All of the spiteful commentary last chapter must have emitted some sort of resounding psychedelic wake-up call to the masses because wouldn't you flipping knowI received a boatload of positive responses for what was basically a deconstruction of a world's infrastructure as spearheaded by a man who literally sees it as no more than a video game. Unnervingly enough, it would seem more people actually relate to Kiran's unadulterated apathy than otherwise. So, does this mean we're all just cantankerous fans begrudgingly suckling on the teats of Nintendo and Intelligent Systems, well-aware of the near-criminal flaws that constitute the gacha empire known as Heroes, but too suckered in by the brand recognition to actively acknowledge it—possibly even in denial of the reality, suppressing the awareness of its dollary-doo pyramid scheme because we just love Fire Emblem that much? Shit, now I'm sounding like Kiran.

Some reviewers noted that unlike typical fics, gameplay mechanics were explicitly brought up in the story and woven into the narrative. While I wouldn't normally do this, Heroes is an exception in that its lack of lore in comparison to other titles in the series means that it hinges more on gameplay to carry it afloat, which makes sense because it's a mobile title. Because these mechanics are so pivotal to Heroes as well as the story being a critique of the game's structure, they had to be introduced. Fortunately, I think it went over well, as most of you are relating to Kiran and even comparing some of your own Heroes experiences to the shenanigans inscribed here. All this aside, thank you for your commentary, support and critiques, let's keep the gravy train rolling. Don't forget to review!

Word Count: 835 words.


.03 - "Bunnies That Spring and Seasons That Hop"


"Your hood can't fool me, don't think I can't see those wandering eyes!"

"I don't have the breath in me to dignify that allegation with a response."

"Oh, lighten up Kiran—it's just me! No need to be so wound up! Or are you just shy under that big, stuffy cloak? Hehe, like what you see?"

'Not particularly, no, but if it's compliments you're fishing for, I'm sure there's a hero nearby who would just love to be Mr. Right Now for you.' is what he wants to say, but his breath hitches a second too soon and he finds himself yielding with a hackneyed cough.

The Summoner turns away, sullen scowl and all. Sharena is sharper than he gives her credit for, an attribute that on its own puts her above her absolute mess of a brother. Few things can slip by her undetected, and much as he tries to conceal them in the blackest corner of his subconscious, his thoughts are no exception. In reality, his words are more of a twisted half-truth—not an excuse, more like a deflection deliberately spun in his petty favor.

He wants to keep his eyes averted, to gaze at anything but her, but his mind and his body's impulsive inclinations are operating on two differing planes.

It would be delusional—delirious even—for him to deny the physical attraction at this point. It's as plain as the hood on his head and the tent in his trousers, but such exterior admiration is far from exclusive. Deep down, he knows—knows that it's an unspoken consensus amongst most of the men in their militia, and the fact that he lets it get to him at all irks him to the core.

A nigh-ghastly harem of heroes, coupled with her nettlesome attitude and perky wits keep him from feeling too lofty in his lust—a candid reality check, if one will, that all that glitters is not gold.

"The heroes from the World of Awakening had it tailored just for me," she prattles on as he rolls his eyes, for even the thinnest illusion of interest is still too big a strain on his behalf. "I didn't have to ask for it either, they did it out of sheer generosity! Can you believe that? So thoughtful!"

Her enthusiasm is like poison to the ears, to say nothing of how she feels inclined to enunciate everything that comes out of her mouth like it's a cocking tease.

"I was actually kind of nervous to wear it at first, but everyone's been so encouraging! Well, everyone except.."

And yet, the more he dwells on it, the more he realizes that everything about her is a tease.

"Admit it, Kiran! I look adorable!"

'Adorable' wouldn't suffice, wouldn't even begin to compare to the lecherous praises he'd rather shower her with.

Another cough, and an inward conclusion that he's run low on quips.

Kiran reaches for his cup of cold tea—virtually undisturbed until now—if only to moisten his throat and give his lips something to do that isn't talking. The subsequent sipping is not so much sipping so much as straight-up chugging, drawn out to the extreme—and somehow there's still a fair amount left over when he slams it back down, gasping for air.

Finally, his mind manages to default to something, and he doesn't hesitate to voice it between panting breaths.

"You're a pain, you know that?"

Her ears (the fuzzy ones, not the real ones) twitch and she furrows her brows. "Eh? Hey, that isn't a compliment!"

Kiran doesn't refute her claim, instead excusing himself from the table without actually saying so. "I'm going to go summon," he declares with a hand reaching into his pocket. "If you ever get bored of the brothel look, you know where to find me."

As if to exacerbate the performance, the Summoner promptly tips her with a bundle of feathers, leaving the princess bemused and blindsided long enough for him to make a swift and unjust exit.

"W-Wha? Where are you going?! This isn't enough to promote, you know!"


An act is only as strong as its lead, and Kiran is in no state of mind to carry a one-man show.

"Gods," he mutters the moment he steps into the hall and out of earshot. "Gods, gods, gods—I can't stand that woman!" is what he wants to say, and indeed he does say it—just not in the way he truly means it.

Rapidly rubbing his temples, the Summoner drags himself back to wretched normality. A familiar air (more of a miasma, really) returns to hang over him, but with an added addendum he can't quite shake. "Cripes.. To think I would rather wear my stamina thin with Breidablik than spend another minute with her. How far gone have I become that physical strain actually starts to look preferable? Why do I even bother with her at all? I mean, for gods' sake—"

"I don't even bloody like tea!"


You might consider this chapter an anomaly compared to the previous two, both in its length and subject matter. A quick rundown: A standard trope of JRPGs is that the "first girl" or "main girl" is the perceived love interest. Here, this is applied to Sharena and expanded to affect Kiran and the army's heroes, the latter benefiting from canon stating that Sharena is eager to befriend them. As stated however, Kiran's attraction is purely physical (as implied in chapter two). He genuinely does not care for her personality or feelings, and if it weren't for her looks, he would treat her as he does any other character. This may sour you, and it should, but it's Kiran. He's in a middleground frankly, aware of how he feels, but not exactly to what extent, and this is what bugs him. As an aside, he can talk to her regularly, the story's current cover image should explain why he was at a loss in this particular instance.

If you have any suggestions for characters you'd like to see, drop me a line, cheers.