The Kaiju Runt in the Room....

[genericbiggerbrother]

One fine day, someone posts a general video message on the Unity Group network.

"Hello! This is Ranger Yancy Beckett, on loan with his brother from the Pan Pacific Defense Corps."

He smiles. "I've been impressed by everyone I've met here, and I'm looking forward to defending the Earth with you all!"

His smile fades. "That being said, there's something that I've been meaning to ask folks, something that's been bugging me for a bit." He fidgets, then blurts out:

"Why are there so many kids here?"

Comments

[herodrawing]

M... me? But I'm not that young!

[Izuru starts to gesticulate.]

I am sixteen, my stories had heroes already fight at this age. Besides, Tamaki is even younger...

...

I'm not helping am I?

[genericbiggerbrother]

"You could be making a better case." Yancy agrees, smiling slightly. "But hell, I remember me and my brother being as young as you– full of piss and vinager, wanting to be heroes that saved the world from the Kaiju, and, well, actually doing it!"

His smiles fades into something serious and pensive. "But–and I apologize if this sounds patronizing–we chose to try and become heroes. Did you get the chance to do that?"

[herodrawing]

Of course I wanted to become a hero!

But, hmm...

[Izuru actually thinks for a second.]

The way you put it mr Yancy, I didn't really have a choice, did I? From the start, I was in the academy with expectation that I'd pilot an AHSMB.

[genericbiggerbrother]

"And did you–do you have the option to resign?" Yancy asks carefully. "Go back to your family, date pretty girls, apply to universities and all that jazz?"

[herodrawing]

I don't really have a family. At least I don't remember... I know I had a foster family, but they weren't my legal guardians or anything. The Academy is.

Umm, I didn't actually think about this. I would have to ask Instructor, I mean, Captain Suzukaze. So, probably? Eventually?

[genericbiggerbrother]

"Perhaps you should ask your Captain." Yancy says gently. "Even if you do want to keep fighting the Wulgaru, it's only right that you have other choices, no?"

[herodrawing]

I wonder about that... we weren't even supposed to pilot until much later but it was kind of an emergency, so it feels like I'm abandoning everyone by even asking what if I don't want to fight Wulgaru.

[genericbiggerbrother]

"Trying looking at this situation from the outside." Yancy proposes.

"If a comrade of yours was questioning whether he wanted to fight or not, would you call him a cowardly for questioning himself?"

[herodrawing]

Of course not. That's not what a hero would do!

[genericbiggerbrother]

Yancy spread his hands. "Which means that's you wouldn't be a coward for indulging in some introspection, Izuru."

"Heck, " He adds. "If you do some contemplation deep down, and realize that your true heart's desire is to be a Wulgaru-bashing hero? Your combat effectiveness will probably shoot through the roof! Isn't that how it usually works in comic books?"

[herodrawing]

That's true! It really is!

Thank you mr Yancy. I will engage in contemplation right away!