Chapter 167: Beginning of the Response

Ailane was able to meet her brother again for the second time, between doubts and silence both felt uncomfortable but they knew that this had to end once and for all, brother Aion addressed his sister with the same affection and affection that he gave her, apologizing for everything that happened to his sister Ailane, his warm words were hurtful to the fearful and doubtful Ailane, without having enough courage to talk to her brother she left running as far away from the place, bumping into M on the way.

『.....Thanks.....』

POM!!! My piano fell from the sky above me causing me to be unable to avoid falling down lying down. I noticed that something had happened, I could see it for a few seconds but I wanted to shed tears, I will not deny it, I felt that I had to go after her to help her and give her comfort, but I think in these cases it is better to leave people alone and think things better, besides that someone unexpected appeared. With the piano on my back I entered the studio where our goal was, I thought it would be more noisy and full of palaver, but it was the opposite, it was calm and even with a serious topic.

『It's been several days, Hiro』

I turned to the little boy who was with his hood trying to hide who he is, the little hero turned to look at me, again I could see that look of his that he has, those band-aids all over his body, those headphones and those gray eyes of explosions that he wears. But I quickly noticed that something was wrong with him, he kept looking at me and he was tense, normally he would start talking about anything but he just stayed silent.

『Eh? Who is he? He's a friend of yours Hiro?』

Rom who was having a conversation with the little boy felt strange to see someone new in the studio. The band that was just watching, Hiro started to walk slowly towards me not knowing what was going on.

『(What is this? Something is definitely happening to Hiro, he's different from before, it's like he's giving off doubts and fear.....she's probably because of that day..... I knew it, for sure it's eating his head, I have to explain everything to him....) Hey Hiro---』

¡¡¡¿¿¿???!!!!! I felt a sting in my eyes before I could finish my words, Hiro without hesitation stuck his fingers in my eyes without hesitation, I gave a cry of confusion and pain while the gang was more confused, I couldn't resist that I had to use my Lucario Form in order to heal myself.

『Disciple if you're so slow!!! The Band Festival is getting closer and closer!!!! Listen carefully!!!! We have to rehearse fast if we want to put on a good show!!!! Huh? Stop crying, real heroes don't cry!!!』

『I wouldn't cry if you hadn't done that to me!!!』Σ"(⚙♊⚙ﾉ)ﾉ

『I see, men nowadays don't put up with anything』.

『You are a son of.....』Σ(;･益･;;;;)!!!!

Again no sooner did I meet Hiro again we were already having a conversation that we would have anywhere, seeing that attitude of his again and that this was what he was worried about makes me feel like I'm the idiot for imagining another reason for his annoyance *sigh* of course, why didn't I think about it, this guy is simple and clear, he will have equally simple problems.

『Don't worry!!! This crappy lolicon kid you see here who is my disciple, even though he looks messy and meaningless of his surroundings, dumb and dorky looking he's a good kid, yep!!!! I swear on my little mother!!!』

『The last ones describe you perfectly Hiro.....』

The little Hero was introducing me to his friends while I said the last, I introduced myself to the members of this gang where they were very friendly and I could tell they were even trustworthy, as soon as our greetings ended sirens were heard in the street, it's as if several patrol cars had gone out to look for someone in a desperate but organized way.

『Yes they make a lot of noise outside, I wonder what happened』.

Aion who had his hand on his face went to the door to close it himself, but before closing it he took a little peek outside and could see how lots of patrol cars were making rounds all over the city in different areas, even if he had closed it and came back with us he could hear the sirens a little bit.

『There are lots of patrol cars outside, it's as if they are looking for someone extremely dangerous who has been causing trouble』.

Aion commented as he looked doubtful and knew what this commotion was about, the others also had their questions and doubts as for days now the same thing was also happening of several patrol cars hovering around the areas.

『Someone dangerous? Now that we know the truth and aside from the monsters, the only one that comes to mind is Hiro』

Yaiba made a quick and simple deduction when he thought about it, Hiro quickly became alert and looked at his partner worried with sweat, but he knew how to hide it with that mask of personality he wears. At Yaiba's words we were all confused where he added.

『It's just something quick that came to my mind, you know, Hiro doesn't know how to control himself and whenever he wants to help he ends up making a big mess, I wouldn't be surprised if the police chase him, after all that's how it's always been』.

