The Heart.

Truly a fragile thing.

But it holds the greatest power in this world.

Cold. You only felt the cold. The weird liquid that surrounded your body was always cold. The mask that covered your face was always cold. The metal tools they used on you were always cold.

You hated it.

When you first felt warmth, it came from inside you. It was the fire that had allowed you to flee and escape from the endless Hell you found yourself in at such a young age.

You couldn't remember much. Just the pain. Just the cold. Your first memory was the demons digging into your flesh and injecting their poison into your veins. Their hollow eyes watching you scream and cry. Begging for them to stop.

When you managed to get to the world above, the one you learned was called New York, you found yourself alone. Broken yet seemingly untouched on the surface. Your mind was nearly broken. Nearly destroyed by the insanity you were exposed to everyday.

You never knew a mother's love nor a father's touch.

At the age of 10, you were found by a man. An old man who was the first to ever smile at you. The first to offer you a hand.

He saved you in more ways than you could ever imagine.

He feed you. Nursed you. Cared for you like his own child. You loved him like your own parent.

He taught you about the surface world. How things worked and how people acted. The man who was known as the Creator helped give you the world. However, his greatest gift to you was the bandanna he gave you. The one you always wore around your neck. The black fabric reminded you of the darkness you knew for so long. It reminded you that you were free.

And you would never forget that.

Not in a million years.

However, this was only the beginning of something far greater. Something that would lead you on a road of greatness.

This is how you became a hero.

This is how you became, the Monster of Power.

Monster:
Year 1

You walked down the streets of New York with your hands in your pockets. Music blasted from some radio nearby and the sound of everyone talking was an odd comfort. A familiar feeling you couldn't ever get rid of. The dirty hat on your head held back the strains of H/C hair that threatened to slip out.

You were a young man of 13 years old. Just a child.

You let out a sigh to which you got to see your breath. It was a cold day again. January was normally like that in the city. You always hated the cold. Though, you were completely warm despite not wearing much.

You turned the corner and contiued your way toward your destination. The Black bandanna hung around your neck as you bobbed your head to the music. It slowly faded out as you moved more farther away.

You finally reached the familiar alleyway and ducked into it without being noticed. That was kinda your specialty at this point. Being able to remain undetected. Something you pick up when you have to survive.

You reached the locked metal door that was hidden in the darkness. You reached your hand out, and knocked. You heard someone on the otherside and watched as the eye slot slid open. The man inside looked at you, and opened the door.

You nodded in thanks and walked inside.

Once again, music filled your ears as you walked down the stairs that lead to the hideout of the man you had just finished a job for. Some kind of grudge rock played loudly as you walked through the nearly dark hall.

You knew these kind of places well.

These lairs were always the same.

Drugs.

Weapons.

Whores.

At the end of it all, was the big boss himself. You entered the main office and stood before the large wooden desk. Sitting on the otherside, was the bossman himself. On both sides stood his bodyguards who looked ready to open fire at the first sign of danger. On the leader's lap was a girl who looked only a bit older than yourself.

Boss: Well, looks like everyone was right. You do get the job done.

You nodded and pulled out the flash drive from your pocket. You tossed it onto the desk and returned your hand to your pocket. You had no idea what was on it, but it had better be worth the trouble.

Hammerhead: Not bad, kid. Want something to drink?

Y/N: Just the payment.

The boss chuckled as he opened his desk drawer. He pulled out a white envelope and tossed it across the desk. You caught it and looked inside. Looks like it was all there.

Hammerhead: You know what, kid?

You looked back at the mobster as he light a cigar. He then pointed at you.

Hammerhead: You got a great future ahead of you. Just think of the possibilities with that gift of yours.

You placed the envelope into your pocket as Hammerhead looked at you from head to toe.

Hammerhead: Maybe you should join me. Be one of my men.

Y/N: Thanks for the offer, but I'll have to decline.

