It was a bright Sunday morning. A young child looked out of his window and greeted the sun with a smile. The boy had raven hair and bright green eyes. His face showed hints of the handsome man he would become. His innocent smile lit up the room, spreading joy all around him.
"Alucard, time to get up; it's breakfast time already," a young man's voice called out.
Alucard glanced at his bedside table and saw that it was 8:30 AM. The thought of breakfast widened the boy's smile and made his stomach growl. After quickly rushing in and out of the bathroom, Alucard hurried downstairs to their moderately sized home. In the kitchen, wearing a black apron, was a handsome young man with similar colored hair and facial features as Alucard, but his eyes were adorned with sea-blue instead. He was focused on flipping two pans filled with eggs, while multiple layers of French toast were seen on the table.
Alucard ran to his seat and exclaimed, "Breakfast! Whoo!"
The yell was loud enough to startle the young man, nearly causing him to drop the eggs onto the floor. Irritatedly, he said, "Hey, don't yell so loud. And instead of helping me, you ran to your seat. Huh. I guess you don't want dinner tonight?"
Frightened, Alucard instantly stood up and apologized, "Sorry, brother, I will go get the water."
Alucard's brother added, "Get orange juice too."
After breakfast was ready, the two sat next to each other facing the television. A cartoon of a rabbit and a hunter was playing. Both had smiles on their faces while laughing at the chase between the hunter and the rabbit.
"Shhh, be very, very quiet; it's wra-"
The television cut off, and a news special report interrupted their fun. The brothers protested, but when the news showed a scene of a beautiful woman with black hair and blue eyes in a white superhero costume floating while a white aura surrounded her, along with a handsome man with red hair and green eyes wearing red, the two stopped eating.
Alucard stood up and walked closer to the television, his eyes filled with excitement. "Look, bro, it's mom and dad! They are saving people! Wow!"
The older brother looked unimpressed and flatly stated, "Yeah, they are always on TV. Get back to your food before it gets cold."
Alucard was not bothered by his brother's lukewarm response. He knew his brother disliked superheroes. He never understood why. On the other hand, he was very proud to have such amazing parents who were saving the world every day.
The two watched the TV and, the news report described the scene vividly. "The hero couple, Kinetica and Quick Blood, just arrived. Prior to their arrival, the villains were attacking a jewelry store. The villains used fire blasts to attack the store and its security. The lives of the civilians within the store and the security are unknown."
Then the camera swiftly moved to the woman in white. She was swerving in the air, dodging all the fire blasts aimed at her. The villain, a medium height with a large build, his face covered with flame-like tattoos, was laughing maniacally while blasting her with fireballs released from both hands. Suddenly, he felt a strong kick to his right knee, immediately losing balance and falling to the floor. The man in red flashed behind the villain and delivered a powerful blow. He didn't stop there; he hit him on both temples quickly, making it seem like he had four arms instead of two.
BAM BAM BAM BAM
The punches seemed to attack the same spot on both sides of the villain's head. Stopping, Quick Blood saw that the punches were indeed effective, and the villain lost consciousness. Kinetica then caused thick white handcuffs to float to her partner, who immediately tied up the villain.
Police nearby ran up to apprehend the unconscious offender, and the news reporter quickly followed suit.
"That was amazing. You both stopped the villain before he could do much damage. And you arrived so quickly," the excited reporter said with great enthusiasm.
Kinetica responded, "Of course, we have to arrive fast and prevent any harm to the civilians. Why would the government pay us to come late?"
Her voice was not only friendly but also pleasant to hear for all that were present, causing everyone to laugh and listen attentively. Quick Blood also laughed and added, "Couldn't agree more. It is our responsibility as heroes to save everyone we can, even at the cost of ourselves. This is our sworn duty."
This remark made everyone present cheer loudly.
Alucard was copying his father's punches in the air while jumping up and down. When he heard what his mother said, he also laughed. His brother made no reaction throughout the interview, calmly eating his food.
When he heard Quick Blood's comment…
CRACK
Looking back, Alucard saw the metal spoon his brother was holding was broken.
His brother, without an expression, said, "We need to clean up soon. I also have to study for my exam tomorrow."
Hearing his brother speak of exams, Alucard knew it was time to hurry up. Alucard knew his brother was exceedingly intelligent, and his exams were usually extremely hard.
