The clattering of cutlery and the low hum of conversations filled the air in the New York orphanage. I sat at the worn-out dining table, surrounded by other kids like me, each of us devouring our meals in silence. My name is Kingston, but everyone calls me K or King for short. Yes, it is some really awesome name.
As I scooped up a spoonful of tasteless mashed potatoes, my mind wandered to a reality beyond the confines of the orphanage walls. Memories from a different life, a past life, flooded my consciousness.
At the tender age of 5, I had regained the knowledge of a person who lived in a world far removed from the one I found myself in now.
In this new reality, gods, demons, and mutants roamed freely, hidden in history. Soon, the world will know this truth. The world is a place where ordinary had become extraordinary, and the extraordinary will be the new norm.
And then there were people like me, orphans in a world that cared little for our pasts or futures.
The only semblance of an advantage I possessed was an AI. It is of unknown origin that accompanied me into this world. But considering there are/will be AI on both the hero and villain sides, Super AI like Ultron and Vision. My AI is not powerful enough, hell it can't even connect to the electronics. It can only connect with my mind and senses. Still, it is an advantage.
My postgraduate degree in medicine, which I used to be very proud of, now seems almost trivial in this world. The standards for every profession are much higher, and science keeps advancing rapidly. In fact, it is updates every single day.
My research shows that this change compared to my previous world started with Erskine's serum success, who motivated people around the world to invest in science.
As I chewed on a flavourless piece of meat, I couldn't help but ponder my place in this bizarre reality. The orphanage, the only home I knew. I watch the news about the rise of missing cases across New York.
"…..53 people were missing in just one week. Now, people the question is - What is the government doing?- I am your J. J signing off."
"You know, we're really lucky to be here. Stark Industries takes care of our security," one of them remarked with a sense of gratitude.
The other nodded, adding, "Yeah, they provide the best education and facilities."
The Matron boosted the image of our donor, Stark Industries. She said, ''They're always looking for kids with talent. Who knows, maybe one of you could become a brilliant inventor with Stark's support!"
After Martha Stark passed away, the orphanages she supported were taken over by her son, Tony Stark. Known as one of today's greatest geniuses, he's also famous for other titles like 'Playboy of the Century'. The dude collected PG degrees like a newspaper. The sheer number of degrees filled an entire Wikipedia page. No wonder he could build a suit to rival the monsters in this world.
-Computer room, in orphanage 32, New York-
[Ting.
Hacking software, processed from the resources available in now complete.]
In the past few months, I have been studying and uploading programming books into my AI. I created a hacking software that can hack, protect, and erase traces. Although it's not as advanced as Jarvis and other security systems, it serves its purpose for now.
CLICK
To ensure its isolation, I disconnected the computer from the internet and Bluetooth.
[Enter the code X233.]
"Yep. Done."
[Enter code 2oien]
"Done."
Using the code provided by my AI CHIP, I set the software to work, scanning the computers within the orphanage.
"..La. La. la . laa la.", I internally felt the music was good. The bright side from transmigrating is that I found a whole world of music and movies unknown to me.
"While I am grateful for his generous donation to the orphanage, I must say that Tony Stark is paranoid as fuck."
Tony Stark's hidden paranoia led him to cover all bases. I found backdoor entries in all the orphanage computers, showing his meticulous approach to security. I am frankly impressed. While I don't understand the programming in depth considering, I was only been studying it for a few months. I am mostly cheating with my AI but even then it took months for me to crack a mass produced computers of Stark orphanages. I can only say that I am impressed.
If you are wondering what I am doing. Then I will answer for you. In Marvel, you can always find a serum/ radiation or advanced tech with a solid hacking. Of course, hacking will leave traces which can track back to me with resources. So, the digital skills must not be left behind. It is always useful for hacking as a skill. I can already imagine one day hacking and entering stark biochemistry labs for the famous spider that will bite peter parker.
My dreams of easy power ups ended with a fucking paper burning into existence in front of me. Yep, as insane as it sounds, a paper came into existence with a fire.
The first sentence was a bitch move by me.
"Hello, King. I am Kingston, 30 years old, or is it 40 years? I can't be sure. For proof of my identity, I give you my identity- the writer of fanfiction Soul land: Cultivator SI."
While deranged and vexing, the writing reminds me of myself. While the judgement is still pending on whether to believe the letter, even with the confirmation of the letter. After all, it can be just about anyone who wrote the letter. This is a fucking marvel world, I can't trust easily.
"This is a fucking marvel world. So, you won't trust this letter easily."
I felt my head throb with a headache, but continued reading till the end.
"Dear [Your Future Self is here],
I'm writing to inform you that powerful events and objects, such as the Super Soldier Serum, Hulk's accident, and Spider-Man's spider bite, are closely monitored by the TVA, the Ancient One, and the Celestials.
Any attempts to interfere with these events will significantly alter the world, and they won't allow that to happen.
As a result, they might eliminate us while we are still vulnerable."
Yep, I can believe this easily. Especially the TVA. They are all hung up on a scared timeline in which I don't exist. Hopefully.
"Luckily, you are a normal human. Not even the TVA can monitor everyone. They only monitor the significant things like I said. So, avoid external power ups till you grow enough to fight them on or influence the world. At the point, the inhabitants of this world like ancient one will buss off. Using this letter, I activated a spell to alert our future self when someone tries to kill our kid self by traveling through time."
Hmm, this is something I will do. Using time travel to help my past self.
"So, my end point is that-Remember. Don't use the external power ups, they are all monitered heavily. And that your future self [Me] can only work this plan out if you strive to get this point [Future]. I saw timelines where you were stupid and got killed off. So, work hard. This letter is my measure made from years of hard work."
Cozy.
I can't use the multiple power-ups in Marvel without becoming powerful.
But wait! I can't become powerful without power-ups. What a shitty fate!
While I wanted to disregard this, I can't gamble. Besides, the letter only said that I should avoid external powers.
"King, you boy. What are you doing? Locking yourself up in the computer room."
I answered the matron while turning the monitor. "I am looking at the videos about how to play chess."
Obviously the display will show some tutorial on chess.
"You stupid boy, go play in the playground with the other kids. If you stay indoors all the time, you will become fat like that boy, Walrus billy."
I know that. Considering I experienced the same thing in my previous life. It took a hard year of gym life to burn the fat.
So, I squeaked my voice a bit and said, "Ok, Matron Martha."
Yep, her name is Martha. No wonder she got the job. While Tony stark has a lot issues with papa stark, he seems to love his mother a lot.
THUCK
As the door closed, I let out a sigh of relief and opened up the crumbled letter from my prospective future for me. To my surprise, there was a line of words on the back of the paper.
"P.S. Become strong and be careful. Also, careful with X-genes and inhuman genes , the celestials seem to have hard on for them and are monitoring them. Though we can worry about them after Thanos."
Fucking wonderful, the mutants are in this world.
CLICK CLACK CLICK CLACK
My furious typing led me to search the internet all over to find the details about Cuba or the apocalypse fiasco, but all I got is zero findings.
Fucking hell, there are no Trusk industries or any other mutant findings. Either Shield is superb at job or Mutants are things to worry about in the future.
"KINGSTON, You brat. You will get down here this instant and PLAY WITH REST OF THE KIDS."
—-Time Skip : 10 Years later—
—2006, Mid town High School of Science and Tech—-
The woman got me to play. And I am thankful for that. Considering the world I am in, it is better to be physically active.
Well, I went overboard in that regard. I will explain that in the future. I am currently busy.
THHHHUCCCCCKKKK
I ran over in smile as the commenter, "AND THAT IS A HomeRun BY OUR VERY OWN KING Keith."
Yep, Keith is my surname.
I felt myself being hoisted up with cheers from the crowd. I definitely didn't give a few winks to cheerleaders.
