Strikers: Monster, Scarlet Witch, Cloak, Dagger, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, Toxin, Loki

SHIELD: Mockingbird

Avengers: Black Widow

Unaffiliated: Sabertooth, Ghost Rider (Blaze), Moon Knight, Hellstrom

Monster:
Strikers

Victor: How long has it been?

Damon: Nearly 16 years. Maybe 17?

Johnny: Yet you all look the same.

Moony: To not being dead.

The four men raised their glasses and drank.

In the dark corner of the Blue Oyster, four of the original Strikers sat around. All had a mug of beer in front of them.

Damon: I'm surpised you're even here right now.

He looked over to Johnny who sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck.

Johnny: Even a king needs a break. Especially one who never wanted the job.

Moony: Being King of Hell must be tough as fuck. Who's watching over it right now?

Johnny: No one. Which is also why I can only stay for one drink. Whatever this is, think we can speed it up a bit?

Damon: Patience never was your thing, Blaze. But we can get to the point. Victor?

Victor groaned.

Victor: It's about the kids. You've all met them by now, yeah?

Johnny: Only a few. Your kid, that new Rider, and that one with the claws.

Damon: They're all good kids.

Moony: Strong, too. Not quite on our level, yet, but they're getting there. And fast.

Victor nodded.

Victor: Recently, Y/N underwent a mutation. Fangs, claws, that kind of thing.

Johnny: Keeping up the family business, huh?

Victor: These kids are going to need a lot more guidance. More than I can give them.

Johnny nearly choked on his drink and ended up in a coughing fit. Even Moony was surpised by this.

Moony: Wait....are you asking us to....

Johnny: Hell no.

Everyone looked to him.

Johnny: You know I can't do that.

Damon: We understand your responsibilities are of dire importance, but...

Johnny: No buts, Hellstrom. I'm the only thing stopping an all out invasion from Hell. I can't go and play teacher for a bunch of kids.

Victor lowered his head. He figured this would happen.

Moony: You're gonna have to count me out as well.

Victor looked up in surpise. He turned to Moony, who had his mask off. His hood still hid his face, but Victor could still see the regret in his eyes.

Damon: Johnny I get. Why not, Marc?

Moony sighed.

Moony: I have a...life back in New York. One I can't leave behind. Plus, I'm still working on finding the Ten Rings.

Damon: So you get a girlfriend and now you're suddenly a family man?

Moony shot him a look, but Victor lifted his hand to stop the two.

Victor: This was a mistake from the get go.

The three men looked to him as he stood up.

Victor: I wish you luck on your search and your rule. You're always welcomed to stop by for a visit.

Victor set down a stack of bills on the table for the tab before he pulled his coat on. He headed for the door, which caught Bobbi's attention. Her and Widow were sitting off in their own to catch up while the Strikers had their own discussion.

Widow: Looks like things went as well as we thought.

Bobbi: Seems like it. I should go, too. You're still stopping by the Manor tomorrow, right?

Widow nodded. Bobbi grabbed her things and left money for the tab. She hurried after Victor who was already starting his way back towards the Manor.

Bobbi: That's a 5 mile walk.

Victor stopped and turned around to find Bobbi standing there with the truck keys. She offered a smile.

Victor: I can take it.

Bobbi: But you don't have to.

Victor thought about it for a moment, before he gave in. He followed her to the truck and got in.
---------------
Y/N: Why is this a thing?

Loki: Trust me, this is getting to the good part.

You sat in the couch with Wanda and Laura as Loki waved his hand around. He suddenly flicked his wrist and a rose appeared in his hand. He turned to the three of you with a smile.

Loki: So?

Laura: Is that it?

Loki frowned.

Loki: Yes. That is it.

Loki pulled off his top hat and suddenly pulled Toxin from it.

Loki: I lied!

Toxin: I'm an assistant!

Toxin lifted his tendrils into the air as Loki presented him in a grand fashion.

Wanda: Why are you showing us magic tricks?

Loki stood there for a moment before he sighed.

Loki: I haven't the slightest clue. I'm bored.

You just yawned before you heard someone come down the stairs. You looked back, mouth still open, to see that it was Tandy. You closed your mouth and got up as she walked into the kitchen.

Y/N: Well, keep it up and maybe you'll make it to Vegas one day.

