The Rise Of CuteGuy

First Night

Tonight on Channel 11 News: A New Hero Stepping Into HotGuy's Shoes!

"Good evening, I'm May Richards, and tonight, we have an exciting update for all of you hero enthusiasts out there. A new face is stepping up to fill the legendary shoes of HotGuy, and he’s already making waves in the Hero Association. Known as CuteGuy, this new hero has been spotted around the city sporting a sleek, mysterious look—and yes, folks, we’re talking about a man with wings. You heard that right. As for his real identity? That's still a closely guarded secret."

Footage shows a dark figure soaring through the sky, wings unfurled, as the sun begins to set, casting an orange glow over the cityscape. The new hero is quick, elusive, leaving the audience in awe as the shadow of his wings flickers across the side of a building.

"Reports suggest that this mysterious hero is quick on his feet and even quicker in the air. We’re still getting to know him, but the Hero Association has high praise for his skill and commitment. Could this new avian vigilante be the one to take down some of the city's toughest villains? Only time will tell."

The camera cuts back to the studio, where May and her co-host Tom sit behind the news desk, preparing for their next segment.

"Tom, what do you think of the new guy?" May asks, turning to her co-host with a smile.

Tom shifts in his seat, looking slightly skeptical. "Honestly, May, I’m not sure. A hero shouldn’t be called CuteGuy—what kind of respect is that supposed to command? A hero’s name should strike fear into the hearts of villains. And don’t get me started on the wings... I’m just not sold on him yet."

The camera cuts back to the footage of the new hero in flight, his silhouette fading against the setting sun, as if disappearing into the night sky.

"But time will tell, Tom. He’s already gotten the approval of some of the higher-ups, so maybe he has what it takes to prove us wrong."

The camera fades out on the city skyline as the evening continues, the new hero's identity still a mystery.

"Stay tuned, folks. More updates as they come in."

CuteGuy sat perched on the edge of the rooftop, legs swinging idly as he watched the news report flicker out on the screen below. The evening wind tousled his feathers, and he glanced down at the city, lost in thought for a moment. The skyline bathed in the fading light of the sunset looked peaceful from up here, but his attention was more on the news anchor’s words.

"Hm, pity that news guy doesn't like me," he muttered to himself with a wry grin, his wings flicking slightly behind him. He couldn’t help but chuckle, his smirk growing at the thought of how the people still didn’t really know him. He was used to the judgment, but it didn’t faze him. It never had.

He shifted slightly, adjusting the sleek black-and-pink costume that clung comfortably to him, the heart-shaped stickers still faintly visible, as though they’d been imprinted by the very essence of his personality. He liked the name—CuteGuy. Maybe it didn’t command the fear that others hoped for, but he didn’t need it. He was here for something else. Something bigger.

He glanced at the horizon, thinking about his next move. He wasn’t going to let a few critics stop him from doing what he set out to do. Whether they liked him or not, he was going to prove himself. And if that meant earning respect the hard way, then so be it.

Taking one last look at the news building below, he stretched his wings out and stood up fully, ready to leap into the night.

Cute guy pov

I smiled as I heard Xisuma’s voice crackle through the intercom, his usual calm but authoritative tone coming through. "Hey CG, it's Star. How's it going?"

"Hey Star," I replied, glancing over the city from my perch on the rooftop. "All good on this end. Just keeping an eye on things."

"That's good to hear. Everything calm, or are you getting restless yet?" Xisuma’s voice held a hint of amusement, but there was an underlying seriousness too, as always.

"Calm for now," I said with a small grin. "No villains to chase, just a little rooftop observation. You know, clearing my head." I glanced down at the bustling city below, feeling the weight of the new role settling on me. "How's everything with HQ?"

"A lot of admin, as usual," Xisuma replied with a sigh. "But we're staying on top of things. I need you to check in with me later. How did the sparring go with the other heroes?"

I winced slightly, recalling the grueling session. "It went well enough," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "I didn’t embarrass myself, if that’s what you’re asking."

"Good," he replied with a laugh. "You’ve got this. Just remember to check in when you're done out there. And stay sharp. We can’t afford to let our guard down, especially now."

"I hear you. I’ll be careful." I took one last look around the skyline. "I’ll report in later tonight, after I’ve had a chance to get some rest."

"Sounds good. Stay safe, CG," Xisuma said, his tone shifting slightly as he wrapped up the conversation.

"Always do," I said with a smirk, then cut the comms.

Sitting atop the roof, I let out a slow breath. There was always something to be done, but for now, I had a moment of peace before the chaos of the city came knocking again.

The cool breeze swept across the rooftop as I adjusted the magic around my eyes, changing the vibrant blue to a subtle purple. It wasn’t a huge shift, but enough to throw off anyone who might be watching from below. My mind was sharp as I surveyed the city, the quiet of the night settling in. It was almost peaceful.

A few mobs began to spawn in the streets below, their distorted forms shambling in the shadows. I flicked my wrist, magic swirling around me as I dealt with them one by one, the energy crackling with each movement. It wasn’t difficult, but it kept me on my toes, just enough to keep the night from feeling too slow.

Once the last of the creatures disappeared into the night, I exhaled and leaned back against the roof’s edge, glancing out over the city. The adrenaline from the sparring earlier still buzzed faintly in my veins, but it was calming down. For now, it was just me, the night, and a city full of people who didn’t know I was watching over them.

And that was the way I preferred it.