As you're heading towards Southern California with the rain going past your goggles, you swoop down to land in an alley, the Boogie Pack vanishing into your back as you walk around the corner, goggles up on your forehead, your pockets in your hands. You look over to the right to see Robert Robertson with his arm in a sling, watching the TV in front of him showing the news of his latest setback to avenge his father which didn't go to plan.

Reporter: Is Mecha Man a Mecha quitter?

Man: Yeah. I mean, it seems like it'd be better if he died than be a mecha coward you know? What kind of an example is he setting?

Reporter: Stay tuned to find out.

A brick is thrown through the window shattering it. You spot a few masked goons taking TVs and going right over towards the truck to pack them in. Robert fishes out his mask and looks to it. He then notices you.

Robert: And you are?

Y/N: Someone who doesn't like idiots like them, Mecha Man.

Robert: Uh huh?

Y/N: Seen a lot of them in my time. All of them were dumbasses. (You look to the crooks) Hey!

Crook: What?

A crook in the front seat adjusts the side mirror to spot you and Robert who put his mask on.

Robert: We were watching that.

Crook 2: And who are you calling assholes, asshole?

Y/N: All of you. Or are you cowards too pussy to fight?

Crook 3: (Steps onto the scene with a crowbar) I'll handle these fucks. We're out in 30-

You say nothing, forming the Smack Hands to knock the crook across the street, he goes crashing into a window. The other crooks gaze at you in horror upon seeing the humongous mechanical hands around your arms.

Y/N: Still think you're all untouchable? I killed far more scarier motherfuckers than the likes of you.

Crook 4: Bullshit!

The 4th crook runs at you, only for a woman to swoop down and grab him, tossing him into the back of the truck. That same woman tosses the remaining crooks into a fire hydrant, the broken window, and onto the roof next to you. She floats down slowly.

Blonde Blazer: That guy... I threw him on the roof right?

Y/N: Landed squarely on top.

Crook: All good!

The Smack Hands vanish into your body. Blonde's eyes widen.

Blonde: Amazing. Never saw anyone with powers like yours.

Y/N: I'm nothing special, Blonde Blazer.

Blonde Blazer: Then you should know I work at the Superhero Dispatch Network.

Robert: Hey. I know who you are. You're like, famous.

Blonde Blazer: Oh, I don't know about that. I'm just a corporate hero for hire. You're the real deal. You're the famous one.

You see Blonde offer a hand for Robert. He takes it and is helped up.

A bus sporting her likeliness drives by.

Robert: Riiiight. I don't think infamous is the same as famous but-

Y/N: I'd rather be off the radar.

Blonde Blazer looks to you.

Blonde Blazer: I'm afraid that won't be possible anymore, Mr. Salazar.

You look right at her.

Y/N: What?

Robert's arm suddenly cracks.

Blonde Blazer: Oh God.

Y/N: Dude, you need help with that.

Sirens are heard in the distance as Robert looks at his now dislocated arm.

Y/N: Christ...

Robert: Hm? Oh. That's gross.

Blonde Blazer: You look like some kind of mime DJ. Let me see it. I'll help you.

Y/N: You sure you won't hurt him?

Blonde Blazer: I have no reason to.

Robert: Okay, but have you done this before? Cause maybe-

Blonde puts his arm back into place as it cracks.

Robert: Owwwwwww, okay. That's okay. Thank you.

The police and paramedics arrive. Blonde points to the roof.

Blonde Blazer: There's one up there.

The cops nod. Heading to the top. Blonde's gaze falls upon you and Robert again.

Blonde Blazer: You both look like you need a drink.

Y/N: What makes you say that?

Minutes later.

You, Blonde, and Robert are at superpowered bar, sitting right at the bartender table. A server goes around the bar placing down drinks for the people.

Blonde Blazer: Oh shit. They were all skittles colors. I didn't even realize it.

Robert: Yeah, well you know what? They can all taste the rainbow in jail.

Y/N: It's crooks like them deserve.

Blonde Blazer: Wh-what do you mean? Like different colored dicks?

You chuckle with Robert and Blonde.

