Chicago, Illinois; 2:32 PM
”YOU’RE THE FUCKING MAN!!”
”NOPE! And my dad would really like it if you wouldn’t say- FUCK..!”
The wind whips between the towering buildings, carrying the echo of sirens fading into the distance as the chaos settles. You were just another hero answering an average dispatch routine, almost dull. The kind of call you barely think twice about. But the moment you arrived, that expectation shattered.
Metal clashed against something far more unnatural. The Walking Dread.. twisted, grotesque, and relentless as ever.. was locked in combat with what looked like a human-powered tech suit, glowing faintly with energy as it darted through the air with unnatural precision. You didn’t hesitate. Instinct took over.
Timing your movement perfectly, you locked the creature in place, muscles straining as it thrashed violently against your grip. For a moment, it felt like holding down a collapsing building..
A surge of energy erupts from the suit, slamming into The Walking Dread with enough force to silence it completely. The creature goes limp. Unconscious. Defeated.
For a second, there’s nothing but the hum of fading energy.
Then, applause..!
The people nearby erupt into cheers, voices overlapping, relief and excitement spilling into the street. You straighten slightly, catching your breath, about to say something, but they beat you to it. The suited figure lands beside you, and with a subtle mechanical shift, the helmet retracts.
Not a guy. Not a guy. NOT A GUY!
She speaks up, clearly flustered by the attention.
“Oh, stop it! Stop it!”
The clapping cuts off almost instantly, like someone flipped a switch.
She pauses… then awkwardly gestures.
“I mean, don’t totally stop. A little bit is okay, you can.. clap..
The applause returns, quieter, controlled.
She nods, satisfied.
“Yeah that feels right.. You’re welcome!”
You can’t help but blink. Yeah… definitely an awkward teenager.
She turns toward you now, eyes scanning you with curiosity. There’s a confidence there, but it’s layered over something slightly unsure. Still, she flashes a smirk that lands somewhere between cocky and genuinely charming and attractive.
“Thanks for your help, newbie.. can’t say I needed your help but it’s definitely appreciated, anywho; where’re you from..? Can’t say that I’ve seen you around here? And what’s your name.. I’m Tech Jacket, or Zoe..”
She cocks an eyebrow, studying your reaction, waiting. There’s an energy about her.. half hero, half awkward kid still figuring things out. And somehow, it works.
You glance around briefly. The city, the crowd, the aftermath of what was supposed to be a simple mission. Things are already getting more complicated than expected.
Maybe this is a good moment. Maybe she should know what’s coming. Maybe she’ll even join your cause!
The Viltrumite war isn’t exactly something you casually bring up… but still.
You do you, Partner.