Confronting His Past
Ronin: You have
got to stop doing this, A! How many times do I have to say it? I want
nothing to do with your alien crusade! Nothing!
A: I'm not here about that, Ro.
Ronin: Don't call me that!
A: Fine, Ronin. I just want to talk to you.
Ronin: What do you have to say to me? Did you "just want to talk" to her, too?
Kin separated by flameA: Don't even
think about that! You know that's not true!
Ronin: Do I? Do I!? You were never there! How could I know what you said?
A: You know why I had to leave-
Ronin: And we're back to this alien nonsense! It's been twenty years, A! Let. It. GO!!
A: I did it for the two of you. I didn't like it any more than you did.
Ronin: "Any more than we did?" Do you
understand how much pain you put us through? How much pain you put
her through!
A: But-
Ronin: If you wanted to actually do something for us, you wouldn't have gone into the blue chasing aliens around while we needed you!
The ageless fireA: Look. I know what I did wasn't good for any of us, and I know that it will take time for us to be back to the way we used to be. You have to know that I will always be sorry for the fire. But, please. I'm not here about any of that. Can't I just spend a little time with you, here?
Ronin: *sigh* Okay. Sit down.
A: For the record, I know you're more interested in this than you're letting on.
Ronin: Oh? Please do tell. I'm
dripping with anticipation.
A: Project Lazarus? Pretty clever name, though I figured you'd have gone with something Nordic, all things considered.
Ronin: Thor died way too young. I know we can't save everyone, but... I have to try whenever I can
Must confront his pastRonin: How'd you know where to find me, anyway?
A: Well, I found The Castle, and I knew that you'd be here overseeing the project yourself. You can't trust a mere assistant with a project like this. Certainly not somebody like... Valerie, is it?
Ronin: Is there anything you
don't know?
A: *pause* Not really, no.
Ronin: I take it you also assumed I'd still practice my piano skills?
A: But of course! What else would you do for fun around here? This isn't Appaloosa, after all.
Ronin: You always did like that town a little too much. You know, I still remember that crazy lady with all the cats. Don't you?
A: *silence*
Ronin: What is it, A?
A: Oh, nothing. I just think I figured out his riddle.
And the Secret FireRonin: His
what?A: *nervous* You know... the riddles.
Ronin:
Whose riddles?
A: *looks down*
Ronin: Get. Out.
A: At least-
Ronin: Don't try to weasel your way out of this one! Gosh, I try to have one conversation with you! Just one!
A: We were-
Ronin: And you have to ruin it with more alien business!
That's why she's gone now, you know. Not the fire. Your zealousness!
A:
My zealousness! You're the one who freaks out if somebody so much as breaths the word "alien!" Why do you hate talking about this so much? Can't you see that's why all of this happened?
Ronin: You are
not trying to blame this on the aliens!
A: And why shouldn't I?
Ronin: Because
you're the whole reason why they even wanted anything to do with us! If you hadn't gone poking around where you shouldn't have been, she'd still be alive!
A: Like I'm the only one who is poking around where they don't belong!
Ronin: So now this is about Thor? I
will bring him back! He didn't deserve to die!
A: Deserve to die? Nobody deserves to die! Not all who die deserve death, and not who live deserve life! Can you make that choice for them?
Ronin: Is that why you gave up on her?
A: Gave up!? I tried to bring her back for years! I drank that Youth Again potion to give me more time, but it cannot be done! Do you think I want her to be dead? Do you think I want Thor to be dead? It's not our choice.
A: Why are we arguing about this, anyway?
Ronin: Why are we arguing? We are arguing because you are incapable of understanding that
you have caused all of the problems between us, not some magical alien people!
A: Yes, Ronin! I screwed up! It's my fault she's dead now! Don't you think I already know that!? I left you after the fire so that wouldn't happen to you, too! You know that I love you, right Ro?
Ronin: You love me? After all these years, you think you can just waltz right back here and say that you love me? What is wrong with you!?
A: I just want things to be good between us again.
Ronin: Well, you had your chance, and you blew it!
Ronin: Just because you're finally willing to accept the fact that I'm your
daughter doesn't mean
I am!
A: Ro-
Ronin: No, I'm leaving! But I never want to see you again!
Ronin: Never. Again.