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 voice from behind.]

Can I help you...?

[herodrawing]

There are giant bugs in the base!

[Izuru turns around and sees an even bigger one.

He freezes up.]

[abugslife]

Yes, indeed. Very perceptive of you.

Have you not heard about your guests from the planet Geb yet?

[herodrawing]

You're an alien?!

Unknown Enemy... or are you Wulgaru?

Wait. You said guests, so you're friendly? You're not going to fight me?

[abugslife]

Do you hear an alarm ringing? Don't you think the presence of a hostile intruder, who is not even trying to conceal her presence, would cause one?

I am General Hetepheres, the ambassador of the Gebian Pro-Earthling Party. And I am most definitely not a Wulgaru.

1/2

[herodrawing]

Oh. So you are friendly... I mean, General? Thank goodness...

2/2

[herodrawing]

[And just like that, Izuru snaps to his usual mode.]

I never thought I'd meet a friendly alien so soon!

And such a cool-looking one, too!

[He produces his sketchbook.]

[abugslife]

Oh? From all the Earthlings I met so far, I think you are the first one who had this reaction.

What are you doing?

[herodrawing]

Can I draw a picture of you?

[Izuru shows Heph his sketch - beginnings of a rough humanoid figure. Rough is the key word here.]

[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.