"Whoosh," Alucard said with his hands in front of himself. He picked up his plate and his brother's plate and walked to the sink.
"Whoosh."
The elder brother couldn't help himself from smiling at the small bundle of joy in front of him. He quickly got up and left to study in his room.
Alucard hummed a song while doing the dishes. Even though he was young, his brother had forced him to learn all the housework. He could even cook for himself; however, he preferred to eat only his brother's meals.
After breakfast, he knew he had to study as well, or else he would be scolded, but the ever-enticing outdoors were calling his name.
He slowly crept towards the front door.
Step Step Step
Each step was taken with the utmost care. He didn't even hear his own steps. He was so close to the front door, touching the doorknob.
"Alucard!"
He heard his name being called and knew he would be locked in his room until lunchtime if he continued. Like a defeated soldier, he dragged himself back to his room while staring at the ground, thinking, "I will be faster next time." He made a fist up to his heart and silently promised himself.
Alucard and his brother studied in their individual rooms until lunchtime, and then he was allowed to go out and play. But by then, it was getting colder, and he decided to stay home.
Alucard begged his brother to play with him, even though he knew of the difficulty of his brother's school; he wanted to play.
The elder brother became helpless and agreed. They played all kinds of board games, video games, and then watched more cartoons.
Night had fallen.
The bright sunny day filled with sounds of the city quieted down to murmurs, and the two brothers were sitting side by side watching television, laughing continuously. It was soon going to be dinnertime.
"Duck season."
"Wabbit season."
"Duck season."
"Wabbit season."
Alucard then looked at the time and asked, "Hey, bro, when are they coming back?"
The elder brother's smile left his face the moment he heard the question and flatly said, "Who knows. I will start on dinner in thirty minutes; if they don't come back, then they can eat whatever is leftover."
Without dropping his smile, Alucard nodded and stared at the television again.
DING DONG
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Alucard hurriedly stood up, and the elder brother sighed and complained, "I guess I have to make more food."
Hearing his brother, Alucard laughed and increased his speed to the door. Opening the door was the woman in white and the man in red they had seen on the television hours ago.
"MOM, DAD!!!"
Alucard ran to his parents and jumped onto them.
Both used their powers to quickly catch the child. Quick Blood ran faster than any human could, while Kinetica caught the boy and kept him in the air.
"Hahaha."
"Hahaha."
"Hahaha."
All three merrily laughed while walking inside the house. The moment their steps were through the door, they heard the elder brother.
"Go shower; the food will be ready soon."
The two looked embarrassed and realized that they did indeed smell of sweat and blood.
Quick Blood quickly apologized and said, "Sorry, son, we will clean up right away."
Kinetica added, "Yeah, mom is sorry too. Oh, and Dracule, we brought you the groceries you put on the refrigerator's list."
Dracule nodded and "Hmh" as his response.
Letting go of his parents, Alucard hurriedly cleaned and set up the table. They were having the family's favorite beef steak for dinner.
After setting up, Alucard sat at his plate ready to devour the steak. The child began to hum while swaying left and right, seeming too eager for his meal.
Dracule, witnessing his brother's anticipations, had a soft smile on his face.
Step Step Step
Following the fast steps, a handsome man sharing the same features as Dracule and Alucard's walked to the kitchen. The man, however, had red hair and green eyes. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a kind and loving smile.
"Thank you so much, Dracule. The food smells amazing."
Alucard added, "Bro's food always smells amazing, right, Dad?"
Quick Blood nodded and added, "Of course; no one can match your bro's cooking."
"Enough brown nosing; I won't give you more pieces of steak, regardless of what you say," Dracule said. However, he couldn't help but smile at the praise.
"Haha, of course, my son is the best," Kinetica said while floating downstairs. She was a tall beauty with long black hair and blue eyes. She had a mischievous smile on her face usually, however her loving nature was clearly visible.
"That includes you too," Dracule said. Now his smile was clearly visible for all to see.
Kinetica smiled and said, "So stingy, just like your dad."
All four laughed at this. The family had a pleasant meal. The parents kept asking questions to their sons regarding all topics.
Kinetica asked Alucard, "Lu, how does it feel that you're going to middle school soon?"
Alucard looked a bit apprehensive. "I am a bit scared to go to a new school, but most of my friends are going to the same middle school, so I am happy."
Kinetica nodded and rubbed his head while saying, "You're already 11 and you're going to go to middle school soon. You have to be like your brother and study hard."
