Not just in their powers, but also in their outfits, motivations, cultures, races, etcetera [https://img.wattpad.com/0239a4cd19ffcd5c53b1d2df612725b21919f4a2/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f52684f6a5a6633415253484f79413d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736353937326133623066323339303839383835313031373530392e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Not just in their powers, but also in their outfits, motivations, cultures, races, etcetera.
To Jay, it does make sense that in a melting pot like Neo Houston, there would be many types of heroes to represent the unique populations that called the city home.
He liked that a lot, actually. In his hometown there'd been a lot of negative attitudes about anyone who didn't fit the stereotypical mold, so he'd always struggled to find his place.
It was a contributing factor for why he came here, actually. He'd been hoping that life in the big city would be different. Specifically, he'd hoped to work with a hero who would make the effort to try and understand him, maybe even embrace his differences...
It didn't look like his next partner, Brighteyes, was going to be that person though. The woman is tense, fidgeting anxiously as she tucks a stray strand of dark hair into her hijab. "I put in a request to be assigned to Ravenette, you can't pair me with her?"
Darius smiles, straightening his tie. "As we discussed before, Brighteyes, we believe both you and Quickwit have something to gain from this arrangement. Especially after your fiasco with Razzmatazz...take this time to reflect on how you can improve and grow as heroes."
The woman stands, hands balled into fists. "You can't—you can't partner me with him! When I signed my contract I was promised—"
"It's stated clearly in your contract that the Texan Hero Network can choose your assigned sidekicks at will. You agreed to these terms when you signed."
Brighteyes bows her head, defeated. Jay takes her silence as an opportunity to interject his thoughts. "Can I ask why you consider our encounter with Razzmatazz a failure? I understand that I was supposed to be off that day, but I wanted to assist...I actually was hoping you could assign her as my nemesis. I understand Razzmatazz better than anyone, so I could be of use being assigned as the primary hero to handle any breakouts..."
Darius grimaces. "The issue isn't that you were off duty. The problem is, Quickwit, that a Network contracted hero called a supervillain his friend on live TV. You understand the position that puts us in, right?"
Jay frowns. "Razzmatazz isn't malicious, she was just reacting poorly to a bad situation. I'd even hesitate to call her a vill—"
"Furthermore," the director snaps, "we do not assign heroes their nemesis based on how well they understand a villain. They're chosen with consideration for how capable a hero is at subduing threats to Houston. A C-class hero with slightly enhanced intellect is hardly up to par with an A-class villain of Razzmatazz's caliber."
The sidekick sighs. "...I understand."
Darius leans back in his seat, eyes cold. "Good. At the end of this week you and Brighteyes will be assigned parade duty—make sure to keep an upbeat attitude to properly represent the Network."
Jay nods solemnly. He doesn't exactly like the idea of being in a noisy crowd of parade-goers, but he can think of worse punishments than protecting Pride 2050.
However, working with Brighteyes creates a new set of challenges he isn't prepared for...
As they get acquainted, the tan-skinned woman doesn't act snooty like Pixamena, annoying like Aquarikid, or arrogant like Massasauga. No, Brighteyes just seems...flat. She engages with Jay only in the coldest most professional fashion.
The sidekick knows he should be grateful to finally get assigned someone sensible...but it just makes him more upset. He feels childish for desiring the camaraderie he sees in other superhero teams. Was Jay really so insufficient just because he didn't have a "cool" power?
The blond tries not to stew in his negative feelings. He doesn't want this to turn out to be another Pixamena situation...maybe Brighteyes was upset that he intervened with Razz? He just doesn't get all these stupid rules everyone else seems to understand perfectly. Someone needed help—does it really matter if it was a villain?
The sidekick sighs, pulling on his mask. He resolves to bring it up after the parade—maybe if he can learn to understand his new partner, he can fix this. It was unlikely she'd want him as her permanent sidekick, but after pissing off Pixamena, Aquarikid, and Massasauga, he's on thin ice...
He keeps that in mind as he pulls up to where the parade is setting up, unfolding his umbrella and stepping out into the downpour.
The weather hasn't slowed the festivities at all. Houstonians bustle about, toting umbrellas in every hue. The vibrant colors of the rainbow sparkle brightly against the wet pavement, making even the potholes festive looking.
