10-24-2017, 02:03 AM
Three Years Later.
“Welcome back to Z-City news, I’m Tiara Mizuki, and today we have with us none other than the Turtle Guard!” The perky redhead cheered, clapping with excitement that seemed a bit forced. “So, I have a list of questions from your loyal fans, I thought we’d have a little fun with a simple – but ever so popular Q and A! What do you think?”
Stein was smiling, sprawled out on the couch he’d been told to sit on. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, glancing between the various cameras and the empty studio. He’d imagine live audience noises would be added in in production. “I can answer a few questions. I mean, it’s not like I’m Metal Knight, I enjoy my fans. I just hope they enjoy me.” He looked into the camera and winked.
He knew how to cater to a crowd, it he’s read Popular Heroing for Dummies after all. “I think we can all say we enjoy heros who aren’t afraid to walk among us lowly mortals, am I right?” The woman tittered lightly.
“I like my social life with ‘mortals,’ as you say. Normal people are usually much better at holding a conversation than Heroes who are full of themselves.” He crossed one leg over the other, shrugging with a smile. “Plus, being a Hero doesn’t make us gods, it’s a skill. I have shields and healing, Dosai Miyamoto has a killer voice and shreds on a guitar.”
Mizuki nodded, seeming to appreciate that statement. “I like the way you think. And I guess that answers quite a bit on your taste in music. Rockstar suits you, Mr. Guard.”
“Oh I’m a big fan of rock and roll and electronic music. You see me with earbuds in, I’m either listening to someone shred on a guitar or some dirty drops. Love those wubs and wah wahs.” Stein grinned, playing a little air guitar just for good measure. He earned another giggle from Mizuki.
“Alright, so on to the questions?” Stein nodded and gave a ‘Bring it on’ gesture. “Alright! Question one, what is your given name?”
“Ooh, right off the bat. Mmm. It’s a bit embarrassing… Gunther. My dad thought it sounded strong. It means Warrior, so he wasn’t wrong.” He shrugged. “Glad we got that one out early, only up from here, right?”
“Ooooooh, I don’t know about that.” Mizuki smirked. “Question two, who is your current looooove interest?” The hero’s brow rose. “You can tell us, your fans are just curious what your type is…”
Stein hesitated for a moment. It was a task to keep his smile looking real, but he managed well enough. “No love interest right now, and I don’t really have a type. When you’re like me, you can’t be all that picky.”
That was obviously not the answer Mizuki expected. She sat her page of questions down on her oak desk to pursue this line a little further. They had time. “Oh? You are an A-class hero? Rank 1, to be precise, you can have any woman you want.”
“Exactly.” Stein noticed the little look of shock and confusion on his interviewer’s face. “Imagine I just saved your life, right? And then ask you out on a date. What would you say?”
This lighthearted topic suddenly became a bit more serious than anticipated. “I suppose I’d have to say yes… I mean you just saved my life, the least I could do—“ Stein pointed at her, more at the train of thought she was expressing.
When she again looked confused, he explained. “I don’t like dating other Heroes, they are kinda full of themselves. I mean I’m no saint, but…” He shook his head. “Just like anyone with exceptional skill in anything, really, a lot of people let it go to their heads.” Stein waved a hand around gesturing to the craziness of the whole situation. “Would you really like to know my type?”
“Well… that was the question…”
“I want someone who doesn’t feel obligated to be with me because, as you said, I’m a high ranked Hero. But I began my Heroing without a mask, so everyone pretty much recognizes me on the spot. Just a couple weeks ago, this hot little number bakes me my exact favorite pie – and if you’ve seen my fan page, it’s all true – I’m a freak when it comes to favorite flavored anything. I go to ask if she’d want to go out, but I flop.”