Damn my hormones.
It was happy for me that walked down the school corridor after a happy onetime meetup with cheerleading captain, Lisa. Man, she was that blonde was incredible. That was one of the best hookups in my highschool career.
*COUGH*
The high school, which used to be tough, became a paradise for me. Especially in controlling my hormones.
Of course, I didn't forget this is MCU. I had-
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in, Mr Kerith. I must say, that is a good game."
I nodded and replied, "Thank you, Miss Natalia."
Even as I got to my seat, I couldn't be drawn to Miss Natlia. She was 5 '10' Red headed bombshell with quite the curves. Her skin tight suits made most of the boys visit the restroom after class.
"Well played, King."
"Thanks, Susan."
And there she is, the first hero I met in this life. Susan Storms, the future member of the fantastic four. I didn't know she would be a part of MCU, but who cares?
We met in middle school science class and we continued till highschool. She is a genius. I mean, I have to use my AI plus as reincarnation to keep up with her in science. No wonder she will become a scientist.
I thought being a scientist in my previous world was demanding. In this world, where science makes the impossible possible, the scientist might as well be a god.
[History revision reminder: A saying by Howard Stark, 1945.]
At least, another thing to learn has been stroked off from my history reading list.
RING RING
The school bell gave rise to a series of sighs of relief. It seems not everybody like Advanced Biology.
"All right, class. Don't forget your homework and you can disperse."
Miss Natalia's call led people scramming to get out of the class. So, what if she is hot as fuck? The exhausted minds of teenagers needs reprieve, which is more important. Though, I am sure the image of Miss Natalia helps most boys.
"So, how's your interview at Stark industries is going?"
Susan thought over it and said, "Considering my dad's current establishment of Baxter's and the release space rubber. I had my internship on hold. I guess they are afraid I am a corporate spy. Seriously, I pursue biology, not the rocket science like my father. Why can't they understand that?….."
I let her ranting get out of her system as we walked out of the school, with Miss Natalia following behind us.
"….And so, I guess, I want to say that I won't give up. One day, I will make myself a spaceship and explore the universe. No matter what the Govt says, I believe aliens exist, and I was not imagining things in 1995."
It's ironic that she saw the events involving Miss Marvel and how they were covered up, which made her passionate about space and aliens. Mostly about alien biology and how they flew in the sky and glowed.
This led her to pursue biology to understand alien biology.
No wonder I am her only friend. This kinda story makes one a target for a bully. Even though, It seems like bragging, my status as a star student helped put any prospective bullying into the ground.
"AH! My home is already here. Sorry for keep on talking like this. I will be going. Bye."
"Good god. That girl really is like a storm. Quite the fitting name. Susan Storms.* SNORT*"
I hummed my way back to my apartment. After my scholarship in Midtown High, I was given a bye-bye from Matron Martha, stating the rules.
So, I got myself an apartment on the 15th street, Queens. It was while I was entering the lift that I saw Miss Natalia out of the corner of my eye.
I immediately pressed the stop button and waited until she entered the lift.
"She aced the class as always, Miss Natalia."
She gives a bright smile that makes my hormones go into overdrive. "Thank you Kingston. As always, you have been a good hitter."
I don't know if she means the game or the aftergame; it is tough to know because her voice is too silky.
So, with a smile, she got off the lift and entered her apartment.
"…Damn, her teasing skills are unbelievable."
CLICK CLOCK
I entered my apartment and closed the door as always. The sight inside made me freeze in fright. The neatly settled dining table and kitchen are a mess.
My mind went into an overdrive with all the things that can be the reason. In fact, I am just a second later than my AI.
What can I say? I was a paranoid, and I hacked into the military, FBI, Interpol, CID, etc. Every place I could without risking exposure to get my materials to train my mind. Investigation, risk analysis, tackling danger, you name it. I had my AI cook up tests, and I attempted them.
