I’m going to find out for myself. Look after things here would you?
VIOLET turns from DYNA.
VIOLET:
I’m coming too, master.
DENTA gives her a look as if he intends on stopping her, but instead shifts his gait and turns away.
DENTA:
I don’t intend on slowing down for you, Terazawa.
VIOLET nods and DENTA leaps an impressive distance with her in pursuit. MUJOE blinks in partial amazement and confusion before he turns back to the class and sighs deeply.
MUJOE:
So I’m the one stuck dealing with this? Ugh, well there’s only one thing to do now…
He dials a number on his cellphone and frowns impatiently as it rings. Finally the line connects and..
???:
Hige?
MUJOE:
Yeah, uh, I got something for you guys to do, so get your asses over here.
He pauses and sighs again.
MUJOE:
And get lunch –it’s on me.
He hangs up and checks the news on his phone –surprised by the abundance of reports on Rei’s current “activities” in town.
MUJOE:
Whoa, don’t I know that girl?
He squints at the suit she’s wearing and his eyes widen in realization.
MUJOE:
Wait….there’s no way that’s….
There’s one person he wants to call immediately for confirmation on what he’s seeing, but a part of him knows there’s no hiding from the truth, nor is this the time to be making unsolicited phone calls. Still, while he’s the bumbling sort, even he knows how this will end.
MUJOE:
Thinking.
He’s willing to push this far…..?
Meanwhile EIN and SHOUT are in the former’s office at a loss for what to do in regard to the unfolding situation in town when the phone rings and SHOUT answers it. After a moment she nods and puts the phone on speaker revealing that it is MERCY on the line, along with SHIRO’s uncle, BONGO and GANG, though it’s MERCY who is speaking.
MERCY:
No doubt that you heard what’s going on, right Professor?
EIN:
Quietly.
Yes I have. And you’re calling because you want to know how things ended up this way, no?
UNCLE:
Prof, I know this isn’t the time to point fingers, but you’re the one who knows the most about that girl since you let her into the Base. Not only that, the suit she’s wearing might be connected to your buddy Bagular.
EIN stiffens at this as SHOUT takes over.
SHOUT:
Bagular being involved isn’t surprising from what we know, but there isn’t a shred of evidence linking him to anything –and he has enough clout and influence to crush any investigation that doesn’t have a smoking gun attached.
BONGO:
We know, da bongo. The real question here is Rei....none of us know where she came from, and while that was fine since we trust you Professor…now isn’t the time for secrets, da bongo.
MERCY:
We’ll have to move quickly…if this keeps up they’re going to call the real cavalry in. That suit might be powerful but staring down the throwing arm of bombers trained to go looking for trouble and not blink when they find it, there’s no way an inexperienced teenage girl will make it out unscathed.
EIN’s eyebrows are neutral as his lips part.
EIN:
I ran into her looking for Bagular –probably for this reason. Though, I thought maybe, just maybe if I could keep her away from him that everything would work out.
In the past, EIN is dumbfounded at what he had just witnessed.
EIN:
It is conventional knowledge that erasers can negate the effect of bomb energy but this is…this is something on an entirely different level.
REI looks up confused at EIN, the smoke from a smoldering flame drifting into the air in his lab. The professor had thought it strange his friend would need to see a young girl for apparently no reason, so he had pressed her until she had shown her ability.
REI:
What do you mean?
EIN:
Bomb energy is created from the will of bombers and pyromancers. It is of a different ilk from natural flames and materials in that it is an extension of one’s own life force. As such, erasers are an existence that can extend their life force to erase that of another’s. It’s a check and balance system that has been in existence since creation –but you, you have something that supersedes that, a mutation in your body perhaps that can erase anything. It’s incredible, and I can understand why Bagular wants it….but you mustn’t give it to him.
REI frowns.
REI:
But that is specifically why I came here, sir.
EIN:
I’ve had my suspicions about him, and what his intentions are. While I’m not sure how you fit into his ambition, I can hazard a guess that it’s for no good. Rei was it? I can offer you a place to stay here in my academy –the Bomber Base.
