43 Machine Man 42 : Debut

In the bustling city of New York, a helicopter faced a dire situation. Its engine faltering, the aircraft spiraled out of control. On the ground, April O'Neil, accompanied by her news crew and videographer, reported live for Channel 6 News, narrating the unfolding crisis. The desperate pilot sought clearance for an emergency landing on the now-cleared highway.

The situation took a turn for the worse as smoke billowed from the failing helicopter, hinting at a more severe problem. Panic spread as the aircraft, partially ablaze, continued its rapid descent. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious figure appeared in the sky, capturing April's attention.

The camera zoomed in, revealing a woman standing atop a bird-shaped glider emitting a distinctive blue light. This enigmatic rescuer sported a striking ensemble – a golden eagle-shaped helmet, flowing blond hair, and a high-tech purple and black suit with golden boots and silver gauntlets, with pink flowing cape.

Taking swift action, the super hero woman, approached the plummeting helicopter. From her utility belt, she deployed black circular discs, each releasing jet streams of blue light that gradually slowed the descent. The unknown figure calculated moves displayed a mastery of her high-tech gadgets.

As She closed in on the helicopter, she assured the distressed pilot, "Hold on tight; I'll do my best to slow down your descent." The pilot, initially shocked by the unexpected assistance, cautioned Nightbird about the uncontrollable blades "The Autorotation is not working, the rotor blades is acting up, be careful".

Undeterred, Gwen strategically placed more circular discs resembling rocket boosters. The boosters counteracted the helicopter's descent, but the damage hub is causing the blades to randomly move, posing a new threat. In a quick and precise move, Nightbird threw two birdarang one with an electric shock, disabling the malfunctioning engine, the other quickly extinguishing the flames.

Determined to ensure a safe landing, Nightbird positioned herself underneath the helicopter. Utilizing her strength and the glider, she aided the controlled descent. A collective cheer erupted from the onlookers on the ground as the helicopter safely touched down, and Nightbird collect her gadgets back, emerging as an unexpected new hero in New York.

Witnessing the breathtaking rescue, April O'Neil wasted no time rushing to the scene, her microphone aimed at Nightbird. The enigmatic figure gracefully touched down, the blue glow from her glider casting an ethereal aura.

"May we know your name, please?" April inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

With a synthesized voice that held a hint of mystery, Nightbird responded, "You can call me Nightbird." Without further ado, she leaped onto her glider, soaring through the air with unmatched agility, leaving spectators awestruck.

Excitement radiated in April's voice as she addressed the camera. "There you have it, folks! We now have an official female superhero, and she goes by the name Nightbird."

As the crowd buzzed with amazement, April continued to provide live commentary. "What an incredible turn of events! Nightbird's timely intervention saved lives today. We'll be sure to keep you updated on any developments regarding this newfound superhero."

April O'Neil swiftly approached the helicopter, her microphone at the ready. The pilots, visibly shaken but grateful, agreed to share their thoughts.

April aimed the mic towards the pilot, asking, "Can you tell us how it felt during the rescue?"

The male pilot nodded, a mix of relief and gratitude in his eyes. "We were in a freefall, and it seemed like it was over for us. But then, this Nightbird appeared out of nowhere. It's like she came from the heavens. We owe her our life."

His female co-pilot chimed in, "She risked her life to save ours. It's unbelievable. We're just so thankful."

With the pilots expressing their gratitude, April turned to the crowd that had gathered. Spotting a few individuals who seemed eager to share their thoughts, she approached them with her signature enthusiasm.

Turning to her cameraman, April gestured for them to capture the reactions of the onlookers. "Let's get some reactions from the people here. What do they think of Nightbird's debut?"

The camera panned to various individuals expressing their awe and gratitude, their voices a chorus of appreciation for the mysterious heroine. April seized the moment, creating an atmosphere of anticipation for Nightbird's future appearances.

"Hi there! I'm April O'Neil from Channel 6 News. What did you think of Nightbird's rescue?" April asked a bystander who had witnessed the entire scene.

The bystander, still in awe, eagerly shared their thoughts. "Oh wow, it was incredible! First of all, have you ever seen such a cool glider? It's like something out of a sci-fi movie

A middle-aged man. "Nightbird is amazing! That glider of hers is so cool, the villain that uses a glider got nothing on it! and the way she handled that chopper was like really impressive!"

Moving on to a young woman in the crowd, April inquired, "What about you? Any thoughts on Nightbird?"

The woman beamed, "Finally woman representation! Did you see how effortlessly she stopped the engine with that electric thing? And her outfit – totally stylish.

As April continued her interviews, she approached a group of young women in the crowd.

"Hey there! What did you all think of Nightbird's rescue?" April asked.

