Chapter 2

The Way We Do

A/N: I'm taking the chance of another chapter after only one review. Usually my first chapter is pretty strong, like a super magnet, but seeing how this anime is new and I haven't had years to acquaint myself with it, I might be slipping a bit. But here it is anyway, a "blast from the past" chapter.

"Beyond being a good man, he was a hero, our hero. The hero of the city and a hero to each of us personally…"

She didn't really know what was going on, and she didn't really care. Someone died obviously, someone she didn't know personally. Mr. Legend apparently, going by the man in the ridiculous superhero costume in the pictures around the casket.

Illiana was just aware that she had to be at this secretive and highly important event because of her father, the police commissioner. There were just adults all over the place, dressed in black, sullen faces. She had seen a boy earlier, older than her, pale, wispy hair, and bandages on his face.

When she peeked down the row of people she saw him actually, sitting next to the only woman who seemed to be crying. She looked up at her father who put his hand on her knee and put a finger to his lips.

"Just remember not to talk when someone is speaking," he said in the car, "and don't talk unless spoken to understood?"

"Yes daddy."

"This is a very sullen event. The loss of someone is a very serious matter."

He must not have been so great as to die so easily. She looked down at her little black gloves and her little black dress and sighed to herself. She would so much rather be out at play with her friends.

The severity of the moment was over her head. She didn't know that the [ain of death would settle in much later for her.

"Illiana this is Mrs. Petrov and her son, Yuri."

"That thing is not my son!" the woman screeched loudly and began to bawl again.

Her father gently grabbed the woman's shoulders to calm her and guide her away. Her son, Yuri, seemed bored and detached. He seemingly could care less what the woman had to say.

"Why doesn't she like you?"

The teen eyed the child for a minute before shrugging, "Some people don't understand the righteousness choices of others. Some things are supposed to happen, even if they hurt." He said, raising a hand to the bandages on his face.

She thought maybe she should be scared, but she felt nothing, "Oh."

Yuri looked around at the adults and could hear his mother wailing somewhere across the room. He rolled his eyes, "I think I'll go for a walk."

Illiana's gloved hand grabbed his suit jacket and she shuffled her shoes, "Can I come?"

He shrugged and the little girl followed behind.

"I can't thank the two of you enough for saving my daughter. I can't lose her too, she's all I have left."

The Brooks' smiled at the man softly and turned to watch the girl through the doorway, "It's nothing. We feel the same about our son."

Commissioner Blackwell smiled back and sighed, "Of course. He's just about my Ana's age right?"

"Yes he is."

Mrs. Brooks put a hand in her lab coat pocket, "He's at home but he sent this when we told him about your daughter."

Mr. Blackwell took the small white bear and looked to his daughter, still sleeping in the bed. "Tell him I said thank you. I'm sure she'll love this."

LINE

"Tiger and Barnaby… Barnaby Brooks Jr., the new hero who has had a stunning debut and Wild Tiger, the veteran hero. The world's first heroic duo leapt to fame ten months ago during their battle with the terrorist Jake Martinez."

The announcer on the television turned to the heroes, dressed in color-coordinated suits, and smiled, "What are your thoughts on your accomplishments so far?"

"I think you made us out to be cooler than we actually are." Barnaby replied coolly.

"I'm only stating the facts." The announcer turned to the camera, "The two have been working together to save us from all sorts of danger. They have also prevented Lunatic from taking further casualties."

Illiana frowned and turned off the television before tucking her legs under her on the couch.

"What are you doing?"

The woman took the teacup Yuri handed her, "Watching Hero TV. I didn't know the death of a criminal was considered a casualty these days."

Yuri sat next to her on the couch, crossed his legs, and took a long sip of tea before speaking, "They just don't understand justice the way we do."

"Hm."

"It'll change. It just takes time and patience."

Illiana interlaced her fingers with his and sighed, "I don't have anymore patience."

"You have to try, for me." He sipped his tea again and placed it on the coffee table, "Besides, human beings are incapable of having absolutely no patience. It's there, you just have to find it."

"I guess…"

"You wanted to see me ma'am?"

Illiana stood from behind her desk and chuckled, "Mr. Tiger you don't have to call me ma'am. I'm sure you're my superior as far as age."

He blushed and she smiled sweetly, "Have a seat."

His blush didn't fade and he gave her a lopsided grin. "What did you need?"

She sat on the end of her desk, "Just a quick chat. I'm sure you and the other heroes are confused as to why I'm here and what I'm doing. To be honest I don't even know what I'm doing and I've explained that with the other heroes too."

"Oh?"

The young woman nodded, "I do know, however, that in a way the cameras and the need to please the people are keeping all you heroes from getting the job done."

Kotetsu listened intently to her and she smiled in an attempt to lighten the conversation. "I've read over all your files Mr. Tiger and unlike your fellow heroes, I don't think I have to do a lot of work with you."

"Well I don't know. Everyone else seems to think I need some work. I'm old, I'm reckless," he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't know what they want from me anymore."

Illiana smiled at him, "The only person you need to please as of right now is me and I say don't change a thing. Crumble whatever you have to to do your job."

The man was excited as he stood from the chair and vigorously shook her hand, "Thank you Miss Blackwell."

"Call me Ana, please."

"Of course!" Kotetsu turned to leave the office and noticed a little white stuffed bear on a shelf across the room, "Do you have children Ana?"

She blushed, "Oh no. Someone gave that to me when I was a little girl."

"Oh, ok then."

"Can you send Barnaby in please?"

"Sure thing!"

Illiana walked the length of her office and picked up the bear, rubbing her thumbs over the soft fur. "So Barnaby, I finally get to meet you."

"Ana?"

"Oh Yuri!" The woman jumped, feeling as though she had just been caught in doing something she shouldn't have.

"I heard you were holding individual meetings with each of the heroes." She nodded and he adjusted his tie, "Any reason for saving Barnaby for last?"

Illiana squeezed the tiny bear in her hand bit, "Well I was hoping to introduce myself."

"He can't know, Ana."

"Why not?"

"It's dangerous. We have to keep a distance, it's too soon to bring so much to the light."

"But Yuri…his parents saved my life. They devoted a year of their work to making sure I don't die because of this thing!" she put a hand over her heart and sighed, trying to calm down.

Yuri 's hand was feather light on her shoulder and he lent close to her face, "I'm sorry. Now just isn't the time."

"When?"

"I'll let you know."

Illiana stared into his eyes before stepping away from him, "Fine Yuri. I won't say anything."

"Miss Blackwell?"

Yuri calmly walked away from the woman and nodded to Barnaby before leaving the room. Illiana stared at the blonde for a moment, taking him in before smiling and holding out her hand, "You can call me Ana, Barnaby, please."