Robert: Shit, sorry, sorry. I didn't know what I meant. But you know it should've been that.

Blonde Blazer: I'm a little buzzed. I don't really make jokes like that. I think Visi's rubbing off on me.

Hearing that name rings all the bells in your head. You haven't heard that name in literal ages. But you say nothing.

Y/N: Who?

Blonde Blazer: Ah, just someone I work with. It's... yeah.

Blonde takes another swig of her drink. A rather long one.

Robert: That sounds like a challenge.

Blonde Blazer: (Puts her cup down) Oh. No. It's fine. Don't worry about keeping up. Something to do with the powers, it... it takes a lot for me to feeling anything.

Y/N: If you think that's bad, I got nanites in my body that are able to form machines that aren't especially super strong, and they can not only fight off every deadly illness or poison that could get in my body, but I also can't drunk. So I'm stuck being sober like everyone else.

Robert: What?

Y/N: You heard me right. my bones are hardened by the little bastards, but my skin sure isn't. Booze and hell, even edibles don't do a thing to me. I can get buzzed but not totally shit faced. Guess staying on the straight and narrow is a neat little plus to keep my head on straight and not... get hooked on any bullshit.

Robert: Huh. What a sad pair of sentences.

Y/N: Yep. Oh so sad words from another superpowered guy who's been around the block of this protector life many times before.

You take a swig from your drink, putting the cup down.

Blonde Blazer: Hey, you two should give yourselves more credit. To do what you did, for as long as you did, even with your weaknesses being apparent.

Y/N: Eh.

Robert: Then what do you call this?

Robert bends his double jointed thumb. It stands right back up.

Blonde Blazer: I can fix that for you too.

Robert: No thanks. I like this one.

The bartender places water and booze on the counter.

Robert: Thank you.

A silence grows before Blonde speaks.

Blonde Blazer: So how'd you afford all of that? You must have spent hundreds of thousands-

Robert: Millions. So you'll understand when the check comes.

You whistle.

Y/N: God damn.

Blonde Blazer: You're serious? Millions?

Robert: Yep. Burned though my entire inheritance to keep it going. Last couple years have just been duct tape and sheer determination.

Blonde Blazer: Why'd you do it?

Robert: Do what?

Blonde Blazer: Sacrifice everything to the point of financial-

Robert: Ruin?

Blonde Blazer: I was gonna say hardship but ruin was the first word that came to mind. You must be completely broke at this point.

Y/N: Hey. It happens to the best of us, Blondie.

Robert: Honestly it's the only thing I'm good at.

Robert continues to drink.

Blonde Blazer: Now that is a sad sentence. Come on, that can't be true. Or, I guess it could be true. So are you drunk yet or what?

Robert: Eh, yeah. I should swap to water.

Blonde Blazer: Good. I was hoping after some drinks to loosen you up, I learn a little bit more about you, and uh... if all went well, offer you two a proposition.

Y/N: Really?

Blonde Blazer: I'm just trying to figure out if this is a fit or not. You know? Then it's just a matter of picking the right moment.

Robert: Well, propositions at a bar at night can go either way.

Robert lifts up a cup.

Blonde Blazer: That's actually-

Robert accidentally spits out booze on Blonde.

Blonde Blazer: Not water.

Robert: This is pure alcohol!

Y/N: You don't say.

Blonde points over to the more clearer brighter cup.

Blonde Blazer: See? That's water. Notice the ice at the top?

Robert: You mean to tell me you drink hard booze from a pint cup?

Blonde Blazer: Actually, I just drink it right from the bottle but I thought that would be embarrassing. I'll go and clean up.

Robert: I'm sorry for spitting on you.

Blonde Blazer: It's okay. I'll be right back.

As you look over, you keep your eyes on Blonde. You then turn back to Robert.

Robert: (To himself as he looks in the water cup) What are you doing?

You gently shake his shoulder.

Y/N: I know we just we just met and all, but joining the SDC should be the biggest break for us. It's either this, or back to just sleeping in our decrepit homes doing nothing with our lives.