There was an awkward silence in the atmosphere at the end of Yaiba's words, because although we all knew what Hiro was and that he is a good guy, the crazy and crazy idea that he is the most persecuted by the law was more possible than we thought. Yaiba after finishing his sentence and reading the environment this one looked guilty and even regretful for what he just said about his friend.

『Of course not! Hiro is the nicest guy we're ever going to meet!』

Rom broke the silence by giving a big pat on the back to Hiro who could resist it, the smile and encouragement accompanied with Rom's words brought this place back to life.

『He may cause disasters on his way, but he does it for the sake of others! He doesn't hesitate for a second to lend a hand to others, that's how it's been since we met him, right guys!!!! Always with a smile on his face and his fist in the sky! That's what Hiro is, he gives security and confidence to those who don't have it, he's the example of effort and pride!!! He is our friend! He is Hiro! So as his friend that I am, I can't allow you to talk bad about him in my company, even if it's speculations』.

At the words from Rom's heart all of us who listened had only one thing in mind, we looked at Rom as if his words were the most sacred thing in the world, quickly we too were infected by his encouragement.

『Right! Hiro may be clueless, but he's a good guy』-『Heroes like Hiro with the closest to become and rise as Gods on this cold night』-『Exactly!!!! If anyone ever doubts Hiro again, I myself! Crow-sama will make them understand the truth!』-『But what was I thinking of saying that, even if it wasn't meant to distress you, sorry Hiro, you're a good boy』.

We each addressed Hiro with words that without thinking we said, but it was the whole truth, no one would take the role that Hiro has if he is not as determined as he is. The little Hero hearing the words of his friends, he rejoiced and showed a big smile on his face, as is typical of him he raised his arm in the air, the atmosphere was filled with euphoria and joy in a few moments.

『(You are wrong...I am not what you think.... I am not going to do it anymore..... I have already made the decision.... but I have to resist a little more..... so that this smile you see is genuine and I am worthy of receiving your words friends)』

Hiro in his full false motivation, his smile was seen to decay when he heard the tears, this one looking at his friends saw that everyone was crying, but it was not because of sadness, looking at his side, the little Hero understood by calming down, all the gang except one and I were crying because of how magnificent he was, (ಥ﹏ಥ) That's right, we were all crying for Rom because of his words that always lift our spirits in the worst moment, it was like seeing a humble God.

『(Eh? Why am I crying too? oh...I see, so that's what a real leader is like)』.

I was able to come to my senses where I quickly understood. Hiro who was observing everything felt calm looking with a warm smile at the scene, where again black ashes were falling on the ground that seemed to be thicker and more abundant than before.

A few minutes passed where the ShinganCrimsonZ Band now that all its members were reunited they started to rehearse, where Hiro and I were in the front row listening and watching how they were preparing, listening to them I could notice how they put their feelings and heart in each note, the singing transmitted everything they wanted to give, their efforts and days of rehearsal gave fruits, but this was not enough, that fruit would be the juiciest of all, and not only them, several bands would also give the best of them in that awaited day.

When I turned to see Hiro I could see how he was staring at the band and how they were playing their music and we were listening to the singing, when I saw him I could notice that he is a music lover, well, not for nothing he always wears headphones around his neck. At the end of his rehearsal it seems Hiro just remembered something.

『Right!!! Careless of me ,what I came for』.

Hiro quickly went to the band to ask them several questions that he seemed to have been looking for answers for a long time. He passed from member to member where the answers were different but the same and each with their different point of view.

"Oh, I remembered that too!

I got up from the seat as I remembered something obvious, where without further ado I approached Aion, I had to talk to him regarding a very important topic. While Hiro after several answers that wouldn't be the most correct ones, I had the most hopeful one in front of me, I asked Rom who would gladly accept.

"Rom, what does it mean to you to be a Hero and what am I?

Hiro without hesitation would ask the question to his friend, the little Hero had his eyes up looking seriously at Rom, who smiles taking a seat.

"What is a Hero? Well, a Hero is someone strong, isn't it, but if I have to go deeper it would be, a Hero is you, because you're the only one I know hahahaha』

Rom gave his answer first as a joke and simple to then give a more concrete and even literally, Hiro at this was confused, he expected much more from him but ended up giving him a null answer for him.

『I am a hero?....So what am I! Do you know? if you know please tell me!!!! I need to know!!! If I know everything will be solved!!!』

Hiro became upset raising his voice which was indistinguishable from usual, Rom at this was calm and quickly deduced what was going on.