REI’s eyebrows lift and her eyes are alert.
REI:
But why should I trust you over him?
EIN:
The Bomber Base is an institution of learning created to nurture the growth of children with abilities like yours. I know I don’t have much more than my word to offer you but…
He bows his head to her.
EIN:
I swear to you that you will not regret being here.
REI regards EIN for a moment, her resolve weakening. No one knows her here, and honestly she has her misgivings toward BAGULAR too…perhaps it is here she can start over.
REI:
Quietly.
If you insist on it…I suppose I can at least stay a little while to see if I like it here.
EIN smiles briefly, but this quickly fades as he clasps REI’s shoulders and says gravely…
EIN:
Not another soul must know of what you possess. If anyone were to know the extent of your abilities, they’d surely abuse them –and you. I can’t guarantee your safety if this information gets out, so please Rei, you must keep this between us.
REI casts a forlorn gaze at EIN but nods solemnly.
REI:
I promise.
In the present SHOUT shakes her head sadly as the trio with MERCY are silent on the other end of the call.
EIN:
It was a haphazard solution, I know, but seeing her with the other students in the class made me think that perhaps things had worked out for the best, but now…
UNCLE:
Then it’s safe to assume Bagular got to her somehow, but there’s no way to prove it. Damn!
SHOUT:
We have to find a means to stop her before she’s killed. Does anyone have any ideas?
UNCLE:
--Wait, are you guys supervising the other kids? What are they doing now?
On the other end of the call, MERCY, GANG and BONG eye SHIRO’s uncle.
GANG:
I fail to see how that’s relevant….
UNCLE:
Then you haven’t been paying attention to that class. It’s likely they’ve heard this news and aren’t going to sit by hoping things will work out. Especially if my nephew is among the group –he’s the type to take matters into his own hands.
SHOUT:
….Ugh, you’re absolutely right. I think they were in the hospital visiting Nitros and Kuro? Someone should go make sure they’re still there.
MERCY:
Meanwhile we’re closer to the city so we’ll head out there and try our luck.
She turns to GANG and BONGO.
MERCY:
You two keep analyzing the suit and see if you can find out anything.
BONGO:
Got it, da bongo.
MERCY:
To SHIRO’s uncle.
You ready to go?
UNCLE:
Yeah. Something tells me that nephew of mine is already on the move.
MERCY frowns.
MERCY:
I can’t help but think you sound a little proud about that.
UNCLE:
Grins.
Being a hardheaded dumbass runs in the family.
MERCY:
I just hope you can keep your nephew in line.
UNCLE:
Been trying to, and it ain’t easy. I’d think as a teacher you’d know that. Anyway let’s go, before we’re too late.
SHOUT:
Good luck you two. The professor and I will do our best to delay the call for arms, but it’ll be difficult…
EIN:
I’m sorry, everyone.
He has taken his opaque glasses off revealing a set of black colored eyes set downward in remorse.
EIN:
I didn’t mean to drag you all into this.
SHOUT:
I’d say “it’s no problem” but in all honesty this is maybe the biggest crisis the base has faced. That being said, you were only trying to help a child in need which is what we’re here for in the first place.
She smiles warmly at EIN.
SHOUT:
So we really can’t blame you, but please in the future you have to trust us.
EIN:
Nodding.
I will. I truly am sorry.
With this everyone is on the move, and not a moment too soon as in the hospital KURO awakens back in bed with SHIRO and the others looking grimly at the news. SHIRO looks back and regards KURO.
SHIRO:
Glad to see you’re back with us.
KURO:
Groggily.
Wh—what….
He then realizes what happened and sits up in bed with a start.
KURO:
Rei! We have to…
KIIRO:
Do what exactly? Ain’t like we got the ability to do somethin’ bout that.
KURO:
But it’s my fault this is happening! If I had noticed her suffering before now then…
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE HAS TO PUT A STOP TO ALL EVIL!
AQUA:
W—wait, Toto, I’m sure Rei has her…
VERMICULUS:
I know, and I want to say that justice can solve this but…
He slams his fist into a wall.