The boss seemed a bit disappointed in your answer, but you didn't care. In truth, you despised people like him. They were all the same. Just worthless criminals looking for power to rule over others.

But, a job is a job. And you needed the money.

Hammerhead: Shame. Well, if I need another job done, you'll be the first in my call list.

You nodded and turned away from him. You headed back out of the hideout and into the alleyway. Once you were back on the street, you let out a sigh. Once again, you could see your breath. You gently reached up and touched the bandanna before you headed down the street again. Maybe you should get something to eat.

As you walked, you thought back on how things became this way. It's been almost three years now, since those demons came back. Since the Creator gave up his life for you.

You missed him everyday, but you knew now how harsh these streets were. How dangerous people like you were.

So you didn't trust.

You didn't believe.

You didn't hope.

You just survived.

Even at such a young age, you knew better than to get close to anyone.

It was just your way of life.

You finally reached the sandwich shop where you often go to for lunch or breakfast. The safehouse you lived at was just around the corner so it was convenient. The Old Man was many things, it seemed.

As you waited in line, you checked your watch. A Stark Tech device that also acted as you form of contact, and entertainment. You were ashamed to admit it, but you were still pretty clueless about a lot of things. Women, technology, how to act around others. It really did seem like you were an alien sometimes. Rather or not that was good thing was.....well, it could only really be a bad thing.

You scrolled through your messages while the three kids in front of you chatted. They seemed to be around your age, you noted. You didn't really have friends. The Old Man always told you that you should start talking to more people, but you were often nervous to do so. Unless it was for business, you were socially awkward.

Crowds of strangers honestly scared you.

Boy: I'm telling you guys, I ate here last week and it was the best thing ever.

Girl: I'll believe it when I taste it.

Boy 2: I mean, Kyle normally has good taste when it comes to food. I think I'll trust him on this.

So the first boy was named Kyle.

Kyle: Thank you. Nice to see someone trusts me.

Girl: Can you blame me? The last thing I ate that you suggested gave me the worst stomach pains I've ever had.

Boy: They were pretty bad.

It was their turn to order and they did so. You finally locked the watch and waited patiently for them to finish. Once they were out of the way to wait for their food, you stepped forward.

Owner: Ah, Y/N. I'm guessing the same as always?

You nodded. You paid the man and took a seat at one of the nearby tables. You sat there and stared at the table as you listened to the music playing on the speakers. The three teens got their food and headed out of the small shop while you still waited for yours.

Owner: Order up!

You nodded in thanks and grabbed the sandwich. You then left a tip and headed out of the shop. You looked up at the sky and saw that the clouds had rolled in again.

It was going to snow soon.

You stood there for a moment before a man bumped into you. You caught yourself from falling while the man kept walking.

Man: Watch where you're going, you little shit!

You just brushed it off and headed the opposite way. However, you stopped when the ground shook.

You froze for a moment before it shook again. You heard some people gasp and scream before they all began to run in your direction.

You looked around confused before you turned around and spotted something falling from the sky. It was dropped by some kind of ship.

Well, you knew New York was always a hotspot for random shit. This wasn't anything new to you. If this robot was dangerous, Spider-Man or Iron Man or someone will show up and deal with it.

You turned to leave but your eyes suddenly caught something. It was those three kids from the shop.

Y/N: The hell are they doing?

You watched them for a moment. They weren't sacred. They were just standing there like they were waiting for something. They suddenly darted off in different ways.

That was weird.

The bot set it's sights on the people that had yet to get away and you suddenly found yourself facing towards it.

Where were the heroes? Why weren't they here yet?

The bot ended up looking right at a mother running with her child in her arms. Your eyes went wide when you saw the bot raise it's arm towards them. A grapple gun was attached to it and you recognized the symbol on the chest plate.

Hydra.

Were they attacking?

You felt the world freeze around you as the mother screamed and the bot opened fire.

