Episode 2: Reborn in Darkness.
(Opens with a flashback)
Younger Kim: (Is walking with Younger Mary and talking happily.)
Kim (Narrating): It's kinda amazing how fast things can change...
(Scene shifts in a cloud of black smoke to reveal Younger Kim staring at a burning house in horror.)
Kim (Narrating): I guess even as I got older...
(Scene flickers back and forth between the young Kim and Kim from episode 1, both with the same, scared look on their face.)
Kim (Narrating): I suppose...
(Scenes stop flicking and stay on the current Kim as her body moves into action.)
Kim (Narrating): That's why I could never let others suffer.
(Opening credits roll) ((Not sure what song it would be playing, but I kinda think Gasoline fits it.))
Kim (Distant and echoing): You're heavier than you look.
(Darkness slowly fades, revealing Shadow waking up on a hospital bed with a breathing mask over his face.)
Shadow: (Sits up and looks around. He sees Kim passed out on the bed beside him with a mask over her nose and mouth as well. He looks around again, noting the room he is in.) Where am I?
Mary: (Opens the door and walks inside looking like she's been crying a lot.)
Shadow: (Please himself between Kim and the door without thinking, tensed and bristling for a fight for a reason he couldn't recall.)
Mary: (Freezes before starting to ramble) O-Oh! One...one of you finally woke up! Thank goodness. I was hoping Kim would be up by now, but at least you are, right? (Mutters to herself) Why am I talking to the bipedal red and black cat?!
Shadow: (Looks annoyed) I'm not a cat and I can understand you.
Mary: (Startled) OH! Um...That's...cool...Um...So..I'm Mary. (Holds out a hand for a shake.)
Shadow: (Still annoyed. Doesn't take her hand or introduce himself.)
Mary: (Awkward) My brother and I are the ones who helped Kim there save you from drowning. You guy have been out for about a day and a half.
Shadow: (Hums and looks at Kim) She...is really the one that came to get me first?
Mary: (Nods) Yeah, shocked me too. I mean, she freakin' hates heights and she still leapt in after you.
Shadow: (Looks at Mary in confusion) Leapt in? Heights?
Mary: (Explains what happened and how he got there.) And then Chris and I went in after her when she didn't come back up for air.
Shadow: (Having listened closely, watching Kim as Mary speaks.)
Shadow (thinking): This tiny, frail girl came after me despite being scared of the leap. How...strange.
Mary: So...What's your name?
Shadow: (Is silent a moment.) I can't remember... (Holds head as it throbs)
Mary: Don't push yourself. Until you remember we're gonna need to call you something though. (Hmms, thinking.)
Shadow: (Waits for her to think of something.)
Mary: (Perks up) How about Ebony? Or just Ebon? Ebon sounds more masculine I guess? I mean, I'm assuming you're a guy?
Shadow: (Chuckles a bit) Yes, I am male. I suppose Ebon is better than going without a name at all. (Sighs) Tell me more...about Kim. I would like to repay her for helping me.
Mary: Well...she's big into anime I guess...loves running. Like, everywhere she goes she runs. (Laughs before sobering up.) She looks after her kids as best she can.
Shadow: Her kids? (Looks bewildered) She hardly seems to proper age to be a mother.
Mary: (Frantically waves her hands.) Nonononono! NOT like that. I meant the kids she lives with at the group home.
Shadow: (Calms) Group home?
Mary: (Nods sadly, looking away.) Kim's mom died when she was in elementary school in a fire...no one ever met her father so she was put into the foster system. The home she lives in now...isn't the best...The people who are supposed to look after the children basically leave the care of the younger kids to the older ones...I mean, there's even a tiny baby there...Her and her older brothers got there years ago and can't seem to catch a break and get a good home.
Shadow: (Brow furrows.) So she's the oldest?
Mary: (Nods) Yeah, she does her best, but I know it's hard on her. If it weren't for track I bet she'd lose her mind. (She looks like she means it playfully, but the concern in her eyes is real.)
Shadow: (Stares at Kim) Until I recall who I am...I will help her. (Looks determined) To repay her trying to save me I'll protect her and the other children.
Mary: (Smiles slowly) Well, I guess we aren't really in a position to refuse the help. Thank you, Ebon.
Shadow: (Nods.)
Kim: (Begins to stir.)
Shadow and Mary: (Crowd around Kim's bed.)
Kim Narrating: Every story has a beginning.
Kim: (Opens eyes slowly.)
Kim (Narrating): That day...
Kim: (Looks up into Shadow's eyes again.)
Kim (Narrating): In that moment...
Shadow: (Stares back into her eyes before looking away as if ashamed.)
Kim (Narrating): I saw myself standing in his place. I felt like he knew my pain.
(The scene flicks again between past and present.)
Kim (Narrating): I really hate...
Kim: (Reaches out.)
Kim (Narrating): To see others suffering.
Kim: (Pulls Shadow into a tight, comforting hug.)
Shadow: (Shocked and confused by the sudden affection.)
Kim: (Gently places a hand on his head.) I'm glad you're okay.
Shadow: (Relaxes, closing his eyes.) Same to you, miss.