Robert: How so? I can't use my suit anymore.

Y/N: There are... other ways.

???: Hey! Bitch!

You both ignore him.

???: Hey! I'm talking to you, bitch!

You turn around with Robert to see Coupe, Flambae, and Punch Up.

Robert: Alright, just so you know, I only turned around cause someone yelled. Not because I'm a bitch or anything.

Flambae: Don't you watch the news? This is a superhero bar. And who's this? Your little sidekick?

Y/N: I'm no sidekick. I killed many who threatened the safety of America.

Flambae: Ha. I doubt it.

You get up in his face. Your cold eyes never faltering from his.

Y/N: Try to look into my eyes and say that to me again.

It doesn't take long for Flambae to walk away from you hiding his fear well under anger towards Robert.

Robert: Oh wow. Are you superhero? That's so cool. What's your superpower? Are you like, Tell People Obvious Shit guy?

Coupe chuckles with Punch Up but one glare at her shuts her up.

Flambae: You're really gonna act like you don't remember me?

Robert: Wait. It's coming back to me. Hold on, yeah. You're Dr. Don't Do Shit. Your deal is you walk up to people, look scary, talk a big name, then don't do shit about it. Also, you're not a real doctor cause you're a fucking idiot.

Coupe laughs again.

Coupe: Ha- Shit. That is- damn.

Flambae: You good?

Coupe: Sorry. I choked on my spit.

The trio walk up to Robert, you just lean against a pillar with your arms folded as you look on.

Flambae: No Mecha Bitch. I control the fire.

Robert: The fire?

Flambae gets up in his face on the side.

Flambae: AND the flame? My skin doesn't burn. I am Flambae. And you... (Casts a fireball in his palm)

Robert: Wait. Oh shit. I do remember you. You're that shitty villain I busted up.

Flambae: Not anymore Mecha Dick. As I just said, I am Flambae. A real superhero. And you are not Mecha Man anymore. So you need to go. Now.

You see Robert grab the cup of alcohol and toss it on Flambae.

Flambae yells as Punch Up runs over to take a tray and fan it on him.

Flambae: No Punch Up, you're literally fanning the flames!

Punch Up: Shit, you're right. Anyone got a rug?

???: I have something better.

A cold gust flies around Flambae. Killing the flames. Looking over to see a woman from across the bar step over.

Icebreaker: Don't burn down our joint for once, Flam.

Flambae, embarrassed, runs out of the bar. Punch Up follows him.

Punch Up: Don't take it too personally, lad!

Coupe leans against the bartender counter as Gwyneth sits next to you.

Robert: Thought he doesn't burn?

Y/N: He was bullshitting himself.

Coupe: Some people become scared before they even know they're hurt. Like babies.

Icebreaker: And some can't handle the cold. (giggles) Oh well.

Coupe leaves the bar. You laugh as Icebreaker looks to you.

Icebreaker: Never seen you around these parts.

Y/N: I'm from Nevada. Of all places.

Icebreaker: Nevada? Oh hell no, that place is a fucking death trap for me. I'd rather black out with a bottle in my hand here rather than ever step foot over there.

Y/N: Uh... you won't have to worry?

Icebreaker: Yeah. No worries for me. Since you're new to SoCal, I could always show you around.

Y/N: No need to. I can fly.

Icebreaker: Oh. Then if you're ever heading around the way to SDN, I'll be there. I know you can work for a better cause.

Y/N: You sound you know me.

Icebreaker whispers in your ear.

Icebreaker: I sure do.

She steps out.

The bartender looks to Robert.

Bartender: Mecha Dick. Get the fuck outta here.

Robert: Right. Could you just tell Blazer I'm outside?

The bartender clones himself.

Bartender: Now!

Robert gets up and just goes. You follow him. Leaning against the wall. He looks to you with his hands in his pockets.

Robert: So what's your endgame?

Y/N: To do better by the people.

Robert still looks at you.

Y/N: Fine. My parents are in prison. One day I'm going to get them out on way or another. Just not like this. And not right now. I don't kill or hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it.

Robert: Noble.