『Eh? You want to know so badly? Someone asked you for it as a homework, right? Yes, that must be it, but I already helped you a lot with what I said, I support my friends, I'm the one who gives them a hand and a push, I'm not the one who solves their life, you have to find the answer yourself』.

Rom's sincere words were calm and gave confidence, Hiro knowing that he won't get any more answer this one simply said thank you, without knowing that again he had the answer directly, it was in his eyes the answer that he longs to know more and more but ignores without realizing it. While on the other side I had also finished talking to Aion.

『Thank you very much for taking care of Ailane, eh, blue dog?』

『My name is M tall friend (This guy is taller than Syl, I look like a flea next to him.....)』 （;￣︶￣）

『According to M, ¡!!!! I have received a message from an enigmatic being, thanks to you contacting me The God of the Dark Sun I can finally go to the dazzling mountain where all the bonds of darkness, red and purple thorns, will have a worthy rival, I will look forward to that day, to that hour when everything will be decided 』

『Oh! What a surprise, and I introduce myself kuku jijiji jajiji jajaja hehehehe, they call me the Blue Dog or also the Purple Cat, mostly lolicon, but so far no one calls me God of Destruction if that's what I am....Bueno leaving the jokes, don't talk like that in front of your sister please』.

I finished now if talking and agreeing with Ailane's brother, Aion, he's a nice guy but he's shy, he can't talk properly if he doesn't have his hand in his mouth, besides in most of our conversation he's been saying nonsense that doesn't even come to the point....but well, this should be enough. As I looked to the side I noticed that someone was watching us, it was Crow who was staring at me.

『Hey, don't you feel that Aion is too tall? Don't you think it's a little unfair?』

『Now that you say it, he's the biggest guy I've ever seen in my whole life, next to him we look insignificant』.

"Isn't that right? Sometimes I think he snatched my height with some of his weird words he says all the time, *tsch* Crow-sama is big, he has everything big, the heart, the fist, the pride, but it's no use if I'm not big literally!!!』-『Quick, drink milk with me, one day we'll be bigger than everyone and they'll stop making fun, !!!!! ARRGGGGGG!!! Why did that brat make fun of me too!!!』

Crow pulled out of nowhere a bottle of milk where he gave it to me without thinking, when I saw him again he was drinking milk non-stop, bottle after bottle in front of his friend and partner Aion and talking without hiding any hair from his sister's tongue.

『Mocking? no no, I don't mind my height, rather I'm satisfied, I'm not a dwarf but I'm not a giant either, it suits me perfectly because I'm normal, don't you think?』

『Eh? What do you mean, normal? So we are normal? I knew it! They're the weird ones!!! we little ones are normal!!!! Take that altotes jajajajajajajajaa』

Crow fearlessly pointed his finger and taunted his partner where his partner just ignored him knowing this moment would pass. While I was confused with the weird issue I just witnessed, now that I see it, Crow and I are the same height, I think we are not dwarfs at all, well.....in a world where all males are tall and where most easily pass 6'5" well I guess if we are considered small. Crow must be in trauma.....as was to be expected from the ruckus he was causing, Rom gave his partner a hard smack to get him to cut the crap.

『What did I say about not badmouthing our friends!!!』

『I'm sorry....』

We talked for a little longer and the band was already leaving, where Hiro and I were confused because the green light was still on, suggesting that there was still time left for the end of their hour.

『We are leaving now, we have rehearsed a lot and finally we could recover our fragments, I heard Hiro at the beginning that you had to practice right? You can use the rest of the time to rehearse, see you at the Festival, see you later』.

Rom waved goodbye waving his hand where the band left us all is rehearsal studio they rented, definitely this band left me a better impression than the other one we visited, well, it's also a good band but that guy is like the black sheep, just like here they have Crow who causes disasters and argues with everyone.

『Well Hiro, finally after so long, we can rehearse together』.

We got down to business where I quickly wanted to put my piano together, when I opened the case I found something interesting, inside I found fragments of Melodisians, where Hiro out of his curiosity stuck his head in to see as well.

『Crystals? What are you doing with them disciple 』

I don't know what these were doing here, although the only thing I can think of is that Ailane before leaving put them there inside the case for me to finish delivering them. Without further speculation I went on to tell Hiro the truth of everything, although I don't know if he was listening or just ignoring my words, but I wanted him to understand that the threat he was fighting with was already over.

『They said before they left that they recovered their fragments, we already returned their fragments to another gang as well, then the missing ones are these, I think the gang they belong to is one called Arcareafact』.

