Marion: (.....Not playing with Victor anymore means there’s less people to play with now huh)
Marion: (Nova’s busy with research and studies, and he’s tired after so he goes straight to sleep…..)
Marion: (Jack’s always putting work first, and Jacqueline is always lost….)
Marion: (And they said I can’t go out….how long will things be like this?)
Marion: …….
Marion: (No, there’s no way I’ll let this last. Because I’ll be a hero one day.)
Marion: (If I’m a hero, I can go out, and I’ll be able to meet lots more people…..I’ve got the whole wide word waiting for me out there, just like the movies.)
Marion: (Alright, I’ll look for Jacqueline! If I just think of this as hide and seek—)
Nathan: I knew it. Here you are again, playing your “Hero” games.
Amy: Asch, don’t you think it’s a little embarrassing to be yelling like that all by yourself in a public park?
Nathan: If people find out you're an Albright, it could damage the family name. That would be quite the scandal.
Asch: Uuugh... Shut up, shut up, shut up! Go away, both of you!
Nathan: That’s exactly what I mean—stop shouting. We didn’t come here to make you quit your “Hero” games.
Amy: Right. But think about it—playing by yourself in a place like this makes you look like a really pitiful kid. That’s the problem.
Nathan: Even the servants have started whispering about how much they pity you.
Amy: So today, we’ve decided to play your “Hero” game with you.
Asch: …Huh?
Nathan: We’ve stationed a camera crew nearby, out of sight. We’ll record the three of us getting along nicely as siblings, and use it for PR if the need arises.
If rumors start spreading that we hate each other or that the youngest is neglected, this will shut them down.
Asch: You two… You’re really going to play “Hero” with me?
Amy: Yes, that’s right. You should be grateful, Asch.
Asch: Wha—...WHAAAAAA!!!
**********************
Amy: So. Let’s get to it. What were you doing just now?
Asch: Just now?
Amy: That whole “splat” and “kaboom” thing. You were shouting weird sound effects, weren’t you?
Nathan: You always do that when you're deep into your “Hero” act. What exactly are you trying to express?
Asch: That’s my hero powers!
Kicks, punches, flying, fire blasts, laser beams…!
Heroes can use all kinds of awesome powers!
Nathan: And what exactly are your powers? Surely you don’t have all of them at once?
Asch: I’m the kind of hero who can do anything!
Nathan: Hm. That sounds... vaguely defined. Well, I guess that’s fine for a child’s game. Still doesn’t sit quite right with me...
Amy: That’s not the issue, brother.
Nathan: Huh?
Amy: The powers used by someone from House Albright shouldn’t be so plain—just flying or shooting lasers? That’s far too basic.
We need something far more noble and dignified—something fitting of our lineage.
Asch: N-noble...? Dignified...?
Amy: Of course. As Albrights, we’re meant to stand above the rest. We need a power that makes others bow down before us.
Oh! What about a power that lets your words become commands—like absolute obedience?
Nathan: You mean... mind control?
Amy: Exactly. Say “get on the ground,” and they obey. Tell them to spin around three times and bark, and they do it.
Asch: Ughhh… That’s not cool at all...
Amy: Coolness has nothing to do with it.
Asch: It does too! I want more kaboom! More bam-bam!
Amy: Silence, Asch!
If used properly, it’s a power that lets you win without even lifting a finger—without getting your hands dirty. What could be better?
Nathan: Though… mastering such a power might be beyond Asch’s capability.
Amy: True. It’s probably better suited to you or me, dear brother.
Asch: Hmph...
Nathan: Well, let’s set aside the debate about powers and get started with the actual “Hero” game.
Asch, what are we supposed to do?
Asch: I’m the hero, so you two be the bad guys!
Nathan & Amy: The bad guys…?
Asch: Yeah! The villains who rampage through the city! Then I’ll show up all cool and defeat you! And then you yell “I’m defeated!” and run away!
Nathan: I see… So for the hero to shine, there must be evil to defeat.
And until now, you’ve been playing both roles by yourself, haven’t you...
Amy: Brother, focus. That’s not the issue here.
Nathan: Wha—
Amy: Asch, recite our family’s code. You do remember it, right?
Asch: "…The Albrights always win"?
Amy: That’s right! It’s a law, no, a divine command, that those of Albright blood must never lose.
