The Innocent and the Tormented

Hero; Flitterman.

Real name; Jack Williams.

Mundane job; Director of an orphanage.

Hero; Arachne-Lad.

Real name; Aqil.

Mundane job; None to speak of.

Arachne-Lad landed on the side of the building.

The building was the orphanage which he lived in.

Flitterman landed by the window to his office, which was also located at the same orphanage.

Both heroes changed into their civilian-clothes.

Jack got to work, as Aqil landed on his soft bed.

The bell could be heard ringing throughout the orphanage, which meant that breakfast was ready.

" Aqil " said one of the kids; " hurry up, or you will miss breakfast "

The kid ran off, as Aqil did his best to get up; for his bed had a powerful hold over him.

Aqil had to shoot a web in order to get free. Luckily, no one saw him.

" It looks like everyone is here, " said Jack's assistant.

Jack looked on, as Aqil ran to his own seat.

Jack smiled, for he knew who Aqil really was, but Aqil had no idea who Jack was.

The sound of eating food echoed throughout the hall.

As the sound died down, Jack walked up to Aqil.

" Aqil " said Jack.

" Sir " said Aqil with a smile, as he stood up.

Jack had always watched over Aqil, even before he knew that Aqil was Arachne-Lad.

" You look tired, my boy. Do you remember to sleep? "

" Of course, " said Aqil with a nervous smile, as he rubbed the back of his head.

Jack smiled, as he knew what was underneath that smile.

" Well, you look like you could use a nap. So you have my permission to skip the next few classes "

Joy filled Aqil's little chest, but the words he uttered next… he would bitterly regret...

" Thanks, dad "

There was complete silence, as all eyes turned towards Aqill.

" Why is everyone staring at me? "

" You just called the director dad, " said one kid.

" What, no! I said; thanks, man "

" Do you see me as some kind of a father figure? " asked Jack.

" What, no " said Aqil with a sweaty smile; " If anything, I see you as a bother figure; because you are always bothering me "

" Hey, man! Show your father some respect! " said one black kid.

" I did not call him dad! " exclaimed Aqill, now red as a rose.

" Children, enough " said Jack with a smile; " Aqill "

Aqill now looked up at Jack.

" Perhaps you would like to join me in a game of catch. How about it, son? "

" I would like that very much " said Aqill, as he was holding back the tears of joy.

Jack and Aqill could both now be seen playing catch together.