Loki watched as you walked around the couch and headed for the kitchen. He raised a brow.

Loki: So, what is the whole...deal with those two?

Wanda and Laura just shrugged.

You entered the kitchen and found Tandy making coffee. You smiled to yourself and walked over to her.

Y/N: Morning.

Tandy jumped at your voice and quickly turned to you, dagger in hand. You raised your hands to show you meant no harm.

Tandy: Y/N, Jesus!

You stood there when you caught a whiff of something.

Fear.

Victor had been helping you with getting used to your new "powers" like your enhanced sense of smell.

You were confused at first before you rubbed your noise.

You did just scare her.

Y/N: Sorry. I didn't mean to spook ya.

Tandy: It's fine. Just, a heads up next time, please?

You rubbed the back of your neck embarrassed.

Y/N: Noted. Uh, so, what's the plan for today? Anything interesting? Cause, if not, maybe we could...you know...uh, hang out?

You could fight and kill Celestial beings. You've stopped a Chaos lord from invading earth. You have survived nesr death again and again. Hell, you created one of the most powerful people in the entire world.

Yet you were stumbling over yourself talking to a girl.

Tandy looked at you for a moment before she noticed something as you smiled. Your K-9's were sharper than before. Your nails also looked more dangerous.

You froze when you caught a whiff of that same smell again.

Fear.

Tandy: Oh, um, I actually have plans with Ty. Maybe next time.

She grabbed her coffee and started to walk away.

Y/N: Uh, y-yeah. Sure. That sounds....

Tandy left the room and you stood there for a moment.

Y/N: Nice.

You sighed and leaned against the counter. Was she.....scared of you? Was it because of what happened? Or maybe it was what you said to Thor?

Tyrone: Yo, bro.

You looked up and found Tyrone walking into the room. You nodded before you thought of something.

Y/N: Hey, Tandy said you guys were doing something today?

Tyrone seemed surpised by this news.

Tyrone: Are we? I don't think we are.

Yep.

Tandy was scared of you.

Y/N: shit.

Widow: Ouch. That sucks.

You and Tyrone looked around for the voice, only for you to realize that Widow was sitting at the table. You blushed a bit.

Y/N: How long have you been here?!

Widow: Mmm......bout half an hour. Bobbi is trying to wake your dad up.

She saw all of that?!

Widow: You used to have such a way with girls. Guess you lost more than your powers that day.

You dropped to your hands and knees in shame.

Y/N: I don't deserve to be alive.

Tyrone looked at you in worry while Widow sipped on her tea.

Widow: Cheer up, kid. You know Nadia would date you. So would Gwen. Hell, even Kamala I'm sure. Definitely Viv.

Tryone: Who are these people?! How many hoes do you got, my guy?!

Y/N: None. I have zero hoes. I'm hoeless.

Widow rolled her eyes and you finally stood up.

Widow: Geez, kid. You're stronger for sure, but you've lost all your game.

Y/N: Sorry not all of us can find a stable relationship. Whatever that is.

Widow: Well, thank you for acknowledging me and Marc as a couple. Very mature of you.

You winced at the the idea, but you decided to keep quiet.

Widow: Have a seat. Let's talk.

You stood there for a moment before Robbie walked in. He looked around for a moment and noticed the weird tension in the air.

Robbie: Uh, everything good?

Widow: Yes. As a matter of fact, why don't you boys all have a seat. I think this advice can work for all of you.

The three of you looked at each other before you shrugged. You all sat down at the table and Widow smiled.

Widow: Now, you boys are at that age where all you're thinking about is typical boy things.

Tyrone: Saving the world?

Robbie: Being a super hero?

Y/N: Stopping an evil organization from world domination?

Widow: I was thinking more girls, cars, and drinking.

The three of you all nodded reluctantly.

Widow: And there's nothing wrong with that. But you do have to remember to always treat women with respect.

Robbie: I already know this.

Tyrone: We all do.

You nodded.

Widow: Yes, but no one could have prepared you for women with super powers. For example.

She did something on her phone. Your's suddenly dinged and you looked at her confused.

Widow: Go ahead and open it. And feel free to share.

You slowly pulled your phone out and held it so that Robbie and Tyrone could see it. You opened the photo attached, and the three of you went wide eyed.

Robbie: Holy shit!

Tyrone: God damn!

