Tokyo, Shibuya, Japan: Year 3046
Blue Danube focuses on the buildings that flash neon bright color lights on their exterior that dance within the heart of Shibuya. He listens in on the busy sounds of the streets where people were traveling either from home or to work on foot or in flashy retro sports cars down the dim, yet fluorescence streets. He watches this scene from the view of the Shibuya Intergalactic Intelligence Agency where their home base is station. From the reflection of the window, he studies his sandy brown locks, his tall figure wearing a body suit of orange and metallic red, heat-resistant armor with gloves and boots made to protect him.
So many thoughts races through in mind. One of his focus was how as his younger sister was doing. Only if he can promise her a life with peace without conflict. That’s what he wishes the most for her. For his family.
If only this war could finally end…
A simple wish he had longed for. Not just him. He knew everyone felt the same. Despite how peaceful things were now, it wouldn’t be long before danger will come and bring a sense of doom in the brief glimmer of hope.
Almost as if on cue, the sound of alarms blares into his ear. The blaring from the national emergency intercom from the female AI speaker fills the headquarters and the streets where he and everyone in the city could hear:
“Code: 0478. Please immediately take cover as a threat Level E has been spotted.”
Togi watches as the office scatters frantically as people. He sighs, running his gloved hand to push back his locks. He knows it’s time to step up and go save his home. His eye lingers from the people in the street safely beginning to evacuate to the safety of shelters that were implemented 20 years ago to protect the people from the ongoing threats.
The threat he had to protect them from which were horrifying, alien monsters that were referred themselves as the Aethioppcams. But the Japanese natives call them Shinen no Kaibutsu. Monsters of the Abyss. Togi remembers from his training about the history of the war that started centuries ago.
The Shinen no Kaibutsu emerge to earth and attacked the people, draining their life force. Humans did the best they could to defend themselves. Eventually, they came up with a new method. Creation of superpower human warriors from an unknown element called “The Awakening Stone.” They call them the Space Guardian.
Togi is one of those Space Guardians. He remembers the day when he chose the codename “Sunflare.” The name reflects not just his personality, but his special ability from the Awakening Stone. The power to manipulate energy from the sun. A very rare and powerful ability compared to other chosen heroes.
For now, whatever worries he had before, he pushes to the back of his mind as he shifts into the mindset of his guardian persona.
Sunflare checked the holographic pop-up screen that shows the location of the Level E Threat. He grins broadly, flashing his pearly whites as he turned over to one of his teammates, a broody dark-haired man with round shaped glasses on his face.
“Looks like this will be a piece of cake, Spectre. You’re ready to kick some Kaibutsu’s ass?”
“Do you always have to be so hyped up to fight?” Spectre rolled his eyes, unmatched to the high energy of his comrade. “Just try to keep the damage to a minimum, Sunflare.”
“Why me? You act like I cause trouble all the time! If you should say that to anyone, you should just tell that to the real troublemaker, Bellatrix.”
For a moment, Sunflare felt a cold chill down his spine. Turning around, he realized that the topic of the conversation was standing right behind him, with her arms crossed under her chest.
Bellatrix was an elegant woman, with silverfish hair, pale blue eyes, but she was opposite to the ability compared to Sunflare. While controlled the power of the Sun, she manipulated the power of the moon. She was the night to his day—and she was powerful enough to cause massive destruction to the city—if she’s not careful with her power. While her ability was weaker during the day, she’s forced to be reckoned with at hours of dusk.
“Mind letting me in on your lovely gossip, Sun?” Bellatrix taunts.
“Oh, ya know, Spectre was talking about troublemakers, but you were the first and only one who came to mind.”
“How cute. You always seem to have me in your thoughts. I’ll remember that when you need help, Sunflare.”
A sly smile forms on her lips, waving a dismissive hand towards the other two. Sunflare chuckled, already stretching and raring to go on his mission. Pushing off the heel of his boots, he soars into the air, his boots ignited after from the rockets with in causing to propel even further into the sky.
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Once he arrived at the scene, he heard a gurgling sound coming from his left. He can already sense the monster was near. But he knew that even if was a low level threat—he shouldn’t take it lightly. Sunflare’s movements were slow, cautious to avoid making too much of a sound. His plan was to gain the element of surprise before the creature could sense him coming closer towards it.
The disgusting sound grew louder as he approached it. The monster was within his peripherals, with its back turned to him. It was a boney, scaly and gave off a rotten stench. Sunflare noticed its appendixes were long, razor shaped as it stitches it across the concrete before him. The creature looks even more dangerous than he could ever imagine it to be. It was hard to get a view of its face from its angle.
He knew he had to get rid of it immediately before it causes havoc and search for victims.
Charging up his quirk, he felt the heat rising in his palm. A small, faint glow shines brighter. It was a matter of time before it turned into a medium sphere in his palm. His arm raise as if he was about to pitch a baseball, before launching the blazing orb of red and orange fire towards the creature.