The blond smiles despite his sour mood—if there's anything that keeps him motivated, it's getting a reminder of what he's protecting.
However, Jay's train of thought is interrupted when his phone buzzes in his pocket. He unlocks it to see who is messaging him—
Gannet: Look behund u! 💜💜💜
The sidekick whips his head around. Immediately, he spots the villain behind the barricade. Gannet waves furiously, dark outfit contrasted with Faye's pastel colors. As the hero approaches, he observes the pair is bedecked in pride merch; Gannet is wearing a bandanna with the bisexual flag, and Faye is wearing a choker in the colors of the lesbian flag.
Neat.
"Hi guys, happy Pride."
The villain grins widely, bouncing with excitement. "Happy Pride! I was surprised to spot you here, is the network really making you work during a national holiday?"
Jay nods. "Yeah, increased villain attacks means they're worried, I guess."
"Who else is out here today?" Gannet asks.
"I'm not sure, but there's quite a few heroes on the lookout..."
Jay isn't about to tell the villain that in reality, they are sorely understaffed. Of all the heroes the only ones assigned to protect the parade is Pixamena (undercover), Ravenette, Brighteyes, and him. He'd like to complain to the network that they should assign some A-Class heroes to such a large event but knows his concerns would only fall on deaf ears...
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
"By the way, Quickwit," Faye interjects, "would you like a Pride lanyard? I'm handing them out—you add cute little charms to represent your identity."
Jay observes the clear bag of metal charms, giving a smile. "That's really nice, thanks! I'd love one."
The hero reaches into the bag, pulling out a metallic heart that says gay everyday alongside a little demiromantic flag. He clips them onto a lanyard and immediately puts it on with a smile.
Faye and Gannet exchange a loaded look, giggling and pushing each other like school kids. Jay raises an eyebrow, but brushes it off. He's pretty used to not getting people by now.
"It was nice seeing you, but I've got to get back to securing the area. Be safe, you two."
Gannet grins. "You too! Bye, Quickwit!"
Jay waves as he heads back to his task. He worries for a moment that Gannet is here to cause trouble, but dismisses it immediately. The pride parade doesn't seem like the villain's kind of target...he's most likely here to genuinely celebrate.
Suddenly, among the sea of rainbows he spots a neon green figure—Brighteyes. He catches up with his partner quickly, rattling off his assessment of the parade. Brighteyes nods, only giving a few words of acknowledgment. Jay suppresses a sigh...was she going to be like this the whole day?
As a dark figure emerges from the crowd though, the sidekick is shocked to see the neon irises sparkle with excitement.
"Ravenette! Over here!" She cheers
The tan woman skips over, black wings fluttering. "Brighteyes! I found shiny things!"
"Brighteyes! I found shiny things!" [https://img.wattpad.com/5b197058e1edcda0689b6ac5bf4ce269770b0a3e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f484d4b7271725153465a692d46773d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736393733633262336432633835643334303036383539323532362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Brighteyes giggles as they embrace, pulling away to look at what the avian woman found [https://img.wattpad.com/c8e29d7d5f9754dc6e61ea77f22067593f389161/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f49563079397562675042457748673d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736396134306461303732636262363736323736393739393534312e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Brighteyes giggles as they embrace, pulling away to look at what the avian woman found. "How did you find this? The parade hasn't even officially started yet!"
Ravenette gives a tittering laugh, stuffing the collection of lost pins and jewelry into her pockets. "I'm always on the lookout for shineys..."
Navy blue eyes drift to Jay's lanyard. "Oh, no way! Are you gay Quickwit? My gaydar missed you by a mile!"
Sensing an opportunity to build some camaraderie, Jay thinks fast. "No, I'm straight. I just date men because they have the most common sense."
The women stare blankly at the hero, an awkward silence growing between them before he goes on damage control. "That was a joke...um, you know, because men are dumb."
Ravenette smiles wide, giving a cawing laugh as she leans on Brighteyes. "I've never seen you make a joke before!" The sidekick turns to her friend, slapping her back. "Guess you're in good hands after all, huh? You need someone lively to break up all that broody energy."
Brighteyes seems to tense at that, turning away. "Yeah. Now enough socializing, the parade is starting."
