Chapter Text
A heavy door whines as it is opened and two sets of footsteps stride into a grey colored corridor, the lighting of which is bright enough to seem deceptively welcoming, but from the lack of windows and barred entrances for the doors dotting the long hallway are clear indicators of what the intention of this place is. As the footsteps plod down the hallway, their owners –a bomber dressed in a guard outfit, and a shorter bomber in a dark hoodie and jeans walk in unison side by side until they reach a certain cell where they stop and the guard enters a code on a nearby panel, speaking as he does.
GUARD:
You’ve got a visitor, but no funny business. We’ll be watching you.
He glances over at the person accompanying him as an indication that this goes for them both, but receives no apparent response. He scoffs and walks away leaving the person to the prisoner he came to see, and for several minutes the “guest” simply stands at the mouth of the cell, their face obscured by the hoodie and the downward incline of their head. After a moment they lift their head and with a smirk says…
SHIRO:
Remember that time in the hospital? Now the shoe is on the other foot, ain’t it toots?
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.
Final Episode: Atomic Aftermath.
Her mouth turned down, and her eyes blank but not quite sleepy is REI who regards SHIRO as he stands outside of her cell. Her hair is cut very short –a pixie cut with her bangs swept to one side that’s longer than the other. Her outfit is unsurprisingly a grey prison jumpsuit and her hands are chained together. The room is about as big as a living room in an apartment, sparsely furnished with a hard bench-like seat and another chair to the side, a door leading to the bathroom nearby.
SHIRO:
So, uh, are you going to invite me in?
REI:
….I don’t see why I should. I’m not particularly fond of you.
SHIRO:
Same here, but there are things we have to discuss and I’ll be damned if I’m going to stand up and talk to you. Also, nice haircut.
REI:
Scowling.
It took me a long time to grow my hair out just the way I like it, and then you go and singe it to cinders. I should request you leave for that travesty alone, but…
REI sighs and gestures with a nod to the empty chair, where SHIRO walks over and sits down on, crossing one leg over the other, keeping his hoodie on much to REI’s annoyance.
REI:
So then, what is there to discuss? Or did you come here to annoy me?
SHIRO:
I could annoy you over the phone if I wanted to. Nah I just…I felt like you should know what’s going on out there.
REI smirks and relaxes, leaning against the wall.
REI:
How benevolent. Though, I have no interest in knowing what’s going on out there…I’m in here for a reason.
SHIRO:
Everyone misses you, Rei.
REI closes her eyes for a second, breathes deeply and leans forward, drawing a leg up under her, a sandal clattering to the floor leaving that foot bare. She opens it and tilts her head curiously to one side, her expression still even.
REI:
Good for them I suppose? They’ll be missing me for a long time –I’d wager it’s not worth it.
SHIRO:
Same, honestly, but…
SHIRO clasps his hands together and leans forward.
SHIRO:
Emotions aren’t things you can flick on and on at one’s convenience. For better or worse, you’re a part of our lives….whether you like it or not. Though I’m one to talk, considering what I’ve been up to lately.
REI:
What?
SHIRO:
I quit the base.
REI’s eyes widen and she almost tumbles over trying to right herself without the use of her hands.
REI:
Wh—what? Why would you….don’t tell me it’s because of m—
SHIRO’s head tilts back and narrows his eyes.
SHIRO:
Hell no. I made that decision on my own. I sure as hell didn’t do it for you.
REI:
But why? That doesn’t make any sense…? Wait, you mean….what you were talking to me about in the hospital?
SHIRO:
Sighs.
Yeah, I just….I don’t think I fit in there anymore even though the bonds I’ve made are more precious than anything I’ve ever had in my life. Still…I have to…figure out what I’m about and while I-I’m happy I experienced life there, well….
SHIRO shakes his head and lets out a breath of air.
SHIRO:
I gotta do me, which will be admittedly difficult considering my rap sheet –man, my Dad would be so disappointed.
SHIRO laughs mirthlessly at this joke as REI slips her foot back into the fallen slipper and sits upward in a neutral –but attentive position.
REI:
When did you quit?
SHIRO:
This morning. Well, I wanted to immediately afterward, but it took a while since there were all kinds of questions, plus, well…ahah. My grandma wasn’t too thrilled with my decision, not that I blame her.
Earlier in the morning, MOMO has SHIRO in a leg lock as he repeatedly slams the floor with his fist for mercy as POMMY, his uncle and RUI look on.
MOMO:
First you pull that stunt on the news a few days ago, and then you have the balls to come here and tell me that you’re quitting the base? Clearly I’m a failure as a parent, and you’re a failure in every conservable aspect.