Y/N: Hamamamamamamama...

You all looked at Widow who was just sitting there.

Widow: Typical teenage boy response. That, boys, is Jen. She-Hulk.

You all looked up from the phone.

Y/N: Why do you have this picture?!

Widow: I took it.

Robbie: That just raises more questions.

Widow did something to her phone again, and the photo was suddenly deleted off of yours.

Y/N: WHAT DID YOU DO?!

Widow: The point of me showing you that picture was to prove a point. You're still just boys, regardless of the things you've done as heroes.

You all sat there confused. Where was she going with this.

Widow: Remember that you're still young. Don't forget that you can still have fun even though you're protecting the world.

Tyrone: So, what are you saying?

Widow took a sip.

Widow: What I'm saying is, be boys. Enjoy it.

You looked at the others for a moment before you gave it some thought.
------------
Wanda: And that's how we beat Dormammu.

Widow hummed impressed.

You were walking with her, Wanda, and Laura down by the docks as the two girls gave her a summary of your activities since you left the Program.

Widow: Trust trouble to find you.

Y/N: It always does. I think there might actually be a reason for it, too.

Laura: Yeah, cause you suck.

You turned to her.

Y/N: Yet who's the leader?

Laura: A leader who's plan is always to blindly attack.

Y/N: It's worked so far, hasn't it?

Laura couldn't think of a come back so she just turned away and mumbled to herself.

Widow smiled at your banter.

Widow: Seems like you kids are doing well. You've definitely racked up more experience than most of the others in the Program.

Y/N: Oh, yeah. How is that going, by the way?

Widow: Well, same old, really. The YA kids are running more missions on their own, the X-Men members have been busy with something. They like to keep things on the down low for some reason.

Laura: Can you blame them? For years mutants have been oppressed. They probably keep things quiet so no one can mess it up.

You thought about that for a moment. The world didn't know that you were a mutant. They just knew you as Monster, a hero. Not Monster, a mutant.

Widow: I know. But they keep showing up less and less. And, related or not, SHIELD picked up a new land mass being formed in the ocean seemingly out of nowhere.

This caught your attention.

Wanda: A new land mass? That's something interesting.

Y/N: And the X-Men might have something to do with it?

Widow shrugged.

Widow: Maybe. Maybe not. I don't want anyone jumping to conclusions, especially when it comes to them.

Laura looked like she wanted to say something, but she kept quiet. A new land mass that the X-Men might be involved with. Seems like something big. Maybe you could ask around some time.

Widow: The Strikers should come to New York. Maybe we could run some joint training sessions.

The three of you froze.

Right, the training sessions for the Program were a lot.....easier than the ones you did now.

Y/N: Y-Yeah. Sure. Sounds...fun.

Laura: Plus, it might be a good idea for everyone to see you. The last time any one did, you were half dead.

After Dark Gwen attacked. That was right.

Widow: Yeah. Besides, everyone knows you're better with actions than words, kid.

You stopped and looked at her.

Y/N: What do you mean?

Widow: Well, you're not very good with your words. You never have been for as long as I've known you.

Wanda: That is true.

You stood there and rubbed your chin. You then suddenly got an idea.

Y/N: Better with actions, huh?

The girls looked at you as you smiled.

Y/N: Noted.
-------------
Robbie leaned on the porch and flipped his phone in his hand. He was thinking to himself before Tandy walked up the steps.

Tandy: Hey, Rob. What's wrong?

Robbie just sighed.

Robbie: Do you think I have time to keep a relationship? Or start one, at least?

Tandy looked at him oddly.

Tandy: I mean, I guess? Kind of a random question. You thinking about asking Elsa out or something?

Robbie: Els...no. God no.

Tandy walked over to him and leaned against the post.

Tandy: Then who?

Robbie showed her his phone. It was a number she didn't recognize.

Robbie: While I was in New York with Molly, I met this girl. Cat. She seemed cool and we've been texting back and forth. I was thinking about asking her out on a date this weekend.

Tandy: Oh. That sounds nice. What about Kate? I thought you two were hitting it off.

Robbie: Uh, yeah. She joined this group and she's been kinda busy so....yeah.

Tandy gave it some thought before she nodded.

Tandy: I saw go for it. I mean, worse case scenario is things don't work out. She lives in New York and you live here. No big deal.