『Eh? Arcareafact? I know a member, I can give him the crystals』

"Really? Perfect, then I'll give it to you Hiro』.

Already calmer for knowing that we had already returned all the fragments, well no, but it is already understood that yes, we were a good while talking regarding this topic, but anyway I can't get this out of my mind, he really paid attention to me when I explained everything about Ailane and the parasite....I hope so, I wouldn't like him to fight her again and leave her in a horrible state.

『Hey, about that day, what else happened? I'm sorry but I didn't hear anything, I just know that you left Ailane badly injured 』

I asked since I was thinking about that topic, as soon as I mentioned that day accompanied with the name of the little girl, Hiro did not avoid remembering with sadness and doubts that rainy day, how in front of him that officer died, the blood and the black mass coming out of his body, he remembers it perfectly.

『That day? Ailane?.....Ailane..... that's her name.....Nothing!!!! Nothing else happened!!! There were a few stirs that she escaped me, but after that nothing happened, everything was fine and good as always!!!!! Don't talk nonsense disciple, in my presence nothing can go wrong!!!』

『Seriously? Ufffff what a relief, and stop insulting me pinche niño!!!!! I fixed your problem by saving Ailane, if I hadn't acted you would have killed her indi....no....sería directly, but well, don't worry about that, it's in the past, ah! And she doesn't hold any grudge Ailane』

『Eh? Ah, right right, you saved Ailane hahahaha, rather that you can heal otherwise I would have killed her hahahaha, how nice how nice hahahahahahaha, really that's very nice hahahahahaha thank you very much M hahahahahahahaha』.

Hiro was smiling and laughing like a little kid, when I saw him the first thing I thought is that I don't know what's going on in this kid's head, when I saw him laughing so hard that he was even shedding some tears, I placed myself in front of him and I could clearly see inside his mouth, I don't know why it was but I was curious enough to put my finger in and touch his bell. *As expected Hiro closed his mouth abruptly biting my finger, I quickly pulled it out blowing my finger and he again justifying that I shouldn't do things that I wouldn't like to be done to me.

『It was just a little joke...you shouldn't be so rough....(☍﹏⁰)｡ Eh? Wait, is it me or did he say thank you?....』

After that conversation we decided it was time to rehearse, although the first thing that came to my mind is to switch to my Lucario Form and transport us inside my mind so I could choose what to play.

『Eh? Again wanting to rape my mind? Besides we don't need any of that! I already told you I wrote an original song of mine!!!!! Now let's play it!!!』

Hiro with his spirits to the max threw me a paper he had kept, I was expecting that on that paper there were musical notes to play, but my surprise and confusion was that there were only scribbles that an elementary school kid would do, I was weird where Hiro started to sing a lyric, I was confused where Hiro with his hand was telling me to start playing.

『(What do you want me to play if I don't know what to play!!!)』

Besides the lyrics Hiro was saying didn't seem to have logic, he was throwing completely random words and his tone of voice like the genre changed from one moment to another, I without further ado because of how weird Hiro is and because of the annoyance that entered me I also decided to play the piano in a crazy and uncontrolled way, the result was a horrifying song of the worst you can imagine, I was annoyed but I limited myself to hide it.

『(This is your original song?..... You didn't have anything planned right?!!!! You made up that song thing at the time for sure to make those little kids, Balt and Nickel happy!!!! Right Hiro? *sigh* You don't have to lie to make others happy, it mostly just ends up in disappointment)』

After coming to that conclusion I stopped playing, a part of this horrible song stopped, but that wasn't all, Hiro was still singing loudly, thickly, sharply, sharply, tearfully, angrily, sufferingly, madly, he was singing anyway and for no reason, it's like he was reluctantly letting off steam. Because of the awfulness of this, I did not avoid wanting to plug my ears.

『(Eh? Why do I keep hearing her singing?)』

When I found out I only covered my human ears, but my animal ears were unprotected, that's when I just realized that I have 4 ears, but what kind of a semi-furred being have I become!!!!

.....At last silence reigned in the atmosphere, I gave a sigh of relief and agitation for what I had to suffer, while Hiro was sweating, he was agitated, in his face you could see that with this he wanted to free himself from everything that worried him, without further Hiro addressed me.

『Hey M, for you what is to be a Hero? For you..... what am I?』

Between panting from the exhaustion of singing randomly, he turned to see me already calmer, where I after wagging my tail and ears would answer him.

『A Hero is someone who generates a smile in people and takes away your worries, and you Hiro, you're just a kid, period』.