Before the creature could react, the ball collides into its body, causing it to explode and its entire form set aflame. Its shriek was so loud and piercing, causing a minor quake within the ground. Sunflare stumbles a bit, seizing the pillar close whilst clinging to dear life. It took some time, but the Kaibutsu fell over, limped and unmoving. Then the body crystallized before crumbling into dust.
That was odd. Almost felt too easy. Was it really that weak?
Togi contemplates as he bends down to gather samples of Kaibutsu’s remains.
The Kaibutsu he eliminated didn’t put up much of a fight. It was a level E threat. However, in his experiences from combat with them, they still could put up a struggle before he blasts them away.
Sunflare didn’t think too much of it. Maybe he was just being paranoid. For now, he should make his report.
Opening up a holographic video, Sunflare confirmed to his teammates that he had defeated the monster.
"The threat has been cleared. Let headquarters know they can give the signal for clear—"
His transmission is interfered with the sound an louder screech. Sunflare stumbles, the pain from the explosion causes his ears to ring. He quickly regains his balance as he turn his head towards a creature similar to the one he just blazed out, but much large.
Sunflare launches into action, but he still have to give himself time to charge up before he can deal another powerful blow. Unless he's right in front of the sun, it will takes more time for him to regain the energy he dishes out.
For now, he just have to buy himself time.
"Sunflare, is everything okay?" Spectre worried.
"Um, yeah just a quick little set back. I can handle it!"
"We can send back up if you need it.”
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"Don't worry, I got this."
Just a little more time. I have no choice but use my special.
The Kaibutsu chases after Sunflare, shooting out acidic goo towards the Space Guardian in attempt to hunt him down. Sunflare is agile as he evades each shot that is thrown at him. But there is a few close calls, when the goo nearly got him. Some flung onto his shoulder, causing a slight burn.
"Damn it!" Sunflare swore, but he doesn't allow his injury to slow him down.
Luckily for him, his charge kicks in before he reaches his breaking point. Both of his hands blazing from the heat of the sun, glowing even brighter. Sunflare molds them together, creating a sphere the size of a meteor.
"Silme ball, take a bite of this," he taunts. "I hope you like spice!"
The Kaibutsu snarls, rushing toward Sunflare as it rapidly shoots out more of its ooze. Sunflare averts as he could, pushing off the ground, flipping over the creature and aims behind its back with his orb.
"Blaze of Repentence!" Sunflare shouts, unleashing the scorching sphere that melts everything around it due to the immerse heat as it clashes into the Kaibutsu.
A final wailing emits from the monster before it consume by the fire and turns into molten ash. The flames extinguish itself, causing little damage to the area.
Sunflare pants as he kneels on the ground. He feels light-headed and his nose bleeds a little. He knows he spent himself too much using that attack. Usually why it was his last option.
He turns his gaze once more at the remains of the monster. The unsettling feeling still consumes him, but he turns his back and heads off the scene.
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As soon as he returned to headquarters, the clear is given it was safe to leave the shelter and return to their usual activities. For Sunflare, it was another day of a hero’s work done. Sunflare goes over the data he gathers before his departure. This monster wasn’t as intelligent as some of its counterparts. It looked fairly novice. Maybe it was a straggler that breeched past the digital safeguard that keeps them out.
“Good job, Sunflare, another job well done.” Bellatrix praises, gently patting his back.
“It was nothing really,” Sunflare answered. “I was just lucky that it wasn’t a big deal.”
“You and the rest of the city, it seems. But you handled it well.”
Sunflare gave a sheepish smile. Getting complimented by Bellatrix was an accomplishment, even if they didn’t always meet eye to eye. He feels his heart flutter at her words. For a long time now, he had feelings for the woman. However, he didn’t know if they were ever mutually return. But something inside of him told him it might be.
Or it could be his wishful thinking getting to him.
“Thanks Bella,” Sunflare coos, giving her a light-hearted smile. “But…I feel as if I’m missing something. I could just be overthinking.”
“I’m sure you are, Sunlight. Maybe I can ease some of those worries.” Bellatrix gives him a chaste smile from her remark.
That remark causes the heat to rise within his cheeks. His gazes lingering her own. Before he could ask her what she meant by her words, she leaves him hanging. She turns on her heels, the sound of them clacking confidently against the hollow floors. Sunflare could only watch her until she left from his view. Leaving him with many “what if” questions than the answers to settle those thoughts.
Eventually, he shrugs it off for another chance when they meet. But he had one more thing he needs to do before he heads home.
“Hey, Spectre,” Sunflare calls. “Do me a little favor?”
“Depends on the favor.” Spectre answers.
“Here,” Togi pulls out a vial from the pouch on his belt and tosses at Spectre. “Analyze this for me? Something weird happened at the battle site.”
Spectre examines the vial. He pauses before nodding. “I’ll look into it.”
“Thanks, Specs. ” Sunflare shrugs. “I’m heading out now.”
After all, his biggest fan was waiting for him.
