Casino Royale, Luminata City - November 16, 2035 [Not Even an Hour Ago]
🎵: Jordan Critz - Imbre
"Why? Why do you do this?" Misty asked.
Sol chuckled, "I'm just a manga/comics nerd living his dream." The two laughed for a moment. "Nah, but really, I grew up loving the greatest heroes of our time... Magnet Man... Star Boy & Star Girl... the Galactic Crusaders."
"Wait. You're telling me that you're fighting against a murderous, tyrannical emperor because of fictional characters?"
Sol made his hand glow, "Come on, if you had powers like these, you wouldn't need much inspiration." He turned serious for a moment, "But yeah, there is much more to it..."
Solar Dojo, Luminata City - [Present Time]
"Over here.", Master Solar ordered gently.
Sol silently lays down the prone body of Misty. His face is painted with shock and disbelief, and not a single word emerges from his mouth. The head medic, Mika, begins to clean and bandage the deceased girl's wounds. The young hero walks away, undoing his tie and dress shirt.
"Sol, I-" Asia called out to her friend, but was interrupted by Rain, who shook his head.
"Asia, we appreciate the risk you took tonight, but now things are far more dire than we expected." Solar urgently asked, "Can you spread the word to as many people as you possibly can?"
"Y-yeah, what do I say?"
"Leave town, barricade their homes, get ready for a potential fight... do whatever needs to be done to survive the incoming attack."
Asia nods, acknowledging the benefit her popularity will have tonight. Before she leaves, she pays her respects to Misty and requests that they let Sol know that he's in her thoughts.
"DAMN IT!!" Sol yelled as he punched the wall of his shower. "This isn't happening. Her story is not supposed to end this way!!"
He gets dressed in his hero gear, but only holds his sash in his hands. The good name of the Solar Dojo wasn't stained in Misty's blood. However, Sol's perception of his heroics was completely drenched in it. How could he wear this proudly? How could he represent Master Solar as his star pupil when he's barely a hero?
The boy's eyes land on a framed photo by his bedside... A photo of a happy family... A picture of a father, his two boys, and a girl. This girl is yet another person that the boy failed to protect.
"So, you know about my family. What's your story?" Misty asked out of pure curiosity.
Sol had his family on mute, choosing to keep this heart-to-heart between them. It would be easy to assume Solar wouldn't want this information divulged, but this girl had just poured her heart out. She deserved to know.
"I lived my whole life at the Solar Dojo just across Lumi Bay. The man who owns the property is my adopted father and mentor, Sake. He's the reason I can fight the way I do and why I know how to use these powers.", Sol said, flashing a faint light in his hand.
"You're an orphan?"
Sol slows down for a moment and sighs, "Yeah... I was four years old when my parents died."
January 5, 2023 [12 Years Ago]
"BOOM, FIRST PLACE AGAIN!" a young Rain yelled out in excitement. "That's 20 times now? YOU SUCK!"
A young Sol groaned loudly, "NO FAIR! My control's broken."
"Nooo, I'm just way too good. You wouldn't be second place if it were broken." Rain laughed and signed an L on his forehead. "Loser! Loser!!"
The door slid open to reveal Sake, much younger but practically identical in appearance. He's seen better days, however, as he was beaten up and his arm was in a sling. A dark gray sorrow emanated from his eyes, only dying down from the sight of his two boys. They both sprang to their feet and hugged him tightly. They hadn't seen him in a while.
"It's so good to be home.", Sake said with a sigh of relief. "Are you boys behaving well?"
"Yes, sir.", Both kids responded in tandem.
Sake looked at the dual-colored eyes of Sol, brimming with innocence and joy. He saw both enjoying a friendly game of Mario Kart as he once had in his youth. He bowed his head in shame, almost bleeding out his pain.
"Papa Sake, are you okay?" Sol asked.
"Yes..." He looked up at him. "Sol, let's take a walk for a moment.
The two walk through the courtyard hand-in-hand. Things were quiet as many others around the dojo went about their day as normal. Sol is eagerly curious about where Sake went. He had pictured a trip to Azunoshi for a karate tournament. He thought about Sake's opponents being ten-foot-tall giants with huge muscles, and how the fighting master was so cool, defeating them all one by one. But then, he asked if his mommy and daddy were there to help and when they were coming back.
The entire time, Sake remained silent to let him ramble on, but he couldn't get past the big question. He stopped near the infirmary, kneeling at the boy's level.
"Sol, do you like it here?"
