His phone rang. A glance brought a groan.

"Yes, sir?" He smiled with his voice while his brow furrowed. "Where?" he asked. "I'll be right there."

His employer was sitting on the curb, his head in his hands. The remains of a white BMW convertible sat slumped in the street. The car was bleeding fluids out into the street. The deflated airbag lay limply in the driver’s lap as the woman reclined back in her seat, her head tilted way back, apparently trying to stem a bloody nose.

"What happened?" he asked.

"She hit me," his employer said.

He surveyed the scene again. There was no mistaking the deep handprint embedded in the hood.

"How?"

"I thought I saw Sara," his employer said. "I looked over and was walking backward, and she hit me."

"Sara?"

"No, you idiot, this thing," his employer said, motioning to the dying car. "Did you get her number yet?"

"This woman? In the car?"

"No, you shit for brains. Sara's number!"

The assistant held his breath for three counts. He had to stay calm. He could hear a siren in the distance, warbling toward them. "No, sir, Miss Halcyon does not want to talk with you currently."

"Well, I'm sure she would if you would just get her damn number so I could talk to her." He glared at his assistant. The assistant held his ground against his employer's gaze, though he pondered if he was about to become ash.

"Sir, she has a restraining order."

"Whatever," his employer said, sweeping away the thought with a gesture that caused roadway litter to scatter slightly.

"Sir, I really think we should focus here and do something about the problem at hand."

"Well, she caused it."

"But it looks like you stepped out into the highway?"

"I thought I saw Sara."

"I got that," the assistant said. “But that siren getting louder will bring some activity shortly, and you already have a small gathering of fans over on the far corner." He looked over and was certain he saw several people using their phones to capture the festivities. It would be on TMZ in minutes

"You're saying I should do something superheroic," his employer said.

"I think rendering some assistance, yes, some assistance, could improve the whole look of this scenario. It is the American way, sir.”

"But it was the girl's fault."

"Sir, she looks middle-aged to me. Probably even someone's mother. This will look bad if we don't get out in front of it."

"Alright," he said, getting up to check on the woman. "Then while I'm taking care of her, why don't you do your job and get Miss Halcyon's number."

"I will try, sir," his assistant said nodding, holding his phone to his ear. "Right after I get off the phone with your wife.”

“Bastard! I won’t allow you to wreck havoc anymore!” The hero declared, “HA!” He yelled as he approached the monster. In just one blow, his punch penetrated the monster’s body and opened a hole on his belly.

“We’re saved!” The crowd cried, an abundance of journalists rushed to the hero, newly arrived one shoved their way into the crowd of journalists. They all attempted to interview the hero, no one noticed the assistant in the corner.

“Dammit, I already told him to not fight so recklessly, it’ll take a lot of money to heal and repair the mess” I complained, “at this rate when will I accumulate enough money to buy a house”.

“Ugh, all the cost of the damage is taken from my salary” he said letting out a sigh, his lecture to persuade the hero to fight less reckless always end up in futile, they pay not to care about minor peoples. Another miserable day of him, he went back home.

“Dad! The hero is so cool I wanna grow up into people like him” my son said while he was watching the video of the hero beating up evil monsters. I felt so jealous of the hero, even my son admire him, I thought. Yet, there was nothing I can do about it, I’m just a nobody. It made me even more depressed thinking of the fact that no one recognized the character behind the stages.

“What’s wrong with you? You’ve hardly ever been in accompany with our son lately” my wife asked sincerely.

“I guess I’m sort of depressed, the salary I am getting is way too low, and that hero jerk” I uttered, but she didn’t reply, she just left me in my room. I lay on my bed and thinks of life, maybe I should be more optimistic, I thought and went down stair to my son. I played his favorite game with him, watching him laugh and smile, so did I.

I am Lillie. Assistant to the hero Billie Billie is what I call her. I hope to be taller.

When we drive really fast, Well… I get scared. I hope this job is soon in the past. At least so I thought.

I hope to be stationary, Or a laundry washer. I just hope this ends sooner

Look, if you need a job, just let me tell you: do NOT be an assistant to a superhero.

You might think, “hey, it sounds fun, and you get to be famous?”

Hell, nawwwwww.

Where do I even begin

The ungodly amount of paperwork?

Working overtime all the time?

Or having to patch up another persons wounds?

Like, do I LOOK like a doctor to you? I ain’t getting your blood on my hands…

…but I still do it anyways because it pays well.

THAT’S NOT THE POINT, THOUGH!

Trust me on this one, buddy. This life isn’t a joke. I’ve got white hairs already because of this.