So if we’re going to play “Hero” together, then all three of us must win! No one is allowed to lose!
Asch: …!
Nathan: B-but… this is just a kid’s game! You really don’t have to take it that seriously!
Amy: Oh, brother, how soft you are. I, for one, refuse to lose, even in a game.
So you play the villain by yourself and let him beat you. Got it?
Nathan: …!
Amy: I’ll be the commander of the hero. That way, even Asch can use his powers effectively.
My orders are absolute. Understood, Asch?
Asch: Grr…
Amy: What? Why is your face all red?
Asch: I’ve had it!! I’m done playing “Hero”!!
I swear, I’ll never ever EVER play “Hero” with you two again, for the rest of my life!!
Nathan & Amy: !?
Nathan: What are you talking about, Asch!? We’re going out of our way to play your game! What’s wrong with that!?
Asch: Shut up, shut up, shut up! I’m gonna hide all your glasses later, big bro!
Nathan: Wha—!?
Asch: And I’m bringing tons of greasy fried chicken to sis!!
Amy: D-don’t you dare! That revolting, grease-soaked monstrosity… Don’t you dare bring that into our home!
MC: And that concludes the escape show brought to you by the Escape Emperor! Everyone, a big round of applause!!
Billy: Wooooow...!
Circus Performer: What a breathtaking performance. As expected from the Escape Emperor. Honestly, most of today’s audience came just to see your father.
You must be proud to have someone like that for a father, Billy.
Billy: Yeah! Someday, I’m totally gonna become just like my... uh, like my master!
Circus Performer: Is that so? Keep at it, kid. You've got talent, maybe you'll even surpass the Escape Emperor someday... Wait a sec...
Since when did you start calling him "Master," anyway?
Billy: Huh? Well, he is my master, right? He’s teaching me everything I need to become a true magician!
Circus Performer: I mean, sure, that’s true, but...
Billy: Ah, the sun’s about to set! I gotta head home! Thanks for everything, see yaaa~!
Neighbor Lady: There’s plenty, so have as much as you like. And warm some up again for your dad when he gets home.
Billy: Okay!! *munch munch*... This stew is super tasty!
Neighbor Lady: Hehe, I'm glad you like it that much. Oh right, Billy, this is that math textbook you said you didn’t have.
I asked around the neighborhood and someone still had a copy. They gave it to me, so take it with you to school starting tomorrow.
Billy: Wow, really? I can have it? Yay~ ♪
Neighbor Lady: Tuition might be free, but textbooks and stuff still cost money... At this rate, you might not even be able to join in school events.
Billy: Oh, that’s okay! Helping my master at the circus is way more fun!
But copying someone else's notes every time in class was rough, so I’m really happy about this♪
Neighbor Lady: I’m glad to hear that. Oh, and take these clothes too, if you’d like. They’re old ones from my boys.
Billy: Huh? Really!? So many of them...
Neighbor Lady: It's fine. They don’t wear them anymore. And I think they’ll look great on you, Billy.
Billy: Thanks, ma’am! If there’s anything I can help you with to say thank you, just let me know! I’m really good at cleaning high places!
Neighbor Lady: Hehe, I’ll take you up on that if something comes up. Also… like I said before, you’re always welcome to eat dinner here, okay? It’s lonely eating alone, isn’t it?
Billy: Nah, I’m okay! I wanna be here to greet Master with a “Welcome home!” when he gets back.
Neighbor Lady: You’re such a sweet boy, Billy… Well, I’ll head out now. Make sure to lock the doors, okay?
Billy: Gotcha☆
**********************
Father: I’m home, Billy! Dad’s back~!
Neighbor Lady: Oh my! That surprised me! Your dad’s already home, Billy!
Father: Whoops, sorry about that! Ms. Smith, thank you as always for looking after Billy.
Billy: Dad, welcom— I mean!
Master! Welcome home! Wait, aren't you back kinda early!?
Father: Yeah. There was a reason today, so I got to leave a bit earlier.
Neighbor Lady: That’s wonderful, Billy. Enjoy a lovely evening together.
Father: Thank you again for everything. If you ever need help with anything, feel free to ask! I’m great at cleaning high places and stuff!
Neighbor Lady: Hehe, I’ll definitely ask. Well then, good night!