Mizuki seems stumped, so instead of waiting for an awkward reply and potential segway into the next question, Stein helps her out. “Even Heroes have insecurities… I’d like someone who doesn’t just want the popular kid in class. And if I do get to be picky, I’d like a nice cute butt and a girl that knows how to make a bangin’ chocolate-pumpkin pie.”
“Chocolate pumpkin? That is a weird combo!” Mizuki instantly perked up. She realized the helping hand she had been given. “That’s a pretty deep answer, I for one think it’s quite amazing that even the strongest of heroes have such humanizing traits!”
“Moving on to question two though, our viewer Danielle from Z-City wants to know why you’ve changed your hero name so much?”
“Well that one’s easy,” Stein’s smile returned. “I never actually picked my hero name. I left it blank, and never screamed it at people like some Heroes, so I sort of got a fanbase name going on. All the names on my fan page are what you guys have considered. I just sort of roll with whatever goes mainstream. It just seems like as my training progresses, you guys think I need a whole new name to fit what I can do.”
Mizuki was content with that answer. It was definitely one she was more comfortable with, and one she thought the viewers would like. “So you’re saying we get to pick your name?”
“Pretty much. I mean, I pretty much live off the stuff fans send me. I’m not saying I love food, and I’m not saying I love free things – but I do love what happens when the two categories come together.”
“Oh? Well I read through these questions earlier and I think you just touched on one of them. If you were to receive gifts, what would you like the most? What do you dislike as gifts?” Mizuki propped her chin on the palm of her hand, feigning absolute interest in her guest.
“Back to the tough choices… Well, you never go wrong with food, like I said. I don’t like store bought greeting cards – please avoid them at all costs… If you want to send me a letter, go ahead but it means so much more to me if its hand written.”
“Food and hand written notes, you are Mr. Perfect, aren’t you?”
“Mr. Perfect can cook. I burn water.” Mizuki and Stein both have a little laugh at that.
His interviewer peers down at her paper, looking for another good question to leap into. “Speaking of fan donations, our tech department has run across a fan-run website that claims to give out a signed item from you with each generous donation?”
“Right, yea, Turtle Stein Donations dot com is an online charity actually set up by one of my highschool friends. About eighty percent of every donation goes to helping rebuild damaged neighborhoods, fifteen percent goes to a charity of the month, and five percent goes into production. We send out thank you gifts around Christmas time to people who’ve donated a lot over the year. I sign every item individually, and include little messages if the donator has a request. I remember last year I sent about three which were gifts to that cancer patient, Siotori.”
“Right! The little boy exposed to that radiation monster, how’s he doing?”
Stein sighed, having to think about it. “Last I heard, he’s back in school. After being healed, he spent another couple weeks in recovery, but checked out pretty fine.”
“You so nonchalantly talk, but weren’t you the one that healed him? And several others? We have a list… and it’s a long one.” Stein just dismissed the topic with a wave of his hand. “So modest… That brings me to a very big question… Why, Mr. Guard, are you such a noble man among even Heros?”
He sighed again, but this one was less of a contemplative sound, more of a ‘here we go.’ This question was a big one and he knew Mizuki had to have planned this one from the beginning. Everyone wanted to know a hero’s motive, it was the one big burning question.
“My parents were both heroes. They never have applied for the Hero’s Association, but they were heroes to me. Dad was a detective and Pops was a doctor. Two different worlds, no magic or super powers, but both doing their best to help and protect other people.”
“Dad and Pops? So the fan theory is correct?”
“Indeed. Two Dads. My mom was a surrogate.”
“Did you ever know her?
“I mean yea, growing up I had a sort of ternary parental situation. My mom just… She didn’t like heroes as much.” His jaw tensed. “She… actually had a bit of an issue with the law. I guess if I had to pick where I got my quirky attitude, it’d probably be her. She wasn’t a super villain or anything, mind you. Just… a rebel… Thought the Hero’s Association was a sham.” And the awkward beast rose its head again…
At least, Stein thought it would. “So two fathers that were good, hardworking citizens and a mother that rebelled against the establishment. Sounds like you had a pretty interesting childhood. Speaking of childhood… another big topic,” there seemed to be a lot of these, “is that you’re actually a father?
