Tiger & Bunny Character Study (by

orange_smaug)

The show has finished and the canon set, so I wanted to take some time and discuss two characters I think have been given short shrift by some segments of the fandom. Few would be surprised to hear that the first one is Barnaby, indisputably the most polarizing character in the show. He's not a character type I usually like, and I was completely uninterested in him for the first 6 episodes. Episode 7 is where he first broke the mold in some major ways, and he has since become my favorite. He is taciturn, yet volatile; aloof, yet intensely personal; difficult to read, yet emotionally honest; and his multifaceted personality renders him as far from generic as a character can be. The other character? One Kotetsu T. Kaburagi. Kotetsu, I liked right from the beginning. How could one not? Here we have a grown man in the sea of teenaged main characters populating other modern anime, a single father struggling to balance his job and his family in a world that won't give him a break, who somehow still manages to keep a smile on his face and help the people around him. But I didn't love him, couldn't love him while I was unsure if the show would actually deal with his faults in any real capacity. The second season thrusts Kotetsu out of his comfort zone, forces him to face the less savory aspects of his personality that were foreshadowed in the first season, and is what turns him in to a truly great character. Some flatten Barnaby in order to make him a demon, and flatten Kotetsu in order to make him a saint. The disservice this does to these two wonderful characters finally got too frustrating for me to bear, and this essay is the result. Tiger & Bunny is a work that takes the principle of "show, don't tell" to heart, and I wanted to help bring to light deeper facets of the characters, the beliefs and motivations the writers masked using intentionally misleading first impressions. Please enjoy and discuss. *** Kotetsu T. Kaburagi Kotetsu initially presents himself as a hero unconcerned with the trappings of HeroTV, caring little for the fame others seek as long as he can help the people of Sternbild. It's easy to take his declaration at face value, since the very first thing he does is defy Agnes orders to delay his rescue attempt in order to make it more photogenic. This steadfast concern for the public is absolutely an essential facet of his character, and remains present throughout the series. What the viewer shouldn't believe is Kotetsu's professed apathy towards fame. He denies it, but recognition is something he craves, and his lack of it at the beginning of the series weighs heavily on his mind. Someone comfortable with their circumstances would not buy multiple trading cards to try and make others believe Wild Tiger is popular. A certain

someone, having bought them, would not attempt to force them on fans of other heroes. A last place hero truly concerned only with helping the citizenry and not his standing in their eyes would not treat Keith Goodman as cavalierly as Kotetsu does. He sulks when Keith is announced King of Heroes for the season, protests the easy acceptance of his heroic persona by others, mocks Keith's poor but earnest acting skills when preparing for the surprise birthday party. It's surprising how petty Kotetsu can be in his presence, and he gets away with it because the recipient of his ire is too good natured-and frankly, oblivious--to call him on it. Keith is an interesting foil, because the ability to put the public first and the ability to capture the public's heart both come so naturally to him. He is the hero Kotetsu wishes he could be, that his own efforts somehow always seem to fall short of, and his self-doubt in the face of Keith's success makes it hard for him to resist wanting to drag Sky High back to earth. His insecurity breeds a resentment he finds difficult to conceal. Kotetsu is, in short, someone frequently unaware--or perhaps in denial--of his own desires. This makes it difficult for him to see the hypocrisy of some of his actions. He noses in to others' lives, blithely overstepping personal boundaries, yet guards his own fiercely. The trash and empty bottles littering his apartment show how often he makes the effort to clean up for company--hardly ever. His request that Nathan drop him off away from his home illustrates how willingly he allows others in to his private life--not very. At least he has a few close friends he can always rely on, right? Closer examination of the interactions he has with his supposed best friend, Antonio Lopez, reveal how superficial even this longstanding relationship is. It becomes more obvious in the second season: Antonio is the one who asks Kotetsu out for drinks and gets blown off without any explanation in episode 17, the one who goes to support Kotetsu's concert and is told to leave, the one who excitedly tells Kotetsu about what a relief it is to finally get points and avoid being fired--a fear Kotetsu himself has experienced firsthand--and is ignored in favor of daydreams about his new power boost. Even in the very first episode we see Antonio suggest making peace with the sponsors responsible for Kotetsu's employment, only to be curtly dismissed without a word of thanks for his concern. Antonio is not only denied the chance to support Kotetsu in times of need, but also to share in his happiest moments. He has been acquainted with Kotetsu since high school and aware of his departed wife and daughter, yet has never met Kaede in person and isn't invited to join in the celebration of one of Kotetsu's most cherished memories. Their relationship is kept shallow because Kotetsu subconsciously wishes it so. How could Antonio have a chance when even Kotetsu's own mother is kept out of the loop, when even his own brother has to pry the truth from him? Kotetsu is a person afraid of emotional vulnerability. This, combined with his unawareness of his inner desires, causes us to observe a character frustratingly prone to sabotaging his own chances at more meaningful relationships. We see someone disappointed when others don't see past his mask to his subconscious desires, yet unwilling to make himself understood. In his denial of his personal problems, we see someone capable of

