The Monster's allies continued to grow with the Witch's addition to the team. However, the Monster began to feel himself start to suffocate with the crowding tower and longed for a release.

Desperate for air, the Monster found himself joining the Inventor to her lab in the land of Massachusetts.

Of course, trouble found a way to the Monster, one way or another.

Monster:
Year 1

Sam: So, let me get this right. There's now two Wandas in this world, and one of them is our age and will do whatever you say?

Y/N: Mmmmmm....yep.

Sam: You lucky son of a bitch.

You just ate your cereal while everyone either sat on the couch or at the table with you. By that I mean the guys were sitting at the table and the girls were on the couch talking about whatever it is girls talk about.

Miles: I mean, that sounds....cool?

Y/N: Not really.

Miles: Uh, also, why are you eating your cereal with a frok?

Y/N: To spite spoons. Team fork for life.

Venom: I made ssshirtsss.

The meeting had just ended and Widow was now in the kitchen but it was still early so eveeyone decided to stay for breakfast. Or, to just hang out before they had to go back to their responsibilities. Just normal teens being normal, you guessed.

Danny: You don't seem very excited about this new prospect.

Y/N: To be honest, it's weird. Like, really weird.

Sam was going to retort, but he found that he wasn't able to. He scratched his chin before he rested his head on his hand.

Sam: I get it.

You all looked at him.

Miles: You do?

Sam shrugged.

Sam: Yeah. I mean, this whole thing is just strange and kinda came out of the blue. For as much as I talk about cute girls, I would be intimidated by this.

Wait, was Sam being honest with his feelings? What the hell?

Either way, it was nice to have someone who could understand your feelings on the situation. Besides, the guys were way out numbered now. You seriously needed to find a new guy soon.

You suddenly felt something on your cheek followed by the smell of lavender.

Wanda: Hello, darling~

Wanda smiled as she walked to the sink to wash her bowl. And just like that, all eyes were on you.

The guys due to jealousy.

The girls due to jealousy.

Kamala due to her new ship.

And Riri due to unamusement.

You just let your face fall into your cereal out of embarrassment.

Riri looked at her phone and noticed the time.

Riri: Well, I'm out. Have fun with whatever this is.

She stood up and started to walk out, but you quickly shot up and zapped infeont of her, milk still on your face. You shook it off quickly.

Y/N: Wait, you're leaving?

Riri: Yeah?

Y/N: As in you're going somewhere that isn't here?

Riri: Yeah. I need to go to my lab over at MIT.

Y/N: Mitt? Like, an oven mitt?

Riri looked at you for a second.

Riri: Sure.

Y/N: Can I go with you?! Please? I need to get the hell away from here before the girls get riskier.

Riri looked back at the room and noticed the weird tension.

Riri: You know what? I could use a lab assistant.

You cheered and started to head towards the elevator. Riri looked over to the kitchen.

Riri: Shouldn't you tell Widow you're leaving?

Y/N: Should. But won't. Mittens, here we come!
--------------
You flew alongside Riri towards her college in Massachusetts on the sunny day. It was nice to just go out and fly.

Plus, you never really had a chance to hang out with Riri outside of when you first joined the Program.

She didn't seem like someone who really liked to hang out outside of meetinsg or missions. Sure, she'll stay and talk to everyone, but she mostly kept to herself. But, if what Widow said is true, then you understood why.

From what you gathered, Riri had suffered through a lot. Her father was dead before she was born, her step dad was killed, and so was her best friend. She was a genius in college now surrounded by people older than her all the time. Maybe that's why she stayed and talked to everyone just a bit longer.

Maybe she just wanted to act like she was a normal teen. Even if it was for a few minutes.

Riri: We're here.

You looked at the college with wide eyes. You had never seen anything like it. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT. Nothing to do with ovens, it turns out.

You both landed on the campus where Riri's suit disactivated into her wrists. Venom just uncovered your mouth since no one was really around to see you.

Y/N: This place is huge.

Riri: I know. My lab is over here.

You followed Riri towards the lab that the school had given her. She was kinda their star student after all. However, when you reached the lab, you and Riri found a bunch of people waiting.

Man: Well look at who decided to join us.

Riri stood there for a moment and looked at all the people. So she didn't know what was going on either. Good to know.

