Welcome to the Program Arc #1
The Monster began to create a home within the golden tower. Along with his new allies, he crafted a new life to leave behind his old one. However, trouble was in the horizon and the Monster would soon be getting a taste of what it really meant to be a hero.
And he was ready.
Monster:
Year 1
You ducked under a swing before delivering one of you own. Widow blocked it and grabbed your wrist. She then turned her body and attempted to throw you, but you were faster. You ignited your feet and blasted yourself up just enough to stay on your feet.
You turned back around to face Widow as she began to breath heavily.
Widow: Kid, I gotta say, I'm impressed. We've at this for almost two hours.
You smirked. It was true. You woke up, ate, and immediately began training with Widow. Since the two of you lived in the tower, she took it upon herself to make sure you trained your ass off. And it was only the first day.
Widow lost her stance and you relaxed. She walked over to the side of the mat and grabbed her bottle of water.
Widow: Your endurance is higher than I've seen in long time. I bet you could give Cap a run for his money.
Y/N: Let's just hope I never have to fight Captain America. Pretty sure that counts as treason.
Widow laughed as she drank her water. You weren't thirsty. Not even tired. It honestly felt like you could do this all day.
But, alas, you had other responsibilities to attend to.
Widow: The others should be here soon. You'll finally get to meet the whole team.
You smiled at the notion of finally meeting everyone. You had met Ms. Marvel last night which meant there were still two you haven't met. Spider-Man and Nova, if you recalled correctly. Even Riri was coming by again.
Widow tossed you a small towel and you used it to wipe the sweet off your head while you followed her out of the room. Your shirt was brenched in sweat, but you could worry about that later.
Widow: So, how many powers do you have?
You shrugged.
Y/N: Four, I think. Fire, enhanced senses, healing factor, claws.
Widow: What do you mean, "you think"? You have more?
Y/N: I don't think so. Well, occasionally I get this kind of warning system in my head. Kinda like another sense. I don't really know how to explain it.
You made it to the kitchen where Widow grabbed an apple and you poured yourself a glass of milk. It was nice to have food just readily available. Oh, and don't even get me started on the TV. It was like your new God.
Widow: I guess we'll just have to run some tests later. But before that, I need to tell you some stuff about the Program.
Y/N: Alright.
Widow: First up, we have rules. Since you're living in the tower, you have a bit more. For starters, no visitors unless they're authorized by me. It's just to make sure we don't have any bad guys coming in here causing trouble.
Seems reasonable.
Widow: Missions are authorized by me on behalf of the Avengers. If we think a mission has gotten too dangerous, we'll pull you out and take over.
They were dealing with kids, after all.
Widow: And lastly, I don't care what you kids do among yourselves, just don't let it affect your performance on missions. Drama is only between you and the one you have beef with.
That could cause trouble if something went sideways due to a lack of cooperation.
Widow: And that's about it for the rules. Everything else is pretty much common sense.
Y/N: Okay.
Widow: Now, the Program operates under both the Avengers and SHIELD. As such, we have access to every file SHIELD has on villians, criminals, etc. We also have the same alarm system as the Avengers so we'll be notified if there's a threat. Of course, the Avengeds will assess the threat and then we'll decide if we want the Program involved. Outside of the Program, if you want, you can do solo work. But you will need to report to me every once and a while just to make sure you aren't getting wrapped up in something bigger.
Y/N: This seems like a lot. I mean, why can't I just fight bad guys?
Widow sighed.
Widow: It used to be that easy. But times have changed. We represent hope among the public. The symbols we wear mean something to them. If we mess up, the people we protect will begin to fear us. That's the real difference between good and evil.
You gave it some thought. She was right. You had to save and protect. If you did something to ruin that oath, you would be no better than a villian. You had to do good.
Widow: But you really have nothing to worry about. You have a team now.
You smiled a bit. Yeah. You had a team. Speaking of which....
???: I don't care! I just wanted to go on a date with her. She didn't have to reject me that badly. And in front of the whole school?!
???: Yeah, that sounds rough.
You and Widow looked over at the elevator to see two boys walk in. They looked to be around your age. One of them was dressed like Spider-Man, but his color scheme was black and red. The other looked like.....yeah, you had no idea.
Widow: Oh. Look who's here.
The two boys looked over at Widow but spotted you instead. You lifted a hand as a greeting while Widow set her bottle down.
Widow: Spidey, Nova, this is our newest member. Y/N.
The two boys looked at you.
Spidey: Yo.