SHIRO:
Seriously Grandma, why the hell are you still so strong?! People at your age knit or do stuff that isn’t this?!
MOMO:
And now ageism? Guess it’s time to really put the smack down on you, brat.
She pulls harder and SHIRO yells in pain.
SHIRO:
Unc please do something?!
UNCLE:
I dunno, should I do something, Pommy?
POMMY sneers down at SHIRO and shrugs.
POMMY:
Pommy doesn’t think so. Pommy thinks that Shiro deserves everything he got for being a general nuisance to everyone he meets, myu. The stories Pommy could tell….
SHIRO:
YOU ASS MARSHMELLOW, I’LL GET YOU FOR THIIIIIISSOOWWWW!!
UNCLE:
That being said, It’s probably for the best you get out of there, kiddo. Your reputation is basically shot, and at this point you’d be doing more harm than good staying there. Some people just aren’t cut out for Base life like big bro was.
SHIRO:
Unc…
UNCLE:
Though I have to admit you’re one hell of a badass. After you give Ein the good news, wanna go out on some adventures? Could do worse than being my sidekick.
MOMO:
Don’t you encourage him. He needs to stay here and suffer for a few decades.
UNCLE:
Ma, there’s no need to hide it –you’re proud of our stubborn dumbass too. I can picture you sitting in front of the TV cheering him on. You were never one to be a big fan of authority either.
MOMO glares at him, cold steel in her eyes, but after a moment of this sighs and releases her grandson allowing him to stand up. It’s only now that she realizes he’s taller than she is –the child that ran away from home is growing up.
MOMO:
You stupid, stupid boy. I was worried sick about you and while I did enjoy you sticking it to the man…
She embraces him.
MOMO:
I never want to have to wonder if you’ll come home to me again.
SHIRO returns the embrace and speaks softly.
SHIRO:
I promise.
He regards his Uncle with a small smile.
SHIRO:
Sorry Unc, I’ll have to take a raincheck on the adventures. For now, I’ll just hang around here and figure out what it is I can do in my way.
UNCLE:
Fair enough. Anyway, you’ll have to give your formal resignation to EIN, so better hop to it.
SHIRO:
Y—yeah. I’ll want to get in and out before classes too –it’s cowardly but I don’t think I can face those guys right now.
POMMY:
But they’re your class, myu….that’s not right.
SHIRO:
I’m not leaving Bomber Star for the foreseeable future, so I’ll see them again. It’s just too hard right now to face them….I feel like, I dunno….
UNCLE:
Ah guilt. Looks like you’re going to be okay after all.
SHIRO:
What do you mean, unc?
SHIRO’s uncle pats him on the shoulders.
UNCLE:
Doing what you need to, and feeling bad about it are part of being alive kiddo. You just can’t let that guilt paralyze you is all.
SHIRO:
I see.
SHIRO smirks and nods.
SHIRO:
I wouldn’t have understood that a while ago –but I do now. Guess going to school wasn’t a waste of time. Anyway, I’m out –and yes I do promise to be back.
POMMY:
Shiro had better keep that promise, myu! Pommy doesn’t want Momo to be sad!
SHIRO:
Yeah, I got it creampuff. I’ll be back, I promise.
POMMY:
Also would it kill Shiro to go buy groceries, myu?
SHIRO whirls around.
SHIRO:
Listen you self-serving pile of foam, I’m…
MOMO and his uncle look at him.
SHIRO:
….fine. I’ll get groceries. Ugh, what would you guys be without me?
MOMO:
Richer.
UNCLE:
Stress free.
SHIRO laughs humorlessly as he heads out, slinging on a hoodie to avoid unnecessary attention. Upon reaching the Base, the press is gathered at the main gate. SHIRO avoids them and heads through a back entrance quickly sneaking around guards and quietly making his way to EIN’s office where he and SHOUT are professionally dressed preparing for a press conference. SHIRO knocks on the side of the door to get their attention, and waves.
SHIRO:
Yo.
SHOUT glares at him, her distaste clearly evident while EIN regards him silently.
SHIRO:
I know I’m not exactly the man of the hour, but c’mon people.
SHOUT:
You do realize that about 50 percent of the reason we even have to do this is because of you right? How the heck did you manage to avoid doing jail time…
EIN:
Shout.
SHOUT:
I’m serious! He admitted to being a space pirate and you even have photographic evidence! How did he get out with a slap on the wrist?