None of the bullets ever reached the woman. She dropped to her knees in fear as she heard the gunfire got off. When she opened her eyes, she realized she wasn't hit anywhere. When she turned around, she saw you standing there, bleeding everywhere the bullets hit.

Y/N: Get...out of...here.

You spat out some blood and the woman grabbed her daughter before she ran off. You groaned as your wounds healed and bullets dropped from the holes in your body. You reached for your bandanna and slowly pulled it over your nose and mouth as you felt your warmth start to grow stronger.

Y/N: Please don't make me do this.

The bot set it's sights on you and you sighed as your left hand was engulfed in flames. Your opened your eyes, now glowing a bright orange, as you stared down the bot.

Y/N: Fine. Your funeral.

The bot started to open fire but you were quicker. You reached out your hand and the flames blasted out in a beautiful display of orange and red as it flew right toward the bot. Before it could even think to react, the fire consumed it and destoryed the entire bot. You turned to see even more falling from the sky.

You clenched your fists and stepped back. That was a lot.

Whatever.

You charged forward and leaped up before you landed on top of one. You slammed your flaming fist on it's head which caused it to explode before you leaped off and towards another. It hit you with a blast of energy which sent you flying across the street.

You coughed and stood back up. Your shirt was now practically destroyed. Your sandwich was also forgotten on the sidewalk.

You charged forward again but the bot opened fire at the same time. This time, you were ready. Instead of going forward, you went up. Now in the sky, and with melted shoes, you looked down at the bot below.

You slammed down onto it and quickly stood back up to avoid even more bullets. Thank God for this advance warning system in your head. Whatever it was.

You ducked behind a wall as the robot contiued to fire. You sighed and snapped your finger which sent a small ball of fire out. The bot processed it as movement and targeted it, but you were already in front of it before it realized it was a trick.

You grabbed the bot and lifted it up before you slammed it into a wall.

You stepped back from the wreckage and caught your breath. Talk about a rough day.

You sighed and looked around for a bit. Looks like those kids got away too.

You were about to leave, but your senses went off. You turned around and saw a much bigger robot heading your way.

Y/N: Oh, shit.

You stepped back and looked at the large bot. Before it could attack you, it was hit by a blast from seemingly nowhere. You stood there confused before something flew overhead.

???: You might want to get out of here. These things are no joke.

Iron Man!

???: He's right, dude. You might want to step back. The Avengers are here.

Y/N: I know you.

???: Iron Man, Spider-Man, and I'm Captain America. Though, you can just call me Cap.

Cap: And we're with the Avengers.

Iron Man: Spidey, Cap, we need to focus on the Hydra bot. Thor and Hulk are on their way.

Spidey: Wait, where are the others?

Iron Man: Probably enjoying their new California base. Must be nice to have all that sweet money.

Iron Man flew up and reached his hands out. A blue energy fired from his palms and hit the bot which caused it to stagger. You clenched your fists and charged forward as well.

Spidey: Hey! What do you think you're doing?!

Y/N: Making sure this thing doesn't go and destory my apartment!

You ignited your feet and flew up towards the bot. The three watched you for a moment before they joined in as well.

Iron Man: Who are you?

Y/N: That doesn't matter. You the leader?

Iron Man shrugged.

Iron Man: To be decided.

Y/N: Good. Keep your guys out of my way.

You blasted ahead of him and slammed straight into the bot's head. It stumbled back as you hung onto the face. You then brought your hand back and clenched your fist before three metal claws popped out. You then stabbed them straight into the bot's eye which cause some electrical current to hit your hand. You pulled it back and shook it off before you plunged your fist inside.

Cap: What is he doing?

Iron Man: Is he really going to pull out the command system?

You pulled your hand back out and held up the command system. You then crushed it in your hand as the bot powered down and began to fall forward. The issue here was, your apartment building was forward.

Y/N: No, no, no, nononono!