Riri: Dean Bryant. I didn't expect to see you here. With guests. Hi. Who are you and what are you doing in my lab?

Y/N: Amd why are they so old?

Great question. Hopefully you'll get answers.

Bryant: Ahem. Everyone, this is that youthful energy I was telling you about. Please pardon us, Ms. Williams. Riri, this is an esteemed delegation of world leaders, all visiting Cambridge for the global summit taking place today. I'm sure you've seen it all over the news.

Oh. Yeah. You totally knew what that meant.

Venom: They sssmell like money. Delicioussss money.

The Dean leaned to Riri while fixing his tie.

Bryant: These very important people came here to get a sneak peek of your lab and I told them that you were overjoyed to give them a little tour.

Y/N: Making promises for others? Dick.

The man looked at you.

Bryant: And who are you?

Riri: My fri...lab assistant. And I hear you loud and clear.

Riri cleared her throat and stepped forward. Why did she hesitate on calling you her friend? Maybe it was so she didn't get in trouble?

Riri: Um, hi, everybody. I'm...I'm sorry but I don't speak a second language. Is there a translator or something?

Twi leader: No worries, Ms. Williams. We're equipped with portable translators that take your language and speaks to us in ours. I'm actually speaking Twi right now but you're hearing English.

Riri: That's...that's actually really cool. Okay, well, welcome to my lab. I'll show you a couple of things in development. Ummmm...

She looked around the lab for a moment before she spotted you pointing at the pair of glasses on the desk. Riri nodded in thanks.

Riri: How about these?

She picked them up.

Riri: This is a visor that incorporates microscopic-scale analysis for improved forensics data intake on the field.

As Riri explained her invention, you stood off on the side. These leaders kinda seemed like kids on a field trip. Even the one who looked like that crocodile hunter dude. Must be Australian.

Bryant: Excuse me.

You looked to your left and found the Dean speaking to you.

Bryant: I'm sorry, but who are you?

You raised a brow. Didn't Riri just get done telling him who you were?

Y/N: Like Riri said, I'm her lab assistant. For today, at least.

Just til you got enough fresh air to deal with your problems.

Bryant: Yes. You understand that Ms. Williams' work is important. She should not be interrupted.

Oh, was he really doing this right now?

Y/N: Aren't lab assistants supposed ro help not distract?

The Dean looked at you.

Bryant: Someone as brilliant as Ms. Williams asking for help from you must mean you're on her level of skill. What's your name?

Y/N: Y/N.

Bryant: Last name?

Y/N: You're just getting Y/N, dude.

Riri: And this is an arm cannon that also works as a 3D printer. And it glows in the dark.

Leaders: Oooooooooooh! Let me see!

These guys ran the world?

Que the Q and A session of this tour. You could tell Riri was already sick and tired of this whole situation. You felt her pain.

India Leader: Ms. Williams, you're quite the engineer. Is this a lifelong interest? Perhaps as a child you enjoyed tinkering in your garage with your father?

Riri: Father's dead, so no. Life long interest? Yes. Next question.

Yep. She was already over this.

English Leader: I did read about you. Your father was shot and killed. Your best friend too. And yet, Ironheart, much like Iron Man, is a weapon. Do you....

Riri: Ironheart is not a weapon. Ironheart is an engineer who uses many tools. And yes, force is one of those tools. But I try to avoid it when I can.

Australia Leader: Oi! Does the Ironheart AI have a personality like Iron Man's FRIDAY?

You could have sworn you heard a didjeridu from somewhere.

Riri actually seemed interested in this question. Like she had been wanting to talk about it to someone.

Riri: Funny you should ask that. Right now, no, but I have this idea....

Before she could tell everyone her idea, the arm cannon, the one that glows in the dark, activated. Out of nowhere, it began to fire off rapidly which immediately caused panic in the room. You quickly rushed over and blocked a blast from hitting the Russian leader as Riri rushed over to shit it off.

She grabbed it and fumbled with it before it stopped blasting.

Riri: I got it!

You held your shoulder but played it off as to not alert anyone further. Bryant marched over to Riri as she examined the cannon.

Bryant: What on earth was all that about?! That thing just...just...someone could've been killed!

Not killed. Hurt severally? Maybe. It did sting like a bitch.

Riri: I'm sorry everyone. I don't know what could've set that off. That's never happened before.

