"Are you sure that was the right choice Hiro?"
I stopped, turning around to see Pinkie, who had her arms crossed as she walked towards me, her body wrapped in a pink cloak.
"Of course, since when I have been wrong?" I said, teasing her while giving her a grin.
"You got lucky you know, thanks to that stupid thing around your neck," she said, reaching my side.
"Hey, it doesn't like being called that!" I unconsciously reached for my key, which was underneath my shirt. "And besides, it's not as if I know everything about her life. I'm not the one she needs."
"Yeah, well you're everyone's 'Hiro,' aren't you?"
I turned away from her sighing. "Well, my nickname is Hiro, so I guess I am everyone's, right?"
I felt her punch me from behind, and I winced as I held my back. "That hurt you know."
She walked around me, reaching my front once more, stopping inches away from me and raked her hand through her hair. "That doesn't change the reason why she's dangerous you know. Who knows what she's going to do to him?"
Once upon a time, her being near me wouldn't have bothered me; on the contrary, it would've bugged me to no end. I lowered my hand, gazing up at the grey clouds above.
"You know what I saw today?"
"Hmm? What?"
I turned back around, my eyes to the ground. "A sight I'm familiar with." I walked a step away before turning around. "It was a look that said that she had lost all hope, that she had no chance to ever recover it. My little sister had that look not too long ago, and that damn image pisses me off whenever I imagine it."
I clenched my hands into fists. "Who am I to try to deny her that sliver she's been offered? I can't help her, so I have to leave it to those two."
I felt a small hand reach mine, and I looked into Pinkie's eyes. "You're stupid."
"A lovable genius indeed," I murmured, shaking off her hand as the memory burned into me came forth again. Auburn hair, a face too cute to be crying, pleading me to save her from the depths of her despair.
"Anyway Pinkie, if that's all you needed from me, I'll be taking my leave now. I still have another hopeless one to confront today."
"If he dies, I'm blaming you."
"It won't come to that, since I'm making sure that this time, the love story ends with a happy ending. And that's a promise I'm keeping." Especially since how the last one turned out…
I waved her goodbye, not looking behind me as I did so, and continued on my way to see Depra.
A couple minutes later, and it seemed I had arrived a bit too early, as I could still see Mestra still talking to him. It was an empty parking lot near an abandoned school, and I was hiding near some bushes as I crouched down, waiting for them to finish.
"Damn was that rough though," I murmured to myself, laying down on my backpack. I'm so tired, I could sleep right now. I looked back up towards the clearing sky, sighing to myself. I just hope she finds what she's looking for with Depra.
I could hear footsteps approaching, and I watched as Mestra walked by me, not noticing my presence.
"Am I really that unnoticeable?" I asked, and she looked down at me, frowning.
"You're early. Well, I'm glad you didn't die."
"Nah, I can't die, I've got too much to live for at the moment," I said, sitting up. "Anyway, you finished?"
"Yes, I said what needed to be said. But I don't know if he's taking it too well." She gazed back at him, worry filling her face. "Well, it should be fine."
"What did you tell him?"
She sighed, flipping her red hair back. "Enough. I told him enough to get the general picture. And you, what did you say?"
"Well, I had to test her is all, so she's probably alright. But, there's a blue-haired girl if you start heading back to the school, and she'll take you to Pandy."
She scowled. "Since when do you call her that?"
I got to my feet, brushing myself off. "Since today, that's all. She might need someone to talk too, but she's not sad or anything, you can trust me on that one." She pursed her lips at my words.
"Well, so long as she's alright. Take care partner."
I nodded, and she walked off into the distance. I scratched my hair, grabbing my backpack as I looked over to where Depra was. He seemed to be staring at the sky above, completely motionless.
"Alright, here comes round two baby," I said, hyping myself up for my second talk.
I walked up to him, waving at him. "Yooo! How's it going Depra!?"
He turned his head, looking at me. "Oh, it's you Hiro. What are you doing here?"
"I was just passing by, and whadda yah know, I found a wild Depra in the wild, so I just had to catch him!"
He let out a slight smile. "Very funny." He looked back up at the sky, sighing.
Damn, what did she say to him? Making my job a lot harder damnit. "Hey, let's go. Standing here won't do you any good. Besides, the real reason why I'm here is so that you can sleep over today. Tomorrow's Halloween, so we need costumes for the Hidden Club's activity, and I'm sure you don't have one."
He nodded before turning back to me. "Yeah, I don't have one this time. Where do you wanna go?"
"How about Monster Mall? They normally have good costumes there."
He nodded again before walking past me, leaving me alone with a scowl on my face. I watched him walk ahead before he turned back around to look at me.
"What's wrong?"
I shook my head. "Nothing. C'mon, let's get some matching costumes, alright?"
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"Ah hell yeah, matching costumes!" I said triumphantly, raising my bag high in the air.
The sun had nearly set now, and we were walking back home under the streetlights. Depra had a similar bag in his hand that he was swinging back and forth, and he smiled at my ridiculousness.
"I wouldn't exactly call it matching, since we're not even the same thing."