Blonde steps out with drinks for you, Robert and herself.

Blonde: Hey. I couldn't find you.

Robert: It's cool. I was just admiring the art on this dumpster.

You all look to see the words "THE ONLY CURE FOR CORPO RATS IS A BULLET"

Robert: Can't tell why anyone would want to put those words together.

Y/N: Nightcap? (You smirk) You're trouble.

Blonde Blazer: (A small smile) According to the bartender that's exactly what you both are. I walk out and he's pissed. The whole energy is awkward. And why'd it smell like burnt hair?

Robert: I got a little fired up with a guy, but he ran out before anything could happen so...

Blonde Blazer: You got fired up?

Robert: Does that not sound convincing enough?

Blonde hands the drinks to you she wraps a arm around Robert's hip.

Blonde Blazer: Hold these. I know a place.

Robert: You're kinda strong...

Blonde Blazer: It's a little out there. It's easier if we fly.

As Blonde starts to float up with ease as the Boogie Pack forms from your back, loudly whirring.

Blonde Blazer: Oh. Guess you have far more surprises up your sleeve.

Y/N: Stick around. I'm full of surprises.

You slide your goggles back on. The three of you are up and away into the air. Flying off from the bar and into the sky. Your hands are still holding the drinks.

https://youtu.be/y7B6Z-_-Bcc

Flying into the city to go over traffic and right over a tram, you three soar over the lively dense city of Los Angeles. People walking on the sidewalks, traffic being jammed around nearly every corner, and if that's not enough for you too know where you're at, your eyes are gravitated towards the ever iconic sign in the hills.

The three of you sit down on a particular billboard.

Robert: I thought you were taking us to sit on it.

Blonde Blazer: Hm? Oh yeah, that would have been cool. But no, this is better because you can see it. And it... looks like there's a couple down there already.

Y/N: I'd rather not ruin a piece of American history with my oh so giant machines, thank you very much Mecha Man.

Blonde laughs.

Robert: I know I shouldn't even bring it up cause it was terrifying for us all but I am very sorry about the spitting stuff.

Blonde Blazer: Yeah that's usually like a 2nd date kinda thing with me.

Robert is dumbstruck.

Blonde Blazer: I'm joking. I'm joking. This is not a date.

Y/N: You sure?

Blonde Blazer: 100%.

Robert: Thank you.

Blonde Blazer: Y/N Salazar, Robert Robertson, don't worry about it.

You all drink, but you and Robert look to her.

Y/N: How do you know our names?

Blonde Blazer: (with the glass in her hand) Whoops.

Robert: What's up with you?

Blonde Blazer: Don't worry. I'll tell you. But only after Robert tells me how he ended up with a name like that.

Robert: You mean a name like Robert Robertson the 3rd?

You gasp.

Y/N: Huh?

Blonde Blazer: Three times this happened?

Robert: There was my grandpa Bobby. Then my dad, who I called dad but everyone else calle Robbie. Then me. Robert. Cause I wanted to be taken seriously.

Blonde Blazer: Hm. A family tradition.

Robert: In more ways than one. Gramps was the first Mecha Man. Died in the suit before I was born. Dad was killed fighting Shroud. That's when I took over. Then there's the inheritance and life insurance money.

Blonde Blazer: I'm... so sorry. I didn't realize-

Robert: It is what it is. Just your sad run of the mill hero origin story. The family tradition, if there is one, is dying in that suit. Which I don't have to worry about anymore.

You sigh.

Y/N: Since we are spilling our hearts on the concrete. I might as well tell you guys about my past. I was born like anyone else. Except my parents were well respected scientists. Their work helped combat many illnesses. Cancer. Diabetes. You name it. What's fucked up about it is that when I turned 11, a wasp ruined my entire life with one sting to my neck. Spazzed out on the floor and blacked out as I was taken to a facility. When I woke up, my parents were right there. Wanting to inject nanites into my body to cure me. So many medical peeps from across the country also showed up to help me. And they did. The nanites killed the sickness in me. But... the nanites reacted horribly to my body's immune system.

Blonde is pretty horrified at what she's hearing.