Robbie reasoned that she was right. He then turned to her.

Robbie: So what's up with you and Y/N? I noticed you've been kinda....keeping your distance.

Tandy winced at his observation. She wasn't really trying to avoid you....entirely. Things were just different now that you inherited some of your father's traits.

Thankfully the raw odor was not one of those traits.

Tandy: I dunno. He's going through a lot right now and I really don't want to add more to his plate.

Robbie: Is that how you see it?

Tandy looked at him confused but the two looked up when the truck drove up the driveway. You parked it and hopped out with Wanda and Laura.

Robbie looked to Tandy and nodded.

Robbie: At least talk to him.

Tandy just watched as you walked towards the Manor. Robbie headed inside with Laura and Wanda while you awkwardly hung around.

Tandy and you stood there for a moment in silence.

Tandy/Y/N: Hey can we...

You both stopped and looked at each other.

Tandy: Uh, you go first.

Y/N: No, no. Go ahead.

You both stood there. You rubbed the back of your neck.

Tandy: Can we talk?

You looked at her and quickly nodded. Tandy looked around before she headed down the steps. You followed her.
---------------
Victor groaned as he rubbed his shoulder. He must've slept on it wrong or he seriously messed it up.

He was sitting on the edge of his bed with his shirt off to better look at his arm.

Bobbi: Back problems, old man?

Victor looked up and found Bobbi leaning in the doorframe. Victor just grunted and rolled his shoulder. Bobbi sighed and walked over to him.

Bobbi: Let me see.

Victor eyed her for a moment before he turned enough for Bobbi to get a look at his arm. She placed her hands on it and began to rub it. Victor groaned from the pain before he found himself relaxing.

Bobbi: You pick up more than just fighting at SHIELD.

Victor: Good to know.

Bobbi rubbed his shoulder a bit more before she stopped. Victor rolled his arm again and found the pain completely gone.

Bobbi: So why didn't your healing factor kick in?

Victor just sighed.

Victor: If it was muscle, I kept moving it so it didn't heal properly. Guess you forced it back into place.

Bobbi watched as he pulled his shirt back on.

Bobbi: You know, I think it was nice of you to try and get the others to be mentors to these kids.

Victor: Some help that did. Damon is the only one staying around.

Bobbi: Still better than nothing. What about the others? I thought there were a bunch of you.

Victor: Either dead or dealing with other responsibilities. I mean, three of them are kings now.

Bobbi seemed surpised by this. Then again, Victor and Damon did say that the original team was pretty powerful.

Victor: I'm still trying my best to help these kids get to where they're going. But things have changed a lot since my time.

Bobbi: I feel you. Seeing all these younger heroes starts to make me feel old.

She smiled a bit.

Bobbi: But it's good to see people still fighting.

Victor just grunted. Bobbi looked at him for a moment.

Bobbi: You know, some of them do need a mentor. But they could also use a father.

Victor looked up at her.

Bobbi: Molly is just a child. And she likes you a lot. I can tell. Robbie has no family left. And he's filled with anger and regret.

Victor: What am I supposed to do about it?

Bobbi shrugged.

Bobbi: Maybe you could be there. Sometimes, that's all you can do.

Victor sat there for a moment and thought about it.

Be there.

Now there was an idea.
--------------
Robbie sat against his car that was parked in the garage. He made sure no one else was around as he waited for someone to pick up.

Then, someone did.

Cat: Hello?

Robbie: Uh, hey.

Cat: Oh, Robbie! What a treat to hear your voice.

Robbie blushed a bit.

Robbie: Y-Yeah. It's nice to hear yours, uh, too.

That was bad.

Cat: So, to what do I owe the pleasure of talking to the cutest grease monkey I know?

Robbie: Oh, uh, I was just....I'm not doing anything, this weekend. And I'll be around so I was wondering if you would maybe like to, I dunno, grab dinner or something? Maybe catch a movie?

There was silence on the other line. Robbie closed his eyes and mentally scolded himself for even coming up with this idea.

Cat: Sure! I'd love to. I'm free Saturday.

Robbie opened his eyes in surpise. She said yes?

Robbie: Oh, cool.

Cat: So, pick me up around 7?

Robbie: Yeah. Yeah, course. 7 works.

Cat laughed a bit.

Cat: Good. Guess I'll see you then.

Robbie: Yeah. See you then.