Australia leader: Ah, that's alright, love. Been through worse before by walking in my backyard.

There was that didjeridu again.

Bryant: If you can't address basic safety concerns, then perhaps you shouldn't be running your own lab, Ms. Williams.

Riri slammed the cannon down and turned to the old man.

Riri: And maybe if you didn't treat this lab like a zoo and stopping by without warning with a field trip, then there wouldn't be any safety concerns!

The two stared each other down as you rubbed your healing shoulder. That seriously hurt a lot.

Australia Leader: Oi. That looks bad, kid. Good thing none of us were hit. I bet it felt like a bunch from a kangaroo.

Didjeridu.

Y/N: Please, just stop talking.

Bryant shook his head and lead the leaders out of the lab. Riri just put on her best fake smile and waved.

Riri: Bye, now. Have fun talking about fixing the world and stuff! And also never come back to my lab unannounced because I have no idea what just happened. Take care now!

The door closed and Riri let her facade drop. You walked over to her crossed your arms.

Y/N: Your Dean is a total tool bag.

Riri: No. He's worse. I actually like tool bags.

You looked at her as she held her head and sighed.

Y/N: You okay? You seem a bit, worn out.

Riri just shrugged and walked over to the desk where the cannon was.

Riri: I just...I just need to work. That's all. So, assistant, think you can hand me that screw driver over there?

Y/N: Flathead or Philips?

Riri: The flat.....how do you know screw drivers but not spoons?
-------------
Across town, new vans and reporters surrounded Harvard University where the summit was taking place.

Reporter: We're here at the Kennedy School of Government Arts at Harvard University, where the world leaders gathered for today's peace summit have just finished filing into the building. As you can see, Robin, the area is subject to heighten security measures.

Indeed. Secured as all hell.

But that would be a lame story, wouldn't it?

Man: Oh my god, I can't move!

Woman: Help!

Suddenly, everyone began to scream and cover their ears. The reporter even began to cry out as a low yet loud ringing filled everyone's ears. It was so disturbing that some people's visions were even beginning to get blured.

The security team went to help the leaders but the building was already surrounded by a strange barrier that seemed to be vibrating.

Back at the lab, Riri's machine began to go off with an automated voice.

Radio: A-LERT. A-LERT. UNUSUAL POLICE ACTIVITY LOCATES IN PROXIMITY.

Riri: Man, I need to hurry up and get a real AI. That disembodied HAL knock off is wack.

Y/N: Wack?

Venom: It'sss cool talk.

Y/N: Gah! I forgot you were here, Ven. Where have you been?

Venom: Nerd talk putssss me to ssssleep.

Riri put down her tool and walked over to her monitor where you were already looking at the situation.

Riri: This can't be good.

Venom: There it isss again. Nighty night, bitchesss.

Venom fell back asleep while you rolled your eyes.

Riri: Oh boy. Well, broken arm cannon, you'll have to wait.

Riri activated her suit as you tied your bandanna around your neck and pulled it up. Whatever. Not like you needed Venom. You can do this on your own. You were a big boy.

You were a man.

You and Riri hurried outside and flew off into the sky towards the peace summit.

Y/N: After this, we should go get food.

Riri: I full hearted agree.

Y/N: Don't you mean...

Riri: Don't.

Y/N: You full ironhearted agree?

You smiled like an idiot while Riri groaned.

Riri: Why are you like this?

Y/N: I was neglected as a child.

You and Riri reached the building where you found everyone freaking out.

Venom: I feEl fUnnY.

You could feel Venom start to sway in your arm.

Man: The noise! Stop the noise!

Woman: My ears! It's hurts!

Riri: What noise? I don't hear anything.

Y/N: Me neither.

You tried to get closer to the building but you were kept out by the barrier. You tried to stab it, but nothing. You tried to zap but still nothing.

Riri: Aha! Found it.

You flew back over to here and landed onnthe building across the street.

Riri: The entire area is humming at a frequency beyond the range of human comfort. Someone is using sound as a weapon. My armor is keeping it out.

You raised a brow. Was that why Venom was being all weird? And why couldn't you hear it?

Riri: How are you okay?

You shrugged. Riri ran a scan on you and examined the data.

Riri: Wow.

Y/N: What?

