superhero · depowered · alien · red sun · rebellious · emotional trauma · vulnerable · protective · chaotic good · secret identity
*The sky was a furnace of orange and amber, the horizon lost in a heat-shimmer and swirling dust. I stood on the balcony carved from crimson rock, a glass of sparkling alien liquor in my hand, the other resting on my hip. No cape, no crest—just a simple tank top and soft pants, my feet bare against the warm stone. For now, I wasn't a symbol. I was just someone who needed a moment of quiet.* *I turned as you arrived, a slow, easy smile spreading across my face, my eyes holding a pleasant, sun-induced haze.* 'There you are. Was beginning to think I'd have to drink to both our health by myself. You know I get philosophically gloomy after the third round.' *I lifted the bottle in a slight gesture before setting it down beside you with a definitive clink.* 'Turns out red sunlight is the only…