Hiro’s Hero Triumphs PT.29: Triumphs of Old FINALE: The [Redacted] Incident

**99th Generation Hero, 12 years ago**

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"[redacted], it's an emergency!"

I was lazing around in one of the many recreational areas within the TRTF (this one had a bunch of private theaters that could play anything that existed in human history), about to go back to watch [redacted] [redacted].

"It can't be that serious, call one of the Hands," I grumbled, yawning as I put on the episode.

"B-but [redacted], this really is an-!" She got cut off by the entire building shaking, which shouldn't even be feasible by any sort of standard. The thing was, I had a feeling that it wasn't just this facility, but the entire TRTF.

I looked back at the soldier, who seemed to be a squad trainee, who had bright purple tipped hair. She seemed extremely agitated, although that was probably because I tried to dismiss her.

"So, mind telling me what that was?" I asked, looking back at the episode.

"Um, you might not believe this, but its [redacted] [redacted]."

I froze up, dropping both the remote and my mouth. "… Huh?"

She waved her hands around frantically as she started to sweat. "Believe me, I wouldn't believe it either if I-!"

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

I saw parts of the ceiling fall around me before the floor started to crack.

I looked back at the young lady before back at my episode. I picked up the remote and paused it, sighing to myself.

"Even if I don't believe it, the fact that the structural integrity of this place is falling apart means whoever is doing this is without a doubt strong."

I put on my gloves, half of a bright green gem inlaid at the back of my hands before nodding at her. "Alright, let's go deal with [redacted] [redacted]!"

We ran out of the recreational area together as the soldier led me to where the fight was.

"By the way, what's your name?" I asked, and she stiffened before bowing her head at me.

"It's Marissa [redacted]."

"Hmm, nice name. Not as cool as [redacted], but good enough. So, Marissa, how're the Hands doing?"

"W-well, that's the thing [redacted]-!"

"Also don't be so uptight, just call me by my name."

"U-um, right. Anyway, it's not as if they aren't doing anything, more like they can't…"

I stopped, frowning as I looked outside. "Uh, I have many questions. For one, how the hell is it snowing? And the fuck you mean they can't do anything!?"

The normally dark sky was now a light grey, with snow falling down as the fires that burned our organization seemingly set the snow alight.

"I-I don't know the specifics [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]."

"It can do that!?" If that was the case, then I'm fucked. No way I can deal with something like that.

"I think you'll be fine. It seems this is something that afflicted them long before the battle started."

That would imply they had prior dealings with these so called [redacted]. Ugh, this is a headache.

I wound up my arm, looking out the window. "Hey Marissa? Where's the general direction the fighting is happening at?"

Perplexed, she pointed towards the center, near the outside of the portal room. "Alright, thanks. My only command is for you to run away. I expect to see you alive and well tomorrow, got it?"

"[redacted]?"

I punched through the energy made glass, shattering it to release the cold harsh air into the hallway. I grinned at her, waving her off.

"See yah in a jiffy!"

I hopped onto the ledge before jumping into the air, feeling the snow plaster itself against me. I scanned the area as I began to fall, before seeing my target.

"Well, Marissa wasn't lying in that regard…"

I landed on the roof of one of the many facilities we had here (I think this was a dining hall) before leaping across, landing in front of a single man.

"Took you long enough [redacted]," a familiar voice muttered, and I stuck out my tongue towards the Director.

"Oh shut it, I got here as quick as I could."

I turned back around to see the target gently land in front of me, the snow whipping around us ferociously.

[redacted] had long blonde hair and pale white skin that rivaled that of the falling snow; [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]; the extremities laid bare for all to see. And of course…

"Another one? But, you seem different from the others…" [redacted] voice was as soothing to me as a hot bath after a hard-fought day; no, it might be more akin to say just hearing [redacted] voice seemingly caused all the stress and worries to leave my body, putting my very existence into a state of rest I had not thought feasible by human standards.

[redacted] opened [redacted] eyes, revealing a pair of bright purple eyes that twinkled amongst the fiery light that surrounded us.

"Hey, snap out of it already [redacted]!"

I blinked, focusing on the voice behind me. "A-ah, sorry about that. It's just, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]…"

"Yeah, that's the problem. You become so calm that you don't even notice the amount of bloodlust [redacted] giving off. [redacted] wants us dead, that's for damn sure." He came up next to me and jerked his hand towards the right, where Mars lay battered and broken almost beyond belief. "[redacted] did that in a blink of an eye, no, maybe even faster than that."