VERMICULUS:
It hurts she couldn’t even ask us for help…!!
The room is silent again for several moments until KIDD speaks up.
KIDD:
I do hate to sully this already gloomy mood but Rei has more problems that we’d think…
CROW:
Say what now?
KIDD:
Well, it’s clear her power is overwhelming –more than that of the police on the streets can handle so they’re undoubtedly going to call for backup.
SHIRO:
Oh crap. Yeah, my Dad mentioned those guys…the Blast Corps….those guys are hardened badasses who eat bombs for breakfast, and the only thing left when they get called in is ashes.
KURO:
You don’t mean….
SHIRO:
Once they get called in, Rei’s death certificate is all but signed. They’re not there to be merciful, but to blast first, ask questions never.
BELL:
I don’t want that to happen to Rei! We’ve gotta do something Shiro, sir!
KURO:
I’m going.
FLAMME:
But Kuro, you’re still…
KURO:
I have to! She’s hurting…and I didn’t even notice.
SHIRO:
Selfish much?
KURO glances up at him, fury in his eyes.
SHIRO:
Shrug.
Hey, didn’t say it was a bad thing. At this rate, I’d have to strap you into bed to keep you from coming so I guess you’re coming.
VERMICULUS:
What about us?
SHIRO regards the class and crosses his arms.
SHIRO:
Listen, I’m gonna give it to you straight –We’re going to need your help but I really don’t want to ask for it. Not because I don’t think you guys are capable, but you’re risking a lot by helping.
KIIRO:
Yeah? And what would we be riskin’?
SHIRO:
Your futures for one. We’re going to be acting in direct opposition of authority. Nitros and I are on thin ice ‘cause of the whole shore thing, however you guys are still pretty clean, and joining us means you’re culpable, and there’s no way out of it.
SHIRO gives them all a hard look.
SHIRO:
You get it?
BELL:
Rei’s our friend! If risking our future for a friend is wrong then…
CROW:
Snickers.
It’s corny but short stack has it right. Not much of a future if you’re regretting it the whole time.
FLAMME:
I’m with Crow. We’ve all come so far as a class, and I don’t want to leave anyone behind.
KIDD:
Very true! Rei is one of us!
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE…
AQUA:
Doesn’t abandon its friends!
VERMICULUS is teary eyed as he turns to his sister who responds with a smile.
KIIRO:
Yeah yeah, I ain’t gonna go lookin’ like the bad guy here! Fine, I’m in!
NITROS:
Same thing. I’m with all of you, including Rei.
KURO:
You know how I feel, Shiro.
SHIRO takes a deep breath and exhales.
SHIRO:
Idiots, all of you.
He grins.
SHIRO:
Not bad. It’s exactly the kind of class I’d want to be a part of. It goes without saying that this is dangerous, so be ready for that. We also should get moving, there’s probably not much time.
EVERYONE:
Got it!
In the city, REI drops another bomber guard after painfully erasing his bomb, tossing him aside when the deed is done. She gazes down, the fallen at her feet filling her with a sense of titillation never felt and urging her to find more mayhem.
REI:
Ehe. This can’t be all they have to offer me...I want to play more….
Several feet before her, DENTA and VIOLET land from seemingly nowhere before REI a silent stareoff ensuing between them.
DENTA:
You’re that girl from class zero, are you not? Why are you doing this?
VIOLET wills a bomb into her open palm, her eyes narrowed.
VIOLET:
I don’t think she’s going to tell us Master –that gait is of one who’s more interested in bloodshed than words –a fitting opponent.
DENTA:
Terazawa….
REI lunges at them, laughing as she does.
REI:
Ooh I like her! She can go up first!
VIOLET:
As you wish!
DENTA:
Wait!
The two women’s fists collide snuffing VIOLET’s bomb out completely to her and DENTA’s surprise. She fakes back, but REI is a step faster, grabs her and forces her to the ground. DENTA swiftly dives in, flames dancing in his hand as a bomb comes to formation, but REI leaps out of the way and he is forced to dissolve the bomb before he hits VIOLET instead. REI lands to the side of the two, as they gather themselves and try to make sense of what they’re seeing until a voice rings out….
