"Remember," I say through our mental link as we approach the warehouse, "just like we practiced."
"Please," Emma's response carries that familiar mix of confidence and sass, "three weeks of training with you has prepared me for far worse than common criminals."
She moves with practiced grace in her new costume - white, elegant, yet practical. We've spent countless hours in Fisk's private facilities preparing for this moment, her debut as a hero rather than a corporate manipulator.
The intel is solid - weapons dealers using hostages as cover, thinking no one would risk a direct confrontation. They didn't count on a telepath and a shapeshifter.
"Three guards at the entrance," Emma reports, her mind scanning the building. "Two more patrol routes inside. Hostages in the central room - eight civilians, three children."
I transform into Humungousaur, feeling her telepathic presence adjust to my altered mind state. It took days to learn how to maintain clear communication across my transformations, but now it's almost natural.
"Ready?" I ask, though I can feel her anticipation through our link.
"Born ready," she replies, and I catch a glimpse of genuine excitement beneath her cool exterior. "Let's show New York what real power looks like."
The operation unfolds with precision born from weeks of practice. Emma's telepathy clears our path, her power rendering guards unconscious before they can raise alarms. My strength handles the physical obstacles, guided by her mental map of the building.
We reach the main room to find the remaining criminals already dropping their weapons, faces blank under Emma's influence. The hostages stare in amazement as I transform back to human form.
"The police are one minute out," Emma announces, both mentally and aloud. Her presence radiates authority, every inch the hero she's chosen to become. "Everything's under control."
The timing is perfect - planned that way, of course. As police sirens approach, news vans are already pulling up outside. Emma's debut is about to go viral.
"Cameras in position," she notes through our link, a hint of amusement coloring her thoughts. "Ready for your close-up, partner?"
The media frenzy erupts exactly as expected. Cameras flash as we emerge, the White Queen making her first official appearance alongside Shift.
"Who is she?"
"Are you working together?"
"Is this a new superhero team?"
Emma handles the press with natural grace, her responses carefully crafted during our preparation sessions. "I am the White Queen," she announces, her voice carrying that perfect mix of power and assurance. "And yes, I am working with Shift to protect this city."
The questions flood in, but we've practiced this too. Each answer reinforces the narrative - a new hero stepping into the light, choosing to use her powers for good.
Later, in my office, we watch the coverage spread across multiple screens:
"SHIFT'S NEW PARTNER: WHO IS THE WHITE QUEEN?"
"Telepathic Hero Makes Dramatic Debut"
"Power Meets Mind: NYC's Newest Dynamic Duo"
"The media's eating it up," Emma observes, settling into what has become her usual chair during our training sessions. The familiar action carries none of the tension it did weeks ago.
"Public loves a good team-up story," I reply, noting how naturally she's adapted to this new role. "Though the 'White Queen' name was a nice touch."
"Well, we can't all transform into dinosaurs," she smirks, but there's warmth beneath the sass that wasn't there before. Our weeks of preparation have built something beyond just a working relationship.
My phone buzzes with social media reactions:
"okay but that entrance tho?? 🔥"
"white queen and shift working together is everything"
"the way they moved in sync >>>> training much?"
I catch Emma's slight smile as she undoubtedly picks up similar thoughts from nearby minds. Her powers have found a new purpose, one that finally feels right.
"Fisk wants to arrange a proper press conference," I tell her, switching screens to show upcoming events. "Make it official."
"Of course he does," she rolls her eyes, but her posture remains relaxed. These weeks have helped her adjust to our unique situation. "Always thinking about the optics."
"Speaking of which," I pull up footage from today, "that coordination was perfect. The training paid off."
"Please," she waves dismissively, though I catch a hint of pride in her expression. "Though I must admit, learning to maintain telepathic contact across your various forms was... an interesting challenge."
The way she says it carries layers of meaning - our growing understanding of each other's abilities, the trust built during countless practice sessions, the subtle dance of power and control we've mastered together.
"We make a good team," I say simply.
Her eyes meet mine for a moment, something unspoken passing between us. "Yes," she agrees softly. "We do."
--------------------------------
The press conference room at Fisk Tower buzzes with anticipation. Emma sits beside me, every inch the regal hero in her white costume, while I maintain what Fisk calls my "public presence."
Christine Everhart takes the lead. "White Queen, your debut has captured public attention. What made you decide to work with Shift?"
"I saw an opportunity to use my abilities for something meaningful," Emma responds smoothly. "Working with someone who understands that responsibility just made sense."
"And the training?" another reporter jumps in. "Sources say you've been preparing for weeks."