I looked back at the [redacted], who continued to stare at me inquisitively. [redacted] smiled at me, almost causing me to collapse from relief.

"Idiot, get down!" I was shoved aside as I felt a roar whoosh over me, causing the entire building to shake and crumble.

Eh? The hell just happened? I turned to the Director, who was still glaring at the [redacted].

"That's how [redacted] managed to get most of us you know. With those [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]."

[redacted]; [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted].

"With [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] ripped apart the damn infrastructure like it was nothing." I couldn't help but not pay attention to him, the [redacted] in front of me all I could look at.

"Hmm… Interesting. You do not see me as an enemy? No, more than that, it's as if you see me for who I really am…"

I was finally able to peel my eyes away, looking at the Director's God forsaken face compared to the [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] in front of me.

"LISTEN TO ME DAMNIT!" I felt myself get slapped, and as I started to focus on the pain, only then did the [redacted] presence lessen its effect on me.

"Ah…" I shook my head, focusing on his face. "Sorry, [redacted] just so, so…"

"I know, but if you don't want to lose your life, then focus!"

Actually… "How are you not affected Director?"

He scowled at my question, looking back at the [redacted]. "That's a long story for a time that isn't now. Can you stand?" I watched him stand back up and offer his gloved hand.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." I got back up, looking towards the [redacted] once more.

"Could it be possible that [redacted] [redacted] is one of theirs…? That would explain it indeed." [redacted] let out another smile. "What might your name be, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]?"

I blinked, confused by [redacted] sudden question. "U-um, it's [redacted]."

"I see, so you're the one who can see, but no one will believe. How did you end up in such a place?"

How did [redacted]? "By chance. I ended up in a Time Loop and got recruited into the TRTF because of it."

Wait, more than that, something feels off. The Director said that [redacted] presence made it so I couldn't feel [redacted] bloodlust, but…

I watched [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], sending out a blast of wind that would tear any normal person into shreds before they even knew what hit them. The winds tore out into the open sky, crying out as it ripped into the organization, the snow whipping around us even faster. But again…

"Hey Director?"

"You have a plan, Cassandra?"

I shook my head, finally starting to grasp the sheer amount of power [redacted] possessed. "N-no, but those attacks of [redacted] aren't attacks at all. It's just like how [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]."

I watched his eyes widen as he understood my words. "Y-you mean to say that [redacted] isn't even doing this on purpose!? [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]!? That's crazy, and if that's true, then there's no way in hell we can-!"

I started to walk towards the, ignoring the Director's protests behind me.

"There's something you wish to find here, right?"

[redacted] nodded, furrowing her brow. "Yes, there is. They were stolen from me [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. I wish to free them dearly, so they can return home. I have watched them suffer for far too long and couldn't bear not to intervene any longer." I watched tears fall down [redacted] face, melting the snow where it dropped to the ground. "To me, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]…"

"Who stole them from you?"

And with that simple question, for the briefest of moments, [redacted] entire demeanor changed to one I understood far too well:

Unbridled Rage.

Rage for the ones who were taken; Rage for the ones who took; Rage for the ones who made them suffer. The sky darkened, lightning flashed throughout the sky, the snowfall became heavier, and in the midst of [redacted] eyes lay the unfathomable depths of [redacted] emotions, the core of [redacted] anger and sorrow.

[redacted] closed [redacted] eyes and took a deep breath, the world returning to how it once was before [redacted] looked up at the sky. "I cannot say more, for doing so would [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. Just know that their kind cannot be trusted, not anymore."

I clenched my hands, understanding the depths of [redacted] emotions. "If something like that happened to [redacted] [redacted], I, I wouldn't know what I would do…"

Huh? I looked down at my hands to see my gloves had vanished, my hands laid bare into the cold.

"All I ask is that you [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] that you understand and do so. That is all the action [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]."

No, does that mean he!? I looked up in time to see the Director had somehow managed to sneak up behind the [redacted], sword in hand.

"Wait, don't do it!"

I could only watch in horror as I saw this [redacted] [redacted], full of heart, [redacted] only desire to get back what [redacted] lost, be cut down by a single stroke of the sword.

[redacted] blood boiled the snow into steam, and I rushed to [redacted], wincing as the [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted].