Nova: What's up?
Y/N: Nice to meet you both.
Widow: Now we just need to wait for our last two and we can get our meeting started.
Y/N: Meeting?
You looked at Widow.
Widow: Yeah. You joined at a weird time. We have a new mission that needs to get done. I'll explain more once Ms. Marvel and Riri get here.
You nodded and looked back at the two boys.
Spidey: So, what can you do? Riri said you were impressive but she didn't explain why.
You lifted up your hand and created a small ball of fire.
Nova: That's pretty cool.
You then created a fist and showed them your claws.
Nova: Cooler.
You then retracted your claws and showed them how you could heal.
Nova: Metal.
Spidey: So, what? You a patchwork of powers?
Y/N: I guess so.
Spidey: Dope.
You looked down at your shirt then to Widow.
Y/N: Is it cool if I shower first? I'm covered in sweat.
Widow nodded and you headed for the bathroom.
----------
Widow: Now that everyone is here, we can get this meeting started and over with.
You sat on the couch with the others, now in clean clothes, as you watched Widow type something on her tablet. The TV screen changed to show a map of New York. Suddenly, several red dots appeared on the screen.
Widow: Lately, there had been a string of robberies along the east side of New York. Just some convenient stores. At first we brushed this off as some street thugs trying to make a quick buck. That was until our resident web head caught one of the robbers in the act.
The screen changed to show a mug shot of the robber.
Widow: When questioned, the man couldn't speak. That was because his tounge was missing. That's odd on its own, but then we found out what it was he was stealing.
Another image appeared on the screen showing a strange kind of metal. You looked at it for a moment.
Riri: Vibranium?
Widow nodded.
Ms. Marvel: Wait, you said they were robbing convenient stores. Last I checked, the Circle Q doesn't sell Vibranium.
Widow: They don't. The Avengers realized there was something underneath the surface going on. So I met with Tony yesterday and we decided that this would be a good mission for the Program. We will be assisting Spider-Man in stopping these robberies and undercover what's going on.
You looked at Spidey.
Widow: The other Spider-Man.
You nodded.
Nova: So, we doing by teams?
Widow nodded. The screen changed again to show the teams. Riri and Nova, Spidey and Spider-Man, and you and Ms. Marvel.
Widow: I'm sure you all can handle some common thugs. Though, proceed with caution. Reports also show that these robbers may have access to some high tech weapons. Get some rest now, because tonight you're going on a stake out.
-------------
Queens, New York. You had done a few jobs here with Felicia so you knew the area well enough. The sun was getting low and you were sitting on the rooftop across the street of the store that might be getting hit.
Ms. Marvel was sitting next to you excited.
Ms. Marvel: This is cool! Your first ever mission! Are you excited?
You slowly nodded. You were just, trying to piece this all together.
Ms. Marvel: I know! Let's take a selfie to commemorate this milestone in your life.
You looked at her confused as she pulled out her phone. She moved closer to you and held up a peace sign. You decided to go along with it and mirrored her pose. She took the picture and showed you. It came out pretty good.
Y/N: So, how long have you been doing this for?
Ms. Marvel: About a year and a half. I got my powers when the Terrigen Mist came. That's how I found out I'm Inhuman.
Inhuman? You actually remembered that event pretty well. A strange blue mist covered everything and by the end of it, a bunch of Inhumans were exposed to the world. Though, they didn't seem to get as much hate as the mutants did. Kinda weird how people just excepted things after a while.
Y/N: And your power?
Ms. Marvel held up a fist and you watched as it grew.
Ms. Marvel: I can change my body. Pretty cool, but it does look kinda weird.
She returned her hand to normal.
Y/N: Well, at least you're using it for good. That's what really matters, right?
Ms. Marvel: Obviously. But, since we have time, can I ask you some questions? Like a Q&A?
She pulled out a notebook from her back and clicked her pen.
Y/N: Why?
Marvel: So I can get to know you better.
Y/N: So do I ask you questions to?
Marvel: No.
Y/N: That doesn't seem very fair.
Marvel: Fine. You can ask me questions. I'll go first. What's your favorite color?
Y/N: Uh, I don't have one.
Marvel: Just think of one.
Y/N: Uh, ok. F/C I guess.
Marvel: F/C. Got it.
Y/N: What about you?
Marvel: I like blue. Now, your ideal date?
Y/N: What does that have to do with anything?
Marvel: Research.
Y/N: What kind of research....
Marvel: Answer the question Y/N.
Y/N: I don't know! I've never even been on a date.