REGULUS:
That suit is amping her eraser abilities. Bombs won’t even be able to touch her, and if you get in too close, she’ll erase the ability to make them temporarily too.
The three turn and find REGULUS, holding himself up in their midst.
REGULUS:
Yoooo princess. Should have made more effort to finish your food.
REI:
Sing song.
Oh dear, I do have a particular dislike of reruns, professor.
DENTA glances over at REGULUS, his eyes narrowed.
DENTA:
So you’re the illustrious Regulus I presume? I have many words for you.
REGULUS:
Many people do I find. How about we save that for later and deal with this unruly student?
DENTA:
Agreed, is what I’d like to say, but it seems we won’t get that chance.
A bomb flies into the clearing and explodes with great force, sending everyone scrambling. When the smoke clears, four bombers clad in white armor and dark visors obscuring their faces are at the ready, their bombs a dangerous dark hue as they come into existence via will.
REGULUS:
And who are these party crashers?
DENTA:
The Blast Corps….I suppose they really must have been driven into a corner by that lass’s actions if they’re here….
REGULUS:
“They”?
REI is undeterred and rushes forward at these new threats with gusto until a bomb lands in front of her and an explosion intense enough to knock DENTA, VIOLET and REGULUS off their feet lands in front of her.
REGULUS:
Damn, these guys don’t play.
DENTA:
Not surprising. They are an elite force –
DENTA pauses as to his –and everyone else’s surprise, REI makes a slashing motion with her arm and slices through the flame like a hot knife through human skin. The helmet clatters to the ground broken –and the only indication that the bomb just now did anything meaningful. Her eyes are soulless voids, and her expression a deranged smile. She strides forward to her opponents slowly –as they prepare another bomb volley. REGULUS twitches wanting to go in and save REI from her apparently suicidal bid, but his weakness returns and he drops to one knee unable to move. DENTA glances back at him, a curious look in his eye, as he motions to VIOLET to get closer for some plan. Until a bomb nails one of the Blast Corps members in the head causing them to stumble slightly. They turn, as a pillar of flame roars toward them, only barely leaping out of the way as it careens by.
DENTA:
There’s someone else here?
As if to answer that question, a voice rings out…
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE HAS ARRIVED!!
AQUA:
Ahh, there goes the element of surprise…
VIOLET:
It’s class Zero!?
The Blast Corps members are rightfully disoriented by this turn of events –which is more than enough time for CROW to strike them all with his feathers erasing bomb abilities.
CROW:
Might be slightly less effective on people, but it’s something.
The Corps don’t waste a moment and move in on REI, but KIIRO, KIDD and BELL stop them with well timed attacks of their own.
KIIRO:
Ya’ll stick ‘round now ya hear?
KIDD:
The best part is coming along and you’d be remiss to leave now!
BELL:
Ah, but if any of you feel like dying, you’ll let me know, no?
A flame bursts into life before them and reforms into a shuriken as FLAMME and NITROS enter the fray.
NITROS:
I—I don’t wanna use this, but if you move I’ll have no choice!
FLAMME:
Let me know if my flame is too much Nitros –I’m still not so used to controlling it…
At this moment, a rush of wind hits the group as SHIRO and KURO zoom by on a gale probably created by SHIRO’s wind bombs. Curiously one of the members of the Blast Corps can’t take his eyes off the duo –especially SHIRO. The two land –with less grace than they would have wanted in a heap before REI.
KURO:
You couldn’t have timed that a little better?
SHIRO:
Hey, don’t complain. We could be dead.
KURO:
That’s a low standard and you know it!
He then looks up and notices REI.
KURO:
R—Rei?! We’re here to save you! D—
She is on him before he can finish this sentence and punches him in the gut as hard as possible sending him flying.
SHIRO:
Kuro!!
REI:
Everyone’s being so gracious and showing up, it’s enough to make a girl blush.
SHIRO:
Dammit…she’s lost it!
