burningrescue | Akechi Catchall

Mmhm! Making some new art for my plaque.

[Listen. There's not that much else going on.]

How're you doing?

I'm doing well. Thank you for asking.

[NEW ART, THO... He steps closer to take a better look.]

You intend to glue this to your plaque?

[He nods.]

It's a better picture, right? And I -

[He's interrupted as a memory appears!

The memory is of a massive stage, on the steps of a huge skyscraper flanked by columns - the seat of government for a major city. There’s a stage out in front, a big television screen behind it, and in front of the stage, a crowd of thousands of cheering fans.

At the podium, a tall broad shouldered man is speaking to the crowd.

“Let me introduce Burning Rescue’s young hero, Galo Thymos!” Galo’s picture displays huge on the screen, as Galo is brought up to the stage. He’s dressed in a formal dress uniform, and is wearing a huge wide smile, like this is the happiest day of his life, as the crowd cheers for him. “He annihilated Mad Burnish! Let’s praise his achievement.”

Governor Foresight turns to Galo, and pins a medal to his chest as Galo beams.

“Galo, keep protecting Promepolis hereafter.”

“You bet I will, Governor,” Galo blurts out, excitedly. “I’ll protect this town, just like you saved me.” He glances towards Governor Foresight’s prosthetic arm. “You’ve always been my hero, ever since the day you lost your arm to save me.”

Governor Foresight is smiling, but his expression doesn’t change. There’s something aloof and impersonal about it, compared to Galo’s open admiration. “I’m counting on you, Galo.”

Later, Galo and his teammates go out for pizza at his favorite pizza place. The owner of the pizza parlor praises Galo for his television appearance. Galo is still wearing his medal, pinned to a t-shirt.

“They were a real nuisance, those terrorists,” the owner says. “Mad Burnish, is that what they’re called? It’s a relief to know their boss is in jail.” They chat with the owner, agreeing with his assessment that most Burnish are simply misunderstood.

Eventually, Galo chimes in, loudly promising “Just count on me to put out any fire in town. I swear on this medal.”

He gestures to the medal still pinned to his chest, while all the restaurant patrons listen in, murmuring with approval about how reliable and heroic Galo is. He laughs, embarrassed and pleased, while Aina under her breath teases him for wearing his medal out in public.

“A man must always wear his medals on his chest,” Galo pronounces. “All the more if Gov Kray is the one who gave it to me.”

He tells his friends again the story of how the Governor saved him as a kid from a fire, and became known thanks to that rescue. This led to his fireproof inventions gaining notice. He became a billionaire, and eventually founded the city.

“I was able to become a rescuer thanks to Gov Kray’s help,” Galo says. “I gotta pay him back, no matter what the risks.”]

[One memory ends, and another begins.

It's not a massive stage, but it is a stage nonetheless. The bright lights of the TV studio are nearly blinding as Akechi takes his place in front of the cameras, but he maintains his smile no matter what. The host and announcer talk and talk, and he answers their questions in turn. They flatter him, and he does his best to act like the perfect, modest high school detective.

The interview continues up until the announcer rises from her seat, strolling into the audience in search of someone. She comes to a stop next to a boy Galo will immediately recognize as Akira, holding the microphone out to him as Akechi's eyes settle on him. Akira opens his mouth as if to respond to the announcer's question, and then—

The memory ends before Galo can hear his response. Akechi blinks, dazed and disoriented as he presses a hand against his head. Huh.]

Whoa.

[He's also pressing a hand to his forehead, frowning, frustrated.]

Ugh. What the hell! Like I wanted to think about that.

[He recovers from the disorientation, only to shoot Galo a questioning glance.]

Ah... Was that an unpleasant memory, Thymos-san?

[It didn't seem half bad...?]

Kind of. [Rubbing his head, trying to think how to explain.] It was a happy memory at the time, but then later I found out how bullshit me getting that medal was, and now I'm pissed.

Was yours not happy? Seemed good to me.

So it was a memory that became harsher in hindsight...

[Poor Galo? He rubs his temples, shaking his head.]

Not at all. You noticed Akira in the audience, did you not? That was the day we officially met.

Oh. I get it.

[Surely Akechi looked into Akira's eyes and immediately recognized him as a fierce and worthy rival, and then in every interaction since found himself inexplicably drawn to him.]

So that's when you first met Akira and he started challenging all your beliefs and made you reevaluate your entire life?

Haha, I wouldn't go so far as to say he forced me reevaluate my life.

[Because he didn't. At all.]

But he certainly proved himself to be a worthy adversary. No one has ever challenged my opinion quite like him.

Akechi Catchall

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