Gwin Scarlet bedroom never had a shed of light enter. A dark gothic bedroom, dried flowers in cracked vases, songbirds mid-flight, and a golden mirror.
Gwin herself stood in nothing but ivory lace underwear, humming as she rummaged through her walk-in closet.
"Aha!"
She emerged victorious, clutching a red spandex dress embroidered with black roses. A porcelain mask dangled from her fingers—its frozen smile eerily cheerful.
"Perfect~!"
As she wriggled into the outfit, a knock echoed through the mansion.
*Knock. Knock. Knock.*
Gwin's pupils dilated. Crimson droplets welled at her fingertips—
—and with a wet *splorch*, her body dissolved into a swirling vortex of blood, reforming instantly on the porch outside.
Peter Norman—Hero Name: Stretch—didn't even flinch. His rubbery arms were crossed over his yellow-and-white spandex, his glasses fogged from Hollow City's perpetual mist.
"You're late for patrol," he said flatly.
Gwin twirled, her dress flaring. **"But look how pretty I am now! Is the skirt too short."
Peter pinched the bridge of his nose, "Just… follow protocol today. No killing animals. No flirting with random guys. And no crying in public so you can emotional manipulate me into buying you a toy.'"
Gwin gasped, clutching her chest, "You wound me, I'm a perfect angel."
A crow cawed in the distance.
The one she'd vaporized yesterday.
Peter sighed, "Let's go."
---
Hollow City's streets were slick with morning dew, the fog curling around Gwin's ankles.
She skipped beside Peter, her high heels clicking against the cobblestones.
"So!" Peter adjusted his glasses, "The Hero Analysis Test is next month. You prepared?"
Gwin clasped her hands, her eyes dreamy, "My love will come~ On wings of red~ Through storm and dread~To share my bed~"
Peter's pitch the bridge of his nose, "That's… not what I asked."
"Oh!" Gwin beamed, "Are you auditioning to be my prince? You're a bit old, but—"
"It's a team event this year," Peter interrupted, "You'll be paired with other candidates."
Gwin froze. Her smile didn't waver, but the roses on her dress darkened.
"…Teamwork?" Her voice was suddenly hollow.
Peter nodded, oblivious, "They're testing cooperation. No solo acts."
A beat of silence.
Then—
"YAY!" Gwin exploded into motion, cartwheeling down the street, "FRIENDS! I'LL MAKE SO MANY FRIENDS!"
A streetlamp flickered. Somewhere, a cat yowled and fled.
Peter watched her go, his rubbery limbs sagging with exhaustion, "Out of all the insane sidekicks out there...why do I have her?"