SHIRO wills a bomb, the fire red energy illuminating the area, but REI jets over to him and grabs his hand sending an electric current up his arm and snuffing the bomb out painfully.
SHIRO:
Aghhh!!!
She then tosses him aside with little effort, but SHIRO flips in midair, lands on his feet and charges at her again, this time willing his bomb as he runs. REI is one step ahead of him and with a swipe of her hand has erased the bomb energy and punched SHIRO in the face. Before he can fall, KURO is there to grab him by the arm and keep him standing awkwardly as they huddle up.
SHIRO:
The irony that she’d probably really enjoy this if she were in her right mind is not lost on me.
KURO:
She’s so fast and strong….what are we going to do? The others can only delay the Blast Corps for so long….
SHIRO:
We need to keep her from moving….luckily I know just the guy. See if you can keep her busy for a bit?
KURO:
Sh—Shiro…? Are you crazy?
SHIRO:
Nah, I just trust you.
KURO breathes in and out sharply before nodding.
KURO:
Got it, but please don’t take long.
SHIRO:
Grin.
No promises.
KURO grins back and turns to REI.
KURO:
Rei, please you have to remember….I’m sorry I let you down, but you have to stop this!
REI sneers at KURO her eyes maniacal.
REI:
My dear, I frankly don’t give a damn. You’re either here to fight or die.
As they talk, SHIRO closes his eyes for several moments opening them again to find himself in well-lit room with BULZEEB and BEHEMOS.
SHIRO:
Hey guys. So, um, I have less time than usual for cryptic stuff –let’s speed this along shall we? Hit me with your desires and I’ll do my best to fufill ‘em.
BULZEEB and BEHEMOS exchange glances and shrug.
BEHEMOS:
We don’t need anything in particular.
SHIRO stares at them dumfounded before laughing nervously.
SHIRO:
Okay, okay, jokes on me. Now let’s get serious and….
BEHEMOS:
You fought and killed me before –do I seem like the kind who makes jokes?
SHIRO scowls.
SHIRO:
My friend is out there making the extremely screwed up decision of having his girlfriend kill him, or doing the deed himself. So if you could just tell me what the hell I need to do to make with the ice and darkness, I’d really appreciate it.
BEHEMOS crosses his arms casts an aside glance.
BEHEMOS:
I have no reason to do anything for you or your friends, boy. This is exactly the reason why I chose solitude in the first place –being around needy people is hell.
SHIRO gives BEHEMOS a wilting look as he tilts his head.
SHIRO:
…..Are you just shy?
BEHEMOS bends to SHIRO’s level suddenly his eyes white hot.
BEHEMOS:
Snarling.
What did you say to me?
SHIRO:
….You’re shy dude. I mean, it’s totally fine. It’s acting like a pompous asshole that’s the problem. Okay uhh, everyone else is busy with those Blast Corps dudes so they won’t see you, and as long as I attack from behind, Kuro won’t either. We got a deal?
BEHEMOS’s eyes dart around quickly.
BEHEMOS:
…I’m not shy or anything, I’d just rather not be bothered. If you can keep that end of the bargain, I guess I can help you.
SHIRO:
Yeah, yeah. Fine. You got it. Now, what about you? I still haven’t figured out what it means for one’s hobby to be darkness.
BULZEEB’s eyes are closed as he speaks his voice quiet but reverent. Had they met under different circumstances perhaps SHIRO would like to know more about the knight he never actually met.
BULZEEB:
Darkness is everlasting –one never truly finds themselves free of it even in death. It isn’t just my “hobby” that is darkness, but my very being. That is to say the more one engages the darkness, the more they can understand it and make it their own –but one can never forget that looking into the darkness means it becomes a part of you.
He stares aside thoughtfully, regretfully.
BULZEEB:
Darkness is unfair –some are born with little, some with no more than they can handle and others like that girl have an overwhelming amount in their bodies, so much so that it twists them.
SHIRO gulps.
BULZEEB:
It’s not her fault but…well, like one under the waves struggling to find their way to the light…she will eventually tire and succumb to the void, her personality disappearing forever.
