A weathered bench nestled amid the vibrant greenery of New York's Central Park held a haphazard pile of books. The collection covered an eclectic range of subjects: the intricate principles of chemistry, which explored the building blocks of matter; the dynamic world of biomechanics, delving into the mechanics of human movement; the technical rigor of structural engineering, focused on designing safe buildings; and the essential nuances of New York's city codes, guiding urban planners and architects alike.
With a donut in hand, Wyatt took a bite of his food as he read through a book on the creation of the atomic bomb and its workings.
"Okay… having the knowledge that I can technically create an atomic bomb is not one I needed to know." Wyatt had a shaky smile and closed his book. Placing it on the pile, he leaned back and stared out in front of him.
Dozens of people were enjoying the beautiful sunny day as they either walked, jogged, walked their dogs, or rode their bikes through the lush park. Wyatt smiled at the peace around him and was about to reach for another book when a police officer came into sight.
The officer appeared to be on his daily foot patrol and smiled at a few passing citizens. It didn't seem as if he were in search of Wyatt, but that didn't stop Wyatt from discreetly creating a pair of shades and a baseball hat from inside his backpack. Grabbing his book, he raised it in front of his face and acted naturally.
Classic MCU disguise. Wyatt grinned and began reading.
When the officer reached Wyatt, he glanced at the young reality warper and then moved on.
"It's nice to see the youth reading a book. Everyone these days is always on those damn phones." The officer muttered as he walked off.
After releasing a small sigh, Wyatt took off his sunglasses and relaxed. When the officer was within a few feet of him, his fight-or-flight instincts were screaming at him to act. Luckily, he was able to control himself and act naturally.
For the next two hours, Wyatt immersed himself in the book's pages, soaking up its ideas and analyses. When he finally stood up, a loud groan escaped his lips as he stretched his stiff muscles, feeling the tension release.
After carefully packing his books into his backpack, he stepped out of the serene park, feeling the contrast of the vibrant city around him. The bustling streets of New York were alive with the sounds of honking horns, chattering pedestrians, and street vendors calling out their daily specials. He navigated through the throng, taking in the sights and sensations of the city that never sleeps.
"No, no! I told you to put one thousand! Not ten!" A middle-aged man dressed in an expensive suit barked at his phone.
"Like, I'm right outside. Don't you see me?" An attractive woman said as she adjusted her earrings.
"Fuck yeah, man. We should totally watch that movie! Did you hear they cast…" A teenager spoke excitedly on his phone as he biked past Wyatt.
"Huh. Maybe that officer was onto something." Wyatt muttered as he stopped at a crosswalk, his eyes finding several more people on their phones.
At the crosswalk, several people waited beside him until the light turned green. Once it did, like a raging river unleashed, everyone from both ends of the street moved forward.
Once across the bustling street, Wyatt ventured onward on foot through the vibrant city until he arrived at a charming pizza shop nestled in the heart of Harlem. Luigi's Pizzeria, with its inviting façade and gleaming window displays, exuded a warm, welcoming charm.
As Wyatt stepped inside, the soft chime of a bell tinkled overhead, drawing the attention of a man in his late forties, whose weathered hands deftly placed a bubbling pizza into the stone oven, the tantalizing aroma of melting cheese and fresh basil filling the air. Behind the counter, a cheerful young girl with tousled brown hair offered a bright smile, her enthusiasm infectious as she greeted the new customer.
"Wyatt! My young friend! It's been weeks since you last visited. I was starting to worry your business was stolen from me," Luigi laughed. "Come! Sit! I'll prepare your usual."
"Come on, Luigi. Do you really think I'll go anywhere else but the best pizza shop in the city? I would never!" Wyatt grinned and took a seat on a table near the counter. "Hello, Serena. It's been a minute."
Serena perked up and smiled at Wyatt. "It has. I was beginning to think your bad habits finally landed you in jail. That or you finally pissed someone off enough to find yourself sleeping with the fishes."
Technically, I did. Wyatt thought as he chuckled.
"Please. As if anyone would do something like that to a face like mine." Wyatt grinned at Serena.
Serena blinked and squinted her eyes at Wyatt. She remained silent for several seconds; the only noise that could be heard was Luigi's singing as he made Wyatt's custom pizza.
"Wyatt… are you okay? You're acting… differently." Serena asked softly—concern in her eyes.
Slipping slightly, Wyatt frowned. "I… I've just had a rough couple of days. But everything is fine now. Really."
Serena hummed and nodded at his response.
Grateful for the fact she didn't push the issue, Wyatt leaned on the table and closed his eyes.
After Wyatt had been kicked out of his group home, which was undeniably his fault, he had struggled to survive for the first couple of weeks. He barely had the money to buy himself food. Often resorting to stealing from grocery stores and bodegas.