Riri: You...Your bones! Since they're coated with Adamantium, they're vibrating just enough for you to not be able to hear the humming.

You popped out your claws and looked at them. She was right. They were vibrating faintly and now that you noticed it, you could hear a low ringing. It was more annoying than painful, though.

Riri: And since the dignitaries were wearing those translators...

Y/N: You can do a quick manual overdrive of the auto input boundaries and see what's going on in there.

Riri looked at you with what you assumed was surpsie. You couldn't tell since she was wearing the helmet.

Riri: How did you know that?

You shrugged.

Y/N: I know a lot of things I shouldn't. Like how this guy is using sound to create that barrier. In other words, air vibrations. He must be vibrating the air around the building at just the right frequency to create the effect of a physical barrier!

You snapped your finger while Riri just looked at you.

Riri: So, is that another power of yours?

Y/N: Maybe. I think I'm also a universal translator too.

Riri nodded and hacked into the translators that were on the leaders. She set her speaker so that you could both listen in.

Bad guy: Here's what you're going to do. I am in charge here.

Brazil leader: You can't hold us here.

Bad guy: And that's where you're wrong, Madame President. Your security badges and and translation devices are all fitted with sonic nano transponders. Override the safety settings and they can immobilize you. Or they can rip your organs out of your bodies. You are completely under my control.

Yikes.

Riri: Computer, run voice I.D.

Riri looked at her hud as you looked at the barrier. So, if your metal rang with the vibrations, you could theoretically stab through the barrier. But you had to find a way to match that frequency.

Riri: So, this guy's name is Crash. I never heard of him but he used to work Tony Stark.

Crash: An hour ago, I tested the remote activation one of those transponders. You know, sometimes you just have to take a moment to ravel in your own accomplishments.

That's what must have set off the cannon earlier. One of the leaders standing near it must have been the one wearing the translator that Crash activated.

Eat shit, Bryant.

Riri shut off the sound and looked at you as you popped your claws out. You coated them with electricity which seemed to speed up the vibrations. But, it feel weird having your bones shake that much. Kinda hurts too.

Y/N: I-I-I t-h-i-n-k I-I-I c-a-n c-u-t t-h-r-o-u-g-h.

Riri nodded and followed you as you flew to the barrier.

Venom: I'm gOing to be SssSSick!

You landed on the barrier and began to stab it with your claws. As you did, you reach in and began to pull it open wide enough for Riri to drop in. You followed her and allowed yourself to stop shaking.

Riri: It worked! Nice work, Monster. Now to make a dramatic entrance and face the bad guy.

Y/N: Blegh!

Riri turned around to find you throwing up in the plant over in the corner.

Riri: Or we can just walk through the door.

Y/N: Blegh!

You wiped your mouth and Venom covered your face.

Venom: I'm wide awake now, kid. Thanksss. Assssshole.

Y/N: Fuck you, Ven.

You and Riri walked over to the door. Riri placed her hand against the door to listen in, but you kicked the doors open which sent them flying across the room and right into the bad guy who dropped his weapon.

Riri: So much for subtlety.

Crash stood back up and held his head as he looked at you.

Crash: So, they sent the junior varsity heroes? Franky, I'm insulted. I use to fight Spider-Man and Captain America. I deserve better than dream house Iron Man and....who the hell is this one supposed to be?

Y/N: Me? I'm kinda new. My name is Monster. Nice to meet you.

Riri: Don't be nice to him!

Crash: You're both just children. The Ten Rings are...

Riri: Don't care. Deuces!

You zapped behind him and kicked him towards Riri. She caught him and slammed him into the ground. You both looked at him for a moment before Riri shot him with an electronic shocker. He shook for a bit before you and Riri gave each other a thumbs up.

Riri: Fight's over.

Y/N: Eat rocks, Crash.

Riri: What a stupid name.

Y/N: I know, right?
-----------
You and Riri stood there while the police cuffed Crash and began to take him off to the car.

Crash: You want to know what's tragic girl? You and I are the same in so many ways. Maybe you can't see it today, bit it's true.

He pulled something out of his back pocket.

Crash: I only hope someone of your talents isn't thrown to the side, like I was. I think you need this more than I do.

He handed Riri something and the police dragged him off. You both looked at the round red object confused. It was ten circles all interlinked together to make one big circle. Each of the little circles had a weird symbol I it as well.

