The beep of the machines was a constant thing, rhythmic as it tracked the boy's heartbeat. An IV dripped occasionally, and oxygen followed through tubes in his nose. His eyes were half closed as he dozed. They opened wider as he suddenly became aware of a rhythmic thumping sound, like heavy footsteps going down the hall.
His parents proceeded whatever was making the sound, his father's smile wavering on his face. "Hiro?" he said. "Are you awake?"
"Yes, Father," he managed.
"There's someone here to see you, son. A special visitor."
"Who is it?"
His father and mother stepped aside, revealing a face known to all the children of Japan. Scaly features were bent into a small smile as Grogg stepped forward carefully. "Grogg-kun!"
Grogg carefully made his way to Hiro's bedside. "Hello, Hiro," he said. "Grogg is very happy to meet you! Your parents say you are Grogg's biggest fan!"
Hiro couldn't believe this!
The Grogg was here to see him. "The biggest! I've seen all your movies a hundred times! You're the greatest! You're my hero!"
Tusk-framed lips drew back into a wider grin, and tiny dark eyes twinkled. "Grogg just doing his job. But Grogg is glad he could make you happy. Grogg loves all children!"
One of Grogg's arms withdrew into his shell, and when it returned, it was carrying a stuffed version of himself. "Grogg not supposed to have this... this from new movie Grogg filming now... but Grogg thinks you should have it more."
Hiro took the stuffed Grogg from the real Grogg and gave it a squeeze. In a tinny voice, it announced, "I am the Mighty Grogg!"
Hiro's grin grew wider still. "Oh, thank-you, Grogg-kun!" He laughed and laughed, until the laughing gave way to a coughing fit. Grogg took a cautious step back, his smile wavering for a second, but the coughing passed.
Eventually, it was time for Grogg to go. Grogg promised he would come see Hiro again when he could. "Grogg always be there for children in need."
***
"Thank-you, Grogg," Hiro's father told him, seeing Grogg out. "This meant so much to him, being able to meet a hero like you."
Grogg looked up at the window where Hiro's room had been, not far above the hosptial's sign. Tokyo Hospital for Terminally Ill Children. "Grogg happy to help," he said. "Grogg friend to all children."
He looked away as a tear fell down his cheek. His voice was barely above a whisper. "But Hiro is real hero..."