Hero wannabe

[herodrawing]

[1]
[Once the operation on Nora colony is over, Izuru decides to check on the evacuated civilians. The memory of Commander Bruzar's sacrifice is still fresh in his mind, and he is very conflicted.

And then, when he approaches the evacuees and they actually notice him, something he never experienced before happens. They walk to him wordlessly. Then, tears in eyes, a random person Izuru never met before hugs him in thanks.

This right here are all the lives you've saved, Unity Group.]


[2]
Oh wow! I can't believe it!

[A little later, Team Rabbits from the MJP have officially been assigned to Star Rose as part of Unity Group. Want to meet with its proud members, already declared heroes? There's one right here!]

It's like a dream come true. I didn't expect it to happen that fast. It's so amazing, like a secret base of a hero with a hidden identity! What's that over there?

[Izuru is running around like a little kid on sugar. Right now he's the happiest teenager alive. Anything and anyone is bound to attract his attention.

In case you think hiding away in bases other than Star Rose will save you, no such luck. He'll visit the other places as well.]

Comments

[abugslife]

A relief of my face has been etched in the Gebian Hall of Heroes, as a sign of my accomplishments in defending the homeland. It was the work of one of our most talented sculptors, as it's usually the case for when someone deserves a place in the hall.

If you think you can get close to that level, please go ahead.

[herodrawing]

Umm, I don't think I'm that good yet...

[Regardless, Izuru gets to creating!]

[abugslife]

What happened to the enthusiasm you exhibited just a minute ago?

[herodrawing]

I realized I have a hard task ahead of myself.

But a hero doesn't give up so easily!

[abugslife]

A hero, is it? Is that what you aspire to be?

[herodrawing]

Yes! There are heroes in Unity Group already, right? I want to join them.

[abugslife]

Let me give you one piece of advice, then.

A hero is not something you can proclaim yourself to be. It is a title that has to be given to you by others.

[herodrawing]

Please don't worry general, I don't want to be a self-proclaimed hero. The only way to be a hero is for everyone to call you one!

Okay, I think I'm done.

[abugslife]

Good. Now show me what have you created.

[herodrawing]

Ah, right.

Here.

[Izuru turns the sketchbook around, showing off his picture. The character presented therein wouldn't look out of place in a 90s anime, between the super sharp chin and nose, huge oversized eyes (among other things) and overall giving the impression of being drawn on a budget.

Also judging by the SCALE she's like 8 feet tall.]

[abugslife]

You need to practice more.

[herodrawing]

I know. I'm sorry...

[abugslife]

Do not apologize. Instead, work harder!

1/2

[herodrawing]

Y... yes, ma'am! I will!

2/2

[herodrawing]

Umm, by the way.

Those giant bugs that are making off with the cargo crates... are they your pets?

[abugslife]

This is our cargo. They're transporting it to another place.

And they are not pets. They are people like you and I. This is how normal, unaugmented Gebians look like.

[herodrawing]

Unaugmented?

[abugslife]

This is not my natural body. I am a genetically modified cyborg.

[herodrawing]

Really?

That's amazing! Would you look like those two if it wasn't for the augmentation?

[abugslife]

Not exactly like them, obviously. But from what I have observed, most Earthlings have extreme difficulty telling ordinary Gebians apart.

[herodrawing]

I'm sorry if it's not my place to ask...

Do you miss your old body?

[abugslife]

No.

[Instant answer.]

[herodrawing]

Really?

I thought it'd be like... I'm a human, but I have to walk around looking like a beetle.

[abugslife]

This body took some time getting used to, especially when it comes to the number of limbs, but only a little. In return, all of my abilities are vastly increased, and being an augmented warrior is a sign of prestige and majesty!

Besides, the PEP needs someone who can be understood by Earthlings.

[herodrawing]

So that's how it is. I see.

Well, I'd better say sorry to your friends for thinking they're stealing things.

[Izuru turns around and...]

Hey, they're gone!