Jon sighed. He had wanted to gain superpowers, to become a hero, but not like this. Not as a girl.
Well, not exactly a girl. As Mr. Smith had explained it, he'd just have to wear the costume of a girl, not look like a girl. Sure, there would be some permanent changes, the ice breath device, for example, would be surgically implanted, replacing his vocal cords. Other than that, though, it would just be a costume that he could take on or off whenever he wanted.
The question was, though, was it what he wanted? Sure, the powers he would receive would be out of this world, leaping tall building in a single bound, flying (with the aid of his high-heeled boots), invulnerable, strong, even have a form of x-ray vision, but was it worth it to have everyone seeing him as some sort of crossdresser.
Jon looked again at the costume. The short red skirt with matching boots and cape, the tight blue top with the iconic "S" shield on it... maybe people would get over it. Maybe they'd come to accept him as he was, a guy trying to do the right thing in the best way he could figure out how.
His mind went to all the good he could do. Fighting natural disasters, rescuing people, stopping hostage situations. The good accomplished would easily outdo the discomfort he would feel in the skirt and heels. After all, it wasn't about him, but about the people he could help. Jon wanted to be a hero, and the first thing a hero does is think of others.
"Okay, let's do it," Jon said with a confident smile.
"Excellent," Mr. Smith replied, a grin his face.
"Now what did you mean about cosmetic changes?" Jon asked, wondering if he could request some alterations to the costume. He didn't get to finish, though, as he felt a prick in the back of his neck. Soon Jon was feeling dizzy and collapsed on the floor. Before he blacked out, though, he could hear the black-suited men talking.
"Ready the operating table for the ice breath transplant," one said.
"Yes sir," said another, "What was that he was saying at the end?"
"Oh yes," said the first man, "He was requesting some cosmetic changes."
"One of those, eh?" the second one laughed, "Well he's come to the right place. Won't he be pleased when he wakes up. We know just his type."
Then Jon's world went black as she swam in the ether of dream.
