This Is Your Golden Spirit, Dio!

Kansas weather was like a temperamental child.

It had been bright and sunny in the morning, but by evening, the sky had turned overcast again, just like it had the night before.

Thick storm clouds swiftly swallowed the last ray of sunset.

Before long, raindrops began pattering against the roof like countless tiny stones falling from the sky, drumming irritably against it.

Standing by the window, Locke held the phone to his ear.

"Locke, this rain came on too suddenly. We're stuck in town, and the roads are too bad. I'm afraid we won't be able to get back tonight. Clark will have to trouble you again." Martha's voice carried an apologetic note from the other end.

"Oh, Martha! Look what I found here! Free shampoo!"

Jonathan's faint voice drifted through the phone line as well.

Locke could not help but smile before replying gently, "Why are you being so polite with me?"

"Hasn't Clark always had the same standing as Dio in this house? Don't worry. I'll take good care of him."

"Then I was being too polite." Martha laughed on the other end. "When we get back, we'll treat your whole family to a big meal and properly thank you."

"Alright, I'll hold you to that."

After responding half-jokingly, Locke said goodbye and hung up.

However—

When he turned toward the dining table, the sight before him made him rub his forehead.

Dio was glaring viciously at the enormous deer leg on Clark's plate. Two tiny flames seemed to burn in his ruby-like eyes, and even his golden bangs appeared to tremble with rage.

Clark, meanwhile, seemed completely oblivious. He was still eating with his head down, his cheeks puffed out like a hamster's, glossy sauce staining the corner of his mouth.

For this little Superman, who usually only ate staple foods until he was full, this was a rare feast.

"Dio," Locke said helplessly, "isn't your deer meat right there? Why do you keep staring at Clark's?"

Dio whipped his head around, his vicious expression instantly turning into one of innocent grievance.

"Dad, that's a deer leg!"

Locke glanced at Dio's plate. Indeed, since Clark's deer leg had been specially given as a reward, the portion was especially generous, nearly taking up more than half the table.

Dio's portion was not small either, but compared to Clark's, it seemed rather "meager."

"You talked to a stranger without permission today." Locke could not help laughing. "And who told you to sneak off and drive the tractor again? This is your punishment."

"Besides, even if I gave you a whole deer leg, you couldn't finish it."

"I..." Dio's little face immediately fell. He muttered, "But Clark drove too."

"At least Clark didn't drive you into a mud pit, then happily eat blueberry pie beside it." Locke raised an eyebrow.

Left speechless, Dio could only angrily poke at the deer shoulder on his plate, as though he were treating it as Clark's head.

"Half full."

After taking a satisfied deep breath, Clark raised his head from the half-eaten deer leg.

He needed a break. If he kept eating, his cheeks were going to get tired.

"Hm?" Clark glanced at Dio, who kept spearing meat without eating it, his blue eyes full of confusion. "Dio, why aren't you eating? Do you feel sick?"

"Idiot." Dio snorted and turned away. "None of your business!"

Scratching his head, Clark had no idea how he had offended his little brother again.

Still, after hesitating for a moment, he suddenly cut off a large piece of meat with his fork and held it out to Dio.

"Do you want to try mine? It's really good!"

Dio froze. He stared at the glistening piece of venison, then looked up at Clark's sincere eyes, unsure how to respond for a moment.

But in the end, he awkwardly took the meat with his fork and only muttered:

"Idiot."

?

Locke's expression suddenly shifted as he keenly caught that rare moment.

The corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. Then he turned and walked into the kitchen, bringing out a freshly baked blueberry pie from the oven.

Its rich, sweet fragrance instantly filled the room, immediately drawing both children's attention.

"Alright, dessert after the deer leg."

Locke placed the blueberry pie in the middle of the table and smiled. "But this time, no one is allowed to snatch it. Half each."

Nodding, Dio and Clark reached for the blueberry pie, eager to stuff it into their mouths.

"Ahem."

Slowly taking the seat at the head of the table, Locke gazed warmly at Dio. He cleared his throat, drawing the children's attention back to himself.

"Dio."

"What is it, Dad?"

"When you faced that robot monster last night, you could clearly have escaped on your own. Why did you stand in front of Clark in the end?"

The blueberry pie paused halfway to Dio's mouth. His red pupils contracted slightly, as though some hidden thought had been exposed.

He even instinctively glanced at Clark, only to find him looking back with those clear blue eyes, curiosity written all over his face.

"I..."

Dio's throat moved. He seemed to want to argue, but the words reached his lips and were swallowed back down.

He gritted his teeth, then merely snorted.

"Who stood in front of him? I just happened to be standing there!"

Locke raised his eyebrows. Rather than exposing his stubbornness, he continued guiding him.

"Is that so? But I remember you shouted, 'Clark, run!' Didn't you?"

"?"

Did I shout that?

Dio froze.

"Really, Dio? Were you protecting me back then?" Clark's eyes lit up at once.

Dio looked at Clark's grateful face, then at Locke's encouraging gaze.

Dad said so, so I must have done that.

"Of course." Dio nodded, his blond hair bristling slightly. "But I only thought that if you got beaten to death by that robot, Dad, Uncle Jonathan, and Aunt Martha would all be sad!"

Locke could not help laughing.

He reached out and ruffled Dio's head, his tone gentle yet firm. "Dio, do you know? True courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to do what is right even when you are afraid."

"Fear in the face of danger is a biological instinct. It makes people lose their heads and flee in panic."

"But your choice last night proved that your heart is stronger than you imagined. It was enough to help you overcome your fear."

"Dio, this is your spirit—your spirit, brilliant as gold."

The star-shaped birthmark on his shoulder grew faintly warm. Dio froze, as though someone had seen through a trait he himself had never noticed.

For once, he lowered his head without arguing. After a long while, he muttered, "You're being a little too long-winded, Dad."

"Clark, tell me. How should we reward Dio for wanting to save you?"

"Obviously..." Clark stood up and threw his arms around Dio, his voice full of emotion. "Thank you, Dio! You really are my best little brother!"

Clark, when did you ever discuss this script with me?

Watching the scene, Locke's smile deepened.

He casually pulled a huge foil-wrapped bundle from beneath the table. Star Platinum had swiftly handled and rested the meat for him just moments ago.

"A hug may be enough, but a material reward is even more important."

Locke unwrapped the foil, revealing a massive steak inside.

"Dio, your reward. Prime-grade premium ribeye."

"Your favorite."