Father & Billy: Good niiiight ☆
Father: Alright then… Oh, is that cream stew? It looks amazing♪
Billy: It might’ve gotten cold, so I’ll heat it up for you!
Father: Wait a second, Billy.
Father: I came home early today because... I wanted to talk with you, properly.
Lately, you’ve been acting a little strange, haven’t you?
Billy: Huh...?
Father: Why did you suddenly start calling me “Master”?
Billy: W-Well... at the circus, you are my master, right? So I thought maybe it’d be better to call you that...
Father: Even at home? You were about to say “Dad” just now, but stopped and corrected yourself. That’s been bothering me.
Billy: ...Was that wrong?
Father: It’s not about being wrong. I just think... we should talk about why you're doing it.
I know it might be hard to say, so I’ll ask you straight, does this have to do with what we talked about the other day? About your real mom and dad?
Billy: …………
Father: I told you that your real parents died in an accident, and that I’m not your biological father.
When you asked where your mom was, I didn’t want to lie, so I told you the truth… But maybe that was a mistake.
I always thought I’d have to tell you someday, but maybe it was too soon…
It must’ve been a shock, learning I wasn’t your real dad.
Billy: N-No, that’s not it!
I wasn’t shocked… I mean, I was surprised, sure, but…
I don’t really remember my real dad or mom, so…
To me, you are my dad. The dad standing right in front of me now.
But… to you, that’s not true, right?
Father: ...What?
Billy: To you, I’ve never been your real kid.
So isn’t it weird for me to call you “Dad”…?
Father: Billy...
Billy: …………
Father: That’s not true at all, Billy.
I don’t even know what having a real son feels like.
But I do know this, I think of you as my son. And I love you with all my heart.
And from now on, for the rest of my life… I want to be your dad, Billy.
Billy: Hicc… Daaaaad...
Father: You’re so thoughtful, Billy. I love your kind heart.
Billy: I love you too, Dad… more than anyone in the whole world...
I wanna be your kid forever… for the rest of my life…
Father: HAHAHA~! Looks like we both feel the same ♪
So, does that settle it? If there’s anything else you want to ask about your real parents, anything at all... just say it.
No need to hold back between us, okay?
Billy: Then… I wanna hear about your past. Like, why did you decide to take me in? Tell me all the details!
Father: Ohh, going straight to that, huh...
Alright! Then let’s talk while we eat, while we brush our teeth, while we’re in bed. I'll tell you everything ♪
I’ll keep talking until you say, “I’m sleepy, dad~,” so be ready, alright?
Billy: Waaah...! Ehehe, this is gonna be the best night ever♪
(It’s already past noon… Sigh, I couldn’t get up again…)
(—Mom died.)
(She used to come wake me up every morning, but now she’ll never come again.)
(My little brother and sister are still so young. They must be really lonely without her.)
(But I can’t do anything for them. I should be trying my best as their big brother, but I’m completely useless. I just don’t have the will.)
(I hate myself for being like this, I really do.)
(I prayed so much for mom to get better. I tried to be a good kid, but… in the end, none of it mattered.)
(Mom used to look forward to the day I’d become a "hero".)
(But I couldn’t even save her. I can’t do anything for my siblings either.)
(I don’t deserve to aim for something like being a "hero")
…Whoa, what’s this?
(My social media notifications are blowing up…)
(Just as I thought… there’s a ton of reactions to the post I made last night before bed…)
(Why are people responding to this random account with zero followers…?)
(Th-this must be the reason…)
(Looks like a semi-famous OnTuber quoted me…)
("When my mom died too, I couldn’t do anything and felt like giving up.")
("But thanks to all my followers, I got back on my feet! Love you all, seriously!")
(What even is this…? He just used my post to talk about himself…)
(Most of the people who liked and replied to my post are just his fans…)
("Hang in there." "I understand how you feel." "We’re cheering you on!" "We’re on your side.")
(Getting those kinds of messages from strangers I don’t even know… doesn’t mean anything to me. More than that…)
("Cringe poetry." "Congrats on getting attention." "Fake story, lol." "There are people suffering way more in the world.")
(Those kinds of negative comments hit way harder… in a bad way, of
(…It’s my fault for posting without locking the account.)
