Chapter Text
The ringing bell signalled the end of the school day. Little Ultrans quickly streamed out of the classroom, heading for after-school clubs or to hang out with their friends. A small Silver Ultran with a large crescent headfin remained at his desk, looking intently at the card in his hands.
Teacher Red had given these out earlier. They were the date, time, and instructions for something called a “parent-teacher meeting”.
He did not know what to do. It was his first year back in school. He read the card again and again. Perhaps repeatedly staring at the same words would reveal some understanding.
“Is something the matter, Ace?”
Ace looked up as Teacher Red approached him. A stern adult, with fierce horns and an even more impressive helmet; but Ace liked him the most. In Red’s classes, the other students behaved. That saved him from their teasing. And perhaps, most of all, the strict Ultra always had a kind word for him.
“I… N-No…”
Red just stared at him.
“…Maybe…” Maybe that’s why Ace felt embarrassed to admit it. Despite Teacher Red’s explanation, he was still confused. It made him feel stupid in front of him. “I don’t know.”
“About this?” Red looked at the card in the boy’s hands. At the other’s nod, he continued in a calm, crisp tone. “That’s all right. What do you want to know?”
Assured by Red’s stead demeanour, Ace read the card again. “It says ‘parent-teacher meeting’... Teacher said I should give this to someone?”
“Your parent or guardian. You will both meet me on the time and date stated on the card.”
“Who, um… who do I give mine to?” Ace asked softly. He looked down, shoulders slouched in shame. “I don’t have a-a father or mother…”
It was hard to miss the obvious change in his student. Although many orphans had been created as a result of the Ultimate Wars, in a society that traced lineages meticulously and celebrated illustrious lines widely, orphans were still regarded with a certain disdainful pity.
Red crouched next to Ace’s desk, catching his gaze. His neutral tone remained unchanged. No different from that used with any other student. “Aren’t you staying with Ken, little one?”
“Mr Ken?”
The friend of Ace’s (dead) father. A tall and broad-chested adult Silver, with large and magnificent horns. He was a brave warrior who fought the evil Alien Empera and saved the whole world. For some reason, he had allowed Ace to live with him for a while.
“Yes. Give Ken the card.” Sensing Ace’s uncertainty, Red rubbed his silver head. It elicited a giggle from the child. “Then, your job is done. Ken will know what to do.”
He damn well better, Red thought, as Ace took his school bag, waved to him, and left the class.