"Huh? Whadda ya talking about? Vampy and Wolfy are a pair like no other! I'm Wolfy, and you're Vampy!"
He tilted his to look at me, frowning. "Um, but I'm the Werewolf, aren't I?"
Ah, he doesn't know about those two. "Sorry, inside joke."
"Yeah, and I hate nature."
I rolled my eyes. "I have a sneaking suspicion on what that really means. Anyway, Eris should be home today, so you can talk to her about whatever you need to."
He smiled. "You planned it that way?"
I laughed. "Please, you know that I'm not like that. I go with the natural flow of things and adapt quickly!"
"So, you planned it?"
I gave him a light punch. "How the hell could I have planned this out in the span of a day!? Cut me some slack man!"
He started to laugh. "It would be like you to do something over the top such as this. But I guess even you have limits huh?"
"You're right, they far surpass yours, for I am the lovable genius Hiro!"
He shook his head in disbelief. "If you have limits, what does that say about me?"
I pulled him back, yawning as I put both of us to a stop. "Duh, it makes us human." We watched a crack of lightning strike in front of us, and we both looked at each.
"… I can see why you hate nature."
"See, I'm glad you finally get it!"
I chuckled, and Depra started walking again while I looked up at the relatively clear sky. Who the hell was that? Do they not know who I am?
"Hiro, what's wrong?"
I shook my head, sighing. I'm too tired to think about this crap, and I still need to talk to him. "It's nothing, don't worry about it."
We continued on our way, and it wasn't until we were about halfway home that I decided to bring it up.
"Hey, I need to talk to you about something."
Depra looked at me, messing with one of his long locks of hair. "Really? That doesn't happen very often. Is something wrong?"
"Ah, no, it's not about me. It's actually about you, and that girl you've been hanging out with."
"Me and Pandora? What about us?"
Us. Yeah, I figured that was the case. "Well, you've got some news you would like to tell me, right?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing ever gets past you, does it?"
"Well, I would think it's been pretty obvious, considering I've been making sure no one interferes."
He looked alarmed. "Wait, people tried to interfere!?"
I laughed at his reaction. "You didn't notice all the people rooting for you? Half the school knows about it at this point you know. You aren't exactly trying to hide it."
"Oh, I thought we did a pretty good job." Well, it doesn't help that she has quite the fan club at school. Even upperclassmen would like a chance with her, but I doubt Depra knew about that, since, well, you know.
"Anyway, you're not gonna tell me it's all fake and all the work I did was for nothing, right?"
He shook his head, his hair whishing around with him. "Oh no, we're, uh…" He trailed off as he stopped, and I walked in front of him before turning around. "Yeah, I guess we are dating, aren't we?"
"You're not sure!?"
"Oh no, it's not like that at all," he said, waving his hands frantically. "Well, it just doesn't feel real, you know? Like I'm in a wonderful dream that could end at any moment."
Well, I guess that way of thinking is fine for now. "Trust me, this isn't a dream. There isn't anyone who can morph reality anymore."
"Anymore?"
Ah fuck, that slipped out. "Oh, I got confused with a game I played. Anyway, congratulations all the same Depra! Still, I wasn't expecting you of all people to get a girlfriend first."
He nodded. "I always thought it would be you."
"Yeah, well, you beat me. Can't say that I'm not jealous, but seriously, how the hell did you get someone that hot?"
He shrugged. "I dunno. She asked me out, so maybe she's liked me this entire time?"
I see, so even when they first met, she was already… "Even more lucky of you huh? Looks like you're not all bad luck after all."
"I guess you're right about that," he said, nodding to himself.
"Well, now that you've got yourself a girlfriend, there's something I need to say."
"Okay, go for it."
"Be careful."
I could tell that wasn't what he was expecting as my playful tone turned serious. "Wha-what are you talking about?"
"How much do you like this girl?"
"What? Where the hell is this coming from!?"
"If you don't think she's worth it, then I suggest you back out now and never speak to her again."
His arms started trembling as his hand clenched into fists. "I, I!"
I walked to him, putting my hands on his shoulders. "What is she to you, Depra King?"
Silence as he looked down, and I gripped his shoulders even tighter. He looked up, and I could see his eyes unwavering.
"I believe, if it's her, then everything will be alright."
I closed my eyes, sighing. Well, I expected this. I'll trust those two's feelings over the facts this time. "Just know that everyone has secrets, and when you come to hear hers, you may not like them. Always remember, there's always two sides to a story, and you should hear both before making a decision."
I opened my eyes, smiling at him. "Well, I have faith in the both of you. Don't make me regret my decision, alright?"
"You make it sound as if something horrible going to happen soon."
I laughed as I backed away. "Trust me, nothing bad's gonna happen, not on my watch, for I am the 'Hiro' who'll always protect this city!"
He scowled. "Sometimes, I can never tell if you say your nickname or hero."
"Well, I am your 'Hiro,' aren't I? You decided which one I am."
I couldn't see his eyes, but I knew he was glaring at me. Well, he'll find out one day.
"C'mon brother, I need some Luna food in my belly already, and you need to talk to my annoying older sister."