"Yeah, Papa Sake. I like playing with Rain, and everyone here is so nice."
"I'm glad.", Sake replied almost tearfully. "Rain is always happy when you're here. You two are like brothers." He grows tense and places his hand on Sol's shoulders. "T-this is going to be your new home now."
"Oh, is my house broken? Are mommy and daddy living with us too?"
Sake just about breaks, "T-there's been an... accident. Your mom and dad... T-they're... not coming back."
Sol maintained a confused look, "Why? Are they on an adventure?"
"No, it's... we were driving together and-"
The door to the infirmary slid open, revealing nurse Mika beside a small red-haired girl. Her arm was bandaged up, but aside from that, she showed little sign of harm.
"Mikie, my neck is itchy.", the little girl said as she pointed to a spot obscured by her long, puffy hair.
"It's okay, Luna. That's normal, just don't pick at it or it will hurt more." The nurse turned to Sake, "She's a brave one, handled the procedure like a champ."
"Good! She's already been through enough." The young master said as he got back to his feet. He looked down at Sol, "We all have."
The two youngsters laid eyes on each other for the first time, echoing the loudest silence ever heard. The two adults looked up at each other in puzzlement before sharing a slight chuckle.
"Why are your eyes different colours?"
"Luna!" Sake interjected.
"Your voice sounds funny."
"Sol! You too?"
The children went silent again for a moment. Sake was ready to lecture them both on commenting on people's appearances, but both started laughing. The boy with the multi-colored eyes introduced himself to the girl with the funny accent. He asked her if she wanted to play video games with his friend. She didn't know what they were, but she ran off with him to do so.
"Did you tell him that she's going to live here too?" Mika asked.
"I'm sure he knows already. They're going to need each other as much as they need me... as much as I need them."
[Present Day]
Sol sits silently in the small graveyard along the cliffside. He faces one tombstone in particular, one labeled "Calientos" etched largely in the marble. The plaques bearing the names are missing, leaving only the dates and writing:
May 20, 1998 - December 31, 2022
July 6, 1997 - December 31, 2022
"The brightest lights in the city of lights, forever putting an end to the darkness."
Beloved Friends. Beyond Beloved Parents.
The son left behind can only stay idle, gritting his teeth in anger. The feeling easily contaminates him like a poison, bleeding out with a hard slam of his fist to the ground next to him. A noticeable break in the cobblestone ground is left in the aftermath. He tightly grips a piece of the debris in his hand.
"Why?" He gets up to his feet with tears beginning to emerge again, his limbs all trembling, and his teeth pressing hard against each other. "WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN?!! HOW DARE YOU DIE ON ME!!!" He lobs the stone with so much force that it cuts through a tree in its path cleanly in half. Sol falls back to his knees, weakly speaking to the Earth, "Who else are you going to take away from me?"
January 17, 2023 [12 Years Ago]
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! SHE'S HURT AND YOU BROKE IT!!" Rain yelled.
Sake heard just as he approached his living room. He slid open the door to the sight of Luna crying on the floor with Sol standing over her. His face is painted with a rage uncharacteristic of him.
"What happened?"
"SHE SAI-"
"Sol, shut up! Rain, what happened?"
Rain explained that Sol was already being mean, and he got meaner when he kept coming in last place. Luna had tried to make him feel better by offering to pick some flowers with him for his mommy. In response, he rudely asked why they needed to do that. The girl innocently mentioned that it's something nice to do for those who have died.
From there, Sake already knew what transpired. Sol pushed Luna, and she landed on the Switch, breaking it. He took the lead-up into account and looked at the boy with regret.
"Sol, go to your room and stand in the corner."
"BUT I-"
"GO NOW! I will be there to talk to you later... I won't tell you again."
Sol stormed off to his bedroom, putting on an extra display of attitude. A sigh of shame emerged from Sake as he tended to Luna, who ceased to cry from there.
"Why would he do that?" she asked, still shaking.
"He's just going through a sad time, guys. Sometimes, people don't act like themselves when they're sad."
"He's so sad that he broke the Switch. Now, we can't play."
"Don't worry, I'll get you a new one. Just be patient with him, okay?"
Sol stormed into his room and slammed the shoji door shut. He retreated to one of the corners as Papa Sake ordered. This same corner was the one he cried over many months ago when Sake and his parents left to go on their adventure. Who would've thought that it would be the last time he ever saw the latter? It was almost like he did. His skin pulsed a red color as a vengeful stream of tears poured out, and he sat back in the same place... in the same way.
