Manhattan was certainly a busy borough for New York City. Although it was the densest in terms of population and buildings, it was also the smallest in size out of the five. Traffic was always clogged, and when it wasn't raining one could barely get through the streets due to the teeming masses of people walking to and from work. On some days, it was a wonder that the city never developed into the biggest brawl ever seen in history with how such a crowded scene can really hammer in the madness that was modern life.
Supers at the least had their own lane, but even when taking it Axel still felt that crushing pain that came from her lack of recognition. Sure, she was officially recognized by S.H.O.T.G.U.N and that was fun and all, but most of the time she didn't even hear people cheering her name! She wanted that fame and merchandise about herself, but all she was getting was cheers for other dime-a-dozen heroes from all across New York, as if the city wasn't chock-full of Capes already!
There was only one place she could ride to get rid of her sorrows, but the bars didn't sell alcohol until 4 PM. Instead, she drove off to the second best place for her as she proceeded to get what was needed for her girlfriend's hangover.
"Welcome to Yokozuna Burger, what can I get for you?"
Yokozuna Burger was certainly a popular chain in these parts of NYC. While it didn't quite have the same popularity as something like McDonald's, it still beat out the rest as a premier brand of fast food burgers owned by the Yeng Corporation. Bearing the image of the retired first Yokozuna as it's mascot, they made bank by combining traditional Japanese cooking methods with American staples such as patty melts and fries to create a unique cooking style one couldn't get anywhere else in the States.
Of course, while Axel was a regular she didn't quite go for the Triple Ozeki with Yuzu Mayo and Soy Sauce that was incredibly popular. That was more Stellae's thing, and she had to keep a watch on her six pack after all. She had a different thing on her taste buds instead, one that she usually craved after a quick job as a hero.
"Let's see... hmmm... I think I'll get a cappuchino and a set of large Popcorn Ebi for myself, and a Triple Ozeki and a super sized cheese fries and caramel macchiato for my girlfriend."
"That'll be $27.85."
As she made her way through the drive thru, the punk hero pulled out her card and quickly paid the cashier before making her way off with the food. Was it her, she thought, or was everyone who worked at Yokozuna Burger overweight? The woman who had served her certainly looked quite soft after all, with a belly that strained heavily against the traditional Japanese styled uniform and a set of hips and booty that barely didn't break the extra wide chair she had to sit in.
Admittedly, it was kinda hot. She was sure that Stellae would agree to that, as she slowly pulled up her bike to an open lounge and set down the food. She was about to summon Stellae when she felt a shadow slowly fall from above.
"Hey, you got a minute?"
"Of course no- err uh..."
To her utter shock it was Gold Sparkle who descended from the sky via thrusters on her heels, wearing a golden uniform reminiscent of a pop star. To her side was a parachuting man in a black uniform, carrying a briefcase and what looked to be a scroll of paper. Gold was one of the big shots of this country, a member of the premier organization of heroes known as the Power Lounge, and although she was not exactly a leading member she was still important enough for the rookie hero to take pause from what she was about to do.
Noticing this, Gold Sparkle opened up one of her chest compartments and pressed her nose, causing a cup of green tea to dispense itself from inside the cavity. "Pardon, I realize that entrance might have been a bit much. Want some green tea?"
"Uh... no thanks. Not really a fan of tea."
"That's fine." Handing the tea to her subordinate, Gold Sparkle took her seat opposite from Axel and casually sat down onto the green bench that surrounded the table. "So, what are you preparing to eat?"
"Uh... some popcorn shrimp and a cappuccino. I also got food for a friend too, was about to call her over when you showed up..."
"Ah. Well, can you wait to call her just for a little bit?" Gold Sparkle asked, reaching out the hand for the piece of paper that her subordinate held. "I'd like to go over something with you, that I think you'd be rather interested in."
So this was business, Axel thought.
"...This better be important. Cause if you're calling me out for doing a collab musical number I'll let you know I've had to break it down to Harmony as well that I'm not exactly PG material. More Rated R, if you catch my lingo."