SHIRO:
I still wonder how the hell that asshead managed to get that footage…
Back when SHIRO had first petitioned for entry in the base and EIN had subsequently denied him entry, the reason had been that somehow, someway REGULUS had given EIN footage of SHIRO’s space exploits when he was a part of MARU’s space pirate crew. While the crew is looked upon fondly by most, it doesn’t change that what they do is illegal, and is recognized as such by the authorities.
SHIRO:
Why the hell would he leak this to you before I got here….or, better question, how would he know I was coming? I don’t remember telling him anything about my past or anything so it’s a really huge assumption to make…
SHOUT:
It’s the one decent thing he’s done. If he hadn’t passed us this, you sure weren’t going to tell us were you?
SHIRO whistles nervously and SHOUT frowns at him.
EIN:
Shiro, I’m sure I know why you’re here, so why don’t we just get on with it?
SHIRO’s eyebrows come closer together and arch upward for a second, but he nods quickly.
SHIRO:
I’m quitting the base, effective today.
SHOUT nods but her expression is solemn much to SHIRO’s surprise.
SHOUT:
Truth be told, I wanted to ask you to do that after this incident, but the headmaster said you’d “do the right thing.” Still, knowing that…it’s sad….almost as if we failed the son of someone we held in high regard.
SHIRO is contrite again, shaking his head.
SHIRO:
It’s not like that, at least….I don’t feel that way. I have culpability in this as well, and I’m not denying it. I know the big wigs probably let me slide because all of you vouched for me, and cause of my Dad’s reputation. Even then, I’m on a tight leash, and me being here doesn’t help your reputation.
EIN:
Yet that is –at most only a part of the reason why you’re leaving isn’t it? Shiro, I know that this –the Base is a limitation to you. The thing you’re seeking is something with more freedom –something that suits you, and I mean it when I say I hope you find what it is you really desire.
SHIRO:
Prof…
EIN then clicks something on the computer, and the CD drive whirrs out. He takes out the disc and walks over to SHIRO handing it to him.
SHIRO:
….Are you sure this is okay?
EIN:
I have no reason to keep it. You’re no longer a student of the base, and I’m not one to hold things over people unfairly. Though, you’re not allowed to sneak up here ever again –if you do then I will have to call the authorities on you. Get it?
SHIRO:
Smirk.
Y’know, I think I like you even more now, prof.
EIN:
That’s headmaster to you.
He smiles back at SHIRO and then turns to SHOUT.
EIN:
Well, our adoring public awaits. Ready Shout?
SHOUT:
Yup. Let’s go break a leg.
SHIRO:
Good luck, both of you ---and sorry.
EIN:
Just get moving SHIRO….show us that it was all worth it.
SHIRO nods and the trio head out in separate directions. Once downstairs, SHIRO starts to leave campus when a familiar shape doing the same stops him in his tracks.
SHIRO:
….You’d better not be going where I think you are, man.
The person he’s referring to turns around, his expression blank.
KURO:
I’m going Shiro, and that’s final.
The two stare each other down for several terse moments, both leaving no openings to the other. Meanwhile in a section of Diamond City not ravaged by REI, the four members of the Blast Corps –this time without their formal attire are eating noodles from a stand. A magenta and green bomber slurp noodles while a brown one waits in line and another leans to the side of a building, smoking a cigarette –close enough to be a part of their conversation, but obscured so his face isn’t seen.
MAGENTA:
Between slurps.
Man, I was really thrown for a loop when those kids showed up out of nowhere. Thought we might have to take ‘em out.
GREEN:
Right? Diamond City’s security is really slipping if base cadets can just waltz in to serious situations like that and go to town. Though, if I’m to be for real, I can’t say I dislike kids with moxy like that.
The Brown bomber comes in and sits down beside the others, opens up his chop sticks and begins to dig in.
BROWN:
Would have been nice if the superiors would have told us more about the overall situation before making the call though.
GREEN:
Yeah, like…what was with that girl anyway? Eraser powers are scary enough, but being amplified to that extent is a nightmare.
MAGENTA:
True. Do you think those kids were in the same class with her? If so that’s one hell of a classroom to jump into that fray. I hope they don’t get too much crap flung at ‘em.
BROWN:
I’d say they deserve at least a little –but yeah, I can’t be mad at ‘em aside from almost making us kid killers.
GREEN:
Yo, didn’t you say a kid you were interested in was at the base? You think he was involved in that mess..?
Green is directing this question toward the member leaning against the building.
GREEN:
What’s the deal with you? Don’t you want anything to eat….Metal?
METAL glances up from his cigarette and yells back.
METAL:
Nah I’m fine….and nah I dunno if that kid was involved.
MAGENTA:
We’re lucky you took a little bit of time out from your “busy” schedule to come see planet Bomber.
METAL snickers.
METAL:
I’ll say. Otherwise you guys might have had to take that mission yourselves –and I’m betting the kids would have really given you a run for your money.
BROWN:
Laughs.
Come here and say that to our face!
METAL:
I’m good thanks.
He focuses on the smoke and embers of the cigarette as he thinks of SHIRO and how far he’s come since they last talked on Primus.
METAL:
Thinking.
I knew you were a big deal Shiro, but damn this is way beyond my expectations. I was hoping to run into you again…..hopefully next time we can meet one-on-one.
He takes a long drag on the cigarette before tossing it away, the fading smoke rising into the crystalline blue sky. Meanwhile in the base infirmary, REGULUS sits in a bed on the now famous “Shiro Wing”, his arm in a sling and eyes on the TV as the press awaits EIN to make his statement about the incident. A female bomber nurse comes in and brings him a chocolate Sundae on a tray, blushing as she does so. REGULUS takes the tray and nods at her in thanks which causes her face to turn bright red and she almost runs out of the room where several more nurses giggle and comment on how handsome their visitor is. REGULUS shrugs and digs into his sundae as the door to his room seemingly closes on its own, and out of nowhere, DENTA and VIOLET appear from the shadows.
REGULUS:
You could have just been like most normal people and made a request to visit me?
DENTA:
Where’s the fun in that? Besides, I’d hate to ruin your rapport with those young ladies.
REGULUS:
Eh, as long as they keep the sweets coming, I’m fine.
VIOLET:
Your students are a haphazard mess, fool. Do you intend to take responsibility for that?
REGULUS taps the spoon against the glass of the already done sundae, and sets it aside with a satisfied sound.
REGULUS:
Haphazard mess? Yeah, that describes ‘em, but from what I can tell they did what you guys couldn’t, so what’s there to take responsibility for? How awesome they are because of me?
VIOLET growls as DENTA chuckles, his visible eye closed.
DENTA:
I think I understand now why they’re so interesting to me –it makes sense with someone as…”unfettered” as you are leading them. Though I do wonder when the price for that freedom will come due?
REGULUS points the spoon at him.
REGULUS:
That’s the great thing about it! It’s my freedom to not think about it.
DENTA:
Quite. Though that is not why I’ve come to see you today, Regulus.
REGULUS eyes both VIOLET and DENTA knowingly as if the question the latter is about to ask was one he was expecting. DENTA opens his eyes and glares down at REGULUS, his expression essentially unknown, but his eyes stating all the information REGULUS needs to know…
DENTA:
Why is it I smell death on you? And not in the sense of your hands being dyed in blood –although there is that, but you are an enigma –a curiosity that is dead but still walks among us.
His eyes are filled with an intense curiosity.
DENTA:
I am most interested in hearing your explanation.
REGULUS silently regards the two as on TV EIN walks over to a podium prepared for his press conference –BONGO, GANG, MERCY, and SHOUT are all in attendance as well. EIN approaches the stand, adjusts the microphone and after taking a deep breath speaks.
EIN:
Everyone, I’d like to thank you for coming here today so that I may address your concerns and questions. Before that, however, please allow me to apologize…
He bows his head.
EIN:
Deeply for everything that has happened. We here at the Bomber Base understand that you are giving us your children to shape into responsible members of society, and thank you for your trust –a trust that we’ve undoubtedly lost with the reports coming from the Scarlet Shore and the incident in Diamond City. Understandably you’ll want to know what we intend to do about these incidents happening one after another, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you already had plans to withdraw your children from our program. I ask, however that you allow me to say this before you do….
EIN clears his throat and looks out into the crowd.
EIN:
Part of allowing children to grow –to mature is allowing them to make mistakes, and learn from them. We’ll want to yank them out of harm’s way every time we see it coming, and of course there’s nothing wrong with this, but what facilitates growth –understanding of the world is allowing these youths to pursue their curiosities –their views of the world to their logical conclusions while providing guidance –to answer questions without berating them, to explain what we know the best we can without bias. These children acted on their best instincts to save their friend –and their homes and while their methods leave a lot to be desired, their hearts were in the right place. To punish them without taking this into consideration would nip that growth in the bud before it has had time to bloom into something. So I plead with you –do not blame them for taking action, blame us for being too slow to notice what they had, and I beg you all to give us one more chance to prove that your children will benefit from a Base education.