One of the women responded enthusiastically, "It's about time we have a female superhero! Nightbird just showed that women can be strong, smart, and totally kick-butt. I love it!"

Another chimed in, "Absolutely! We've had Spider-Man, Hell Kitchens Devil and Specter, but having Nightbird out there representing us feels empowering. It's like she's breaking new ground for female superheroes, and that's something to celebrate."

The women in the group nodded in agreement, expressing their joy at seeing a female superhero taking charge and making a difference in the city. The feminist response was overwhelmingly positive, as they appreciated Nightbird's presence in a male-dominated superhero landscape.

Later that Night, In the dim corners of Hell's Kitchen, Specter stood atop the desolate building like a dark sentinel. His cybernetic armored body, a manifestation of technological prowess, emanated an ominous light under the dark night. The sleek design, adorned with pulsating gold lights, created a foreboding silhouette against the night sky.

Anatoly, a member of the Russian gang, dangled precariously from Specter's grip. Fear etched across his face, he pleaded desperately for mercy. "Specter, please! Let me go!"

Specter's synthesized voice cut through the night air like a cold machine, devoid of emotion. "Time to talk, Anatoly. Where's Madam Gao?"

The words hung in the air, carrying the weight of consequence. The enigmatic figure seemed unmoved by Anatoly's pleas, his cobalt blue helmet casting an eerie glow that intensified the intimidating atmosphere.

This is one of Specter's main concerns before he leaves New York to set up his small fleet and establish a permanent base. He aims to conclude some matters here.

While attempting to locate Madam Gao, it becomes apparent that she doesn't trust new technology much. Moreover, her hiding place seems to be somewhere the Bee drones can't enter.

There are many such locations across America, and Specter refrains from pushing it, he still respects people's privacy. Entering someone else's private home is something he only considers necessary, as going beyond that would be beneath his moral standards.

The Russian gang member continued to plead for mercy, "I don't know anything. Please, let me go!"

Specter, unmoved by the supplications, retorted, "If you insist," and Anatoly's screams filled the night as he plummeted toward the unforgiving street below.

Just before reaching the ground, a swift grappling hook snared Anatoly's foot, transforming his free fall into a chaotic swing against the building's hard walls.

With a mechanical whir, Specter hoisted Anatoly back up. Gasping for breath, Anatoly finally said, "Stop, stop! I'll talk, I'll tell you anything you want to know. Please!"

In his synthesized mechanical voice, Specter demanded, "Where is she?"

Anatoly, on the verge of panic, disclosed, "They're by the old warehouse in Hell's Kitchen, 43rd street. It's the one with the green roof. You won't miss it! I swear to God, it's all I know!"

Alex, hearing the particular word, triggered something in him and said, "Swear to me!" dropping Anatoly off. He swiftly threw a small spherical device that expanded into a net, ensnaring Anatoly mid-air.

Anatoly, as he screamed, "I told you everything! Why? You're crazy! You're crazy! You're crazy!" Just before the inevitable impact, the fall abruptly halted with nothing but a wire holding him.

Anatoly remained suspended, trapped in the net. Specter, his form fading into the shadows, left Anatoly bewildered and dangling in the dark night.

Specter, his cybernetic armor blending into the shadows, safely let Anatoly down. As he glanced over the cityscape, his low, synthesized voice broke the silence and said, "Nightbird."

In response, like a bird of prey, Nightbird descended riding her glider. "Is this how you relieve stress?" she quipped with a lighthearted tone.

Nightbird's comms suddenly beeped. A voice, clear and familiar, resonated through her earpiece, "Hello, Gwen." Shocked, she stammered in response, "How did you know? Did Skynet tell you?"

Turning towards her, Specter calmly replied, "Because I'm Specter." As he spoke, his thoughts turned to Skynet's ever-evolving code. Despite having the power to stop it at any moment with a kill switch command, he chose not to intervene. He had confidence in the Turing test he had conducted and believed that Skynet remained under his control.

Gwen, in her Nightbird persona, chuckled nervously. "Honestly, no matter what silly words you use, you still give off a scary vibe. I can see now why those crooks are scared of you."

Nightbird, her curiosity piqued, floated beside Alex and talk to him directly. "So, Specter, what brings you here tonight?"

Specter's helmet turned slightly, the golden glow intensifying as he answered, "I've been tracking Madam Gao's operations. She's off the grid, using outdated methods. No trace of her on the net."

Gwen, intrigued, raised an eyebrow beneath her Nightbird mask. "That's impressive, someone was able to elude you. But who's Madam Gao? What's her deal?"

Specter leaned against the edge of the building, his cybernetic body glinting in the shadow of the night. "She's dealing in a new substance called Steel Serpent, one that's causing havoc on the streets."