[Present Day]
Sol lies down on the ground in front of his parents' grave, unmoving with eyes pointed up at the night sky. His usually vibrant irises are now darker and washed out. He's so drained of energy, he might as well be laid out in the middle of the Negative Zone.
Operation: Shadowland is only a few hours away, but he might as well already be there. What is it all for if people will die on his watch?
Sake approaches the other side of the small bridge leading to the graveyard. It pains him to have had to lay his friends to rest there at the dojo, but it's far worse to see their son broken... his son.
January 31, 2023 [12 Years Ago]
"Eat up, everyone! This was my favorite feast as a kid back in Azunoshi!" Sake ordered.
That night was sushi night, a nice helping of five sushi rolls and a plate of sashimi with a bowl of rice for each. Luna and Rain grabbed their chopsticks and went to town on their rice bowls. The former loved to hoard the Spicy Tuna roll for herself.
"Hehe... Luna loves tuna.", Rain joked. The girl in question just stared at him, chewing her dinner with an unamused face.
Sol stayed seated, watching the television without so much as a word. His eyes looked drained of life, and not even the delicious smell of Azunese cuisine could take them from their destination.
Sake hadn't even picked up his chopsticks yet as he worried for the boy. He barely ate anything in the preceding week, which is yet another anomaly for a kid who is usually a bit of a glutton. The young master nodded at Rain to fix a plate of Sol's favorite items with a rice bowl.
"Sol... I know you're hungry. Why don't you join us?" Sake said carefully, but to barely a response. He picked up a particular piece and analyzed it. "I got your favorite. Mmmm, steak and shrimp tempura.", he commented shortly before eating it. "Ahh, with a bit of a twist... is that some plantain in there? Might be good with some spicy mayo... or soy sauce. What was this one called again, Sol?"
At this point, Sol had already made his way over to the table. He had a nervous look on his face like he was scared to sit down, but his fear was only met with warmth. Sake and Rain smiled at him, almost telepathically telling him to go ahead. Luna's smile wavered with concern, but the food was just too good.
Sol picked up his chopsticks and took a whole bite of the steak and shrimp roll. A grateful smile began to crack on his face, much to the amusement of the others.
"The surf & turf!" He said in excitement, giving back a warm smile.
[Present Day]
Misty breathed out a sigh, "Wow, both parents gone at such a young age. I'm so sorry, Sol. I can't say I acted any different when my dad left us after Dawnie was born."
"Jeez, look at us bonding over all this trauma." They both chuckled uncomfortably.
"Well, we very nearly shagged in my boss's suite. I think we've already bonded enough."
"Touche!"
Misty smiled brightly, "It really is uplifting to hear that even though you lost your family, you found another in due time... gives me hope, honestly."
Sol nodded in agreement, "Yeah."
Sol's dead eyes light back up as he remains in front of his parents' grave. He turns back to see Master Solar quietly standing near him.
"Would you like some company on your mental quest?"
"Sure, but I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course, you do. I've been in your shoes plenty of times. Not to mention, I haven't forgotten your first experience with death. You were just a boy... a little boy."
Sol sighs, "I'm still a little boy... in way over his head."
Solar sits beside him, "No, no, you're not. You're a very reckless son of a gun, but you're not a little boy. Who I saw... who I've been watching for the last 48 hours... That is a man. A young man who is more than capable of being the hero that this city needs."
Sol barely winces at what was said. He just can't see it anymore. If he were what this city needed, Misty would still be alive... Luna would already be home safe and sound... And now they have an invasion on their hands.
"I know they're proud of you.", Solar commented, a tear flowing from his eye. "They used their gifts for good and would've wanted you to do the same."
"For good? How much good can I do when good people die on my watch??" He takes a deep breath, "Maybe this city doesn't need me. Maybe it's better if we give this info to one who can really make a difference... Maybe I'm better as a civilian. People like Misty would be better off."
"And what about Luna? Would she be better off?"
February 14, 2023 [12 Years Ago]
Young Sol, just 12 years younger, sat at the exact place. His parents' tombstone was freshly placed, just a month removed from their funeral, and surrounded by an immeasurable amount of flowers.
The boy lit candles every night at the gravesite once he could no longer deny their departure. It gave him some peace at a very painful time, as though he was providing them warmth in the cold winter sky. He put his hands together and buried his head into them.
"Happy Venus Day, Sol."
Sol lifted his head to see Luna sitting beside him with a warm smile on her face and a heart-shaped box of chocolate in her hand. It was so unexpected considering how mean he had been to her for a while.