Should’ve seen this coming. “That’s right…”
“Any details?”
He had agreed to full disclosure, and he was being paid to be here… “Three years ago, I stopped a would-be villain from doing some things she’d regret. She was… ovulating, and like most of us when we get the urge, she wasn’t thinking straight. One thing led to another and…”
“Baby squid?”
“Octopi, actually. She was a human-octopus chimera, and from what I can tell the kids are the same as their mother. I guess human DNA doesn’t dilute the octopus aspect.”
“Three years? Some of these appear almost twenty years old…”
Stein uncrossed then recrossed his legs to lean closer. This was going to get serious nerdy. “Well if she is a cross between human and octopus, they might have an accelerated lifespan somewhere between the octopi’s eight year upper range and the average human lifespan… They could very well be adults by now. That, or they’ve inherited some of my regenerative growth and mutated it… Or they just grow to ovulation age to reproduce and have a human life span – best of both worlds…” The hero pondered aloud, a bit curious himself. Mizuki did not seem as interested.
“Well you seem to know a lot about them… Should we be worried? They haven’t caused any crimes as of yet but what about the future?” She was leaning in, clearly looking for the next big scoop.
Again, he had to consider this in a greater detail than this quick passed talk show allowed. Another moment was spent looking out over the lack of audience. “Ursula told me she was going to teach them better than that… They just have a very high libido and an urge to reproduce. Nature, you know?” His poor interviewer did not know how to take that. “And if any of my children happen to be watching this… Don’t be afraid to come see me. I’d love to meet you.”
“Aaaaand that’s all the time we have for today, thank you Mr. Guard!” As she clapped, he imagined there would be an audio track added to it. He took a little bow, and then the camera stopped rolling. “Seriously… you’re kind of messed up in the head…”
Sigh. “I know.”
“Welcome back to Z-City news, I’m Tiara Mizuki, and today we have with us none other than the Turtle Guard!” The perky redhead cheered, clapping with excitement that seemed a bit forced. “So, I have a list of questions from your loyal fans, I thought we’d have a little fun with a simple – but ever so popular Q and A! What do you think?”
Stein was smiling, sprawled out on the couch he’d been told to sit on. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, glancing between the various cameras and the empty studio. He’d imagine live audience noises would be added in in production. “I can answer a few questions. I mean, it’s not like I’m Metal Knight, I enjoy my fans. I just hope they enjoy me.” He looked into the camera and winked.
He knew how to cater to a crowd, it he’s read Popular Heroing for Dummies after all. “I think we can all say we enjoy heros who aren’t afraid to walk among us lowly mortals, am I right?” The woman tittered lightly.
“I like my social life with ‘mortals,’ as you say. Normal people are usually much better at holding a conversation than Heroes who are full of themselves.” He crossed one leg over the other, shrugging with a smile. “Plus, being a Hero doesn’t make us gods, it’s a skill. I have shields and healing, Dosai Miyamoto has a killer voice and shreds on a guitar.”
Mizuki nodded, seeming to appreciate that statement. “I like the way you think. And I guess that answers quite a bit on your taste in music. Rockstar suits you, Mr. Guard.”
“Oh I’m a big fan of rock and roll and electronic music. You see me with earbuds in, I’m either listening to someone shred on a guitar or some dirty drops. Love those wubs and wah wahs.” Stein grinned, playing a little air guitar just for good measure. He earned another giggle from Mizuki.
“Alright, so on to the questions?” Stein nodded and gave a ‘Bring it on’ gesture. “Alright! Question one, what is your given name?”
“Ooh, right off the bat. Mmm. It’s a bit embarrassing… Gunther. My dad thought it sounded strong. It means Warrior, so he wasn’t wrong.” He shrugged. “Glad we got that one out early, only up from here, right?”