EIN lowers his head and to his surprise there is quiet applause at first, but this grows into loud approval from the audience and the teachers as the headmaster looks on confused at first and then appreciative at the support he has gathered.
EIN:
Thinking.
This is only the beginning, but….what a beginning it is.
As EIN basks in this support REI is in her cell, her back against the wall as SHIRO leans against the back of the chair –flipped from its former position, the hoodie still covering his face. REI’s face is wistful, as she gazes up at the celling.
REI:
I see. Seems like you’ve had an eventful day from the sound of it –though you really came here without meeting anyone?
SHIRO:
That was the plan, yeah. I’m basically a friggin’ coward, you see.
REI titters at this.
REI:
I never would have thought it –you seemed like a lot of things, brash, impulsive, stupid, rude, stupid, mean, stupid…
SHIRO:
I’m sensing a pattern here, and I don’t like it.
REI:
Ahh, I know I don’t deserve it but….
She closes her eyes and blinks away something tears.
REI:
I wanted to see him…Kuro again….even if it’s just to say “I’m sorry.”
She’s surprised to hear the chair move as SHIRO sits beside her and wipes away the tears with his finger.
SHIRO:
You know that can’t happen, Rei. That guy’s dream for as long as I’ve known him is to be a base cadet and fight crime. I managed to get them off the hook by falling on my sword and resigning from the base, but that’s all going to fall apart if he starts coming to see you. Kuro’s a guy who doesn’t know how things work in the underground –he’s a good guy.
REI’s lip trembles as she looks down, an unsteady smile on her face.
REI:
Crying.
You’re right of course, why would he want to jeopardize his future to see me?
SHIRO:
When did I say that he didn’t want to see you?
REI:
Wh—what?
SHIRO:
Irony is a funny thing. He and I had our first fight –not some argument or something, but an actual fist fight, and you wanna guess what –or who we were fighting over?
REI:
Y—you don’t mean….
SHIRO removes the hoodie and REI gasps. His face is badly swollen and burnt to the point that even just looking at him is painful. REI runs her hands over her face the best she can, tears flowing down her face.
SHIRO:
He wanted to see you –to throw away everything to do so. You and I both know how that’s an absolutely terrible idea, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer, heh. Man I’m glad we’re normally friends, because he’d be one hell of an enemy. But this is what you wanted for that stoooopid fanfiction of yours right?
SHIRO puts the hoodie back on and shakes his head.
SHIRO:
You and I are cold, calculating, and probably broken trash. –We’re lucky as hell to have someone like him…like all of them on our side, and I as much as I know I’m trash, I can’t drag them down with me.
REI nods, and through her tears –like rain on a sunny day a genuine smile is on her face.
REI:
They’re too good for trash like us.
Meanwhile in the assembly room, the students are gathered for an impromptu study hall –including VERMICULUS and his siblings as well as DYNA and NITROS. The assembly hall is a movie theater like building with chairs sloping downward to an apex where a screen with a podium is. The students have congregated in the middle except for KURO who sits alone at the very top. DYNA looks up at him and his face partially swollen with a stony expression and then turns back to her brother.
DYNA:
…Is he going to be okay?
NITROS:
He came to class like that –and something tells me he wouldn’t talk to us even if we asked.
DYNA:
I see….I heard Shiro quit the base. Is that really true?
KIIRO who is in front of them leaning against the chair with his legs up waves his arm absently as he answers.
KIIRO:
Yup, accordin’ to my sources, he withdrew as of this mornin’.
CROW:
I gotta wonder what sources you have my man. Though that’s for another time. Can’t believe Shiro’s gone after just showing up. Dude was an enigma until the very end.
ROSA who is near this conversation turns to VERMICULUS.
ROSA:
Oh Toto, wasn’t he your hero?
VERMICULUS looks up at her and grins.
VERMICULUS:
He was, but….I guess he isn’t a very good one, huh? Hahah.
CIEL snores nearby as RAVI pokes his antenna.
RAVI:
Hey, at least if you wanna take his name you could now….you’d be the only “Bomberman” on campus!
VERMICULUS appears thoughtful as AQUA looks on, but he shakes his head.
VERMICULUS:
Nah, I mean…maybe he wasn’t much of a hero, but he’s…he’s someone important to me y’know? He did things his way and I have to respect that by doing my thing –and representing JUSTICE!
AQUA:
I think that’s a good idea! Vermi..um….
VERMICULUS stares at his sister expectantly.
AQUA starts to blush and fidget before sighing.
AQUA:
I can’t, I’m sorry.
VERMICULUS sighs but grins.
