Scenario Notes – IF Episode Where the Protagonist Dies
I talked about an alternate scenario where the protagonist dies.
Not that I had any particular intention of making that the goal.
I just felt like I needed to record this, so I’m writing it down.
The Role of #10 to #11 in the Story Structure
The transition from Episode #10 to #11 marks the “turn” in the story’s ki-sho-ten-ketsu (introduction, development, twist, and conclusion).
- Up to this point, the protagonist has achieved victories and gained allies.
- This phase propels the story toward the final arc.
This is just a memo for myself, so it’s not structured for easy reading.
(I’ll eventually refine it properly into a real screenplay/script.)
#10 – The Dream Scene and the First Hint of Mortality
- The heroine (friend figure) fights alongside the protagonist, leading to a celebrated victory.
- She, once lacking confidence, is now inspired:
“When I grow up, I want to be the greatest musician in the world!” - The protagonist, standing among the cheering crowd, suddenly snaps back to reality.
- He has said many times (though I don’t remember exactly when or where) that he is a patched-up cyborg.
- He doesn’t even know if he can grow up at all.
- In that moment, he glances at his arm device and wonders:
“(If I get taller, will this thing… grow with me? …It won’t, will it?)” - (This is a direct contrast to Fullmetal Alchemist.)
- He watches as the heroine and their AI companion celebrate, laughing together.
- “Am I… going to grow up too?”
- He had always been chasing his mentor—that was all that mattered.
- “Someday, I’ll be an adult… right? …Can I?”
- “Wait… how old am I this year?”
This is the episode’s closing moment.
#11 – The Nightmare Scene and the Reality of His Body
- Opening: The protagonist is having a nightmare.
- His arm is gone (cut off by a ruthless character), and he is crying:
“Why is my arm gone!? I can’t… I can’t draw anymore!” - He wakes up gasping for breath.
- Camera shifts to present time:
- His bed covers have fallen off.
- For the first time in the series, the hidden parts of his body are exposed to the camera.
- He instinctively reaches for a pulse oximeter.
- Underneath his innerwear, surgical tape is always attached to his stomach.
- The display shows around 90%, and he sighs in relief.
- Cables run beneath his skin, connected to his body.
- Until now, his prosthetic arm had been portrayed as a “cool weapon.”
- But now, the truth is revealed—it is merely a patched-up life-support system, just as he had always said.
The Morning Routine
- He takes a shower, his expression blank.
- Painstakingly reattaches the surgical tape.
- Disassembles the device to clean it (like maintaining a firearm).
Internal monologue:
“Maintenance… I do this every morning anyway…”
(A direct contrast to Fullmetal Alchemist again.)
Emotional Breakdown and Conflict with the AI Companion
- The protagonist is deeply troubled.
- He’s nearing his final reunion with his mentor.
- But his AI calls him out:
“Are you really planning to go into battle with that kind of resolve?” - They argue.
- The AI, being a support system given by a responsible adult, insists:
“You have a responsibility.” - The protagonist snaps, finally voicing emotions he had kept hidden from his allies.
Protagonist:
“I’m only wearing this because I couldn’t afford to die!”
- “How does that make me responsible for anything!?”
Closing Thoughts
I started writing this post intending to explain something,
but I’m struggling to put it into words.
It’s already 3 AM…
But thank you for listening.