Jay can't suppress the bitterness rising. he stuffs his emotions down, attempting to focus on his task instead of his anger. Maybe he can't persuade his partner to like him, but he can be a hero. That's all that matters.
Soon, the parade begins without a hitch; rounds of colorful performers dance down the street, rainbow floats glide about, and there's even a fleet of electric self-driving motorcycles doing tricks. Jay enjoys the colorful theatrics, despite his introverted nature. It was a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, nice things never seem to last in Neo Houston.
It starts with something gently floating from the sky...snow.
That's highly unusual, to put things lightly. Not only is Houston firmly categorized as having a subtropical climate, but it's the middle of June, one of the most blisteringly hot months of the year.
Soon it becomes apparent this is no minor meteorological anomaly—this is the work of villains.
There's screaming from the crowd and a bustle to get away as two menacing figures appear. The heroes rush towards the commotion to apprehend the threat. From the fray emerge supervillain Hellfire and his sidekick, Frigid.
[https://img.wattpad.com/b74370cc5f5afd6c2496c45b9e331267deeb4e0a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f794f627979664457736a4a4230673d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736396134643863313361643765653233353139303437303236332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
[https://img.wattpad.com/fa0246d4ac759d416f3ea535da98809cb356b3e7/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f635f62697176707973444e7731673d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736393733633765626562333530383330333233393737363532362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The masked priest is first to step forward, eyes aglow with an eerie hatred [https://img.wattpad.com/fbe69eb840f31e87c8db96f78858f484d7ef96b1/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f63567378584a41397972323139673d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736396134646430633063653931613132363639363138363634372e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The masked priest is first to step forward, eyes aglow with an eerie hatred. "Stand down, heroes. We mean no harm—we just seek to end this affront to God's will."
"I find it hard to believe a celebration of love is an affront to Allah," Brighteyes growls, eyes aglow. "Surrender now. There's no need for violence, which is what our lord really abhors."
Frigid's face contorts in disgust. "Our lord?" She spits, "what would you know? You work for the Network—the things they have their women wear, the heroes they call women...it's satanic. All of you need to learn your place."
"Sounds to me like God has too much free time on his hands." Jay quips.
"Enough!" Hellfire bellows. "Repent or face the fires of Hell!"
With that, the villains go on the attack. The crowd watches, titillated, as the heroes face off with the fire and ice duo. Flames, jagged icicles, and neon green lasers go flying as they battle.
Unfortunately, even with three on two, they're struggling against the villains. Luckily, Pixamena emerges from the crowd just in time, green wings flaring as she shoots a barrage of pink heart-tipped taser arrows at the aggressors.
But the dastardly duo is still too strong. Frigid deflects the arrows effortlessly by summoning a large icy wall, stepping aside to let her partner go on the attack. Hellfire wastes no time sending a searing blast of fire directly toward Jay, causing the sidekick to duck behind a nearby van.
But Ravenette isn't so lucky, crying out in pain as the inferno singes her wings. She falls to her knees, grimacing in pain from her wounds. The timing couldn't be worse, as the heroine is left vulnerable on the ground while the other three attempt to wrangle the villains. Jay clenches his jaw as he realizes she needs to be moved or the damage will almost definitely be worsened.
Pixamena seems to come to the same conclusion. She swoops down from the sky, purple nunchucks brandished as she attempts to distract the villains. Jay and Brighteyes take the opportunity to lift Ravenette to her feet, but their plan is quickly sussed out. Hellfire sends a burst of flame skyward, causing Pixamena to squeal and flounder helplessly as she falls onto the concrete with a thud.
With nobody in her way now, Frigid summons massive icicles, dangerously sharp tips pointing directly at Jay and company. The sidekick can only tense, eyes going wide as he realizes there's no time to react; all he can do is brace for impact and pray that being skewered by a frosty Karen isn't too painful of a way to die.
However, before Jay and company face their icy doom, the crowd begins to gasp as a dark shape darts among the paradegoers.
[https://img.wattpad.com/f3311893e82c23553bfe2b71a5d67b692e019dcb/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f2d325235357358536855705736673d3d2d313334313136363035342e313736373433616330393339623163623230343334393232303433352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]