The large port smelled like salt, rust, and something chemical. Cargo cranes loomed like skeletal giants, half-swallowed by the late-night fog in Torrance. The port was massive, and cluttered with various cargo crates.

But in the center of it all, Blonde Blazer stepped forward, her boots scraping against the concrete as the shadows tightened around her. A thin red laser dotted her cheek, then another on her collarbone, her ribs, her temple—almost 20 in total.

She exhaled calmly, golden energy subtly humming behind her eyes to the threatening welcome. Across from her, the gang’s leader—greasy hair, cheap leather clothing, and a grin that reeked of arrogance—spread his arms.

“Well, well. The famous Blonde Blazer. Didn’t think you’d crawl out this far south. Guess hero payroll ain’t what it used to be.”

Blonde Blazer straightened. “You’re smuggling restricted tech through a civilian port. That’s a federal-level offense. Stand down and no one gets hurt.”

“Hah!” He barked a laugh. “You hear that, boys? She thinks she’s calling the shots.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a snarl. “You’re standing in the middle of a damn kill box. One twitch, and they’ll turn your insides into modern art.”

Blonde Blazer didn’t flinch. If anything, her tone sharpened. “You’re overcompensating.”

“Keep running your mouth,” The man snapped. “See what happens.” He raised a hand—then froze.

A laser vanished from her jaw. Another slipped off her shoulder. Another flickered and died from her sternum. His brow creased. “Hey—who the hell told the snipers to reposition?”

Silence. Blonde Blazer’s eyes lifted—not in fear, but in recognition. Something was happening throughout the port—quiet, systematic. “You’ve lost control of the field,” She said.

“Bullshit.” He turned sharply. “Check the rafters! Now!” Shouts erupted. Metal clanged. Someone went down hard in the distance. The leader spun back toward her, now pale beneath his anger. “Who the—”

A shadow cut through the fog. Blonde Blazer reacted instantly—slamming her palms outward as a radiant barrier exploded to life around her just as muzzle flashes erupted from every angle. Bullets pinged off the shimmering dome in rapid, frantic sparks.

“Figures,” She muttered beneath the thunder of gunfire. “Torrance finally gets interesting.”

The leader stumbled back, screaming in demand as he fled, “Damn it! Drop that Blonde Bitch! Drop them both! Kill ‘em!” More figures poured from behind shipping containers, weapons raised. The entire pier lit up with hostile motion.

Inside the barrier, Blonde Blazer shot a quick glance at the figure who had suddenly leaped down beside her before raising her barrier—you. “Didn’t expect company!” She admitted, her voice remaining steady even as the dome trembled under the barrage. “But good timing!”

The barrier brightened, thickening with heat and force with each striking bullet. “I don't think I've seen you before!” Outside, the criminals roared forward. "Once we clean this up, I'll owe you one."