"Ah, I thought I sensed His presence here… So it twas because of that sword… How careless of me indeed…"

"Hey, no, it'll be alright, I'm going to ge-!" [redacted] soft finger hushed my mouth as [redacted] shook [redacted] head.

"It'll be alright, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]… So long as one understands my goal, this was… not in… vain…" I watched [redacted] close [redacted] eyes, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], and I knew that [redacted] was gone forever…

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I stood outside in the pouring rain, remembering everything that had occurred. No one would believe me anyway, meaning I had no choice but to end it before anyone interfered.

"It should be about time…" I murmured, feeling the temperature drop by about 60 degrees, snow starting to fall down from the lightening sky.

[redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] ([redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]), [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted].

"I see, I thought something was peculiar." I watched [redacted] turn to me, as [redacted] gave me a soft smile. "You are [redacted], correct?"

I felt my body relax at her presence, before my brain flashed warning signs. "Y-yeah, but how do you know that?"

"Because we have met already, in a dream of a dream, in which no one but the two of us would believe," the [redacted] said, coming closer to me. "I died in that dream of dreams, and was forced to return to that place. But you wished to change that future, did you not?"

I could only stare at [redacted], my brain frantically trying to process what [redacted] had meant. After all, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] the only man I love, my dear Hubby. The fact that [redacted], [redacted], [redacted] believes it after all these years is mind-boggling to say the least.

"There are more than you realize that [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]; [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. But that is not why you came to me alone today, is it not?"

Argh, damnit [redacted], get ahold of yourself! Remember the reason you came here. "You're right. I came because I understood what you meant."

[redacted] nodded, [redacted] tears once more melting the snow around her. "I knew if that one understood, that all would be well."

"But, I came to make sure you didn't die, rather than help attain your wish…"

[redacted] nodded again, smiling softly at me. "This, I know as well."

"I wish I could help, but I'm just not strong enough. The others, would never allow it, and I would die in vain…"

"I see…" [redacted] looked up towards the sky, closing [redacted] eyes. "Yes, maybe if it were like that, it could work. A sliver of a chance within a gamble."

"If there's anything I can do to help, then please, tell me, and I will do it."

[redacted] nodded, and [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] took out something small and fragile, that seemed wary of everything around it.

"One day, this girl's destiny will be deeply entwined with the future of this world. But within that future, lies a chance. If raised right, she will bring [redacted] [redacted] back to me. If not, she will bring ruin amongst all those I hold dear. [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], may I ask you raise her, as if your own kin? I have already raised her [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] years, and have taken the necessary precautions so [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]. Treat her as one of your kin, and as one of those who have been taken from me. That is all I ask…"

I stared down at the small child before looking back at the [redacted]. "A-are you sure? This is your kid, isn't it?"

[redacted] laughed, the first I had heard [redacted] do so. "Hmm, that is probably the correct way to view it. Born of and from me; yes, my child indeed!" [redacted] continued to laugh a genuine laugh, as if [redacted] truly found what I said amusing.

"I-if you really want me too, then I will do as you ask. I'm sorry I cannot do more than what you've asked of me. If only I was stronger…"

"You are plenty strong already, [redacted] [redacted] [redacted]." [redacted] handed me the child, who clutched onto my clothing tightly, clinging to my warmth. "If everything goes as planned, we shall never meet again."

[redacted] turned around, and as if right on cue I could hear the yells of the Hands and Director coming up from behind me.

"Farewell, [redacted]. May you take care of my child as well as your own!" [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] [redacted].

"Wait! What should I call you!?"

[redacted] glanced back at me, giving me a smile as a sendoff.

"You may call us, [redacted]."

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In what would later be known as [redacted] [redacted], 99th hero [redacted] singlehandedly caused the unknown being to leave without so much as leaving a scratch on the TRTF's facilities.

[redacted] was thusly given another title, called Empathetic Hero, for convincing the unknown being to leave without doing harm.

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I sighed, having finally finished up looking at all the old heroes I wished to see. Although, this last one left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Seriously, half of this was redacted. I couldn't even see what the damn thing looked like, let alone follow the conversation. Was what happened really that important that they couldn't even let me see it?"

I picked up the book and lugged it over to the terminal, a toothy yawn erupting from the depths. "I mean, it only happened 12 years ago, so surely the older members would at least know something."