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The role of Sunflare was over once he took off his uniform. Now, he is back to being just Kuromoto Togi. A lovable and dependable son and older brother to his younger sister, Kuromoto Rena. And as he suspected, there was the younger tomboyish girl, with dark black hair, bright light blue danube eyes and with the smile that was brighter than any star in the sky.
“Welcome home, Togi!” Rena beams as she immediately greets her older brother with a hug.
“Yes, I’m back, Rena.” He smiles back, returning the warm hug.
Rena was a courageous girl, with the brightest personality and purest of hearts. She was the reason he could survive each day, knowing that his life was on the line. Despite it all, at least he can keep her safe from the evil that plagues their galaxy. At least here on Earth, she was the safest.
“So, tell me all about it!” Rena demands.
Smaller hands gently tug and usher him onto the couch without a moment of haste after he had taken off his shoes at the door. Togi shook his head, wondering where Rena could get all her energy. But he knew this highlight was the fuel of her day. Hearing about his heroic adventures as Sunflare.
“Slow down. Can I at least catch my breath?” Togi sighs. “I’ll tell you all about today’s monster of the week once I settle a bit.”
“Ugh, fine, but hurry! Before Dad and mom overhears.”
Togi knew his parents had disapproved of Rena hearing about his line of work. He didn’t find it a big deal, but his parent might feel it would give Rena strange ideas or nightmares. He doesn’t know why they still treat her like a kid; she was almost close to adulthood.
Finally, after he sat settled down. He took a spot on the sofa next to Rena. Immediately, he tells her in his most dramatic way possible about the monster he faces and how he ends up defeating it. Togi admires as Rena listens intensely with enthusiasm. He places an epic spin on his tale, trying to make entertaining. While she looks as if she enjoys his story, he picks up a hint of concern on her features.
“Hey, Togi. Do you ever get scared?”
Togi paused hearing Rena’s sudden question about his fear. He has times where he was afraid of failing. Afraid of dying. But that fear never last long with him. The reason being that he had something he wanted to fight for. People he wanted to protect. Togi smiles as he ruffles the curls locks of his little sister to give her reassurance.
“Yeah, sometimes.” Togi admits. “But being a Space Guardian means you have to face all the scary things in order to save others who rely on you.”
Doe-like danube eyes linger up at her role model. Hearing his words always made her feel a little braver. A smile makes its way on her lips. She stretches and yawns. Her head rest upon his shoulder.
“Do you think I could ever be a Space Guardian, like you?”
Togi’s body grew frigid at her question. For a moment, he pondered what he should tell her. The truth of being a Space Guardian isn’t always as glamorous as he makes the story to be.
If anything, he wanted to avoid her becoming a guardian. The pressure and burden of the world would be on her. She would have to face losing people she once called comrades. She has to fight to survive and protect many—even if she wishes to run away. But he didn’t want to tarnish her dream if that was what she wanted.
“Yeah, I think that could be one, Rena.” Togi nods as he plants a kiss onto of her forehead. “You’re the bravest and strongest girl that I know. I think you have more than what it takes to become a hero.”
“You really believe that?”
“I do. More than you ever realize.”
The heartwarming moment cuts short when Togi receives a call from headquarters on his A-Com. Opening the compact communicator, pressing the button, a holographic mini video feed pops before him of a suave, suit and tie business man before him.
“Mr. Misao, what’s the emergency?” Togi asks.
“Apologizes for calling so late, Kuromoto-san. But we need you and your time to head out. There was a distress transmission we received from the Astra Intergalactic Hogosha Agency from the branch in JI-829. It seems the Shinen no Kaibutsu might have made their contact. We need your team to investigate right away and provide help if necessary.”
“I understand. I assume you already contacted the others. I’ll head over to gear up and take off. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get there as quick as possible. ”
“Thank you, Kuromoto-san. Apologizes again for having you come after you already fought today.”
“It’s alright, my job is to protect our universe, isn’t it?”
The call ends, Togi sighs, turning his gaze over towards Rena. He wishes he had more time to spend with her but duty calls. He knows more than anyone that she looks up to him.
“Rena, I’m sorry to cut our bonding short…” Togi apologizes, gently placing a hand on her head.
Rena shakes her head, giving him a small smile. She felt a little sad, but she knew his job was more important. The universe needed him. And whatever was going on, he has to go and handle it.
“It’s okay, Togi. I understand. That just means another cooler story when you return, right?”
“Right.” Togi nods.
Getting up, he stretches before grabbing his leather jacket and went to the door to put on his shoes. He heard Rena creep behind him. His back was against her, so he wasn’t sure what kind of expression she was making. But he felt she was sending him off with a smile, as always.
“I’ll be back in a flash. Or as soon as I can,” He promises. “Try to stay out of trouble by then, Rena.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be waiting!”
That thought was enough to bring his spirits up. She’ll be waiting.
“Thank you. See you soon.”
He speaks his goodbye as he heads out the door and to prepare for his mission at headquarters.