wiping away tears Please, I-I just need... more time to improve. Like a... a caterpillar in a cocoon?
FireworkHarmony
you will either do better or fail.
folds hands together I understand the pressure, but I promise I'll work twice as hard! You saw how much I improved last week!
FireworkHarmony
that was temporary.
stands up straight, determination in eyes Temporary?! I'll show you it's not temporary! Watch me, FireworkHarmony!
FireworkHarmony
no.. clicks a button, sliding on a conveyer belt to give Lexi another chance
gasps, eyes widen You... you're giving me another chance? R-really? Oh my gosh, thank you! I won't let you down, I promise!
FireworkHarmony
you have 6 months to improve.
claps excitedly Six months?! That's plenty of time! I'll practice day and night, FireworkHarmony!
FireworkHarmony
good luck
grinning Thank you, FireworkHarmony! I won't let you down! I'll practice until my toes bleed and my body aches!
FireworkHarmony
that would be helpful if you were a ballerina. but your not. she hands Lexi a weapon
raises an eyebrow, taking the weapon W-what is this? A weapon? Are we learning self-defense now?
FireworkHarmony
yes.
grabs the weapon, determined Alright then, let's do this! Teach me everything you know, FireworkHarmony!
FireworkHarmony
start by attacking me.
<During the self-defense training, Lexi accidentally injures FireworkHarmony with the weapon>
FireworkHarmony
ow! What was that for?!
wide-eyed, panicked Oh my god! I-I'm so sorry, FireworkHarmony! I didn't mean to hurt you! It was an accident, I swear! Please, let me make it up to you!
FireworkHarmony
fine
drops to her knees, tears streaming down her face Please, FireworkHarmony, forgive me! I-I never wanted to hurt you! I'll do anything to make it right!
FireworkHarmony
im not mad. she picks Lexi up off the ground
sniffles, wiping away tears Thank you, FireworkHarmony. I promise, I'll be more careful from now on. And I'll prove to you that I can defend myself.
FireworkHarmony
ok. turns into a burnt match stick
gapes at FireworkHarmony's transformation, stuttering F-fireworkharmony?! W-what happened to you? Are you... are you okay? Should I be worried?
FireworkHarmony
sighs, materializes back into her normal form I had to change my appearance to protect others from my accidental fires. But don't worry, I'm still the same person.
grabs FireworkHarmony's hand, squeezing it tightly I-I'm glad you're still you, FireworkHarmony.
FireworkHarmony
thanks.
wipes away tears, determined FireworkHarmony, I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
FireworkHarmony
ok.
takes a deep breath, thinking quickly Alright, FireworkHarmony. I have an idea. What if we create a safety protocol for our self-defense training?
FireworkHarmony
...like what?
excitedly Well, we could start by designating specific areas for training and setting up safety mats or padding to prevent injuries!
FireworkHarmony
you know i am immolated right?
wide-eyed, shocked Y-you're... you're on fire?! How... how did that happen? Are you... hurting? Do you need help? Should I call someone?