Shawn is average guy with an average life. He lives on Talos Island Paragon City, RI.
Talos Island is one of the zones that the city was divided into following the first Rikti invasion. Shawn works in Brickstown, another city zone. He is a fashion designer, at least that's what he tells people. He likes to think of his designs as fashion. Without his work little girls would still be wearing the days of the week on their panties. He was the first designer to put cartoon characters on girls undies. He felt like he was making a difference, but every time he told somebody new that he designed little girls underwear for a living, he would get looks of disgust. But he likes his job and the people he works with. There's Melissa, she designs mens underwear. The two of them are kindred spirits in a way. Each designing underwear for the opposite gender. They even thought of trading jobs, but their talent and temperament are better suited for where they are and what they do. Melissa used to have coffee with him every Thursday at 11 o'clock. Lately she's been distracted. He told her about this puppy he was going to buy his 7 year old nephew. The entire time he described the dog, she was staring at street gang thugs. He thought he heard her say something like 'Tank Buster'. Today, she is 20 minutes late. "Oh well, it must've been important." He mumbled to his self as he started to walk back to work.
Paragon City is a dangerous place, and with the heroes gone even more so. You must take whatever precautions you could think of, but he was thinking about Melissa. All of a sudden the Freakshow jumped him.
"Hey, pops," said one of the gang, "What's ya drinking?"
"Leave me alone." Shawn said not knowing what else to say.
"I'll leave you alone. I'll leave you alone in your face." The Freakshow said.
"That makes no sense, boss." Another Freakshow chimed in.
"Then get him!" The first one yelled in reply.
"Mezzer first, that's the way." Super Fire Dragon Instructed.
Melissa obeyed his direction not even noticing that the citizen victim was her coworker and friend Shawn.
For his part, Shawn was frightened by the Freakshow, relieved help had arrived, worried about the golden four foot tall dragon wearing a blue toga, and wondering who this new superhero was. Melissa had been training hard with SFD. She learned most everything she needed to know about being a superhero. She even had a cool costume of red and gold with a stylish short cape. She called herself "Rare Earth". And she was getting the hang of fighting bad guys.
She locked them all in stone cages and summoned a creature she called "Mark on a good day" that was actually animated rock. MOAGD pounded the freaky Freakshow freaks until they dropped. SFD barking out orders, while Shawn stood there in amazement.
After the last freak was gone, Melissa dismissed 'Mark On A Good Day'.
"That was better, but it needs work." SFD said to Rare Earth/Melissa. "Would you mind mindlessly walking into some more Freaks?"
Shawn looked puzzled.
"Yes, you." SFD continued, "What's your name?"
"My name?" Shawn asked.
"Yes, you know," SFD growing impatient, "In the morning people say, 'Good Morning, blank, you're looking well' can you fill in the blank for us? Do you remember what they say?"
"Fool dragon." Rare Earth/Melissa thought to herself.
"Wow, a talking dragon and a wiseass too." Shawn countered.
"Shawn, I didn't recognize you." Rare Earth/Melissa said.
"You know this cretonne?" SFD asked.
"Listen fool, Shawn is one of the top designers in this city. Got it!" Rare Earth/Melissa stormed.
"OK, ok, don't get your knickers in a knot." SFD backed down.
"Oh very funny," Shawn taking offense, "I do a good job and a valuable service. And it doesn't make me a pervert or pediphilal."
Super Fire Dragon leapt into the air and used his fire breath.
"Now listen to me." SFD said while landing. "I am a superhero. I risk life and limb everyday for the good of this city.". SFD had Shawn's and Melissa's attention.
"I don't care what you claim to be. I will protect you when I can." SFD scolded, "But I require some respect."
"OK, Mr. Lizard, sir, you made your point." Melissa said.
"Yes, thanks for helping Melissa rescue me from those freaks." Shawn started, "wait, Melissa? Is that really you? What was that rock thing?"
"Y-yes." Melissa still a little shaken by SFD's display of power. "Yes, I'm a superhero now. And this dragon has been learning me all kinds of <stuff>."
"Shall I kill him now, or can you trust him?" SFD whispered to Melissa.
"He's cool." Melissa said, "Shawn won't tell anybody nothing. Right Shawn?"
"Yes, of course. I understand how it works. I've watched 'Batman'." Shawn reassured.