New Valor, Old Fear

Jason Veldt’s question floated on the night air, laced with pain: “Did you ever think you’d be in love with a playboy philanthropist?” He embodied a dual existence—by day, a billionaire tech mogul renowned for his philanthropy; by night, Valiant, the golden-armored protector of New Valor. Despite his wealth, which helped craft a gravity-defying nanotech suit, it failed to shield him from falling in love.

“Not in a million years,” replied Marla Dark, her smile sad. As Night Whisper, she didn’t kill, but her actions, aimed at dismantling the corrupt power structures Jason supported, painted her in sinister hues. Her endeavors left her hurting people—some to the brink of death. Her ability to control the darkness gave her a spectral presence that haunted the city’s collective psyche. This created a headline: The Villainess of New Valor.

Jason stood atop New Valor’s tallest building amidst a citywide blackout. Alien invaders commandeered his suit using their advanced technology, making him an unwilling pawn in their assault—a ghost in his own body. An extraterrestrial signal would mean death to the world.

“I always loved you,” he strained against the foreign influence, a psychic wave emanating from him, paralyzing humanity. “You have to kill me. Your powers make you immune.”

“No…” Marla was fraught with conflict.

“Do it!”

Night Whisper summoned her dark powers to their fullest extent with an agonizing cry. Shadows enveloped Jason, seeping into his suit and disrupting the alien control. The psychic shield shattered, and the city woke to a scene of perceived betrayal: Night Whisper killed Valiant. The fear surrounding her grew.

The media solidified her role as the villainess, oblivious to her heroic sacrifice. They would never comprehend the villainess had been born a heroine on that fateful night.