SHIRO:
So there’s still hope? What do I have to do?
BULZEEB opens his palm and a strange black object with red streaks about the size of his palm pops into his hand seemingly out of nowhere.
BULZEEB:
This is the true essence of the darkness element. With it you can travel into the void that is her being, but…you will be indelibly stained by that darkness forever, Shiro. You will have to carry it with you –she as well. All you’re doing is helping her up by drowning with her.
SHIRO’s eyebrows rise and he gazes downward and away, trying to avoid attention to his face.
BULZEEB:
There’s no need to feel guilty for being scared. It is a lot to take on someone else’s burden like this.
SHIRO:
It’s not---yeah, it’s that and….I’m not sure if I can shoulder that burden.
BEHEMOS:
Often one doesn’t know what they’re capable of doing until they have to. For what it’s worth, the fact that you’re even considering this puts you far ahead lesser beings.
SHIRO:
….says the guy who hides himself from lesser beings and everyone else.
BEHEMOS walks away for a second, and while he’s gone several clicking sounds and heavy thudding noises are heard in the distance. He returns with his trusty arm cannon and points it at SHIRO’s face.
BEHEMOS:
Do you want to die?
SHIRO:
The threat is mostly mitigated by how long it took you to get that. Anyway, I’ll have plenty of time to die later. Thanks, both of you.
SHIRO takes the object from BULZEEB and when he opens his eyes KURO is sprawled before him as REI erases another bomb from existence, DENTA and VIOLET both close enough for an attack but far back to keep REI from reaching them with another attack.
SHIRO:
What a thing to come back to. You had one job bro.
KURO coughs and unsteadily gets to his feet.
KURO:
D—did you do what you had to do?
SHIRO:
Yeah, though this is going to be a hell of a trip, so bear with me.
SHIRO motions to his back.
SHIRO:
You mind standing over here? I uh, have an obligation to meet, and one of the conditions is that you’re not looking.
KURO frowns.
KURO:
You’re really spreading that trust I said I’d give you thin….
Despite saying this he sighs and walks behind SHIRO who steps forward and with a sweep of his arm wills silver blue energy into his palm.
SHIRO:
Here we go, ICE BOMB!
SHIRO rams the bomb into the Earth and from the ensuing explosion, tendrils of ice travel along the ground toward REI, DENTA and VIOLET. The latter two feel the icy will headed toward them and leap out of the way, but REI who lacks this ability isn’t able to dodge as the ice grabs her legs planting her to the ground.
SHIRO:
Sweet!
DENTA and VIOLET exchange glances wordlessly wondering just what SHIRO did, as REI chuckles softly to herself before laughing loudly.
REI:
Oh that’s a nice trick, but it’s not nearly enough to stop me!
SHIRO:
….Oh Damn it Behemos.
He switches to a fire bomb but a tendril of ice trips him up. SHIRO throws the bomb at an awkard angle that explodes near REI’s face, but doing very little aside from frying her hair slightly.
SHIRO:
DAMMIT BEHEMOS.
REI:
You really must have a death wish.
She cracks the ice with the boosters in the suit and flies toward SHIRO and KURO at high speed. SHIRO quickly flips the object BULZEEB gave him to KURO, and flips behind him.
SHIRO:
Listen bro, you’ve just gotta toss that thing at her as hard as you can and let me do the rest! I promise you this is the last time you’ll have to do something crazy….for the immediate future!
KURO:
There’s no need to promise that man, hanging out with you has taught me that the less questions I ask the better. Let’s do this!
REI rushes over to them, however her speed has been impacted by the ice still falling from her boots, and just as she gets close, closer, and is only a few feet away.
SHIRO:
Throw it!!
KURO yells and heaves the object at REI. It sucks in air and with a loud pop explodes into a black sphere that acts as a vacuum, sucking up everything around it. REI with her forward momentum cannot avoid being sucked in, and the moment this happens, SHIRO dives past KURO into the black hole.
KURO:
SHIRO!?