VERMICULUS:
I’ll just have to be a hero so awesome that it’s not embarrassing to say then! JUSTICE IS PATIENT!
AQUA:
Toto…
KORIKO:
But the guy you worship is a pirate….are you sure it’s a good idea to look up to him?
VERMICULUS answers his eyes burning.
VERMICULUS:
JUSTICE MAKES EXCEPTIONS!
He’s hit in the face by RAVI who comes flying out of nowhere, courtesy of CIEL.
CIEL:
Justice needs to shut up when I’m trying to sleep.
KORIKO:
Under breath.
But that’s all of the time. If he had to be quiet for that long he’d be better off dying.
VERMICULUS is on the floor with exaggerated tears falling from his eyes.
VERMICULUS:
Ahhh, he’s right, I should just die.
RAVI:
Thanks for the flight, bro!
KIDD and FLAMME smile sheepishly at this exchange.
KIDD:
It’s nice to know even in this situation things don’t change….
FLAMME:
Yeah, but I am going to miss Shiro. He wasn’t here long but he really did a lot for us, huh?
Everyone quietly consents to this until AQUA perks up and turns to BELL.
AQUA:
Bell, are you okay? You and Shiro were really close so….
CROW:
Damn, yeah. This has gotta be tough for you.
KIIRO:
Ya need anythin’? If so give me a shout, I got people for these things ya know.
BELL smiles and shakes her head.
BELL:
No, I’m fine! Ah, I mean, Shiro, sir wanted to leave so I can’t be upset or anything. After all we’re friends and that won’t change just because he’s not here, even if he was a lot of fun and my first…
She realizes everyone is looking at her with eyes of pity.
BELL:
What’s with that? I’m fine I tell you all. I just need to…
She feels her face and realizes pearl shaped tears are trailing down her face.
BELL:
H—huh? W-why? I’m totally fine, I mean…Shiro, sir is…
Little by little her walls come tumbling down, and her face contorts as her eyes take on a dull red color as what starts off as a snivel becomes all out blubbering.
BELL:
Crying.
H-h-h-e was my best friend…and now….
AQUA takes her head into her chest as Bell sobs. The class huddles around her except for KURO who remains pokerfaced, though a single trail of emotion travels the length of his face –what it is exactly could be anyone’s guess. Back in the prison, REI’s face is clear thanks to SHIRO and she sits crosslegged with SHIRO for several silent moments until she speaks up suddenly.
REI:
So, I happen to like setting fires and putting them out.
SHIRO blinks and turns to her slowly.
REI:
Back home I set many a flame –it helps me relieve stress. Though for so long I kept trying to hide it –hide that part of myself, which is why I exploded back then –I fooled myself into thinking it was something that man –Bagular did, but in truth it was my own insecurities and inability to express myself that caused it.
SHIRO:
…And you’re telling me this….why?
REI:
Don’t patronize me, pup. I’m taking your stupid advice and trying not to regret anything anymore. That is a part of me, and I can’t do anything about it until I acknowledge it so I’m acknowledging it.
SHIRO frowns and shrugs.
SHIRO:
Well, that’s great and all if not really late. Still, they say you can pick up and start anywhere with enough effort, so….on that note, what’ll happen to you now aside from well…the new “apartment”?
REI:
What are you implying?
SHIRO:
Well, I mean….your family. Won’t they be worried about you?
REI shifts her weight and places her feet on the slippers.
REI:
Probably not, which is actually for the best, oh wait, did I fail to mention I’m actually a princess?
SHIRO’s face drops and he stares at REI, his face equal parts surprise and horror.
SHIRO:
YOU?!
REI:
Yes, me. Granted, my family wants nothing to do with me so I’ve got that going for myself.
SHIRO:
….And…how is this a good thing?
REI:
Think about it, pu—Shiro. Bomber Star is a peaceful planet, but your people possess the ability to create explosives. The only thing that keeps rightfully fearful planets in check is that going to war with you would be…unpleasant. Enter yours truly with the ability to erase bombs and I think you can do the math –if my family were to find out about this they’d demand me back and probably want to use my abilities for all kinds of things.
SHIRO shakes his head sadly.
SHIRO:
I get it. If you’re here in prison, then people can rest easy you won’t be used against them, but if you were taken back, Bomber Star would always be wary that the princess of another planet with the ability to erase its primary weapon exists out there, and already strained relationship would bend to the point of breaking.
REI:
And there you have it. I admit that this isn’t exactly where I wanted to spend my adolescent years, but things could be considerably worse, I suppose.
SHIRO:
Still, Rei….I’m sorry. When the best option for you is jail then….