And this concludes this episode of:

DAY IN THE LIFE: SUPERHERO’S ASSISTANT EDITION!

In the bustling metropolis of Skyhaven City, where skyscrapers reached for the heavens and the echoes of heroic deeds filled the air, there lived an ordinary assistant named Lily. While she herself possessed no extraordinary abilities, Lily's life was anything but ordinary as she served as the loyal assistant to the city's beloved superhero, Captain Valor.

Every day, Lily's alarm clock would sound its cheerful melody at the crack of dawn, marking the start of her eventful day. She would quickly dress in her signature attire, a sleek black suit that exuded professionalism and efficiency. Armed with her trusty tablet and a cup of strong coffee, she would set off to Captain Valor's secret headquarters, a hidden sanctuary deep within the city.

As Lily arrived at the headquarters, she would be greeted by a whirlwind of activity. Scientists scurried about in lab coats, perfecting gadgets and analyzing data, while engineers tinkered with advanced machinery that enhanced Captain Valor's incredible abilities. Lily's role was to ensure that everything ran smoothly, acting as the bridge between the captain and his support team.

Her mornings were filled with briefings and strategy sessions, as Lily and Captain Valor reviewed the city's crime data and identified areas in need of their intervention. The superhero, clad in his iconic blue and gold costume, would listen intently, his sharp eyes gleaming with determination as he absorbed every detail. Together, they devised plans to protect the city and bring justice to those who threatened its peace.

Once their strategy was in place, Lily's responsibilities expanded to managing the logistics of Captain Valor's heroic escapades. She would arrange transportation, gather necessary equipment, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies, ensuring seamless integration of efforts. In the face of danger, Lily's calm and focused demeanor served as a grounding force, providing support to Captain Valor in times of intense action and pressure.

During the day, Lily's communication skills shone as she interacted with the city's citizens, inspiring hope and spreading Captain Valor's message of unity and strength. She would handle requests for appearances and engagements, responding to letters from children with personalized messages from the superhero himself. Lily's caring nature and attention to detail made her an invaluable asset, both to Captain Valor and the community they served.

As the sun began its descent, signaling the transition from day to night, Lily would assist Captain Valor with his rigorous training regimen. She would meticulously record his progress, noting improvements and areas that required further attention. Together, they pushed the boundaries of his abilities, ensuring he remained at the peak of his power, ready to face any challenge that threatened Skyhaven City.

As the stars painted the sky with their gentle glow, Lily's day would wind down. She would bid Captain Valor farewell and return to her modest apartment, knowing that the city was safer because of their efforts. With a sense of fulfillment and a touch of exhaustion, she would reflect on the day's events, knowing that tomorrow would bring a new set of challenges and adventures.

For Lily, being the assistant of a superhero was no ordinary job. It was a life filled with purpose, camaraderie, and the unwavering belief that even the ordinary could make an extraordinary difference. And in the heart of Skyhaven City, where heroes soared and dreams came true, she played her part, making every day just a little bit more extraordinary.

In the distant future, humanity had long suffered under the oppressive rule of an alien race known as the Xelthorians. For decades, humans were enslaved, their freedom and dignity stripped away. The Xelthorians ruled with an iron fist, suppressing any hope of resistance or rebellion.

Amidst the despair, a warrior named Aiden emerged from the shadows. Aiden had seen his people suffer for far too long, and a fire burned within him, fueled by the desire for freedom. He dedicated his life to studying the Xelthorians, their technology, and their vulnerabilities.

Countless sleepless nights were spent in secret, poring over ancient texts and forbidden knowledge. Aiden's determination grew as he discovered a long-forgotten prophecy, whispered among the human resistance. It foretold of a chosen one who would lead mankind to freedom.

Armed with this newfound hope, Aiden embarked on a perilous journey, seeking allies among the oppressed and those who still clung to the fading light of humanity. He trained a small band of fighters, teaching them to harness their inner strength and exploit the weaknesses of the Xelthorian regime.

Aiden's knowledge of the Xelthorian technology proved invaluable. He learned that the alien overlords were vulnerable to a specific electromagnetic frequency, one that could disable their control systems and render them defenseless. With this newfound understanding, Aiden devised a daring plan to strike a decisive blow against their oppressors.

Under the cover of darkness, Aiden and his loyal fighters infiltrated the central Xelthorian control hub. The warriors fought with all their might, sacrificing themselves to give Aiden the opportunity to disable the alien's control systems. It was a fierce battle, filled with bloodshed and sacrifice, but their determination burned brighter than ever.