"We believe in being thorough," I answer. "Powers like ours require control and understanding."
A reporter from the Times leans forward. "Speaking of powers - there's been speculation about the extent of your abilities, White Queen. Care to elaborate?"
"I'm a telepath as has been stated before," Emma states simply. "My powers allow me to read and influence minds. But unlike previous... applications, I now use these abilities to protect people."
"Previous applications?" someone calls out.
"That's not relevant to today's discussion," I intercept smoothly, fixing her slip up, feeling Emma's mental appreciation for the save.
The questions continue - about our coordination during the warehouse incident, our plans for future operations, the possibility of more heroes joining our efforts.
"Your partnership seems remarkably effective," a reporter from the Globe notes. "The warehouse operation showed incredible synchronization. How do you maintain such coordination?"
Emma fields this one. "Telepathic communication allows for instant strategic adaptation. Combined with Shift's transformation abilities, we can respond to situations more effectively than either of us could alone."
"And the trust required for such mental connection?" Christine probes. "That must take considerable... rapport."
"Professional trust," Emma emphasizes. "Built through training and mutual respect."
More questions about specific incidents, our relationship with law enforcement, plans for the future. Then:
"There's been speculation about the nature of your partnership," the Bugle reporter leans forward, his expression suggesting he's been waiting to ask this. "Are you two... involved?"
I feel Emma's mental presence flicker with surprise, though her face remains composed. My own cheeks heat slightly despite my best efforts.
"We're professional partners," Emma states firmly, though I catch a slight pink tinge on her cheeks.
"Just colleagues," I add, perhaps too quickly.
The reporters exchange knowing looks that make me want to transform and disappear. The press conference wraps up shortly after, but we both know this question will dominate the headlines.
Social media explodes within hours of the press conference, #ShiftQueen and #WhiteShift trending nationwide:
@ShiftStan: "omg did you see them both blush?? 😭"
@NYCHeroWatch: "The way they both got flustered tho 👀"
@TeenVogue: "Shift & White Queen: Partners in Heroics or Something More?"
But then the debate starts:
@ConcernedMom: "He's 16?? She's 18?? This is not okay! 🚫"
@ShiftDefender: "my boy got that rizz fr fr 🔥"
@HeroWatcher: "Age gap discourse in 3...2...1..."
@TeenHeroFan: "gross she's basically grooming him"
@NYCLocal: "y'all realize they just work together right? chill"
@ShiftUpdates: "that synchronized fighting style tho >>>> they trained TOGETHER"
@WhiteQueenDaily: "The way he instantly protected her from questions about her past 🥺"
@HeroNews: "Professional partners who blush when asked if they're dating? Sure Jan 😏"
TikTok fills with analysis videos:
"Breaking down every Shift & White Queen interaction 👑"
"Body language experts analyze hero duo's press conference"
"Compilation of them saving each other during fights 😭"
Reddit threads pop up:
r/herowatch: "Age gap discussion - let's be civil"
r/NYCHeroes: "Professional Analysis of Shift & WQ's Fighting Style"
r/Shift_Official: "Can we focus on their actual achievements?"
The mainstream media takes a more measured approach:
NY Times: "Young Heroes Navigate Public Spotlight"
Daily Bugle: "HERO ROMANCE OR PUBLICITY STUNT?"
Teen Vogue: "Shift & White Queen: Redefining Hero Partnerships"
Later, in my office, Emma scrolls through the reactions with increasing exasperation.
"Ridiculous," she mutters. "As if we don't have more important things to focus on."
"Welcome to superhero fame," I try to joke, though the situation feels awkward. "Everything becomes public debate."
She looks up, her expression unreadable. "Does it bother you? The speculation?"
"I..." I pause, unsure how to navigate this new tension. "It's just noise, right?"
"Right," she agrees, perhaps too quickly. "Just noise."
My phone buzzes - the group chat:
Thor: "YOUNG SHIFT! THE MIDGARDIAN MEDIA SUGGESTS YOU HAVE FOUND A QUEEN! 👑"
Loki: "Brother, please. Though I must admit, the press conference was... entertaining."
Stark: "Kid's got game. Also, anyone else notice the synchronized fighting style? Just saying."
Emma catches the messages over my shoulder and rolls her eyes, but I notice the slight smile she tries to hide.
We both return to our work, pretending not to notice the slight shift in the air between us.
Some things are better left unaddressed.
For now.
The city needs its heroes more than it needs gossip.
Even if some of that gossip makes both our hearts beat a little faster than we'd care to admit.
------------------------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Do tell me how you found it.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye)