You were a bit surpised to have gotten a text from Riri once school was done with. You were with Quentin in the film room when your phone went off.

Quentin: W-Who's that?

Y/N: My friend, Riri. She's an engineer student at MIT.

Quentin's eyes went wide.

Quentin: MIT?! T-That's cool. I w-went there once w-with my m-mom when I was l-little. That's w-where I got m-my idea for m-my drones.

Y/N: You make drones?

Quentin nodded. He got his backpack and opened it up before he pulled out a small drone.

Y/N: Oh, sick!

Quentin: It h-has a project on i-it. So I c-can watch movies w-where ever.

He put it back in his bag as you looked at the text.

IH: Hey, I'm sorry about last night. You meant well and I shut you out like I always do. If you're still willing to help, then I'll be in my garage looking for clues.

You read it over a second time and gave it some thought. Hell, why not? You were way to invested at this point. And besides, people needed help.

Venom: Looksss like we're going back to Chicago.

Monster:
Year 1

You landed at the Williams house where you found the garage already open. Inside, Riri was cleaning up the clutter that she had made since moving there instead of MIT to work as Ironheart.

Once you reached the garage, Riri looked up. You gave a short wave and walked over to grab a broom. Riri smiled a bit before she got back to cleaning.

Y/N: So, you got anything to share?

Riri: Well, I was thinking of running some surveillance on Daija. Follow her and see where she's really going.

You looked at her for a moment.

Y/N: That sounds a bit...invasive. Plus, Midnight's Fire, still a lame name, kicked our asses last time. Hell, he nearly killed you.

Riri: I know, but clearly Daija is afraid of this person. But she's also involved with him in some way. The point is, I'm supposed to be the super hero. I can't just run to her and ask her to solve this for me.

You shook your head and walked over to her. You stopped her by putting your hands on her shoulders so that she was looking at you.

Y/N: Sometimes heroes make mistakes. And we get hurt. We can't fix everything on our own all the time. And you're not alone in this anymore.

Riri looked down for a moment before she nodded.

Riri: Yeah. You're right.

Natalie: Riri, the motion sensors around Daija's house are going off in a way that matches her ambulatory signature.

Riri blushed a bit while you looked at her unamused.

Y/N: So, you weren't thinking of tracking her. You are tracking her.

Riri shrugged with an awkward smile before you rolled your eyes and put your mask back on. You walked towards the driveway but stopped when you noticed Riri wasn't following.

Y/N: Well? You coming?

Riri slowly smiled and activated her suit. Looks like you two were back in business.
---------------
Y/N: So, what's the plan exactly?

You and Riri flew side by side toward where Daija's tracker was.

Riri: No real plan. I just wanna see where she's going.

Venom: And if ssshe sssseess you?

Riri: She won't see me. Cause today is the perfect day to try out my new stealth mode!

Riri activated her suit and she suddenly became invisible. You stopped and stared at where you thought she was for a second.

Y/N: Yo, I got a bunch of powers but invisibility isn't one.

Riri: That's fine. Haven't you ever read comics? No one ever looks up.

She...had a point. Still, you flew behind Riri the best you could in an attempt to piggy back off of her stealth system. Maybe you could try and find a way to use your powers to turn invisible. That would be cool.

You and Riri followed the bus Daija was on for a few blocks before she got off. She walked down the street a bit and ended up at an abandoned building of some kind.

Riri: What is this place?

Y/N: Must be a hideout. Can't wait to trash it.

You both landed on a building across the street as Daija headed inside after making sure no one was around.

Natalie: Shoot. We're losing visuals.

Riri: The activate long range thermal imaging. Bring up a screen for Y/N to see too.

A hologram appeared in front of you and you got to see what Riri saw. Looks like Daija was heading towards the basement.

Y/N: That's a whole lot of activity in there. You think she found that bug yet?

Riri: Only one way to find out. Natalie, engage audio.

You listened to static before it became clearer. You spotted Daija's signature on the thermal imaging just as the audio kicked in.

Dajia:--back.

???: How dare you show your face around here again!

She wasn't alone. But that voice, it sounded familiar.

Riri: Who is that?

Y/N: I dunno. But it's not Midnight's Fire.

Venom: Sssstill a lame name.

Riri: Yeah, but it sounds familiar. Any clue?

You shook your head.

Riri: Let's keep listening. Maybe we can figure it out. In the meantime, we need to find a way inside.

You both flew across the street and landed ontop of the building. There were vents and a door. All the while, the audio continued to play.