Alucard made a grieved expression. Without even looking at him, Dracule cleared his throat. Alucard straightened his back and replied in a hurry with his oath, "Yeah, of course, Mom; I will study hard."
Quick Blood laughed and asked Dracule, "Hey, kiddo, you are already 18, and you're starting med school in the spring. When are you getting a girlfriend?"
Dracule started coughing.
Cough Cough Cough
Kinetica started making a cup float up to him.
Dracule grabbed the water and started drinking.
Kinetica then sighed, "At your age, I already had you. I want grandbabies so badly; you need to work hard, Dracule."
PFFFFFFFFF
Dracule couldn't hold the water he was drinking and spat it all over Kinetica's face.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Both Quick Blood and Alucard laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes.
Kinetica with an angry face asked her husband, "What's so funny?"
Quick Blood started laughing even harder after seeing her face.
Kinetica brought a glass to her mouth, took a large mouthful, and spat it all over Quick Blood's face.
PFFFFF
Both Kinetica and Alucard laughed while Dracule caught his breath.
"Persephone?" Quick Blood questioned.
Still laughing, Persephone asked, "What? It was an accident, Vlad."
Alucard was still laughing unceasingly.
Vlad looked at his son and said, "Funny, huh, Lu?"
Vlad, too, got a mouth full and spat at Alucard.
PFFFF
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Dracule started laughing loudly.
PFFFFF
Alucard mimicked his father and spat all over his brother.
There was a moment of silence.
Then, all four started laughing. The family continued to joke around and laugh throughout the night.
After dinner was completed, Vlad and Persephone volunteered themselves to do the dishes, saying that since Dracule and Alucard set up they should be the one to clean up.
After cleaning himself up, Alucard went to Dracule's room and knocked.
"It's open."
Alucard opened the door and saw his brother on his desk with a book in his hand.
Dracule asked, "You feel ok kiddo?"
Alucard, with his usual smile, nodded and asked. "Are you happy bro?"
Dracule showed a soft smile. He rubbed Alucard's head and nodded and said. "Yeah, I am very happy today."
Alucard smiled contentedly as he left for his room. Climbing into his bed, he stared at the clear, cloudless night sky. The small crescent of the moon could be seen. He liked how the moon was filled with potential, and he couldn't wait to see what the future would bring him.
Just as he was ready to go to sleep, he heard a knock on the door. Vlad and Persephone entered the room.
Vlad asked, "Hey buddy, you weren't asleep, were you?"
Alucard shook his head.
They walked closer. Persephone sat on his bed, and Vlad stood right beside it. Persephone rubbed Alucard's face and said, "You know we love you and your brother more than anything." Alucard gave his mother a toothy smile and nodded vigorously. Seeing this, both his parents laughed.
Vlad then continued his wife's thoughts. "We also wish we could spend all day with you both like this. But we have special powers, and that means we have a responsibility to save as many people as possible. Even though you and Dracule do not have powers, remember, Lu, the best thing you can do is to help others."
Hearing this, Alucard's usual smile decreased a little.
SMACK
Persephone hit her husband's head.
Vlad rubbed his head.
She corrected her husband's words. "He does not mean that you can get powers at any time. But honey, even if you don't have powers, it doesn't matter. You can still do much as a regular person. You have to be a person that helps people when they are in need, Ok?"
Alucard's smile returned to its regular size, and he responded, "Ok mom. And don't worry, it is hard for people to have powers; no one in my school has powers. And I am the only one that has superhero parents. HAHAH. I always tell my friends, and they say how cool it is."
The couple did not console their son any further; they too knew it was unlikely for Alucard to have powers. They usually manifest at 5 years old, and even then, there's only a percentage chance of having superpowers. But they still wished for Alucard to have a hero's heart.
Alucard then suddenly sat up and asked, "Mom and dad, my graduation is at the end of the month. You will be able to come, right?"
Persephone laughed and said, "Don't you remember, we requested off for your brother's graduation, so why would we miss yours?"
Alucard yelled, "YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!"
"GO TO SLEEP!"
Dracule's voice was heard through the wall, making all three laugh.
"SORRY!"
Alucard yelled back.
Vlad and Persephone kissed their son on the forehead, tucked him in, and left the room.
Alucard took one final look at the silent night sky. He murmured to himself, "I am pretty happy too."