(I can’t look at this anymore… I’ll just delete the post and lock everything—)
…Huh?
"A hero of justice is a hero for everyone. But if that’s your goal, then first—be your own ally."
"If you do that, the time will come when you can move forward again."
"—From a passing "Hero"."
…A passing "Hero"?
(Who… was that…?)
(Other than the name ‘J’, there’s nothing written… And this account was just made today…)
(Did they make it… just to reply to me…?)
A hero of justice is a hero for everyone. But if that’s your goal, then first—be your own ally…
**********************
Gray: G…Good morning…
Gray’s Father: Oh, you're up. Did you sleep well?
Gray: Yeah… Sorry I slept in so late… Especially when you finally had a day off, dad…
Gray’s Father: Don’t worry about that. You don’t need to apologize. …Like I’ve told you before, don’t let yourself get too caught up about your mother, okay?
Gray: …Yeah, you’re right.
Yeah… I was getting a bit too negative. I can’t stay like that forever…
Gray’s Father: Gray…
Gray: Hey, Dad… Can I ask you something?
Gray’s Father: Ask me? What is it?
Gray: Um… What if we got a dog…?
Gray’s Father: A dog?
Gray: Yeah… Everyone’s been feeling really lonely since mom’s gone… Me too…
Everyone loves dogs… I thought maybe if we had one, the house might feel a little brighter…
Gray’s Father: A dog, huh… Now that you mention it, someone brings it up every now and then, but we never actually went through with it.
I was going to say we can’t afford to do that right now… but if not now, then when?
Alright… Let’s reach out to a breeder right away!
Gray : Whoa…!
**********************
—In the present—
Victor: Today is your dog Buddy’s birthday, isn’t it? Gray.
Gray: Eh…? Victor, how did you…?
Victor: I saw your helichan’s post. The puppy pictures were absolutely adorable.
Gray: I-I see… Lately, more people have been showing support for Buddy, so I thought I’d post something…
Everyone responded so kindly… Even the people from [HELIOS] told me "Happy birthday", and it made me really happy…
Victor: Jay also shared your post to celebrate. That’s actually how I saw it first.
Gray: Haha… Jay’s always so kind to Buddy… Buddy loves him too—he always jumps all over him, it’s a bit of a struggle honestly…
Victor: Have he overcome his discomfort with dogs? Looks like he’s gotten the hang of social media too.
I remember back when he was just a rookie here, he didn’t know anything about that stuff and came to ask me how it worked.
He claimed that "a smart guy like me should be able to figure this out"—it was quite the odd logic.
Gray: Really…? Well, even now, when there’s an app or system update, he still comes to me or Billy for help…
Victor: I see. In that case, make sure to keep an eye on him after you help. Sometimes, those who aren’t up to date on digital literacy might use it in risky ways.
Gray: D-Did something happen…? Like some kind of controversy…?
Victor: Not quite that far, but… He once told me he wanted to make a private account separate from Helichan’s.
A lot of "heroes" use multiple accounts, so I didn’t think much of it and showed him how.
But later I found out he was messaging a stranger online.
That person seemed to be struggling with something, and Jay said he just had to send them words of encouragement. But depending on the situation, it could’ve gotten serious.
Jay told me he realized there are people on the internet who need help too—
That even if he doesn’t know where they are and can’t rush to their side, he can still speak to them online. And if that helps even a little, it’s worth it…
Gray: B-But what if people found out it was Jay…?
Victor: I made sure he deleted everything before that could happen. I also took the time to thoroughly explain what might’ve happened if he didn’t.
Gray: Thank goodness… If you hadn’t been there, Victor, I don’t even want to imagine what might’ve happened…
Victor: That was over 10 years ago, but I doubt he’s grown much in that area. Please keep supporting him... you and Billy both.
Gray: Understood… If there’s anything I can do to help…
(But really… someone out there was helped by Jay online, huh…? That’s incredible. What a lucky person…)
(I wonder what they were struggling with…)
Victor: Please tell Buddy "Happy Birthday" from me, through you.
Gray: Huh?
Victor: I mean Buddy’s birthday. He can’t exactly read Helichan’s posts, after all.
Gray: Ah, thank you so much…! Then I’ll go see him now…♪
origamiaround
blakekathryn
kaledo-art
vaporwave