Inside the black hole SHIRO falls for a moment too long before landing on his feet where he runs as fast as he can until he spots something –a hand sinking into the apparently indelible darkness. SHIRO lunges over and begins to pull as hard as he can as the darkness grows tendrils, and latches onto him in an effort to drag him down as well. SHIRO digs his feet in, but the darkness becomes gooey and he only succeeds in sinking deeper for several tense moments. SHIRO knows this is REI’s hand he’s holding despite being unable to see her himself –but he’s unable to summon the strength to rescue her.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
We’re both going to sink, dammit!
It’s muffled but he can hear it….a voice.
SHIRO:
H—huh?
It’s Kuro’s voice –and outside the black hole, he hangs onto a nearby lamp and literally yells into the void.
KURO:
You’d better both come back out of there alive or I’ll never forgive you! We’re not a class without you both, and…and…I want to go back to everyone with you!
SHIRO:
Dammit, way to add on the pressure, bro.
SHIRO takes a deep breath and heaves as hard as he can with one hand while treading water with the other. After some struggling, he sees REI’s head and then shoulders, and with his free hand wills the yellow energy of a wind bomb.
SHIRO:
Couldn’t use this sight unseen. You owe us big, dammit.
The bomb goes off and the two go flying at an upward trajectory, though as they are freed from the darkness, the shape of BULZEEB materializes alongside the two.
BULZEEB:
Your toll please.
SHIRO:
Wha? NGH.
He feels a sharp pain in his chest as BULZEEB yanks out his heart and tapping it with a single finger. Where he makes contact with SHIRO’s heart grows dim, and then dark.
BULZEEB:
Never forget.
Although SHIRO and REI should be flying at top speed, everything had slowed down upon BULZEEB’s appearance. Upon replacing SHIRO’s heart, time returns and their speed picks up sending them flying out of the black hole, where they tumble for a few moments before landing in a heap, the black hole fading in their wake.
KURO:
Gu—guys?
The class has made their way down to the clearing as SHIRO stands up unsteadily. KURO rushes over to REI and tearfully holds her close as SHIRO and the class stare into the eyes of the Blast Corps, DENTA, VIOLET, and in the distance his Uncle and MERCY.
SHIRO:
Pegasus on high, they’ve got the whole gang here.
DENTA narrows his eyes and speaks to the class.
DENTA:
I don’t think I have to tell you that these actions will have consequences, correct?
SHIRO smirks and spreads his arms.
SHIRO:
I know someone’s gotta take responsibility with you dirty adults, and guess what, here I am. See, these good little kiddies were just following my lead.
KURO holds REI close, wanting to stop his friend, but being too afraid of losing her again to move.
KURO:
S—Shiro….
DENTA:
Oh? And what makes you their authority?
SHIRO:
I’ve seen and done things…but I suppose that ain’t gonna fly huh?
SHIRO takes a breath and points at himself with gusto.
SHIRO:
I’m Shiro of the Maru Space Pirate crew. I used my connections to strong arm this bunch into doing my bidding –an offer they couldn’t refuse.
The class is whispering amongst themselves at this.
KIIRO:
Did any of ya’ll know this?
CROW:
Nah man, this is news to me…
VERMICULUS:
Bomberman isn’t…JUSTICE?!
SHIRO:
Though you know what…being a pirate and a schoolkid has made me realize something –a guy is only as good as the crew he has. So…
He offers his hands to DENTA.
SHIRO:
I’m taking one for my crew.
KURO:
In tears.
Shiro…no…you…
DENTA closes his eyes and motions over to the Blast Corps.
DENTA:
You heard the man. Take him and the others into custody….we’ll figure out the rest later.
MERCY turns to his uncle and shakes her head, but despite this her eyes are filled with reverence.
MERCY:
Can’t say I dislike that kind of dumbassery.
SHIRO’s uncle grins back as SHIRO is arrested –not a new experience for him by any means, but…
SHIRO:
Thinking.
At least this time around falling on my sword did someone else some good and….I don’t regret it in the slightest.
SHIRO is lead away by the Blast Corps as more authorities arrive ending one ordeal and beginning another.
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.