Finally, Aiden reached the main control chamber, where the lifeblood of the Xelthorian regime pulsed. With a swift and calculated move, he unleashed the electromagnetic wave, enveloping the control hub. The Xelthorians' hold on humanity was shattered, their power broken.

Across the planet, humans rose up against their captors, inspired by Aiden's bravery. The rebellion spread like wildfire, overwhelming the Xelthorian forces. The once-enslaved race found their freedom at last, standing tall against their oppressors.

Aiden became a symbol of hope and resilience, celebrated as the liberator of mankind. With the Xelthorians defeated, humanity embarked on a new chapter, rebuilding their shattered world and cherishing the precious gift of freedom. Aiden's legacy would be forever etched in the annals of history, reminding generations to come that the fight for freedom is always worth the sacrifice.

After a solar flare thrust the populace into a super-powered age, some got on luckier than others. Some can fly, stop hearts with their mind, or vanish into the shadows. Others, most, pulled the short straws. Tracey can grow out his fingernails, up to a maximum of two centimetres. His cousin can selectively smell flowers up to fifty miles away, and his barber’s fiancé is in a constant state of zero-G, but only internally. So naturally, the lesser gifted were shafted into doing the grunt work, the labour and office jobs that needed doing before the flare occurred. Same old, same old. Some would consider those like Tracey lucky, landing a job as an assistant to a “real” superhero. But Tracey doesn’t feel lucky. He feels like a guy with Microsoft Excel experience and an ability to smile through the tedium and occasional humiliation.

“Don’t forget, conference at 3, Trace. Will the PowerPoint be done by then or should I find a vamp guy?” Genevieve stood in the doorway to Tracey’s small office, her face a sickly pale as it often was before lunch.

“No need, I’m just finishing it up now. If you need, I can take your 1 PM, give you a longer break to recover?” He stood up from his desk, crossing off the PowerPoint from a to-do list magnetized to the filing cabinet. A few months ago, Genevieve tried her hand at crime fighting. Or rather, vigilantism, as she was denied the paperwork to do so professionally. On her first night out, she phased forward directly into a raised knife. Reforming the physical body around a blade does a lot more damage than a simple stab wound, as it turns out. Now, she needs daily pills and a biweekly blood and plasma transfusion.

“Oh for real, could you? You still have so much to do and Jack will be here any minute and-“

“I got this, you go get your blood and take a nice long lunch to recuperate. Hell, it’s on me.” Tracey strolled over and slipped a $20 into Genevieve’s hand. She smiled and gave a weak hug before leaving the doorway. Before Trace could even sit down and send off the presentation, Jack slid through the closing door. Jack the Ripper, he went by, and the man Trace worked his life away for over the last few years.

“Good you’re here, the 3 PM is cancelled. Keep the presentation handy for next week, but otherwise take the day.” He backed out of the room almost as quickly as he entered. Trace hesitantly saved the presentation and took a seat again. After a minute of staring at nothing in particular, he spun and turned on the small TV sat on the filing cabinet

“—calling the man ‘Blood Priest.’ Law enforcement of all kinds are urging citizens to avoid hos-“ He turned the TV off. Another day, another criminal, another twelve hours of media coverage. Trace didn’t mind, though, as more often than not it meant a half-day of work. One meeting with Genevieve’s boss in an hour, and he would be free to collapse on his couch and sleep the afternoon away.

‘Half Pint’ was the name Genevieve’s boss went by for business, Karoline Saunders for everything else. Standing at 4’7 and with the power to become more and more fortified as she became inebriated, the name seemed fitting. Tracey pushed open the conference room door to find several people crowding the table. Police, militia heroes, and various members of the office. Before they quieted, Tracey made out the subject. They were talking about Saunders’ apparent disappearance.

“You, uh… Trey! Get out of here, alright? Everyone was told to go home.” One of the office workers, Hiram, urged.

“It’s Tracey. I took over for Genevieve’s 1 PM, to put together an interview for Saunders’ press talk tomorrow?” He let the door shut behind him and stood at attention.

“Interview’s cancelled, so go home, and tell Genevieve the same if you see her.“ Hiram stepped toward Tracey and brought him in for a close handshake. “This is serious, get home and stay there, alright? Make sure Genevieve hears the same.” He pulled away. “See you Monday, Tracey. Stay safe.” With nothing else to do, Tracey left the room and started toward the elevator to find Genevieve.

Sitting at an outdoor table outside of Wendy’s, she nodded to Trace as he approached. “Day’s over, I guess. Mind if I steal some?” He pinched a fry between his fingers while awaiting a response. She made a muffled ‘mm’ sound and took another bite of her burger. The two sat and ate, discussing their theories of Half Pint’s whereabouts. Not out of concern, mind you, but out of boredom and curiosity. She was Genevieve’s 5th boss this year, after all.