"She isn't that bad."
I rolled my eyes. "Try knowing her for over 12 years."
"You've known her that long!?"
"For almost as long as I've known Luna. I met her before Luna," I said as we continued to walk back home.
"Huh, I never realized that. I guess you guys are pretty close."
"Close doesn't even describe it anymore man," I grumbled. I don't even wanna think about it at the moment.
"I see, so you're inseparable?" I gave him another light punch.
"Oh, whatever. It's just complicated. I'll tell you about it one day."
"How many things do you plan to tell me 'one day?'" Oh yeah, he's got jokes now, doesn't he?
"That jokester Pandy really taught you a lot huh?"
"Huh? Pandy?" He looked bewildered as he heard me call her that.
"Oh, I talked to her today before I went with you."
"Hey, I wanted to be there when it happened!" He gave me a light punch as I laughed.
"It was great, we both had this banter going on, you really should've been there. Darling really is something else."
"Wait, 'darling!?' What the hell happened between you two?"
"Well, it's an inside joke. Like how you hate nature."
Depra put his hand to his chin, his brain probably working overdrive trying to figure out what happened. "Oh, I'll have to ask her next time I see her."
"This is going off-topic now, but how are you doing with those episodes of yours?"
"Oh, those," he said flatly, and he bit his lip slightly. "Well, since I've started to date Pandora, none."
Alarm bells started go off in my brain. "Is that good?"
He shook his head. "I don't know. It's why this all feels like a dream, you know? Although, I have so many nightmares now that I can barely sleep at night nowadays, so maybe that's making it up?"
"I shudder to think that's how it works Depra. But, it's progress, right?"
"I trade passing out randomly to passing out to sleep deprivation. Yay." Yeah, I shouldn't have said that.
This is quite worrying, I thought as I run my hand over my hair. What exactly could it mean? I could feel myself getting frustrated. Damnit Hiro, he's right there, and there isn't a damn thing you can do!?
"Well, I get the feeling it'll be over soon though," Depra muttered, bringing me out from my thoughts.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it's a dream, and all dreams come to an end," he said. "It's been a while since I've had a normal dream, so this is enough for me, you know? Even when it does end eventually…"
You shouldn't have to settle like that. "Don't give up, okay? This must mean something, right? I'll try to figure out something, so I'll let you know if I find anything." He nodded, and we drifted off into comfortable silence.
"Oh, we're here," I said, having reached my house. The sun had long gone down by now, and I could see some lights on inside my house. I pulled out my house key and opened it.
"I'm back, and I've brought Depra too!" I yelled out towards the kitchen as Depra and I took off our shoes, and I saw Luna rushing towards me, wearing a light blue apron.
"Oh, big bro, you're home!" She gave me a quick hug before turning to Depra. "Are you staying here too big bro?"
"Big… bro?" Luna nodded at Depra's words
"Yep, you're my big bro now big bro!" She gave him a hug, which decimated Depra's defenses, and she skipped back into the kitchen.
"Hiro?"
"Hai, Hiro-desu."
"I know what you mean by how she's super effective…"
I laughed as I patted him on the back. "Yep, you're now officially a part of the club now. I'm going to prepare your room, so talk to Eris while I'm up there, got it?"
He nodded, and I walked up the stairs to the guest bedroom, and I scowled at the mess.
"Damnit, she didn't even try to clean up after herself. Damn Miku rip-off," I grumbled to myself as I cleaned up all the empty bags of chips, soda bottles, a variety of sweets, and just trash in general.
It took me a while, but I finally finished. I sat on the bed before yawning, falling backwards. It's been a rough couple of days, especially with me trying to prepare for something really important…
I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket, and I frowned at who it was.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Depra's there with you, isn't he?"
Such a silly girl. "Lachesis, stop spying on him already. I'm tired, so unless it's important, I'm hanging up."
"It's drawing closer you know."
"Yeah, yeah, if something like that would happen, don't you think someone would've handled it by now on my side of things?"
"I told you that in confidence, and you still struggle to believe me?"
"It's not that, but I struggle to think how much worse he's gonna get, especially to the point you claim he's going to be. You're clearly not telling me something."
Silence, and I sat back up. "Whatever, just know in the end, it might not have come to this, especially since you're the one who fucked him over so bad that he's like this."
"I'm not having this conversation again."
She still doesn't get it. I sighed, scratching my cheek. "Anyway, is that all? He's here with me, so don't worry about it."
"We'll talk more later Lachesis. Right now, food made from the goddess Luna is awaiting me, and I can't keep it waiting forever."
I could hear her sigh. "Fine, we'll talk more in person." I heard a click, and then she hung up.
I just wish she would understand is all…
I heard someone knock, and I groaned as got up. "Yeah, it's open."
Luna walked in, sitting next to me. "What's up?"
"Oh, Big Bro Depra is talking to big sis, so I felt I shouldn't bother them," she said, and I patted her on the head, smiling.
"Good girl. Oh, I have an idea for you lil sis."
She looked up at me curious. "What is it?"
I grinned, and I told her my plan of action…