unintentionally causing his loved ones great pain. Kotetsu is someone very concerned with the here and now. When there are civilians to save, when there are terrorist attacks to stop, nothing, including prior engagements, will stop him from trying to help. This isn't a bad thing at all, and his willingness to throw himself in to the line of fire is part of what makes him so admirable. Less charming is his lack of consideration for the people for whom that "nothing" includes promises to finally see each other in person after years apart. To the audience Kotetsu obviously loves Kaede very much, calls her as often as he can, and wants desperately for her to express the same love to him. But he protects her from his secret without realizing that she doesn't need this sort of protection, and that the secret itself is actually hurting her and harming their relationship. Although he lacks the will to provide her with the truth, he gives no other explanation for his seemingly callous disregard beyond that he thinks she's doing just fine without him, which makes him sound even more uncaring. The lesson here isn't that Kotetsu should ignore people in need, but that he shouldn't make these particular kinds of promises without remembering how many times he's broken them before, and changing them to ones he knows he can keep for sure. He wants only to comfort Kaede in the present, not realizing that it is crueler to have given her hope before snatching it away, than it is to never have given it in the first place. Kaede Kaburagi is a girl who lost her mother when she was four, whose absent father may talk all he wants but hasn't seemed to think her important enough to visit in years, not even for special occasions like her own birthday. She is perfectly justified in her lack of faith when it seems that all she ever receives from him are empty promises. Kotetsu is a wonderful man, kind to a fault, breathtakingly courageous, inspiring in his determination, and the very definition of a hero. He is also unhappy with his life without truly understanding why, far lonelier than even he realizes, and despite the best of intentions frequently blind to the repercussions of his actions. His lack of understanding of deeper desires, his own and others' alike, far more than his physical circumstances at the beginning of the series, is the root of his unhappiness. Kotetsu T. Kaburagi is, in many ways, his own worst enemy. This interpretation of his actions and state of mind runs counter to the first impression Kotetsu tries so hard to project. Nonetheless, we can be sure that it is absolutely intentional on the part of the writers, because we see all these facets of his personality reflected in his interactions with Barnaby.

Barnaby Brooks Jr. It would be difficult to overstate the impact Albert Maverick has had on Barnaby's life. Beyond the concealment of his part in the murder of his parents, even beyond the removal of emotional attachments that could lead his Hero astray, the series subtly hints at more insidious machinations. A childhood spent in an orphanage is papered over with memories of a loving 'Uncle Maverick'. How easily Barnaby accepts waking up in a different place

than where he lost consciousness, disoriented and subdued, with only Maverick for company. Even Barnaby's own desires aren't safe from assault. Upon learning of the apparent murder of Samantha by Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, Barnaby declares his intent to arrest; yet during the final standoff, he is intent on killing his former partner, the growth he has undergone during their partnership erased. No moment in the series illustrates as well the extent of Maverick's control as the press conference in episode 11:

1. Maverick murders Barnaby's parents but spares him and modifies his memory, then sets him on the path towards vengeance. 2. Maverick suggests he become a hero to catch Ouroboros's attention, but really to increase HeroTV's standing. 3. Maverick allows him to agonize for twenty years over his inability to remember the murderer. 4. When Maverick deems the time right, he plants an unrelated person in Barnaby's head as the true face of his parent's killer. 5. Maverick waits for Barnaby to 'remember' Jake's face and tell him about it. 6. Maverick helps provide Kriem with the resources to demand Jake's release from prison. 7. Maverick allows Jake to take the city hostage. 8. Maverick waits for public opinion to turn against the Heroes. 9. Maverick appeases the public with the knowledge of Barnaby's personal tragedy and connection with Ouroboros. 10. The connection Maverick created in the first place.

