Protecting Him

Chapter 4. Secret Mission

Hiro as Ryo kept his radiant smile throughout my 'interrogation' or um interview as they had called it. Even when being asked about our father, he kept a smile –that brave child. I, on the other hand couldn't keep a flawless smile or a calm tone. I answered the question coldly and calculated. The word father dripping with detachment. Fortunately, they were considerate enough to understand and drop the uncomfortable subject.

After a while, 'Ryo' began signed consent documents and such. Hiro being ever so carefree and even trying to joke around with everyone. I sighed. Yet, slightly envious he was able to keep a little bit of his joyous side, not only just with me but strangers as well.

Seeing him smile, made my heart warm. Now more than ever was I sure of giving it my all; my most best effort into this hero thing. Maybe I could be a hero, one that would protect his smile...

Hiro and I excused ourselves, we said our thanks and bid our goodbyes. As Hiro and walked back home we couldn't help but become bewildered by the second.

"All Might is going to be your teacher Neechan!!! You're so lucky!" Hiro squealed happily.

"What a coincidence huh?"

"It is!" Hiro's expression darkened for a bit, something he rarely did. Most of the time he was a joyful boy, he'd cry at times too, but every so little he would show a look of repugnance. "We can trust him right and tell him about our situation... then we can be normal again right?"

Normal is a foreign word for me. Hiro doesn't know but in the society we live in now, we will never be considered normal. Our father has dubbed us masterpieces but he's also called us monsters. Hiro doesn't know... I've done many things from having him think and recall those moments.

That's right. I... manipulated Hiro's memories as much as I could. I've faded most of his pain. Given him a lot less to remember and fear. But even so, I haven't done much. He still remembers the needles, the Nomu, and him... our father.

"Yeah little bro, we'll live a happy life. I promised you didn't I?"

He smiled at me. I held onto Hiro's arm as we reached our apartment. Hiro quickly turned back into his normal self and sighed tiredly.

"I did good right Neechan? Can I have some water please?" he made big puppy eyes at me.

I smiled as I ruffled his hair. "Yup you did awesome, though you scared me you had only two minutes of your lying quirk left in you, imagine going voiceless all of a sudden. You worry me so much."

He pouted as he took the glass of water from me. "You still love me though right Neechan?"

"Of course I do."

"What about the bunny dude?"

"What?"

"Yeah, the one you said called you his bunny? The boy who you said wanted to be a hero. What ever happened to him?"

I felt my heart ache at the mention of that boy... like him he was a part of my past I wished to move on from. Now, don't misunderstand, he was one of the best things I had in my life. He was a sweet guy, my only friend during my childhood, but nothing happy lasts for forever. In the end it all turned into a painful and bitter experience. It's better to forget... otherwise I'll keep thinking that he's...

"Who knows." I simply replied not wanting to recall the issue, "But let's not talk about that. Let's discuss how you're going to behave yourself at school."

He groaned. "How boring. I wonder if we'll make friends there."

"Friends, Hiro? You know we have to keep our distance."