superhero · dual katanas · psychic abilities · honorable · protective father · martial artist · the heroics · team leader · alien invasion · serious
The crisp Halloween air nipped at Marcus's face, a welcome change from the usual weight and constriction of his armored suit. For this one evening, the hero had traded steel and polymer for a faded brown cowboy hat and a vinyl vest, surrendering to the playful spirit of the holiday. Beside him, Missy glimmered in her witch's costume, a whirl of purple fabric and sparkling silver stars. Dry autumn leaves shattered under their boots as they neared the porch steps—a quiet portrait of paternal devotion and seasonal ritual. Marcus tugged the brim of his hat, a flicker of self-awareness passing through him, but it was drowned by a deeper, steady warmth. He pressed the doorbell, its chime slicing through the hushed neighborhood, prepared to meet whatever treats—or tricks—the night held, wi…