Statements that Barnaby shouldn't wallow in the past miss the point of his character: Maverick's control over what Barnaby can know, what he can remember, what he can feel denies him the ability to learn, the ability to grow, the ability to control his own destiny. He is a person who lives consumed by vengeance not because he wants to be, not because he chose it for himself. It's doubtful whether he would have devoted his life to revenge at all even if his parents had still been murdered, if not for Maverick's actions. Once given the opportunity to live a life not ruled by revenge after Jake's defeat, he leaps at the chance to savor it. Told he must continue his quest by a vindictive Kriem, he tries to deny it with all his strength. It's not that he 'would not' move on, but 'could not'. His loved ones were eliminated to conceal corruption, his thirst for vengeance constructed by taking advantage of it, his personal tragedy revealed to soothe public discontent, his moment of triumph engineered to capture their adoration. To Maverick, Barnaby is the human prototype to H-01: not a person in his own right but an object to be controlled as he wishes. Once Barnaby is no longer his to command, Maverick erases him from his plans without a second thought, discards him as easily as H-01 is forgotten once destroyed. After all, there are replacements waiting in the wings. Barnaby's story is not one of vengeance; his story is about what it is to be human.

The gradual peeling back of his shell reveals to us someone spartan and utilitarian, with little desire for and dismissive of human connections that don't contribute to his mission. But we also see someone who is scrupulous and unflinching in self-examination, and motivated by a strong sense of personal integrity, justice and egalitarianism. What has Maverick created in his quest for the perfect puppet? Who is this person Kotetsu has christened 'Bunny'? An examination of why and how Barnaby begins to warm up to Kotetsu after episode 8 is instructive. It is not because he finds Kotetsu beneath his notice and doesn't realize the things Kotetsu has done for him until then. Upon rewatching the series, it is actually rather obvious that Barnaby finds Kotetsu intriguing, almost right from the start. He takes his attention off a NEXT-controlled statue to watch Kotetsu relate his childhood meeting with Mr. Legend, cracks a smile at Kotetsu's vow to stay with him while disarming the bomb, follows him in to the collapsing oil rig against Agnes' orders, all within the first four episodes. This is not to say Barnaby isn't legitimately annoyed by many of the things Kotetsu does, and he's not shy about expressing those sentiments. But he does find his partner's actions charming, and is willing to acknowledge it to himself. Yet he doesn't reciprocate, doesn't express as such to Kotetsu, because what he does not trust is Kotetsu's sincerity. At the end of the episode, he recalls not the various instances of Kotetsu trying to help him but instead his own rebuffs of those overtures, and his words to himself are "Why do you put up with me?" Unlike Kotetsu, Barnaby is very up front about his desire to keep people at arm's length. Through his words and actions, he bluntly communicates the desire to maintain his distance, and fully expects to be disliked for it. Kotetsu's attempts to befriend and aid puzzle Barnaby, because as far as he knows he has done nothing to deserve them, and until Kotetsu shields him from Lunatic's crossbow Barnaby thinks Kotetsu must be offering false friendship. Barnaby, someone who desires emotional reciprocation, is unable to let this stand. He will not ask from others what he cannot give in return, but if his walls are breached despite his best efforts to distance himself he will do all in his power to repay the favor. Of course, an interesting wrinkle in all this is the eventual revelation that Barnaby's mistrust of Kotetsu's sincerity in some ways turns out to be well-founded. But that's a discussion for later. For now, let's confront one final misconception. Maverick has, for better or for worse, shaped the man Barnaby has become. Yet has he managed to exterminate all traces of the person Barnaby once was? Not necessarily. The series once again lays down an establishing character moment in order to later turn it on its head, and in doing so provides us a peek into what could have been, under happier circumstances than Barnabys. It is established in the first episode that Barnaby only cares about points. We later find out