"Eh... it's nothing to do about your singing." Cringing a bit, Gold Sparkle knew well about the kind of hero that Engi-Cubus was. She wasn't exactly keen of thinking of her performing live on stage and possibly flashing the audience, but thankfully it didn't come to that. "Now, what my superiors have told me is that you've been doing incredible work in keeping Manhattan running. However, you haven't exactly been getting the proper recognition. I'm gonna give out a few names of some places that have been saved, and I want you to say yes if you've had a hand in there."
This was it, her big chance. While she had at first wanted her gone, with the truth she was hoping this was some recruitment drive or something, and she was being scouted!
"Manhattan Electric Power Plant, today at 10:30 AM. Killed 20 invading Krakatoa Syndicate goons and prevented a total meltdown that would've left the entire borough without power."
"Yes." That was true enough, she was there just earlier that morning.
"Okay... Manhattan Zoo, two days ago at 7:30 PM. Helped fix a malfunction in the zoo's security systems caused by hackers and helped recapture a four ton rhino."
"Still got bruises from that..." That wasn't exactly her best day. Had one of her imps thrown right into her back, leaving a good bruise that was still causing her a small bit of pain. It was mostly healed by now, but she wished she had just killed that rhino instead of tricking it back into it's cage.
"Three days ago, 12 PM. Helped repair the Manhattan Bridge when Libertina accidentally dropped a incredibly dense orb of Chrushnium right through it, after having pilfered it from a villain trying to create a black hole."
"No, not me." She did technology, not construction.
"Four days ago, also 12 PM. Helped in the siege on the monster known as... Defro Boogeymanju? Apparently it had gotten sent flying from halfway across the world by some mecha, and it was just trying to cause mayhem until it was brought down."
"Ah, that was a fun one... that bugger didn't know what hit him when I brought down my wrench on it."
"Okay, last one... A week ago, midnight. Brought down a set of three villains known as the Crimson Gloves, who had kidnapped and fattened multiple civilians in attempts to sacrifice them and summon an eldritch monster held in a tome of evil."
"I wouldn't call that an eldritch monster." In reality, all they had managed to summon was an imp, which she had quickly conversed with and subsequently talked down by convincing him that they were just trying to take advantage of him. "I was only able to save one of those civilians though."
"Indeed, that's where we started learning of your impact, Engi-Cubus. You certainly are a active hero in spite of your more... promiscuous activities."
As she talked, she slid the paper over for Axel to hold. The paper was about an auditioning process being held over the next two weeks. Apparently, they were now looking for a few heroes with technological know-how to replace the Techno-crat, looking for those who had a bunch of experience with tech of all kinds.
"We know of your prior tutoring under Industria. It was cause of that factoid that we're inviting you for the process. Now, if you wish to remain solo-"
"I'm in."
"...is that a yes cause you want to bang the Celebrant or because you actually want to join the Power Lounge." Crossing her arms, Gold Sparkle sighed a bit as she tried predicting what was going on in the Engi-Cubus's mind.
"Uh... for actually helping people of course."
"Well either way, head to the location on the back in a week's time. Amaterasu can teleport you to the audition hall in Cincinnati from there."
Rising from her seat, Gold Sparkle gave one last wave as she thrusted up into the air once more with her subordinate. "Anyhow, I must be off. Gotta go on behalf of the Lounge to handle some fines with the Shotgun. I hope you can understand."
"Uh... yeah, absolutely."
As soon as Gold Sparkle vanished from the horizon, Axel immediately summoned her girlfriend and slid her the Triple Ozeki that served to help her hangover before talking. "Babe, I've got some amazing news for you."
"What *munch* imf it babe?" Stellae asked, before swallowing a huge mouthful of burger and letting it travel down into her developing potbelly. "Did you finally get some applause for doing your job?"
As soon as she asked the question, stars formed in Axel's eyes.
"Better... I may be getting into the Power Lounge."
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