REI frowns at first, but then offers a weak smile.
REI:
It’s fine. Thank you. Though there is a bigger problem as it were….
SHIRO’s eyes narrow.
SHIRO:
Bagular.
REI:
The very same. I was interrogated, but I didn’t mention him. Between a wayward princess and a mogul with a sterling reputation, who do you think they’ll believe? He was extremely careful to cover his tracks as well, so I have absolutely no idea what his true ambitions are, but I can say this much…he is definitely up to something, and my affair is only the beginning.
She turns to SHIRO, her expression grim.
REI:
Please Shiro…I’m willing to pay for my role in this, but you have to stop him. Or everything will be for naught.
SHIRO returns her gaze and nods.
SHIRO:
I’ll do what I can.
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.
***
Several days later, TERROIN is in a ship zooming through space unknown, his gaze transfixed forward save for a glance down at his ship’s dash where coordinates to a location flash discreetly. His mind fades to a conversation he and BAGULAR had in the latter’s office.
TERRORIN:
The suit and the girl were taken into custody, sir. Should something be done about that?
BAGULAR’s lips are closed and in a neutral position as he toys around with a pen in his fingers.
BAGULAR:
There’s no need. The suit was manufactured by a plant in my pocket –unknown and untraceable. We can make another –and the girl, well…no one will believe her, and supposing they do, she doesn’t know anything prudent.
TERRORIN:
Understood. Though, to use her to create a distraction obfuscating our true goal…it was quite the gambit. How did you know she wouldn’t take the suit and use it against you?
BAGULAR grins.
BAGULAR:
Because I waited for her to come to me. Oh it took a monumental amount of patience on my part –so many times I wanted to march into Ein’s doll house and take her away with me, but if I let her think that she was the one in control –that she wanted this then she wouldn’t betray me.
TERRORIN:
I see.
BAGULAR rises and heads over to a nearby table where he has a wine bottle in ice, and two glasses at the ready. He takes the bottle in his hand and gestures to TERRORIN who shakes his head. BAGULAR shrugs, pours himself a glass and swiveling it in his hand takes a drink.
BAGULAR:
People are easily deceived when they believe that they are in control, but it is control that is the biggest illusion –the longest con job of them all. Why at any given time, we have several invisible “benefactors” who claim to be on our sides but truly serve their own shadowy agendas. The one who has the most control is the one with the most to lose –be it me, that girl, or even you, Terrorin.
TERROIN gulps and nods.
BAGULAR:
They now realize how little control they have over their play society and now scramble to patch the holes….which leaves another vulnerability for me to exploit….which you’ll be doing for me, right?
TERROIN stands at this and bows.
TERROIN:
I will depart immediately, Sir.
BAGULAR swivels his wineglass, and nods as Terrorin turns to leave.
BAGULAR:
Terrorin. I do not know the meaning of failure, nor do I wish to learn.
TERRORIN:
Of course, Sir.
The wide doors creek open and then shut as TERRORIN exits leaving BAGULAR alone. He idly finishes the drink before leaning on one arm gazing into the darkening night sky from the dome like observation area. A storm brewing for years would soon rain down upon the unfortunate and unknowing souls of Diamond City. Examining the now empty glass, BAGULAR muses idly at what had brought him to this point. Meanwhile TERRORIN’s is a man with purpose that had far thrust himself into monomania, but had kept it hidden under success and prestige, but beneath that is an anger –a fury that had burned like acid in in his throat, a fury at an injustice done to him almost a lifetime ago…Back in the observation room BAGULAR smiles to himself as one would when a finely tuned plan begins to stir.
BAGULAR:
Circling finger around glass lip.
There are laws that govern this life, policies that ignore our efforts to lobby against them in a bid for “fairness”. Life is not fair; it is a hierarchy. For every zenith there must be a nadir, etcetera etcetera.
They who were born with the inherent ability to destroy indiscriminately should stand at the top. The law of survival favors the strong, yet there is still injustice, unbalance and weakness.
At a certain set of coordinates in outer space above Bomber Star, there is an entry point into an other-dimensional space which in turn leads to the “Bomber Penitentiary” which is said to be the most heavily guarded location in this quadrant of the galaxy. TERRORIN’s ship stops in what seems to be midair, and inside he places his hands on two adjacent sides, which causes sparks –small at first but growing in intensity to surround the ship and shockingly melt into the air. Before long TERRORIN is in a starless void. His ship hovers in complete darkness until he takes the controls and blasts forward, the blueprints stolen earlier on his screen directing him to his target.