"T-thank you.", he replied as he took the gift. "Um, happy Venus day."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm... just... making a wish."
"Oooh, what is your wish?"
The boy wasn't sure if he should say what it was. Maybe it won't come true... Maybe she already knows.
"I wish that my mommy and daddy would come back."
Luna's smile remained, "I wish they would come back too. Can I wish with you?"
Sol began to smile as well, "Sure!"
They both sat there quietly making their wish, hoping that it would come true. The boy stopped for a moment, thinking that he should've given the girl a Venus day gift in return, but he didn't have anything... aside from his chocolates.
"Luna, would you like to share my chocolate?"
"Aw, but they're yours."
"Happy Venus Day!"
The two laugh and tear through the collection of treats like they've never had any in their life. Luna bit into a piece of white chocolate and cringed at the over-sweetness. Sol did the same with a piece of dark chocolate and its bitterness. They look at each other and back at their respective pieces before swapping, not even caring about the bites.
"I'm glad you don't hate me, Sol. I was sad when you pushed me.", Luna admitted.
"I'm sorry, and I don't hate you. I was mad because I was pretending my mommy and daddy were on an adventure, not dead."
"I know. I think I like to pretend too.", she said shyly, surprising him. "Papa Sake said he brought me from Castelmania... That's why I have a funny voice." They both laughed. "I wonder who MY mummy and daddy are and if they are dead too... BUT... I have a new daddy and a new family." She looked lovingly at Sol, her new friend and brother, "I have you."
Sol felt a rough tide of emotion submerge and drown him. All this time, he had been so occupied with losing his parents, he didn't care for the red-haired Casman girl who appeared in their place.
He offers her another piece of dark chocolate, "I'm happy to have you, too."
[Present Day]
"Everything was great for a while. We really were a family.", Sol stated fondly.
Misty was in shock, "WERE? No, don't tell me-"
"It's Luna... She was kidnapped in front of me and I couldn't stop them. Now, the Noir Emperor has her."
"That maniac? What could he want with her?"
"She's a 'VIP' supposedly. I don't know why, but I heard it directly from the mouth of the guy that kidnapped her." Sol pounds his fist against his heart, "This is also why I do this... I WILL BRING MY BEST FRIEND HOME!!"
"Say that again, I'm getting old.", Solar cheekily requested.
"I have to bring my best friend home. I can't quit yet.", Sol vowed without falter.
"I don't think you're speaking loud enough." Solar gets to his feet, pulling his student up with him. He shoves him with force, "SAY IT WITH YOUR CHEST!!"
"I WILL BRING MY BEST FRIEND HOME!!"
"Correct... Who stopped the NYTEMARE here at the dojo and in the Quartz? Who put a stop to the Canelli's efforts around the city?"
"I did."
"Who is going to lead the way in stopping the Noirata Empire's invasion?"
Sol looks up at his master's eyes, feeling the utmost faith placed on him. He smiles brightly, "I will!"
"Sol Calientos, don't forget everything you worked for... Your dream."
March 1, 2023 [12 Years Ago]
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR SOLLLL... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU!!"
Sol blew out the five candles on his birthday to the audience of Sake, Luna, Rain, the masters, and older students at the dojo. The young kids then sat at their small table, eating cake with their party hats on. The adults enjoyed their helping of Sake's... sake, keeping it away from the underage students.
"Did you make a wish, Sol?" Rain asked.
Luna frowned at him, "He can't tell you, silly. It won't come true if he does." She looks at Sol with a smile, "I think I know what it is anyway."
The two turned their attention to the framed photo standing neatly on the nearby table, then turned to eat their cake.
"Okay... Sol, since you're five now, you're all grown up. What do you want to be?" Rain asked next.
"I want to be a superhero... like Magnet Man and Star Boy! I can save people..." He stood and posed like a superhero with his foot elevated on his chair, "and beat up the bad guys!"
"Superheroes save damsels in distress, so I can be the FABULOUS PRINCESS for you to save, Mr. Superhero.", Luna said eagerly.
"And I'll be your trusty sidekick who the bad guys will think is weak, then POW!" Rain added.
Sol felt the happiest he had been since his parents' passing. Not only are his friends supportive of him becoming a superhero, but they're onboard with taking part in his adventures.
"Kids, over here, let's take a photo.", Sake ordered from across the room. The three rushed over like a pack of puppy dogs to do as their father figure asked.
April 2, 2033 [2 Years Ago]
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LUNAAAA... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU!!"