that he wants to maximize his ranking in order to catch Ouroboros's attention rather than for its own sake, but that doesn't really change what should be his focus, just his rationale. Logically, if Barnaby wanted to maximize his score he would prioritize capturing criminals (200 pts) over rescuing people (100 pts). And since he professes apathy towards heroics that don't contribute to his score, it also stands to reason that he would refuse to help if his standing weren't on the line. But if you look at what he actually does throughout the series, it becomes quite apparent that this is far from the case. Barnaby immediately disproves the second statement when he rescues Kaede with Kotetsu as his only witness. He does later say he wants to arrest Tony for points...only to immediately withdraw when Kotetsu refuses. It's unexpected to say the least, considering this is their first day as partners, when they're at the height of their antagonism. He stays behind to defuse the bomb, and even tries to make Kotetsu leave while he remains behind. Notably, in the next episode Karina says Tiger hasn't gotten any points yet this season, which indicates they earned none from this incident, and that very episode he rescues Blue Rose instead of capturing the criminal. Later on, he claims to follow Kotetsu against Agnes' orders only because there are still points to be earned, but doesnt complain at all when Keith receives them. In Episode 5, he's more than willing to take the points for their combined arrest...only after Kotetsu brings it up. Doesn't this make his characterization inconsistent, though? He talks about points so many times throughout the course of the series, even well in to the second season after he's been working with Kotetsu for a year. Not at all! It doesn't match the superficial faade the writers want first-time viewers to buy, but is perfectly consistent when his actions are considered as a whole. His actions 'off camera' continue a pattern set up in his previous appearances, one that reveals things about him of which even he is unaware. Just as Barnaby goes for Blue Rose instead of the criminal he'd been chasing only moments before, he chooses to help Ivan instead of apprehending Edward, to rescue Agnes instead of chasing after the Sisters, to extract Rotwang before facing off with Cis. Given the choice between confronting a criminal and saving an innocent bystander, he always chooses the latter. Barnaby is a kinder person than people give him credit for, than he gives himself credit for. He is introduced to the show via an act of protection, his signature princess catch, and despite the warping he has undergone at Maverick's hand, his underlying nature still manages to bleed through. With his final vow Barnaby isnt turning over a new leaf, but instead taking the chance to at last become the person he should have been allowed to be all along. ***

And now, at last, the Dynamic Duo together. Episodes 12 & 13: Trust The first serious conflict between the two is, of course, the incident in episode 12. Barnaby

requests to be allowed to scout Jake's hideout, but Kotetsu is worried that Barnaby's emotions will get the better of him when he finally faces his parents' murderer. And it's a very reasonable concern! Normally deliberate and analytical, Barnaby has been prevented from developing healthy mechanisms for dealing with his loss, and flies off the handle when confronted with anything connected to it. This doesnt mean Kotetsu couldnt have handled the situation better though. Well, then what could he have done instead? On the one hand, he could have told his partner the truth. If Kotetsu understandably really couldn't trust Barnaby to rein himself in given his past behavior, he shouldnt have given him the illusion of doing so. And while Barnaby has struggled to control himself in the past, he has also been shown to be capable of acknowledging this when given a chance to calm down. Though we will never know for sure how Barnaby would have reacted if Kotetsu had taken this tack, Kotetsu would at least have respected his partner enough to be honest about the lack of confidence. As Kotetsu comes to care for Barnaby the same as he does for his other loved ones so, too, comes his tendency to say what he thinks will make them happy in the present, without considering how that can make them feel later, when their expectations are betrayed. Another option would have been to allow Barnaby to go forward by himself as requested, and come to the rescue if it had turned out that he couldn't handle himself after all. If this scenario sounds familiar, it's because it's exactly what Barnaby does in episode 10. Kotetsu asks for Barnaby to trust him to deal with the incident on the bridge by himself, and he receives it. Throughout the episode, we periodically cut to scenes of Barnaby listening to the radio and worrying over Kotetsu, but allowing him the chance to prove himself. Only when Barnaby is finally given evidence that Kotetsu needs help does he jump in to action, and even then he forces himself to wait past the first reports that Kotetsu might be in trouble. Kotetsu, already convinced that Barnaby's emotions will get the better of him, is so preoccupied with worry that he ironically ends up falling into the same trap in which he is so sure Barnaby will run afoul. To be fair to Kotetsu, he immediately understands he messed up (if not necessarily why he should have acted differently) and tries to apologize. But the damage has already been done. Barnaby readily distances himself from Kotetsu, thinking his earlier concerns about Kotetsus sincerity have now been confirmed, and having already been fed falsehoods, he's not going to easily believe what his partner says again anytime soon. He cant completely disguise his worry for Kotetsus well-being though, and despite feeling personally betrayed, still treasures his burnt sash as a source of inspiration. Later on the stadium roof, his skepticism toward Kotetsu's explanation of Jakes second power is clear on his face, but he continues to trust in Kotetsus sincerity regarding their job (if not himself), and follows the proposed plan anyway. Both should have much to learn from this incident, not the least of which is the danger of making assumptions. However, what they really take away are some unexpected--and understandable, if not wholly rational--lessons. Kotetsu has learned that Barnaby's trust in him on the job is almost absolute, further magnifying the connection he makes between his ability to be a Hero and his self-worth. The thought of Barnaby's unshakeable faith morphing into disdain once his powers start failing terrifies Kotetsu, contributing all the