Only the fact this Marvel and Yoga helped me push through with this insane train wreck of mind sharpening.
So, when I saw the small humanoid shadow that is leaping at me, I relaxed and caught the little ADHD neighbour, "Whoa there, little guy. You could have injured yourself."
"I know you will catch me. Just like you caught the ball today."
I smiled and said, "So, you came to see my match."
"Yes, Aunt may took me to the match."
You could have guessed by now. This little guy is the reason I took an apartment in this area. I thought a superhero watching out for me would be good.
But, I realized I was too early while looking at the 5-year-old Peter parker.
"So, you are the reason for the mess."
"N-NO, it was, hmm, it was a cat."
Looking at the boy who was trying to look anywhere else but me and failing miserably, I sighed, "You are a shitty liar."
He gave me the look of a kicked puppy.
"All right. Wait here. I will make a chicken sandwich for you."
I went into the kitchen to prepare things when I heard Peter say, "Hmm, I don't want a sandwich."
I shook my head and said, "No, I am too tired and I can't make anything else."
"It's not about that. You remember my dad's hard disk we found?"
I immediately gave peter my 101% attention. Richard parker was a kind man who helped a lot when I first arrived. Whether in moving or studies but one thing was certain, he was a world class genius in Bio-Tech and Human biology.
Considering his death, One can imagine my paranoia about any talk about his hard disk. But, god, his Hard Disk had far too many things. The Hard disk had his research on Super solider serum and human biology.
His direction about serum was in research regarding animal DNA. I can more or less be sure that Peter becoming spider-man is no coincidence. The man is smart enough to pull that feat off, enough if he is dead now.
"You see, the new miss who move into the 301 apartment asked me about that. While I lied to her, I wanted to inform you, just in case."
I sighed and nodded. Already my mind roaming around with my AI.
[Possibility of exposure : 95%]
I guess Peter is really connected with the web of destiny. He at least changed mine.
I distantly noted him running off while saying, "…ok. I have to go, Aunt may is calling me. Bye!"
Who would have thought an enquiry into Richard parker's research came to me. Just this short sentence from Peter is enough for them to pry into my life.
"Miss Natalia, considering Peter that just thrown a big spotlight on me, how about we talk? You see, I am interested in joining your organisation. Considering I didn't find you in FBI, Interpol or any official spy organisation. Your organization must be cut above them and I want to join your organisation." At least I can move my plans around a bit. After all, I have always been planning on joining a shield. Despite Hydra, it is a good place to grow and prepare myself. Besides, her introduction into Shield would have met Nick Fury's eye. So what you want about Nick Fury, even Hydra, never moved ahead with their plan until they tried their assassination on him. Not the avengers, not the many superheros. Only Nick Fury was specifically targeted by them.
Of course, Captain America's assassination is past grudges at play.
WHOOSH
Seeing no reply, I said once more, "I am telling you this beforehand. The disk's data got erased since I entered the wrong password into the data. You can ask Peter."
That is a lie. I opened the Hard disk with Peter's help unknowingly. After entering all info into my AI, I staged an unexpected erasure of data because of the wrong password with peter. So, little peter only knows that we lost his scientist dad's data.
"Or you can just kill me if you're a terrorist organisation. But, I don't mind having your image and some fucked crimes spread in retaliation. I had a backup measure prepared that will do the moment died."
I waited in silence and got no answer or knock on my room's door. I wondered if I was wrong.
While Miss Natalia resembles a Scarlet Johnson a lot. It is just that. A resemblance.
SIGH
I got up to move towards the door, but legs slipped.
THUCK
My dizzy consciousness told me this was starting. My real life in Marvel. I hope my preparations are enough. Because I am going insane from looking over my shoulder every day.
Looking at the blurry shadows approaching, I said, "You know you could have asked, right?"
The Black widow's impersonal voice replied, "You really have a mouth on you, Mr Keith."
My last words as darkness claimed me were, "You are being a bitch, Miss Nat."