“Blood for the blood god, probably. News said something about a ‘Blood Priest’? I dunno, I didn’t watch it.”

“Yeah, a guy going by ‘Blood Priest’ could probably take out a four-foot alcoholic pretty easy. Oh god, what are the odds I get stuck working for Trailblazer? I hate that dickhead.” She took the last bite of her meal and took a long sip of Pepsi. Colour had begun to return to her face.

“Almost certainly, at least you get to work with Hiram and Bellamy, probably the only guys I don’t hate in the whole building.”

“Love you too.”

“You don’t count. Anyway, want to catch a movie? Might as well enjoy the day off before the chaos of tomorrow drains us completely.” He stood and stretched his arms, involuntarily extending his nails.

“Yeah, sounds like a plan. So how scared shitless did Jack look when he told you to go home?” The two started off toward the theatre, laughing at their panicked coworkers. “Man, why do all of my bosses have to die, or go rogue, or, well, you remember what happened to True North.”

“It’s a mystery alright, we sure you aren’t taking them all out until you land a boss who isn’t a total ass?”

“Hey now, Half Pint was only 60% ass. But seriously, she was the best of them… which is kind of sad, but still. I hope she’s alright, but enough of work, what kind of movie we watching?”

“Mmm” The young sidekick stirs in their sleep. A cold breeze washed over them, helping the tall specimen to wake up. As they slowly flutter their eyes open, a soothing voice could be heard behind them “mornin’~” the voice was familiar yet unrecognisable due to the tired state the young one was in, though a small smile curled upon the raven-haired friend. Their eyes blurry, unable to see the said person, although rubbing their eyes seemed to do the trick. The sidekicks lover was present in front of them, both — hero and apprentice — smiling the same way as they did once they met for the first time. Later on in the day they received a message saying they were needed. As soon as they read the message the hero put on his outfit — the only thing people could recognise them by as they always wore a mask — and dashed towards the area where a supposedly “extremely evil villain” was hiding out, once the superhero and their sidekick had defeated the villain as they had everyday for as long as they can remember. They finished off the day quietly doing random activities to occupy them and cure their minds from endless boredom, although at the end of the day they still had each other.

<3

Mona sighed as she slipped into the corner booth. The sparkly heart red vinyl squeaked as she sank into its depths. Fresno Freddie’s was her official third place. Outside of work and home between her favorite second hand bookstore and library the slip of a greasy spoon was her haven. Mona settled MothWoman’s costume in its dry cleaners plastic on the booth’s seat. There was only one all night dry cleaner who handled supers costumes in Night City. Mona learned the hard way it’s too hard to get bloodstains out of wings. Sasq brought over a steaming mug of half decaf half espresso with heavy cream and a menu. “We have a special on corn chowder, toots,” Sasq said. The waiter wiggled his thick eyebrows at her in a way both flirtatious and ridiculous. Mona wrinkled her brow and studied the menu. “I’m thinking of something light but filling. I still have a mountain of work tonight.” “I got you girl.” Sasq took the menu and headed for the kitchen. Mona stared into her phone at her to do list. There were fan letters to answer, coordinating with the Sword Network, scheduling to visit town hall meetings. Crime fighting was all details. Five minutes of battling mutant giant cockroaches and twenty hours of surveillance, research, and grunt work. Mona stared out the diner’s window at all the directions her life could’ve taken. “Excuse me miss is this seat taken.” Mona smiled up at Emmitt. His dark framed glasses were slightly askew and his thick straight hair was tousled. Mona wanted to know everything about his day everything she missed but they never talked work. Emmitt was a henchman, a super villain’s number one, and he was smiling at her. “No it’s free.” She tossed her phone into her over stuffed bag. Emmitt set the KnightCrawler’s cloak of darkness in its bag under the table. Under the table he reached for Mona’s hand. She grabbed his fingers. “Looks like a nice place. Food good?” Emmitt said meaning he missed her. “I hope so.” Mona answered meaning she missed him more. Sasq returned with Filipino egg scramble for Mona and a grilled Monte Cristo extra pickles with tomato bisque for Emmitt. “I hope you don’t mind, handsome. The chef made an extra sandwich and I thought you might like it.” “It’ll do. Thanks Sasq.” Emmitt saluted Siobhan behind the grill. Sasq turned on the jukebox and gave menus to the six top of bingo players. The chef began folding bananas and dark chocolate into her waffle batter. Outside the clouds promised rain and inside the lovers had eyes only for each other.

Ready to serve you as you save America's way. English an abroad.