???: You have a problem with our little operation, Daija? We let you out. It's no longer your business. These are petty crimes. Shoplifting, smash and grabs, victimless crimes.

Daija: Victimless?! These kids are victims! You've got them out here robbing people! And if they get caught, who pays the price? Not you!

So, this really was where everything was going down. Daija came back here to confront the man in charge.

Riri: I knew it! Whoever is down there is making those kids steal!

Y/N: Like that kid who took the phone.

???: I'm not here to argue with you. This is why we should have killed you when we had the chance.

You and Riri looked at each other. You blasted up and flipped over before you dived fist first through the roof and the floors below. You landed and Riri flew in behind you as you stood up.

Your eyes then went wide at the sight before you. Rows of kids at tables eating what could barley be described as meals while armed men in suits walked around. All of them looked tired, and sick.

Y/N: Dear God.

Riri then spotted her friend.

Riri: Daija! What are you doing?!

You looked over and found Daija holding a man at gunpoint. Mot just any man either.

Venom: Oh! It'ssss that Thomasss Birch guy from the TV! The one on city council!

He was behind all of this?

Daija: I'm ending this.

Y/N: Woah! Slow down there, buckaroo!

Riri: Freeze! Both of you! Put the guns down!

Daija just stood there with tears rolling down her face while Birch stood there with a smug smile on his face.

Daija: Do you see what he's done?!

Y/N: I do, and believe me, I wanna kick his ass to the moon and back. But this isn't worth murder.

Suddenly, one of the suited men shot at you which caused you to shot him with electricity which sent him flying back.

Riri: Daija, you don't have to do this.

Daija: He used me! He made me think he wanted what was good for the city! But he's just using everyone. Using these kids. Using their fear.

Riri: What do you mean, Daija?

Birch just chuckled.

Birch: She means I understand what people need.

You popped out your claws and pointed them at him.

Y/N: You can just shut the hell up for now.

Daija: He has a database, Riri! He's stealing data off these phones, things that will help him win his governor race. Stealing secrets and selling them.

Birch: Oh, sweetie. This is much bigger than me. I work for very powerful people. People with big plans.

Was he talking about the Ten Rings?

Riri: And you're using kids?

Birch: Ha! These are barely kids. They're criminals. With criminal instincts. I'm just organizing them. Putting them to good use. And I'm giving people what they want. They need panic, you see. Something to bring them together. Bring them under control. What better than a little crime wave?

Venom: Jussst wait a month for the earth to be in danger again, dipssshit.

Birch: Now the people have a common enemy. A bunch of filthy thugs that nobody cares about anyway. Then enter me. The hero. Ready to keep the city safe.

You clenched your fists. He only saw these kids as tools. He saw them as worthless. He was no different than AIM. You began to growl as your eyes began to change to a strange yellow color.

Riri: Daija, listen to me. This man is repulsive. He is terrible. But he's not worth throwing your life away.

Daija slowly lowered her head, and the gun.

Daija: This is my life, Riri. Life is ugly. Life is hard.

Birch: She's right, you know.

Suddenly, Birch grabbed Daija and pulled the gun away. He then held her and placed the pistol to her head causing Riri to freeze.

Birch: Listen to someone who's wiser than you, little girl. Look at you, playing dress up. You're supposed to be a super hero? You're not Inhuman. Or a mutant. You don't have a super power.

Y/N: But I do, asshole!

Riri watched as you suddenly appeared in front of Birch and Daija. Birch's eyes went wide and he pulled the trigger. Riri closed her eyes to avoid seeing the violence, but nothing happened. She opened her eyes and found you there, bullet between your fingers as you held it between the barrel and Daija's head.

Birch's hand began to shake when he saw your eyes. They weren't the eyes of a human, or a mutant. They were the eyes of an animal.

Y/N: Wrong move.

You crushed the bullet and grabbed the gun. You snapped the slide off of it and spun it around in your hand before you stabbed it into Birch's shoulder. Daija stumbled away, now freed, as Birch took a few steps back in an attempt to get away from you.

You suddenly vanished from his sight and he began to look around in a panic as his men rushed over to help. However, in a blink of an eye, they were all flung across the room in various directions before Birch hit his back against something. He turned around and found you standing there.

Y/N: You said these kids were a bunch of filthy thugs. Funny, coming from someone like you.

You grabbed him by his collar and lifted him off the ground. You then looked over at Riri.

Y/N: We want him alive, right?