“Ooooooh, I don’t know about that.” Mizuki smirked. “Question two, who is your current looooove interest?” The hero’s brow rose. “You can tell us, your fans are just curious what your type is…”
Stein hesitated for a moment. It was a task to keep his smile looking real, but he managed well enough. “No love interest right now, and I don’t really have a type. When you’re like me, you can’t be all that picky.”
That was obviously not the answer Mizuki expected. She sat her page of questions down on her oak desk to pursue this line a little further. They had time. “Oh? You are an A-class hero? Rank 1, to be precise, you can have any woman you want.”
“Exactly.” Stein noticed the little look of shock and confusion on his interviewer’s face. “Imagine I just saved your life, right? And then ask you out on a date. What would you say?”
This lighthearted topic suddenly became a bit more serious than anticipated. “I suppose I’d have to say yes… I mean you just saved my life, the least I could do—“ Stein pointed at her, more at the train of thought she was expressing.
When she again looked confused, he explained. “I don’t like dating other Heroes, they are kinda full of themselves. I mean I’m no saint, but…” He shook his head. “Just like anyone with exceptional skill in anything, really, a lot of people let it go to their heads.” Stein waved a hand around gesturing to the craziness of the whole situation. “Would you really like to know my type?”
“Well… that was the question…”
“I want someone who doesn’t feel obligated to be with me because, as you said, I’m a high ranked Hero. But I began my Heroing without a mask, so everyone pretty much recognizes me on the spot. Just a couple weeks ago, this hot little number bakes me my exact favorite pie – and if you’ve seen my fan page, it’s all true – I’m a freak when it comes to favorite flavored anything. I go to ask if she’d want to go out, but I flop.”
Mizuki seems stumped, so instead of waiting for an awkward reply and potential segway into the next question, Stein helps her out. “Even Heroes have insecurities… I’d like someone who doesn’t just want the popular kid in class. And if I do get to be picky, I’d like a nice cute butt and a girl that knows how to make a bangin’ chocolate-pumpkin pie.”
“Chocolate pumpkin? That is a weird combo!” Mizuki instantly perked up. She realized the helping hand she had been given. “That’s a pretty deep answer, I for one think it’s quite amazing that even the strongest of heroes have such humanizing traits!”
“Moving on to question two though, our viewer Danielle from Z-City wants to know why you’ve changed your hero name so much?”
“Well that one’s easy,” Stein’s smile returned. “I never actually picked my hero name. I left it blank, and never screamed it at people like some Heroes, so I sort of got a fanbase name going on. All the names on my fan page are what you guys have considered. I just sort of roll with whatever goes mainstream. It just seems like as my training progresses, you guys think I need a whole new name to fit what I can do.”
Mizuki was content with that answer. It was definitely one she was more comfortable with, and one she thought the viewers would like. “So you’re saying we get to pick your name?”
“Pretty much. I mean, I pretty much live off the stuff fans send me. I’m not saying I love food, and I’m not saying I love free things – but I do love what happens when the two categories come together.”
“Oh? Well I read through these questions earlier and I think you just touched on one of them. If you were to receive gifts, what would you like the most? What do you dislike as gifts?” Mizuki propped her chin on the palm of her hand, feigning absolute interest in her guest.
“Back to the tough choices… Well, you never go wrong with food, like I said. I don’t like store bought greeting cards – please avoid them at all costs… If you want to send me a letter, go ahead but it means so much more to me if its hand written.”
“Food and hand written notes, you are Mr. Perfect, aren’t you?”
“Mr. Perfect can cook. I burn water.” Mizuki and Stein both have a little laugh at that.
His interviewer peers down at her paper, looking for another good question to leap into. “Speaking of fan donations, our tech department has run across a fan-run website that claims to give out a signed item from you with each generous donation?”