TERRORIN:
Monolog.
I took the shape of a clock to represent the time I can never get back. Despite me having everything a man desires, it all amounts to nothing when there is still so much out there I do not posess.
The ship flies aimlessly for some time before TERRORIN approaches a structure floating in the middle of the darkness.
TERRORIN:
Monolog.
They would sooner forget what they did to me; what they took in hopes that I would return to being a cog in their machinery. However, I am a defective part of their making that cannot be fixed with words or even time.
The ship approaches the structure; a gigantic castle which sits upon a land mass only slightly bigger than it. Huge chains hang from its apex to the entryway and its age shows through its cracks and dilapidation. TERRORIN does not slow his approach, and zooms through one of the chain links through the door.
TERRORIN:
Monolog.
How appropriate that a place where those who have been forgotten are imprisoned would find itself the recipient of time’s cold shoulder.
Meanwhile BAGULAR rises from his seat and stares out into Diamond City.
BAGULAR:
Ein, you were once my contemporary….I held no man in higher esteem than you back in our heyday! Then you became a doddering old fool who talks of disrupting the natural hierarchy with your talks of equality and peace. You fool, you ask us to put aside the natural abilities the Bombers have and kneel to your level? Ridiculous!
Stopping, he closes his eyes and reminisces silently.
BAGULAR:
Your “Bomber base” is the mistake of a delusional mind, and mistakes exist only to learn from and ultimately correct. Terrorin was the same; all raw anger with no outlet. A bomb with no one to throw it. I scooped him up and changed him into a functioning member of society, and ensured that he would eventually be able to repay the injustice visited upon him. I know well that he views himself as a tool for me to wield, and I shall shape him in my endeavor to create it.
TERRORIN has already landed his ship and despite the eerie atmosphere journeys into the heart of the castle –Bomber penitentiary. Inside are broken statues of heroes from different eras in history. Empty cells are on both sides of Terrorin as he continues down the hall, his purposeful march disturbing the geological formations created by the remains of Bombers who perished long ago in prison. Bombers who had been here when the penitentiary had been erected long ago, their crimes forgotten by society. He makes no effort to conceal his approach and as he reaches the lower floor and Bombers still serving their time hear him.
BAGULAR raises his hand and allows himself a maniacal slasher grin.
BAGULAR:
The ULTIMATE lifeform.. An existence who’s rightful place is at the top of the hierarchy! A being created by me whose sole purpose is to reign supreme… leading the way at the zenith of life, the harbingers of destruction!
BAGULAR clenches his fist earnestly.
BAGULAR:
Terrorin is merely the first step of a larger plan….if he desires to be my tool, so be it. He has already served me well –a test subject for transbomb substantiation. He has been granted power far beyond what he could realize with his previous form. His revenge will act as a practical trial for my ambition.
TERRORIN stands center and crosses his arms so that his hands touch his shoulders. He then extends them quickly as he clutches his fingers outstretched, as if he holds a bomb in them. The cells adjacent to and beside him explode in flashes of light, and for a moment the debris and clouds seemingly freeze, caught in stasis. TERRORIN relaxes himself in this moment where nothing is moving, and in a grand motion brings his hands downward. As if answering to his gestures, time begins again and the cells come down around him in loud clatters. The prisoners in the cells are surprisingly unhurt and peer at TERRORIN who calmly regards them, his expression hidden by his clock helmet. He then clenches both fists and raises them in the air.
TERRORIN:
Loudly.
Comrades! I have come here as an emissary of revenge against time itself! You who have lost everything except your power and your rage against time’s cruel march have you not? Join me. Stolen time cannot be returned and I regret to inform you of this! However we who have nothing have more than enough room in our arms to take what we deserve and more!
The prisoners draw closer to him as he dramatically spreads his arms causing his cape to billow.
TERRORIN:
If we cannot have our time back then we will take it! To etch a tapestry of terror so immense that it will blanket the universe and no one will ever forget of us again! I know your anger has not faded, I know your desires still have a fuse! Allow me to light it and direct that explosion to its rightful target!
BAGULAR sneers.
BAGULAR:
Influence, Prestige, and Community. I have all of these in the palm of my hand, but they are only a part of what is necessary to stand at the height of the hierarchy. Soon I will have power as well. Then I will stand above Bomber Star –and the Universe as the highest point of the hierarchy!
The shape of Bomber-star is a silhouette in the distance that the penitentiary is slowly approaching. There is no doubt that SHIRO and his friends will encounter TERRORIN and by extension BAGULAR eventually….it is simply a question of “when” and not if.