You and the bot crashed into the building as the three watched with wide eyes.

Spider-Man: Uh, that works. I guess? Are we going to get blamed for this?

Cap: I don't know. Spider-Man, go see if he is alive. Iron Man, contact the others and get some first responders here to help anyone who needs it.

Iron Man nodded and touched his com while Spidey swung over to the destroyed building.

Inside, you pushed a large chunk of rubble off of you and stood up. Your shirt was now completely gone, your bandanna was now hanging loosely around your neck, and your hat was long gone. And you were still hungry.

Y/N: New York. The city of broken dreams. Shit.

You pulled out a piece of rebar from your shoulder and tossed it aside as your wound healed. You limped a bit before you leg healed and soon enough, you were able to see outside. At least that woman and her daughter were safe.

Damn Old Man and his moral lessons.

Spidey: Hello?! Fire dude?! You alive in here?!

You turned toward the voice when that Spider guy swung into the massive hole. The two of you stood there for a moment as you looked at each other.

Y/N: Uh....

Spidey: So, you look, fine. How the hell are you not hurt right now?

Y/N: Healing factor.

The hero looked surpised.

Spidey: Wait, for real? Dude, that's got to be the fastest healing factor I've seen. Who are you....

You quickly shook your head.

Y/N: I don't want trouble. Just leave me alone.

Spidey: Wait...

You ignited your feet and blasted out the building. Spidey was left there standing alone.

Spidey: The hell?

Iron Man soon flew into the building and looked at his ally as he stood there dumbfounded.

Iron Man: Where did that kid go?

Spidey: He left.

Iron Man: He left?

Spidey nodded.

Iron Man: How? Even with a healing factor he should be out of commission for at least a minute.

The two looked out the massive hole of the building confused.

Iron Man: Who was he?
---------------
When you thought you were far enough away, you landed on a rooftop of some random building where you finally caught your breath. You dropped to a knee and realized you had a piece of metal in your leg. You pulled it out and tossed it aside as you leg started to heal again.

You sat up and looked out at the city.

Y/N: That was close.

You groaned as you stood up and looked down at yourself. You were shirtless and your pants were burnt up to the knees. You didn't even have shoes anymore.

You sighed and reached into your pocket. You pulled out the envelope and checked to see how much you had left.

$2,000. The rest was burnt to ash.

Y/N: This should get me some new clothes. Maybe a room for the night. At least, if they let me get a room.

You looked down at your wrist, only to see that your watch was now completely gone.

Y/N: Shit.

You lowered your hand and looked back at the city. New York City. The City that never sleeps. The Big Apple. Mm. Apples. You could go for an apple right about now. When was the last time you ate again?

Your stomach growled when you started thinking of food.

Y/N: Okay. New plan. Get clothes, buy food. Man, I'm starving.

You headed to the door that lead into the building and stabbed the lock. You then entered.
--------------
???: And this boy, he had powers? Flames, you said?

Three heroes sat at a briefing table with the man who ran everything.

Peter: Yeah. But, he also had a healing factor and metal claws like that short dude.

Tony: Logan. But, yeah. It also seemed like he had enhanced strength and stamina.

The man watched the footage of the fight again. His eyes were glued on the boy who was easily destroying the Hydra bots that were a part of a much larger attack. One that was thankfully stopped before it could start on a city wide scale.

???: Did you get his name?

Peter: Nope. Dude ran off before we could ask him anything.

Steve: But, the weird thing about all this is his healing factor. He was up and moving like nothing happened right after he was crushed by a robot into a complex.

The man rubbed his chin and paused the video. He sighed and turned back to the teens.

???: And this boy, he seemed to be a child?

Peter: He looked like he was 13, yeah.

Steve: So, what's the call?

The man gave it some thought before he looked at Steve.

???: For now, I suggest you and the Avengers stay out of this. Let SHEILD handle it. When we find him....

Peter: If.