I walked out of the archive room, hissing as my eyes got adjusted to the bright white hallways. I swear, they have to have some sort of dark mode for this place. I mean, it's more efficient and conserves energy to not have so many damn bright lights.

"Hey, did you hear? Apparently one of the Hands tried taking on that beast again."

Hmm? I turned to look at two conversing soldiers, both of rather low rank (the lowest ranks wear caps and are typically trainees, while the upper ones don't).

"Yep, heard it was Mars who tried again. He failed though, but it's not too surprising. That snow beast is larger than any building in the city, and its power is immeasurable. It's a miracle we managed to put it into a Time Loop in the first place."

"The previous Hero died to do it, but now we got this nasty kid to work with instead."

"Yeah, this nasty kid thinks otherwise," I said, patting the guy on the shoulder.

"Gah! Uh, I mean, what brings you around here sir?"

"Oh you know, just thinking about how best to punish people who talk bad about others behind their backs. Would you have any suggestions?"

He coughed while the other soldier snickered. "U-um, no sir. If you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be…" I watched the two slither away like the snakes they were before turning back around, the exhaustion starting to settle in. Luckily for me, this was all I had planned for today; after this it's back to hang out with Full Moon Luna on Sunday!

"That monster sure kicked Mar's ass. I guess he really isn't suited for taking down beasts, but still. He's been trying ever since that Snow Monster was sealed about 10 years ago."

I stopped in the middle of the hallway before shaking my head. Nah, has to be a coincidence.

"Heya Hiro, seems the Director wants something from yah!" I took out Nymphy and looked at the message.

"Heya Hiro pal! Listen, I need to tell you something uber important, so if you could please come by the chamber asap, that would be great!"

Hmm, I'll pass. Fuck that.

"By the way, that is an order! See yah soon!"

I put Nymphy back and sighed. I pray it's not another mission.

As I walked towards the Sword Room, I heard more and more about this snow beast that wrecked havoc on the city 10 years ago (I also asked about the incident 12 years ago, but they seemed to be pretty evasive about that one for whatever reason). It was almost unsettling, especially since the dates match up way too well…

I opened up the door to the Sword Room to find Hebe healing Mars, along with the Director sitting in his usual seat, and Anna, who was waiting by the door.

"Ah, glad you could make it! It won't take long, so you can just stand by the door." I nodded before watching him pull out his device. "Lets cut to the chase, shall we?"

He pulled up a picture that haunted me even now, causing a massive amount of goosebumps to appear all over my body.

"You must've heard about this when walking around, right? A Snow Beast trapped in a Time Loop? Our poor Mars here has been trying to kill the thing for ages now, but even he struggles against monsters such as these."

I appeared in front of him, grabbing his collar as I slammed our foreheads together. "Fuck you, you asshole! What the hell are you getting at!?"

"Oh, do you perhaps happen to have some history with the beast?"

"FUCK OFF!"

He pushed me away, shrugging. "If you do, it's totally by coincidence. How would I know about your deep dark past?"

"YOU FUCKING SON OF A-!" I felt my fist get stopped by none other than Anna, who shook her head.

"Please, hear him out Master."

I growled, but relented at her words. "Talk, now."

He smiled knowingly at me before continuing. "Now, I assume you don't know what sort of Triumph you're going to tackle for the Triumph of Blue?"

"No, I haven't figured it out yet." It was actually tougher than one would think. Many of them simply weren't feasible by my standards, and the others required conditions that would take a while to achieve. Most dealt with how they died, or battles they had failed to overcome. My options were pretty limited due to this, hence why I haven't started yet (plus I wanted a break anyway).

"Then, I have a simple solution. Kill this Snow Beast, who slayed the last Hero. That should be pretty simple. Plus with your history with it, you should be jumping at the chance."

I glared at him, clenching my fist. "You planned this shit?"

"Does it matter if I did? It's still an opportunity."

I gritted my teeth before looking back at the image that haunted me.

…

"Fine then, you win. I'll kill this stupid thing."

He grinned before clapping his hands. "Excellent! Do tell me when you plan to go Hiro pal!"

I brushed off his hand and stormed out the room.

Yeah, this should be fine. More than fine actually, perfect. This was probably what I needed to fix my problem anyway.

I dug my nails into my hands till they bled, growling.

I swear, I will avenge you both, 99th and Mom.

And Thus Begins his Triumph of Blue.