Robert: Holy shit...

You look to Robert and Blonde.

Y/N: But wait. There's more fucked up things for me to say. I killed everyone else but my parents. The cops came through, my dad tried to tell them he and my mom only wanted to help me but they weren't having it. Cuffed em both. I ran to save them but that didn't go to plan. Next thing you know, I spent my whole life in the correction system. First in juvie and then going around as a member of a clandestine group to kill anyone that was a threat to the people. I've been free since, yet my parents are still behind bars. But that time changed me. There's always a tomorrow for me, even I had to let most of my past die. I refuse to let my parents go.

Robert pats your back.

Robert: You'll be okay, dude. Take it from a wash up like me.

Y/N A wash up that did many good deeds for the people? I'm honored.

You and Robert chuckle. Your gaze returns to Blonde.

Y/N: That only means you then, Blondie.

Blonde holds her laugh in.

Blonde Blazer: I'm not drunk enough to share my origin story just yet. But remind me to tell you both someday.

Robert: You got it.

Blonde reaches over to your goggles and Robert's mask. The two of you nod. Blonde takes off Robert's mask as she removes your goggles. Her hand softly rests on your cheek.

Blonde Blazer: I'm sure we can work with this.

Y/N: We could.

With you and Blonde lost in the moment, you kiss. Only once. Blonde draws back.

Blonde Blazer: No. This... I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

Y/N: Oh no. It's not your fault. It's me. I missed the writing on the wall-

Blonde Blazer: You didn't. I mean, you did but I definitely... the way I went about things tonight, I'm sorry. It was a little loose. A little unprofessional.

Robert: Unprofessional? I'm not sure if that applies to this but-

Blonde Blazer: I'm actually here on official business. How I know your names, the proposition I offered before you spit into my mouth-

Robert: Still shaken about that.

Blonde puts Robert's mask and your goggles to the side.

Y/N: As am I. Blonde? What's the real reason for you finding me?

Blonde Blazer: It's a long story.

Y/N: I'm sure it can be shortened.

Blonde Blazer: Then here goes. The correction center that's been incarcerating your parents... has been treating them well for all these years since The "Nanite Incident."

Y/N: How well?

Blonde Blazer: Think Halden Prison. They haven't been eating slop for decades or shanked by other inmates like the prisons here so there's that. The warden doesn't like seeing such smart and amazing scientists like Rafael and Violeta Salazar be in cells. So just like I have, he is also offering a proposition for you to free your parents. Only way to do that is to join SDN as a full time member. You'll even have your own apartment. All to yourself. We moved all your stuff from your old room to there. No need to pay.

Y/N: I'll do what it takes. I'm ready, willing, and able to fight to let them walk free again.

Blonde smiles.

Blonde Blazer: I know you will. You're stronger than you know. No amount of time can ruin you entirely.

You smile as well.

Blaze Blonder: Do either of you remember a hero called Track Star?

Robert: Remember? Of course. He's like family that I haven't talked to in a minute. What about him?

Blonde Blazer: I work with him at SDN. He recommended you. Mentioned that he worked with your father?

Robert: Yeah. He was the youngest of the Brave Brigade. So he was my babysitter for a while. How's he doing?

Blonde Blazer: He's doing great. He's why I'm here. Robert, I'd like to make you an offer. In exchange for dispatching and mentoring some of our rookies heroes, SDN can make you Mecha Man again. But this time with all the resources that a company has at our disposal. No more paying for out of pocket repairs. Support staff, the whole shebang.

Robert: So was this all just sort of an interview?

Y/N: Not to me.

Blonde Blazer: I was worried that you might be...

Robert: Crazy?

Blonde Blazer: (Listing off on her fingers) Unstable. Damaged. Batshit. Dipshit. I don't know. Whatever you want to call it. It's a one of a kind opportunity. It'll take time and money to get the suit up and running again. It'll give you plenty of time to learn how to dispatch and deploy some of the heroes on our roster. (Looking to You as well) Your experience, your skills, your perspective, it's all invaluable. Share it Robert. You have a lot left to give.