Riri nodded. You sighed and threw him into one of the shelves which was filled with stolen goods. Birch just fell over, unconscious. Well, that settles that.

But, wait! There's more!

Fire: You've had too many chances, Riri Williams.

You and Riri turned around and found Midnight's Fire standing there. Oh yeah. This guy was still around.

Fire: Do you think a fool like this man was working alone? He is but a pawn. A tool in the service of destiny. The destiny you both foolishly rejected!

He lunged at Riri who manages to avoid his hit. You caught his fist and held him in place the best you could while Riri ordered Daija to gather the kids and escape.

Fire: You, the Monster. The Ten Rings are very interesting in you as well.

Y/N: Yeah? Well, I ain't looking to join a cult just yet. Maybe try again during my college years.

He broke the hold and kicked you away. You caught yourself and slid to a stop before you ignited your feet into the flame skates.

Fire: You don't understand what you're rejecting, boy. The strength of the Ten Rings, and soon, the cosmic energy of the Wellspring of Power. And as my father planted the seeds for my fate, I will plant the seeds for yours. Together, my chosen heirs, we will bring order to a chaotic world!

Y/N: Hey, news flash! One, not a weapon. Two, I don't need a father. Especially an evil one like you. Oh, and another thing.

You began to skate towards him at full speed.

Y/N: Midnight's Fire is a stupid name!

You elbowed him which sent him flying right toward Riri who blasted him right into the wall.

Riri: The kids are safe. It's just us three now.

Fire stood back up and narrowed his eyes at the two of you.

Fire: Do you not see that whether you live or die is completely up to me?!

Riri blasted him again but he instead ran up the wall. So, that was terrifying.

You skated to follow him as Riri flew to keep the height advantage. You jumped up and zapped in front of him. You kicked at him, but he jumped out of the way leaving your foot to smash the wall.

Midnight's Fire soared through the sky and grabbed onto Riri who began to struggle.

Riri: Get off of me!

She placed her hands on Fire's ribs before she fired off a blast that sent him falling towards the ground. He landed head first, and fell over unconscious.

You and Riri landed in front of him and both let out a sigh.

Y/N: Jeez. What does this guy eat?

Riri: Metal. Well, he's out. We should restrain him before he wakes up.

You nodded and fired off a blast of ice which bound his hands and feet together. You then noticed a safe nearby. Riri grabbed him and dragged him over to it before she closed the door.

Riri: Well, looks like we won.

Y/N: Looks like it. Good work, partner.

You and Riri fist bumped, before the police came running in with their guns drawn.

Venom: Popo! Don't sssshot!

You and Riri put your hands up as they aimed their guns at you.

Cop: Freeze!

Riri: Ah, crap.

Cop: We have reports of shots fired at this location. And this is a lot of stolen merchandise you got here.

Riri: Hello, officers. I can explain. This was...

Venom: Don't ssssay Birch. We don't know if he hasss dirty copss.

Y/N: Uh, This was a villian. A super one. Matter of fact, we just locked him up in this here vault.

Two of the officers moved to the vaukt while you and Riri stayed where you were.

Cop: Super Villian, huh?

Riri: Yeah! His name is Midnight's Fire. He's right...

The vault door was pulled open, but it was empty. How? How does he do that?!

Venom: Welp, I heard prissson issn't all that bad.

Cop: You're both under arrest.

Riri: Wait! I have video!

Riri activated her hologram and played back the fight between you and Midnight's Fire. The cops watched it before they lowered their guns.

Cop: Should we write it up?

Cop: Nutcase who walks through walls? That's a lot of paper work.
------------
After being let go by the police, you sat outside of the building with Riri, Daija, and the kids. Daija called whatever parents she could get in touch with while you took the breather.

16 kids.

Daija: Yes, Ma'am. I have him right here. Near 115th and Morgan. Okay, we'll be waiting.
-----------
The sun was now setting as you showed the kids your electrity and Riri showed off her helmet.

9 kids.

Riri: So no one can come get you?

Lily: My mama don't get off til 3.

Y/N: It's way past three.

Lily: 3 AM.

Y/N: Oh.....oh.

Joshua: Our phone is cut off.

Morgan: My daddy has to stay in line at the shelter or we won't get a spot.

Nick: Mine too.
---------
It was nearly nighttime now and you still had 5 kids left with you. By this point, Venom was telling PG jokes to make them laugh as you waited for Ronnie to show up.

Riri: Okay, we'll get everyone home.

Daija: How?

Riri: I called in backup.