He hung up and silently cheered to himself.

Things were starting to look up for him.

He had a date.
----------------
You and Tandy were in the healing springs clearing. Molly and Tyrone had gone and decorated it a bit so it began more like a lounging area. Maybe even a spa.

But things were far from relaxing at this point.

You and Tandy were waiting for someone to speak.

You finally took a deep breath.

Y/N: I'm sorry.

Tandy looked at you confused.

Y/N: You know, if I scared you the other day, with the Thor thing. Uh, I was just mad that he did that to Tox. And that he was...bossing everyone around.

Tandy: What? No. No! Don't apologize. I think it was sweet that you stood up to him like that.

She then shrugged.

Tandy: I mean, you could've been a bit....nicer.

You sighed. Maybe next time.

Y/N: Right.

Tandy: But, I should apologize, too.

You turned to her.

Tandy: I....I've been kinda avoiding you.

You figured, but it still hurt for her to say.

Tandy: Truthfully, I was kinda scared of you. Not because you're a scary dude, but because you can do scary things.

You raised a brow.

Y/N: What do you mean?

Tandy: Well, when we were in that other world with the other you, you scared me. When you started to say those things. And them you scared me again when you showed up to the manor covered in blood.

You slowly lowered your head. Yeah, that was kinda scary.

Tandy: But I know I shouldn't be afraid of you.

You suddenly looked up.

Tandy: You're a good person. An amazing one. You've done so much for all of us. You gave us a home and a family when we didn't have one.

She sighed as she looked down at her feet.

Tandy: That's why I don't think.......I don't think we could ever work out.

Y/N: 5 seconds.

Tandy looked at you suddenly. Her eyes went a bit wide when she saw the determined look on your face.

Tandy: W-What?

Y/N: 5 seconds. Give me 5 seconds to show you that we can. That....that we can give this a shot.

Tandy: This? You mean, us? Like dating?

You nodded. Tandy seemed a bit hesitant. You recalled your last conversation with her regarding this. How you wouldn't act unless you were completely over Felicia.

Tandy: I....a-alright. 5 seconds.

She shyly turned away.

Tandy: Go.

You nodded and walked over to her.

You were bad with words. You preferred action.

And as you placed a hand on Tandy's cheek, her eyes went wide.

When you kissed her, her eyes went even wider. Everything around you seemed to go silent as you kissed Tandy for the first time.

And when the five seconds were up, you pulled away and the sound returned.

You found Tandy standing there stunned with wide eyes. She slowly lifted her hand to her lips before her cheeks went red.

Tandy: T-T-That's not fair!

She pointed at you.

Tandy: You said you would show me! I wasn't expecting a kiss!

You smiled as you looked at her.

Y/N: I know. Sorry if that was out of the blue, but that's how I feel.

Tandy lowered her finger and looked at you as you took a step forward.

Y/N: So? How bout it?

Tandy: Uh....i...um...

You watched as her brain went into overdrive. You chuckled a bit before you lifted her chin up.

Y/N: Need some more convincing?

Tandy looked away, but she didn't turn.

Tandy: I...maybe...

You just smirked as you leaned down and kissed her again. This time, she returned it.

Tandy: I...I guess we could...give this a try.

Y/N: Really?

Tandy nodded.

Tandy: Really.

She smiled at you and you did the same.

Looks like things were looking up for you.

You had a girlfriend.
-------------
The Southern Ocean was a quiet ocean. One ship slowly drifted along the waters. A boat which belonged to the Roxxan corporation.

On the side of the boat, were three blue human like creatures filled with bullet holes and tied by rope. A sign of victory for the crew.

Guard: Hahaha! I'm not sure if we should cut em loose or take em home and turn them to canned tuna! Dead Atlantians have to be a delicacy somewhere, right?

One of the other guards hit his shoulder.

Crewmate: Hey, pipe down! More trouble with the subs! We just lost contact with every last one of them! There must be more of these men down there! Everyone get to their stations and...

Suddenly, the boat started to rock. The crew stumbled and some even fell. Then, a large object emerged from the waters.

A tentacle the size of the ship swooped down and grabbed some of the men before pulling them into the depths.

Guard: What the hell?!

???: Scream all you like, you air guzzling bastards! Down in the depth, where I'm taking you murderers, no one will hear you scream again!