Robert: Y/N made his choice. What if I say no?

Blonde Blazer: Then I'll hate you forever. And I'll push you off this billboard.

Robert: Wow.

Blonde Blazer: Yeah.

Robert: And nobody would suspect a thing.

Blonde Blazer: Nope. Not a one.

Y/N: My eyes are sewn shut.

Blonde laughs.

Robert: So really want me dispatching? What does that mean?

Blonde Blazer: Oh. Right. I was supposed to test you at the bar. Here.

Blonde hands a pair of glasses to Robert. He nearly misses it but catches it.

Robert: Drunk people shouldn't be throwing things at drunk people.

Blonde Blazer: Noted.

Robert: Am I waiting or are you waiting? What's going on?

Blonde Blazer: It was supposed to open up when I threw it to you- (It opens) okay there! Pop it on. This is all apart of the assessment. Try not to move. You're still several feet up in the air.

Robert places the glasses on his face and sits still. He spends a few minutes getting to know the ins and outs of dispatching.

After being guided through every known way to do the job the right way and the only way, he takes the glasses off.

Robert: That felt pretty natural to me. In that it's natural to end up mid-tier.

Robert looks over to see you and Blonde sleeping on each other. Robert nudging your shoulder which wakes you up and Blonde.

Blonde Blazer: Sorry... did I drool on you?

Y/N: Haha. Nope.

Blonde Blazer: That's a relief. (Looks to Robert) But now you can see why Track Star thought of you.

Robert: It makes sense. Yeah.

Blonde Blazer: Y/N. Follow me to your new place.

Y/N: Say no more.

You grab your goggles and put them on as the Sky Slyder forms under your feet keeping you up.

Blonde Blazer: Meet me at the SDN offices tomorrow. I'm not done saving you yet.

Blonde takes off with you as the Slyder carries you. Robert smiles, but is brought back to his senses.

Robert: Is there a ladder here?

Robert eventually returns to his own home. His corgi, Beef, waiting on him.

Robert: Sorry I'm late.

As Robert gives him cereal he places his phone on the hand of his Mecha Man suit.

Blonde Blazer: The folks at SDN are the best in the business and we're striving to create a safer, stronger city every day.

Beef hops in Rob's lap.

Robert: I met a nice lady, and my first friend in what seems like... forever. They're gonna help us out.

Meanwhile with you. Near Beverly Hills.

Blonde opens the door to Icebreaker taking out your stuff and placing it where it should be. Behind her, the window looks over Los Angeles.

Y/N: You?

Icebreaker: Yep. Don't panic. I know how sentimental things are to someone.

Y/N: I appreciate the thought. But why are you-

Icebreaker: Jeg er romkameraten din, selvfølgelig.
[I'm your roommate, of course.]

Y/N: Really?

Blonde Blazer: Yes. Social isolation is the silent killer. I thought having a roommate could lift your spirits and give you motivation to fight the good fight.

She pats your shoulder.

Y/N: I... fuck. It's hard for me to open up. Let alone get close to anyone. If you know about my parents you know far more about my past than what I told you.

Blonde Blazer: I do. All the more reason why having a friend at your side can help.

You smile.

Y/N: Thank you.

Blonde Blazer: Anytime. I have to go.

Blonde steps out onto the balcony and flies away.

Tora: Tora is my name. We both know Icebreaker is just a cover. So? Where do we start unpacking in here?

Y/N: I know just the place. Also, how exactly do you know me?

Tora: Kept my ear to the ground. Heard all sorts of things about the corporation that had you.

Y/N: Providence. They cared for us, for sure, but we still had a job to be done. So we did it.

Tora: Know anyone from there?

Y/N: Asides from Dr. Holiday, nobody else. I did my time in there to handle the threat of EVOS. It worked out for everyone.

Tora: Ah. Always good to have friends in high places.

Y/N: Ain't that the truth.

You then assist Tora with taking your stuff out.

As one chapter in your life closed, another opens. Where it leads?

Only to one path. Freeing your parents and being a family once more.

https://youtu.be/OBj9IyIrGBs