With those last words I was leaving the place, I kept my piano in the case, I had nothing more to do, the promise to be with Hiro in the Band Festival is something that can't be realized, and it's because there was never a song or something prepared to show. Hiro hearing my words only remained silent, I felt that I had to leave, I felt uncomfortable about this.

『(I think I already gave too much time to Ailane, now it's your turn to be alone)』

Pom.....The door of the studio closed, the place was silent where it seemed that the only living being on earth was Hiro, the green light changed to a red one signaling that it's time to go.

『I am not a child.....*tsch* I am not a child.....』

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♩♭𝄞𝄢♡𝄡♬☸♪★♫☾🎶🎼𓏢𝄪☛𝄫֍𝄞♮♯ღ𝄫♬♩✌🎶𝄢𓏢☪♬♪𝄪🎼♩𝄡𝄫🎵♮🎵𓏢♫♮♯𝄢☯𓇼㋡⚉

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Hiro without further ado walked quietly down the street, no longer even trying to be stealthy, he only wore the hood so that his face could not be seen, and in his look there was no longer a smile, only a serious face, in his hand he carried a bag with food, again his route that we could say daily, between the lights he walked through a dark alley, where when he looked down he saw a manhole cover, where without further Hiro placed himself to the side to wait for someone.

It is not known how much time passed, Titan was entering the alley where he saw a hooded man sitting next to a wall.

『Till you finally come, little horns』.

The hooded guy spoke, where Titan didn't back away, rather he was surprised by what he was seeing.

『Hiro? It's you, isn't it Hiro?』

He said it with doubt but it was clear that it was Hiro, but his appearance was different, he didn't change much to how we know him, only now he has a tired look and he even had dark circles under his eyes, and his hair was messy, as I said before, it's unknown how much time passed, or is it that he was finally getting the bill for not resting all these days of being a Hero and helping people.

『You look different, you haven't rested have you? wouldn't you like to join me for lunch and a shower?』

Titan wanted to help his friend, but Hiro just handed him the bag of food in his hand.

『Please give them to Balt and Nickel, it will surely make them happy, tell them that my promise to sing at the Band Festival...still stands, tell them that I have been rehearsing hard with my partner, we will dazzle and bring a smile to everyone that day』.

『Eh? Yeah sure, but you Hiro, you're really fine, I never thought I'd see you like that』.

Hiro's tone of voice and acting were completely to what we know, he was subdued and sincere, his body seemed to be moving more freely than before, Titan knew that there was something wrong with his friend, but Hiro simply replied.

『Thank you very much』-『Ah! I also give you the fragments of the little crystals you guys have right, with this you should be fine now and you can introduce yourselves』.

He showed his other hand where he showed the fragments of the Melodisians, he gave them to his friend Titan who received it doubtfully, taking advantage of this, Titan brought up a topic of conversation that we don't know how Hiro would react.

『They already told me everything, about that little girl Ailane and the parasite, how could I know that she wasn't the true Queen of Darkness, but anyway I also found out about that day, about that officer』.

Titan mentioned something that hurt a lot for the little boy, Hiro at this did not say a single word, but it was clear that he heard everything from his friend.

『What a tragedy, even if that girl wasn't directly guilty, it doesn't take away that she had something to do with all this, she was involved, maybe, just maybe, she acted and committed that act while she was still possessed, or not...or so I thought before I was told the truth, but I still have my doubts, as many say, to believe, you must see it with your own eyes, right? Since there have been no attacks on other gangs and everything has been peaceful, then all is well, no? Hiro』

『Of course, everything is fine, that girl named Ailane wasn't to blame for anything, no one has to scold her, right!!!! See you then cuernitos!!!! Ah!!! By the way, what do you think is a...no, better not *smiles*』

Before Titan's words of deduction, playing with the words as he is, he made a comment about what he thought about the subject, where Hiro answered in the same way, where maybe for the last time he showed again that Hero attitude he has and left with that big smile on his face, without further Hiro put on his headphones leaving Titan alone in that dark alley.

The bustles of cars, the bustle of people, the lights all over the city illuminating the sky, the advertisements and the different bands that were performing, it was an ordinary day in MidiCity, which was being watched by Hiro on the top of a building.

『Well, besides I had already made up my mind, I will find the answer myself that he is a Hero』.

The little boy after all that happened will finally start to act and he himself with his actions will find out what it is to be a Hero and what he is, where also the ashes little by little showed signs of rising.

-------------------------------------------→ Continuara