Marvel: Fine. I'll just put down "whatever". Actually, I think I can work with that.
Y/N: What?
Marvel: Nothing.
Y/N: Uh, ok. What's your ideal date?
Marvel: K-Pop concert obviously.
Y/N: What the hell is K-Pop?
Marvel dropped her notebook.
Marvel: You don't know what K-Pop is? Have you been living under a rock for the last 10 years?
Y/N: No. I just, I'm not exposed to the world as well as you are.
Marvel: O-oh. Right. Sorry.
Y/N: Eh.
Marvel: Alright. Out of the four of us, who were you most attracted to?
Y/N: W-what?!
Marvel: Guy or girl. I don't judge.
Y/N: What?
Marvel: Don't worry about it. Now answer my question.
Y/N: I don't like this.
-----------------
It has now been three hours, and there was still no activity to report. Ms. Marvel was now laying on her stomach trying to keep her eyes open while you were still just trying to figure everything out.
Ms. Marvel: This is so boring. Talk about a lame first mission.
Y/N: I don't get it.
Ms. Marvel looked at you from where she was laying down.
Y/N: Why are they robbing these stores? Why do these stores have Vibranium? It's been three hours and I still don't get it.
Ms. Marvel: It's cause they're criminals! Criminals commit crime. It's a song as old as time.
You shook your head.
Y/N: But why these criminals? They have high tech gear like Widow said. If they did then why the hell are they robbing corner stores? And why do these stores, that seem unconnected, have Vibranium? How do these thugs know these stores have Vibranium?
Ms. Marvel. was about to retort but found herself stumped. You did have a point. Surely they could be using the equipment for a much bigger heist. You stood up.
Ms. Marvel: What are you doing?
Y/N: Getting a closer look.
You jumped down into the alleyway and looked around before crossing the street. You made your way towards the shop and entered. The smell of freshly made sandwiches filled your nose as the bell above the door rang. You looked around and sure enough, it was just a regular shop. You looked over the counter and found a older gentleman reading the paper.
Owner: Welcome in lad.
You returned the smile.
Y/N: Hello. This your shop?
The owner nodded proudly.
Owner: Been in the family since '56 Of course it's changed over the years.
Y/N: Has anyone come in and, threaten you ever?
The owner chuckled at that.
Owner: It's New York kid. Everyone gets threatened. I've had my fair share of attempted robberies and drunken idiots. Nothing I can't handle with Ol Reliable here.
He seemed to be signaling something under the desk. A gun most likely. At least he's prepared.
Owner: You seem concerned. You looking to open your own shop when you get older?
You rubbed the back of your neck.
Y/N: Something like that. I was just wondering if, you sold something else?
The owner gave you a questioning look. He then shook his head.
Owner: I see now. You're looking for the "special". Sorry, but I don't sell that to minors.
The "Special"? Must be the Vibranium. So this old geezer really did have some stashed here. You began to look around the store.
Owner: Where did you hear about that anyway?
Y/N: The streets. I just wanted to see if you really did sell, you know.
You then found what you were looking for. The familiar symbol that was hanging just above the counter that seemed like just another decoration. But you knew better. You knew better, because you once worked for the man who that symbol belongs to.
Y/N: And how's the boss?
The old man looked at you as you looked at him.
Y/N: How's Hammerhead?
----------
You left with a plastic bag filled with snacks and drinks. You ended up talking to the owner for a good half hour before you returned to the roof.
Ms. Marvel: Took you long enough. What the heck were you even doing?
Y/N: Talking. I brought snacks.
You lifted up the bag before handing it to her.
Ms. Marvel: Oh, thanks. Well, did you find out why the robbers might be robbing this place? Like a motive or something?
Y/N: It's not might. They will rob this place. And yeah, I know why. This store is a front.
Ms. Marvel: A front?
You nodded.
Y/N: They're all over New York. Basically, a Maggia family owns this place and uses it to keep their more illegal products undercover. The one who owns this particular store, is Hammerhead.
Ms. Marvel seemed impressed.
Ms. Marvel: So, what about the others?
Y/N: I had checked in with the owner. He said exactly what I expected. The others tores that were hit, were also Hammerhead's.
Ms. Marvel: So do you think this is a turf war kind of thing?
You shrugged.
Y/N: Maybe. But I don't know of any gangs that have their members cut their tounges out. This is new to me.
You looked back down at the store.
Y/N: Just be ready. Those thugs will be here soon.
And you'll be ready for them.
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