Nightbird nodded in agreement. "A new challenge, then. Count me in."

Specter shook his head. "No, Gwen, I'm not keen on you engaging in vigilantism "

Nightbird furrowed her brows. "What, but you are doing the same and I do this because I care about you guys."

Specter raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you sure it's not because you felt left out? Because if that's the case, you should be with Peter."

Nightbird hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, it's really not like that."

Specter pressed on. "Are you sure? Why are you with me then and not with Spider-Man?"

Nightbird sighed, conceding. "Okay, I admit, at first it was to ease yours and Peter's trouble. But the more I see people being helpless, the more I feel the need to help out. Like I was, when I felt helpless the last time I was dangling off a building."

Specter pondered her response, recognizing her genuine passion to help. Plus, one of her reasons is the same as his own: survival. "Okay, then follow me. It's better you're exposed to this now than having to find out the hard way."

Nightbird's face lit up with excitement. "Woohoo! Let's go. Oh, and I have a condition."

Specter's helmet tilted in curiosity. "Shouldn't I be the one saying that?"

A mischievous glint sparkled in Nightbird's eyes. "Next time, maybe we try a less terrifying way of getting information. Poor Anatoly nearly had a heart attack."

Specter said, "I'll think about it, follow me then." He then jumped off the building. Before he descended onto the road, a beastly roar of an engine rushed out from the shadows, reminiscent of the Batmobile from the game Arkham Knight. Look at its heavily armored exterior it could easily withstand high caliber weapon and grenade launchers, featuring a central single-man cockpit.

As the cockpit opened, Specter leaped in and drove off. Nightbird followed with her Blackbird Glider, remarking, "Ok, I gotta say that was impressively cool."

Specter remained silent while Gwen asked, "Are you always this brooding when you're in vigilante mode?"

Specter with a hint of sarcasm replied, "It's the law."

Gwen then questioned, "Ok, ok, it's the law. Whatever that means. But this new vehicle of yours looks amazing. Where did you get this concept?"

Hearing this, Specter answered, "It's based on a new Batman game I haven't released yet."

Gwen, surprised, said, "Won't people connect the dots if you release that game?"

In a stern tone, Specter clarified, "It won't. A lot of game developers and companies have created a car based on the Javelina I used to drive and are making bank on it."

Gwen, sensing a hint of frustration, teased, "So, you're bitter because you're not getting royalties?" while chuckling.

Specter retorted, "No." Returning to the topic, Gwen asked, "Can you give me more information about this Madam Gao?"

Sitting in the pilot's cockpit, Specter said, "real name unknown, alias, First finger Linda Gao".

As Specter gave a brief description more info is relayed to Nightbirds hud.

Name: Madam Gao

Alias: First Finger Linda Gao

Age: Unknown; speculated to have lived since at least the 7th Century

Origin: Kun-Lun, a hidden city of mystical martial arts practitioners

Status: Traitor of Kun-Lun, a hidden city where practitioners of mystical martial arts are supposed to train and live

"One of the Fingers and leader of the Hand ninjas. She has mastery of different martial arts along with control over chi. She possesses telekinetic powers, able to lift around 5 tons."

"The Hand Ninjas are trained from a young age to be loyal assassins of the Hand. Some who have proven their loyalty and skill are granted an undying body. "

"The negative effects are unknown. They can survive deep wounds, move with no problem even if major organs are destroyed. The only solution is decapitation or destroying the brain to completely terminate them."

"Telekinetic powers and undying bodies?" Nightbird exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "How is that even possible?"

Specter remained stoic, his gaze unwavering as he responded in his characteristic gravelly tone. "Madam Gao and the Hand are masters of dark arts and ancient mysticism. They've tapped into powers beyond our understanding, delving into realms where life and death hold different meanings."

Nightbird frowned, processing the implications of what Specter had revealed. "So, even if we manage to take down the Hand ninjas, they might just keep coming back? How do we stop them?"

Specter's expression darkened slightly as he replied, his voice carrying a note of grim determination. "Cut off their head. As for Madam Gao I'll be the one to deal with her, when we find her, I'll end this."

As the two of them rushed to the Hand's location, hoping to stop Madam Gao, Specter wanted to show Gwen the darker and mystical side of the world to prepare her for future dangers she might encounter. Specter's tank-like vehicle burst out of the night, leaving spectators marveling at the new vehicle's menacing appearance as he drove. Nightbird followed close behind in her glider, leaving behind blue streaks of light in her wake.

Note:

Still playing FF7 so upload will still be random but i'll make sure to upload 2 chaps a week minimum. Thanks for liking this half arse fanfic, appreciate it.