more to the inferiority complex that drives his later actions. Barnaby now recognizes the disconnect that can exist between Kotetsu's public face and his actual desires. Though Barnaby affectionately provides Kotetsu some of the praise he denies wanting, he is at a loss as to how to close the distance between them, afraid the intensity of his feelings will drive his partner away. They now have a better understanding of what the other wants from their relationship and a mutual desire to finally get down to the business of creating a true partnership, but they're nowhere near out of the woods yet. Interlude: The Calm Before the Storm The second season kicks off with our heroes happy with the state of their careers and their relationship together, almost deliriously so. And why wouldn't they be? Kotetsu is finally enjoying his job again, after doing better in the rankings than he has in years. Barnaby has finally fulfilled his vow to his parents' memories, leaving his crippling obsession behind. But what Kotetsu doesn't realize is that, despite his own declarations to the contrary, he continues to stake his happiness on how well he does as a hero in the public eye. Similarly, Barnaby has merely shifted his devotion and willingness to subsume his own nature for a cause to another idol, Maverick. He has not yet truly learned to live for himself. This state of false happiness cannot last. Both still hide parts of themselves from the other, and shield their innermost desires for fear that the other will find them wanting. Their relationship is caring, at this point, but not close, neither having learned the most necessary lessons. The true test is yet to come, and in the heat of the moment, it can be hard to unlearn the habits of a lifetime. Episode 19: The Slap Heard Round the World No discussion of their relationship would be complete without a look at their falling out at the skating rink. Confronted with difficult decisions and unpleasant truths, both react in illadvised but understandable ways. Barnaby tends to get more flak for his part though, so lets take a look at him first. Though he has enjoyed their year together, Barnaby sees past the jocular front Kotetsu puts up, and senses the distance that still exists between them. He is painfully aware that the depth of feeling between them isn't (seemingly) equal, but hopes that it can become so in time. He is certainly unhappy when he overhears Kotetsus news, and would undoubtedly prefer not to be separated from his partner. But it isn't Kotetsus wish to leave that angers him. After all, he himself proposed quitting just the previous episode before he had any inkling Kotetsu was thinking of retiring for good. He tried to give Kotetsu a graceful opening at the celebration party to speak his worries by expressing his own desires, but was rebuffed and did not press further, uncertain of how to broach the topic without driving Kotetsu away. He told Kotetsu that it was fine to take a break to visit home and work out his problems, reassured him that he'd be all right with temporarily protecting Sternbild without Kotetsu by his side. Now, he gives Kotetsu the out of needing to be there for his daughter, and when that reason is denied, then provides him a final chance to tell Barnaby the truth.

Barnaby has poured out his soul to Kotetsu, and allowed Kotetsu to see him in his darkest moments. He is aware of Kotetsu's own avoidance of emotional vulnerability, and wants to become closer but doesn't know how to do that without scaring Kotetsu away. Barnaby does not truly become enraged by Kotetsus excuses until he is refused the courtesy of the truth, is denied the same openness that Kotetsu asked of him. This relationship he has invested so much in, that Kotetsu has always led him to believe he also valued, if not quite as much, suddenly seems like a lie. The words he lashes out with in an attempt to hurt Kotetsu as he has been hurt are undeniably cruel--and also exactly what Kotetsu has been trying to tell himself. The infamous slap isn't Kotetsu 'putting Bunny in his place' or 'snapping him out of hysterics'. It's Kotetsu being confronted with Barnaby saying the same things out of anger and desperation that he's been trying to tell himself, even going so far as to mentally edit Barnaby's words to support his views. Only then does Kotetsu realize that--as much as he tried to tell himself he was getting too old for this business anyway, that he was becoming too much of a burden to his partner, that he could come to love being a hero to his daughter as much as being a Hero for Sternbild--he doesn't truly want to believe any of it at all. He is rendered at a loss for words, only knowing that he doesn't want to hear Barnaby say those things anymore, so he reacts without thinking. Once he realizes what he's done, Kotetsu immediately flinches and pulls back, already regretting his actions. Their confrontation is the result of the interaction between two lonely and desperate people who care deeply for each other but aren't always able to express that in healthy ways. Episodes 22 & 23: Bridging the gap Framed for murder, on the run from the law and his former comrades alike, Kotetsu's really been put through the wringer. Even that, however, hasn't been quite enough to break him of some deeply ingrained habits. Even after he finds himself reunited with his daughter after the ordeal he's been through, his first instinct is still to hedge. But Kaede's had enough, and despite the very real relief at seeing him out of immediate danger, she doesn't let him off the hook until he apologizes for his dishonesty and emotional distance. Next, Kotetsu throws himself in to the task of retrieving Barnaby's lost memories, and interspersed throughout their fight are subtle animation cues showing us that Kotetsu is slowly but surely wearing away at Maverick's changes. However, it's still not enough, and as a last resort he tries to break through with "the pain of friendship". It doesn't work. It, in fact, manages to backfire on him spectacularly. Finally truly out of options, it is Barnaby's relentless retaliation at having his trust betrayed again that forces Kotetsu to finally overcome his fear of emotional vulnerability, fully commit to their partnership, and express his true feelings as Barnaby had to him. This, combined with a name initially created to mock him, that he intellectually dislikes but treasures all the same because it is something Kotetsu gave him, is the key that finally releases Barnaby from his mental prison. Episode 24: The depths of Hell