???: When. When we find him, we'll analyze him and see what we're dealing with.

Steve: And after that?

???: After that, it's up to him. He can join the Program or he can stay with SHIELD. His power is unchecked and it matches the various MOs that have been popping up all around New York.

Tony: You mean the break ins?

???: Yes. If we find him, I feel like we find the one responsible. Regardless, we need to find him first. I'll send some of my best. You three are dismissed. Good work.

The three nodded and got up to leave. As they left, Steve stopped and turned back to the man.

Steve: He seemed like he wanted to do the right thing. And if we could convince him to join us, he'll be a good addition.

The man looked back at the screen and nodded in agreement.

???: It seems so, Cap.

Steve: That's all. See you around, Director Fury.

Fury: Always a pleasure.
----------
You groaned as you laid on the bench of the park you found yourself in. You sat up and sighed before you looked around.

It was too damn cold to be sleeping out here. Even for you. You needed to find some place else to stay the night.

You only had so much money left and no hotel you came across would let you get a room. Two even called the cops on you and you had to run.

Assholes.

Either way, you needed to think of something before you became a damn icicle. You hated the cold and your flames can only keep you so warm.

Y/N: Maybe I can just find an apartment no one is staying at.

You scratched your head in thought before you stood up.

Y/N: Screw it. Not like I have many options.

You stuffed your hands in your pockets and headed out of the park. It took a bit but you finally found yourself back in the alley from earlier. You walked up to the metal door and knocked in it. The man from the inside looked at you and let you in. You headed down the stairs and towards Hammerhead's office, but stopped when you heard him talking to someone inside.

Hammerhead: And where is the rest of it?

???: This is all there was. And you're lucky I even got this much! The whole place was surrounded by security and you didn't even tell me they had SHIELD agents acting as bodyguards.

It sounded like a girl. A very annoyed girl.

Hammerhead: I got a guy who can do the same job, twice as dangerous, and get me more than I asked for.

Was that you he was talking about?

???: Then why didn't you call him?

Hammerhead: He didn't answer! You're lucky I even called you. Your father would've gotten me the whole damn safe if I paid him enough.

You heard silence before you heard something slam on the table.

???: He isn't here now, is he? You got me instead. Don't like my work? Fine. I'll take it somewhere else.

The door opened and you stood there awkwardly as the girl pushed past you without even looking. You watched her confused and looked back at the office. You debated a bit before you rolled your eyes and followed the girl.

Once you were outside, you caught her just as she reached the top of the fire escape. You leaped up to the wall and jumped back and forth before you reached the top as well.

Y/N: Wait!

The girl stopped walking and turned around so you could see her. Your heart honestly started to race a bit.

Y/N: Uh....

???: What? Hammerhead not say what he wanted?

You shook your head.

Y/N: Um, no. I'm..I'm not with him.

The girl looked at you confused. Suddenly, her eyes went wide.

???: Oh. You're that guy he was just talking about, aren't you? The kid with the flames and the claws.

You blushed a bit and held up a fist so that you could show her your claws.

Y/N: Ha ha. That's me

Wish you weren't so fucking awkward, bud.

The girl looked at your claws impressed before you lit them on fire with your flames. You smirked as you retracted them and got rid of the flames.

???: Huh. Not bad. Must be nice to get jobs when you have powers.

Y/N: Yeah, about that. What job did Hammerhead set you up on? It sounded kinda dangerous.

The girl crossed her arms and shrugged.

???: He wanted me to get a bunch of files from some safe. Said he would've sent you but you weren't answering.

Y/N: Oh. Yeah. My watch kinda....melted. Um, I'm Y/N.

The girl raised a brow and smiled a bit.

???: Did you just, tell me your real name?

You shrugged.

Y/N: I don't really have a fake one. Or a thief one. Or....a last name.

The girl laughed a bit and walked over to you. She held out her hand for you to shake.

