VK   are you alright?

VK   here - let me get your things.

She takes three bags in one hand as if they weighed nothing. The little ones toddle around, wandering dangerously close to the streetside. Whenever their little feet breach the asphalt, she steps in quicker than any ordinary human could, nudging them back onto the sidewalk.

VK   please keep an eye on your children.

??   Thank you, Viktoria!

??   I - I've had such a day... it's hard to take care of everything.

VK   i know.

??   I'm saving up to afford a sitter. Or maybe I could call my sister again.

??   Here, let me carry at least one of those -

The caped hero quietly swerves her arm out of the civilian's reach. Her expression is soft, but firm.

VK   let me help.

VK   they need you. more than they need me.

VK   isnt that right, kids?

She nudges one of the children with her foot. They smile up at her, blissfully ignorant of any dangers on the road.

It takes around 20 minutes for her to finish with them. They wave goodbye and shut the door to a dingy-looking apartment. You can see her exhale and wipe the sweat off of her brow. Then, she turns around, facing the streets once more. Looking around for other people to help, maybe.

VK   hey, you.

Is she... looking at you?

VK   yes, you.

VK   the one wearing the glasses and the... the work clothes.

CL   <_Eh?_>

You desperately scan your surroundings, hoping that she's referring to someone, anyone else. But who else looks as outstanding as you?

CL   <_Darn it, Emmett, its not the time for flatter-_>

VK   are you lost?

You jump, realizing that she's made quick work across the street. With your fearful crouching, she's looming over you, her concerned expression cast in shadow.

VK   is it your first time in this city?

VK   do you need directions?

CL   <_I_>

You stand up, coming out from behind the old telephone booth as casually as possible.

CL   <_I was just... visiting. Looking around_>

CL   <_Ive never seen a place like this before_>

Your apprehension must show, because she takes a step back and crosses her arms. Her mouth is tilted to the side, and her eyes look thoughtful.

VK   well, just make sure to be careful, okay?

VK   sepia is full of colorful characters. some that have no qualms about hurting others.

VK   if you ever need help, the super headquarters are that way.

She points to that incredibly tall, imposing skyscraper a few blocks away. Standing smack dab in the center of Sepia City. If you squint, you can see activity around it, including people flying in and out of the upper floors.

CL   <_Ive heard of them_>

CL   <_The superheroes, I mean_>

CL   <_Even though this place is meant to be the hero capital_>

CL   <_There arent many who spend their time patrolling here_>

CL   <_Helping the layperson_>

VK   i know.

VK   but that doesnt mean there arent those who do.

A loud beeping sound erupts from that device on her wrist. She curses under her breath (it sounds... Spanish? Italian? Some country far from here) and makes her way down the street. You find your bearings and follow right behind.

CL   <_Is that some kind of hero signal?_>

CL   <_Has there been, eh, some kind of attack?_>

She keeps tapping on that device - it has a small screen, so she's likely receiving information from somewhere. It's blocky and rudimentary in design compared to the ones you're used to. Like it's built to survive rather than innovate.

VK   what are you doing?

CL   <_Eh?_>

She quickly steps away from you before you could take a closer look.

CL   <_I, well_>

CL   <_Im sorry, I couldnt help myself_>

CL   <_Is that a special device you use as a hero?_>

It's hard to discern her exact expression behind that mask, but you have an inkling it's an all-too-familiar one. One you receive from the board members when you ask too many questions - like you said something wrong, somehow.

CL   <_I-If you have superhero confidentiality on it, thats fine!_>

CL   <_I was just curious - it was beeping before, and you seemed in a -_>

VK   its my watch.

VK   i have alarms set for my chores.

You blink.

CL   <_Superhero chores?_>

VK   if you consider a hefty laundry run particularly super.

CL   <_Oh_>

CL   <_Youre not running off to deal with a villain of some sort?_>

VK   some problems cant be dealt with in battle.

VK   we have to help ourselves on top of civilians like you.

VK   a novel concept, i know.

VK   but even we have normal, messy homes to return to.

She gives you a tired but cordial smile, then directs her attention back on her path. You find it difficult to keep up her pace, so you start speaking louder instead.

CL   <_Youre talking about your secret identity, right?_>

CL   <_Do you live here? In one of the apartment buildings?_>

VK   now thats something protected by superhero confidentiality.

CL   <_Can you give me a hint? Like, where would be the best place to -_>

Suddenly, you're grabbed, tackled, and rolled on the ground. You nearly activate your Value by instinct, but you hold off, feeling her weight lingering protectively on top of you.

And in the next second, there's an earth-shaking explosion just a few feet away. The sound is dulled by that cape partly draped over your head, though it's still powerful enough to make you wince. You try to move, to speak, but you find yourself frozen solid.

VK   are you alright?

You look up. The shockwaves knocked her helmet askew, so you can see parts of those brown eyes of hers. You've never seen anything as warm. Like caramel-glazed metal.

VK   can you hear me? are you alright?

CL   <_Wh-wh-what was that?_>

As you stutter uselessly at her, she picks you up and places you on a nearby sidewalk. You crumple to the concrete, your legs a shivering mess, as you watch her scan the road.

VK   come out and face me! i know youre there!

There are civilians shrieking on the sides, running into buildings or staring bewildered at the scene. Viktoria's expression grows exasperated.

VK   everyone! run, find shelter!

VK   you dont want to get caught in the blast radius!

VK   (gods above, its like its their first day here...)

Her gaze sharpens, and she locks in on some kind of projectile veering towards the civilians. She sprints over and, before your eyes, catches it above her head like a football. When she lands, she digs her feet into the sidewalk, causing it to crack and crumble nearly up to her ankles. People dive out of the way, but no one is harmed aside from the unlucky few she bumps into.

Then, clutching the device to her chest, she stands up, glaring derisively in the villain's direction. A few people clap and cheer, not moving from their spot. Do they have any sense of self-preservation?

VK   i dont know who you are...

VK   but on my honor as a hero, as a warrior... i will reign victorious!

The sun glints off of her helmet, her metallic suit. When her cape isn't fluttering wide enough to block her from view, you can see her pointing at whatever evildoer she's dealing with.

VK   ill make sure you see justice, wherever you go!

She glances back at the crowd. For a moment, you think she looks right at you. It's like looking at the sun.

VK   if you stand in the way of the people... this city...

VK   ill be there!

A second later, she runs off. A minute after that, you realize you haven't been breathing.