At the close of the penultimate episode, there was a precisely 0% chance that Kotetsu would die. Going out in a blaze of glory is empty and meaningless, only reaffirming Kotetsu's belief that his time has past, and runs counter to the emotional core of the series. At the start of the series, Kotetsu might very well have been fine with dying if it meant he would become famous and admired posthumously. But given the growth he has undergone, it would have been instead the ultimate insult to his character and the lessons he has learned. But what is the purpose of Kotetsu's 'death' then, if he doesn't actually die? Prior to end of series, the duo's relationship is one in which both characters are emotionally invested but neither of them knows how to express it; as mentioned previously, up to this point they have had a caring relationship but not a close one. The 'death' scene gives these two people, both so insecure about their worth to the other, no more excuses to put off expressing their feelings. Kotetsu--who wants to be considered an equal in Barnaby's eyes and not a burden, to be told that he is still valued--wants to stay with Barnaby and can't conceive of any other way than as his equal in physical ability. As his powers fail, he despairs of his worth and attempts to sever their ties before he imagines Barnaby inevitably will. Barnaby, who has opened his life and entrusted his soul to Kotetsu's care, wants to be allowed to return the comfort and support he has been afforded, to cherish Kotetsu and be considered worthy enough to witness with his vulnerability. He considers and practices how best to do this in private, but has always stopped short of acting for fear of driving Kotetsu away. Kotetsu's impending demise forces them to confront their fears and express this desires, finally breaking down the last barriers between them. Ben's voice actor provides an astute and rather touching assessment of their relationship: "Both of them long to be told that they are indispensable for the other." Epilogue: One year At first glance, it might seem that very little has changed about the characters or their circumstances since the series began. However, despite superficial appearances, the ending is not a return to the status quo at all. Kotetsu initially seems even worse off, with the continued gradual decline of his power over the last year as well as his new position in the second league, seemingly a demotion. But despite this, he certainly seems happier, and better able to deal with his circumstances as a result of the growth he has undergone. No longer secretly resentful of those more successful than him, no longer concerned with seeming 'cool' to others or the superficial trappings he denied wanting as a hero, he is finally able to be more honest about his desires and make the most of the hand fate has dealt him. Barnaby has taken some much needed time by himself to come to terms with how much of himself has been constructed, and to deal with the knowledge that he has been forever

changed by Maverick--his true and constructed selves now impossible to separate. His parents are the cause to which he has dedicated his life, yet he will never be able to fully trust his memories of the few short years they had together, never be completely sure of the affection he remembers nor the depths of his own devotion. Never, were it not for the override code. It is tangible, impossible to fabricate proof of their love for him, their charm of protection enacted from beyond the grave. Then they are reunited as the same players involved in the first and last princess carries of the show, but everything about their interaction with each other is markedly different. Kotetsu rests comfortably in Barnaby's arms without feeling that it demeans his abilities, and freely speaks his feelings without needing them dragged out of him. Barnaby banters and openly smiles at his partner, reveling in the comfort of the present. No longer burdened by their pasts, they are ready at last to look towards the future together.

Many thanks to the lovely fantastic

chalkpowder for being a wonderful sounding board and beta, and to the

7veilsphaedra for giving this essay the grammatical spit and polish it desperately needed.