???: Black Cat. You don't seem like Hammerhead's usual company. You're, cuter.

You blushed at the compliment and smiled a bit.

Y/N: Uh, thanks. I'm not a part of his gang, thing. I just take jobs here and there for him. What about you?

The thief shook her head.

Black Cat: No. I hardly take jobs from him. I'm sure you could tell why.

Y/N: Cause he's an ass?

Black Cat: Cause he's an ass. So, why did you follow me out here?

You rubbed the back of your neck embarrassed.

Y/N: Well, you seemed mad. I just wanted to see if you were going to blow up the building to see if I needed to leave or not. I'd rather not get taken in by the police if I can help it.

The girl laughed again.

Black Cat: You're pretty interesting, Y/N. So, do your parents know about this side gig of yours?

You shook your head as you looked down.

Y/N: I, uh, I don't have parents. Or a guardian, really. I'm kinda on my own. Been that way for about three years now.

The girl looked at you for a moment.

Black Cat: So, where do you live?

Y/N: Well, I had a safehouse but it kinda got destroyed earlier today. Uh, kinda my fault, really. Miscalculations and what-not.

You awkwardly shifted your left and placed your hands in your pockets as you whistled.

Y/N: Annnnnnnd, now I don't have a place to sleep. I was going to ask Hammerhead to let me stay here for a bit.

Black Cat: And why in the hell would you do that for? You look like your younger than me.

You shrugged.

Y/N: Not like I have a whole lot of options. It's gonna snow soon and I don't like sleeping outside all that much.

The thief seemed to think about something as you looked up in the sky. The sun was now down and night had fallen.

Black Cat: Alright. I've made up my mind.

You looked back down.

Y/N: Hm?

Black Cat: I'm taking you home with me. If what Hammerhead said is true, then you'll be my new partner. You help me with jobs, I let you stay.

You raised a brow.

Y/N: You're just going to let a stranger crash at your place?

Black Cat smirked as she moved closer to you. She leaned up til she was mere inches away from your face.

Black Cat: What? Do you plan on doing anything to me while I sleep?

You blushed more now than your entire life.

Y/N: N-No.

The girl started to laugh as she turned away from you.

Black Cat: Then there's no problem. Come on. You look cold already.

You stood there for a moment. Should you trust her? Honestly, it was either this cute girl who flirted with you or a crime lord. Was that really a debate?

Y/N: Okay.

Black Cat winked at you as she threw out a grapple hook.

Black Cat: Then keep up, partner.

She swung away and you smiled. You couched down and leaped across the gap to follow her.

This seemed like the start to something great.

------------

This season on Monster.....

You looked around in amazement at all of the technology that surrounded you. The tower was truly something amazing.

Widow: This is your new home now. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine.
----------
Y/N: So, what am I too you?

Cat shrugged as she looked out at the city below.

Cat: I guess, you're my friend.
----------
You leaned against the wall with your hands in your pocket. You watched as the boy phased through the wall. He froze when he saw you.

Y/N: Hey, Vin. Where's your sister?

Vin hesitated before he returned to that blank look.

Vin: She is out. She is ill.

You had enough. You grabbed his collar and slammed him into the wall.

Y/N: Where's Vivan?!
------------
Y/N: Janet?

Wasp: Huh? Who's Janet? Is that her?

She pointed at Gwendolyn who just stood there confused.

Gwendolyn: Nah. The costume is all wrong. Janet wears yellow.

You both turned back to the girl who was just standing there confused.

Y/N: Uh, who are you?
---------
Charles smiled slowly as he looked at you. As he did, he saw something that he had completely overlooked. Something he didn't see before.

He saw the resemblance of someone he had not seen in a very long time.

Charles: You look so much like your mother, Y/N.

----------
Your eyes began to flicker a strange purple color as you looked at the man before you.

Y/N: Who am I?

The man smiled under his mask.

Doom: My greatest creation.