“Right, yea, Turtle Stein Donations dot com is an online charity actually set up by one of my highschool friends. About eighty percent of every donation goes to helping rebuild damaged neighborhoods, fifteen percent goes to a charity of the month, and five percent goes into production. We send out thank you gifts around Christmas time to people who’ve donated a lot over the year. I sign every item individually, and include little messages if the donator has a request. I remember last year I sent about three which were gifts to that cancer patient, Siotori.”
“Right! The little boy exposed to that radiation monster, how’s he doing?”
Stein sighed, having to think about it. “Last I heard, he’s back in school. After being healed, he spent another couple weeks in recovery, but checked out pretty fine.”
“You so nonchalantly talk, but weren’t you the one that healed him? And several others? We have a list… and it’s a long one.” Stein just dismissed the topic with a wave of his hand. “So modest… That brings me to a very big question… Why, Mr. Guard, are you such a noble man among even Heros?”
He sighed again, but this one was less of a contemplative sound, more of a ‘here we go.’ This question was a big one and he knew Mizuki had to have planned this one from the beginning. Everyone wanted to know a hero’s motive, it was the one big burning question.
“My parents were both heroes. They never have applied for the Hero’s Association, but they were heroes to me. Dad was a detective and Pops was a doctor. Two different worlds, no magic or super powers, but both doing their best to help and protect other people.”
“Dad and Pops? So the fan theory is correct?”
“Indeed. Two Dads. My mom was a surrogate.”
“Did you ever know her?
“I mean yea, growing up I had a sort of ternary parental situation. My mom just… She didn’t like heroes as much.” His jaw tensed. “She… actually had a bit of an issue with the law. I guess if I had to pick where I got my quirky attitude, it’d probably be her. She wasn’t a super villain or anything, mind you. Just… a rebel… Thought the Hero’s Association was a sham.” And the awkward beast rose its head again…
At least, Stein thought it would. “So two fathers that were good, hardworking citizens and a mother that rebelled against the establishment. Sounds like you had a pretty interesting childhood. Speaking of childhood… another big topic,” there seemed to be a lot of these, “is that you’re actually a father?
Should’ve seen this coming. “That’s right…”
“Any details?”
He had agreed to full disclosure, and he was being paid to be here… “Three years ago, I stopped a would-be villain from doing some things she’d regret. She was… ovulating, and like most of us when we get the urge, she wasn’t thinking straight. One thing led to another and…”
“Baby squid?”
“Octopi, actually. She was a human-octopus chimera, and from what I can tell the kids are the same as their mother. I guess human DNA doesn’t dilute the octopus aspect.”
“Three years? Some of these appear almost twenty years old…”
Stein uncrossed then recrossed his legs to lean closer. This was going to get serious nerdy. “Well if she is a cross between human and octopus, they might have an accelerated lifespan somewhere between the octopi’s eight year upper range and the average human lifespan… They could very well be adults by now. That, or they’ve inherited some of my regenerative growth and mutated it… Or they just grow to ovulation age to reproduce and have a human life span – best of both worlds…” The hero pondered aloud, a bit curious himself. Mizuki did not seem as interested.
“Well you seem to know a lot about them… Should we be worried? They haven’t caused any crimes as of yet but what about the future?” She was leaning in, clearly looking for the next big scoop.
Again, he had to consider this in a greater detail than this quick passed talk show allowed. Another moment was spent looking out over the lack of audience. “Ursula told me she was going to teach them better than that… They just have a very high libido and an urge to reproduce. Nature, you know?” His poor interviewer did not know how to take that. “And if any of my children happen to be watching this… Don’t be afraid to come see me. I’d love to meet you.”
“Aaaaand that’s all the time we have for today, thank you Mr. Guard!” As she clapped, he imagined there would be an audio track added to it. He took a little bow, and then the camera stopped rolling. “Seriously… you’re kind of messed up in the head…”
Sigh. “I know.”