What friends are for and the reason why

Friends of the Heroes...

I liked the idea, when I heard about it. Because if anyone needs a true friend, its a hero.
Think how it must be... You spent your night times Saving The City, clawed, ravaged, almost annihilated by the Forces Of Evil, then you go home. Home to an empty house, and back to the everyday life. The life where nobody knows who you really are, and what you're capable of.
And, if you did tell them, nobody would believe you.
Sometimes, a hero must be glad of the Enemy. Someone who respects their ability, who presents them with a real challenge in these dull, thought-free times. Someone who believes in them.

A real friend would do all the same, but with kindness and compassion rather than self-interest. When you pull of those Bat Wings and curl up your sonar for the night, its going to feel much better if there's someone to supply a smile, a cup of cocoa, a listening ear. Perhaps even a hug.

From here one, there are four different versions.

Week 1:

Of course, the other thing a friend does is help you discover the world. And help the world discover you. Perhaps, if they like you enough, they'll introduce you to their other friends:

'Ian, this is the Aislers Set. I just know you're going to like them.'
She was right. I do. We've spent some fine moments together since that first meeting. I don't know how much the Aislers Set enjoyed them, but they meant something to me.

One by one, we'll share our friends. And we'll make new ones together. And we'll help each other believe.

That's what friends are for.

xx
Ian

Week 2

Of course, the other thing a friend does is help you discover the world. And help the world discover you.

I remember the night we discovered Jacob's ladder.
A tiny little plant, slowly opening up for its nocturnal audience.
I couldn't believe it was growing there. I wasn't entirely sure I was right. Usually, the plant is found in the vineyards of Southern France. Back yards in Sparkhill are an unusual habitat, to say the least.

I told the Friends about the flower, though they didn't believe me at first. The magical, some would say mythical, little plant, fighting back, against all attempts to eradicate it.

If I hadn't been there, if they hadn't been there, it wouldn't have meant so much. I wouldn't have told anyone, and they would have thought it was just another plant.

We'll find the world together. Look for the magical in the everyday. Find our heroes everywhere And we'll help each other believe.

That's what friends are for.

xx
Ian

Week 3 (which was Valentine's day week):

Perhaps, too, the Friends make you feel better. On those down days. On the days when you wake up, pull on your spandex tights, and remember that this is a special day for so many people in the world.

But you're a hero. Such frippery is not for you. Valentines Day is for the normal people.

You need a friend right about then. One to tell you its all rubbish, a great big commercial game, and that you shouldn't worry. One to remind you that you are a strong, vital individual who doesn't need a relationship to exist.

One to send you a card... perhaps..

Our combined card is here. It is for all of you, to remind you of how magical life can be. To remind you of how strong you can be. To help you cope, together or alone.

Week 4:

If you're any sort of hero, you'll be fighting for what you believe in. You'll get tired, and worn down by the world. There's always somebody to tell you you're wrong. There's always someone else who knows better. You'll need someone to back you up, to make you feel stronger. Perhaps you'll need someone to help you take a step back from all that fighting, help you realise that there are other important things too.

You can't always save the world.
But you're a hero, so that won't stop you trying.

We're offering a hand to hold, when you're tired, when you stop believing and when you can't see anything but the world falling apart.

Together, maybe, we can make it better.

xx
Ian

Things we had said about us before:

The first Ink Polaroid and the reason why (October - Dimitra)
6 am Christmas morning and the reason why (November - Rachel)
The best thing about the Friends of the Heroes (December - Dimitra)
Flowers in the mud (Christmas - Paul)
Spiders and Happines (January - Belle)