A car drove up to the sidewalk and Ronnie rolled down the window.

Ronnie: Beep beep. I've got room for four people.

Daija: Ha! Okay. But there's six of us.

Y/N: We got it handled.

You and Riri stood up with everyone as the kids rushed to the car. You looked at the two who were left while Riri said her goodbyes to her friends.

Riri: I'll...see you around.

Daija smiled as she hugged her.

Daija: Yeah, you will.

She got in the car with Ronnie and they drove off. You then picked up one of the kids.

Y/N: Alright, let's get you home.

Nicole: Should I close my eyes?

You smiled softly.

Y/N: Have you ever wanted to fly?

Nicole nodded.

Y/N: Then keep them open.

You ignited your feet as Riri grabbed the other kid. The two of you then flew off to return the kids to their homes. The whole time, they smiled.
----------
It was a few days later when you found yourself back at the Williams household for breakfast. Riri had invited you since you were her, wait for it, friend. And Ronnie insisted.

The news played on the TV, reporting on Birch's arrest, while you ate your cereal.

Ronnie: You know most people use a spoon, right?

Riri: Didn't you see the shirt, ma? Fork gang for life.

You and Riri knuckles while Ronnie rolled her eyes.

Ronnie: Well, I'm off to work.

She kissed Riri on the head then you.

Ronnie: I know you're not gonna sit around on your behind all day.

Riri: Actually, mommy dearest, I'm going to the lab today.

Ronnie seemed surpised.

Ronnie: The lab? Well, I know I said I wanted you to go back to school. But, you're flying all the way to Cambridge? Today? On a Saturday?

You and Riri looked at each other before she smirked.

Riri: Not MIT. I'm going to the new lab.

Ronnie: New lab? And where did the money for this new lab come from?

Riri got her and your bowls and walked to the sink here she rinsed them off.

Riri: Well, it turns out that important people get really generous when you fill them in about their stolen electronics and breaches of their sensitive data. Which reminds me, I left some rent money on your dresser.

Ronnie looked at her daughter agasped.

Ronnie: Oh, honey. You didn't need to do that.

Riri: Let me do this one thing, mom.

She then grabbed her jacket as you and her headed towards the door.

Riri: And it looks like we're going to beat you to work. Have a good day, mommy. Love you.

Y/N: Have a nice day, Ms. Williams.

Riri: Ohandalso, I may have sold a patent for a tiny audio recorder with a built in GPS tracker that fits in a shoe okaybye!

She closed the door and you both made a break for it as Ronnie yelled through the door.

Ronnie: You're doing the dishes when you get back!
----------
You stood behind Riri as she paced back and forth. Lined up were the kids that you had waited with outside of the hideout who could use a place to hang out after school let out.

Riri: Okay. Let's review. Rule number one, this location is secret. Can anyone here keep a secret?

Nicolas: We kept the hideout a secret!

Maya: And that one didn't have fruit snacks.

Y/N: Yes, but if the place is like that one, tell someone. Please.

Riri: Good. Rule number two, you can come here every once and a while when you need a safe place. But no skipping school. Any questions?

One of the kids raised his hand.

Riri: What's up?

Joshua: I'm allergic to peanuts.

Riri: Okay, rule number three. No peanuts.

Venom: Noooooo!

The kids all laughed when Venom appeared on your shoulder. You just smiled.
----------
Y/N: Riri, it's 5:30.

Riri looked up from her work and spotted the clock. The kids had all gone home for the day so it was just you and her.

Riri: Hmm.

Y/N: You promises your mom.

Riri sighed and took her goggles off. She stood up and walked over to you before she playfully hit your shoulder.

Riri: I know. You're staying, right?

You nodded.

Y/N: Of course. I'll be with you for support.

Riri smiled.

You both locked up and headed out to the address Ronnie had texted Riri. You both ended up at the Baptist church that was a few blocks from the house. It wasn't long before you sat next to Riri in the larger group. Other victims. Other survivors.

Ronnie: HI, everyone. I've met some of you before. My name is Ronnie...and....I'm here with my daughter, Riri. We lost my husband, which many of you already know about. But Riri also lost her friend that day.

Ronnie looked at her daughter.

Ronnie: Honey, you want to introduce yourself?

Riri looked at you and you smiled before placing a hand on her shoulder.

Y/N: You got this.

Riri nodded and took a deep breath.

Riri: Um, hi. My name is Riri Williams. And I'm....still working on things.

But she wasn't alone anymore. She didn't have to fly solo.

She had a friend.