Luna blew out the candles shaped like a fifteen in the presence of all, now including some high school friends and her new girlfriend. She immediately went over to Sol, who claimed to have an important gift for her.
"So, what is it?
He pulls up a QR code on his phone, "Check it, two tickets to the Luminatan Ninja Warrior course. Are you ready?"
Luna was astonished, "Woah, the ninja warrior course! It's so expensive though and Elly's family kinda frowned on it."
"Ah, forget 'em! This is for us! Your athletics... My heroics..." Sol started flexing and hitting superhero poses. "Our dream of exploring the world! It starts with this city."
Luna chuckled, "Sounds like a plan."
"My kids, let's go out to the courtyard for a moment. I want to take another family photo."
Sol, Luna, and Rain all collectively groaned, but unseriously. The three followed their father figure through the dojo, blooming brightly in the spring sky. This time of year is perfect as the Azunese maples and sakura trees are at their peak. They complemented the property with a beautiful cocktail of red leaves and cherry blossoms, and served as the background for a photoshoot.
"Gather up! You all know what to do.", Sake said happily.
The nearly six-foot-tall Sake stood behind, towering over his now teenage children. Both boys stood in the middle, with an arm on their shoulders, while the birthday girl, shorter than all, stood front and center, hooking their free arm. She smiled brightly for the shoot and also at the sight of a camera she would kill for.
"Smile, everyone!" the photographer called out as he snapped the photo.
[Present Day]
"There is still so much to fight for, Sol. I know what it is to feel like you failed someone.", Solar stated softly, making a quick glance at the tombstone. "I always taught you how not to kill, but I failed to teach you just as valuable a lesson. In life, heroes can't save everyone; that is the human part of a superhuman... But, it's their resolve to keep fighting and keep trying to protect those who can't defend themselves that makes them truly super..." He places his hands on the young hero's shoulders, "and heroic."
"I'm sorry, Master. I know that I've been reckless. I know that I looked at this whole hero thing with the rose-tinted glasses that I've been wearing since I was five. And Misty, I-"
"Take her with you, in your heart. Remember her last words to you. Go out there and fight. Bring Luna home and you'll honor her sacrifice."
Sol nods in agreement, "I have an electrical plant to go to. Time to take the fight to these Negative Zone bastards.
"Good man.", Solar said before embracing his protege. "I will start getting word to the President. We need to mobilize the LDF and prepare for a fight. Your girlfriend will warn whoever she can to flee. She's there to support you." As Sol nods and prepares to leave, Solar stops him, "I think you should see someone before you head out."
"Way ahead of you."
"Luna is a lucky girl; she has you to protect her. I know you'll save her, in fact, I guarantee you will.", Misty said sincerely.
Sol chuckled, "What makes you so sure?"
"I mean aside from seeing you whoop arse just now, I just had this good feeling from you since the beginning."
"Really? Even through the facade and the tense accusations?"
"Maybe not in those moments, but I'll tell you this, you have a bloody great charm to you, Sol Calientos. Probably more than you know."
Sol smiled greatly with an immense amount of pride. He had never been given such praise by a girl before. Misty is a bit older, but he's only months away from being an adult himself. He started to wonder if maybe this encounter was more than just happenstance.
"So, I got another question for you... About the 'shagging...", he started jokingly.
Misty laughed, thinking back to that embarrassing moment, "Sol, you're about the same age as my sister. You're a little too young for me, my dear. Let's not get into that right now."
Sol laughed along, "Fair enough... the fun is on hold, let's get to the action."
In the infirmary, Sol approaches Misty's lifeless body lying peacefully and unbothered as she should've spent her life. Mika had cleaned her wounds to perfection, not missing a single step as she normally wouldn't. The young hero takes her hand into his, squeezing it tightly... she's ice cold. It didn't matter; he just wanted to speak to her.
"Hey, Misty... I-I've been thinking a lot since you left... It's been hard, very hard. I thought about our last conversation and- Man, I wish we had more time. It was... just far too short. There was just so much we could've done... so much we could've enjoyed... I miss you and I'm so sorry for how this ended. But it happened, and we both have to move on our own paths. I still have a job to do... I'm going to go out there and be the hero I was meant to be! Thank you for every second you were with me... for having my back. Take care, my friend. I hope wherever you are, you'll be rooting for me as much as I'll be rooting for you."
Sol gently lays Misty's hand on her chest. Her memory remains with him as another girl and his city depending on him now. Departing from the Solar Dojo, he's doing so for the last time tonight... potentially, the last time ever.