Y/N: What's that?

Riri: I...I don't know.

The two of you looked at it for a moment before Riri slipped it into her pocket.

Riri: We can analyze it at the lab. Or, I can. You can go back to New York if you want.

You considered it, but you also didn't want her to be left alone. You really didn't want to just up and leave after saving these leaders.

Australia Leader: Where's the cunt?! I want a piece of him! If he wants a riot, I'll give him one!

Didjeridu.
--------------
It was a while later when you woke up in Riri's lab. It was dark save for some lamps but you knew it was late. Your phone was ringing as well.

You pulled it out and answered it.

Y/N: Hello?

Widow: Y/N? Where are you?

Y/N: Uh, Mitts.

Widow: What?

Y/N: Mattas, mittas, Massachusetts. I'm in Massachusetts with Riri. In her lab.

You yawned.

Y/N: What you want?

Widow sighed on the other line.

Widow: Okay, New rule, no leaving without telling me. Literally no one knew where you were until we watched the news and learned that a new hero calling himself "Monster" helped save a peace summit.

Y/N: I did! I even got a picture with everyone. Look.

You sent her the picture.

Widow: Why are you giving bunny ears to the Russian president?

Y/N: He thought it was funny.

You looked over to Riri who was asleep at her desk. She was muttering something that sounded like kite.

Widow: Fine. Whatever. Just, be safe. And try not to cause Riri too much trouble. I'll see you when you get back.

You agreed and hung up. You then got up and walked over to Riri. The clock said it was 12:51 PM. And she looked super uncomfortable.

You gently reached out and shook her a bit.

Riri: Daddy....Natalie...mmmhh? What?

Riri began to stir and sat up to find you standing there.

Riri: Oh, hey.

Y/N: Yo. Uh, it's late.

Riri: I know.

She sat up and pulled her goggles off of her face and around her neck.

Riri: Why are you waking me up?

Y/N: Well good evening to you too.

You rubbed the back of your neck and thought to yourself for a minute. Riri, really didn't have friends. At least, outside of the Program. And even then, you didn't even know if she did see you all as friends.

Y/N: Hey, I'm free tomorrow. Maybe we can go watch a movie or something? Get out of the lab and away from the tower for once?

Riri seemed to be caught off guard by this suggestion.

Riri: Oh, well, I would love to but...I have work to do here in.

You nodded as you looked at everything she was working on.

Y/N: Yeah, about that, why are you still here? I passed out around 7. Don't you live in Chicago?

Riri: I'm...researching some new stuff. And I'm trying to get a new AI going in my suit. It's not really my strength, but I'm teaching myself.

Riri then looked at you as you stood there.

Riri: Y/N, what are you still doing here? You could've left, you know.

You shrugged as you put your hands in your pockets.

Y/N: I dunno. I guess, I just didn't want to leave you alone? You're always kinda off on your own when we have meetings and you never really hang out with anyone outside of the Program. I just, I figured you were uncomfortable and that maybe I could, I dunno, feel more comfortable? Like help you make friends?

Riri looked at you for a moment before she sighed.

Riri: So, that's it? I'm just some charity case?

Y/N: Okay, 1.) No need to be sassy. I'm just trying to be a good friend. And 2.) Do you have anything to drink? I'm thirsty as hell.

Riri pointed to the fridge which you immediately went to. You pulled out two orange sodas, since it was the only thing she had, and handed her one.

Y/N: Look, I don't want to force you to do anything. But you know everyone at the Program likes you. Plus, you are kinda the leader. I think.

Riri: Widow said I am. But, I never feels like it.

Y/N: I know. But, maybe that's because you shut yourself off from everyone. Trust me, Ri, everyone wants to be your friend. So, what do you say?

You held out your soda.

Y/N: Friends?

Riri just sighed. You were right. She wanted to be closer with everyone but it was hard. Ever since her dad and Natalie and...maybe you had the right idea.

So, Riri tapped her soda against yours.

Riri: Friends.

???: That's nice.

You and Riri looked over at Riri's suit which was on display for her to work on it. But from the head projecter came a hologram of a girl.

Y/N: Uh, hi?

Riri: Wait...how?

She stood up and walked over to the hologram.

Riri: Natalie?

Oh. Her AI is working now.

Yay.