When he did have money, Wyatt always visited Luigi's for a slice of pizza. There were times when he was short on cash, but Luigi never let it bother him. He accepted what Wyatt had, and even when he was flat broke, the kind man always gave Wyatt food.
Their act of selflessness had impacted Wyatt, but his young, rage-filled mind never appreciated it. Now, as a being of two lifetimes, Wyatt would always appreciate the man.
Serena, Luigi's 16-year-old daughter, had initially been suspicious of Wyatt. She had seen him as like any other rough, troubled young man. He was just trouble waiting to happen. His past short-tempered attitude did not help the situation. However, over time, she warmed up to him and eventually came to see him as a friend.
"Your food is ready, my friend!" Luigi laughed and placed a box of pizza in front of him. "Serena, grab Wyatt something to drink!"
Serena rolled her eyes but did as she was told, her expression one of amused resignation. After grabbing a bottle of coke from the fridge behind her, she placed it down in front of Wyatt and took a seat next to him. She grabbed a slice of his pizza and began to eat. They chatted and caught up while Luigi continued working on some of his orders.
"So what's in the bag? Drugs?" Serena asked as she looked over at Wyatt's bag.
"Nah, not this week," Wyatt said jokingly. "All you'll find are books in there. Go on if you don't believe me."
Serena looked at him disbelievingly and zipped open his book bag. She hummed in surprise as she found several books in his bag. "It must be raining cats and dogs out there. Our little Wyatt is reading! Papa, I think Wyatt has been replaced with an alien!"
Luigi laughed and threw up some pizza dough with expert ease.
"Ha-ha. Very funny," Wyatt said. "I do read now and then."
"Does that mean you're thinking about going back to school?" Serena asked. "It's not too late."
"School? Me? Nah! Schools for those who need an education to make money." Wyatt smirked and leaned back. If he wanted to, he could make Luigi's entire shop be made of gold and diamonds.
"But, Wyatt! What about the economy? You'll crash it with your overpowered abilities!" Wyatt could hear some pansy say.
All he had to say to them was, Fuck the economy!
"Well, duh. That's how it works," Serena looked at Wyatt as if he was stupid, which she assumed he sort of was. She stood up and headed back to the counter. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head or something?"
Wyatt laughed and shook his head. Standing up, he closed his pizza box and walked over to the counter. "Pretty sure. But I do have some blanks in my memory, so who truly knows?" Pulling out a thick wad of cash from his pockets, Wyatt didn't bother to count and grabbed several hundred dollars. "Consider my tab paid. Oh, and there's a tip in there for you, too."
Serena's eyes grew wide at the stack of money. She looked up at Wyatt with worry. "Wyatt. Are you actually selling drugs?!" She whispered and turned back to look at her father. Luigi was too razor-focused on his craft to notice. "Where did you get all this money?!"
"Easy there, Serena. It's legit. Take it," Wyatt smiled softly and pushed the bills closer to Serena's person. "You and your father have been there for me when nobody else was. I owe you two more than this."
"But Wyatt…"
"No buts!" Wyatt grinned and dashed to the door. He was careful not to forget his remaining pizza. "Thanks for the food! See you next time, Luigi, Serena!"
"Ha! Take care, Wyatt! Be sure to come sooner next time!" Luigi turned back and nodded at Wyatt.
Wyatt nodded and quickly left. Not willing to give Serena time to try and return the five thousand dollars he left.
Leaving that much behind was no issue for Wyatt. With all the gold he has been selling to Victor, Wyatt had more money than he knew what to do with.
"Wyatt! Get back here!" Serena yelled.
••o••o••o••
With a satisfied burp, Wyatt tossed his empty food container into a nearby trash bin, the sound of it clattering against the other discarded items. The vibrant city lights flickered around him, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the asphalt as they illuminated the lively streets below.
Just as Wyatt prepared to take flight, ready to soar into the starry sky and make his way home, he was suddenly jolted by a loud boom that reverberated through the alley a block away.
"The fuck?" Wyatt said. It didn't take long for another boom to be heard. "What's going on?"
Swallowing his saliva, Wyatt heard distant screams and several more explosions. He was about to fly off home when he found his legs frozen.
With great power comes great responsibility.
"Not now!" Wyatt cursed as one of the most iconic lines in history played through his head. It didn't help that the same person to have spoken those lines was very real. "Fuck me..."
Spinning on his heel, Wyatt ran towards the sounds of chaos and terror.
It didn't take him long to reach the area where all the chaos and destruction was occurring. Turning to the right, Wyatt's eyes widened at the sight of a large, grey beast surrounded by fire and destruction.
The beast towered above, its imposing figure sculpted by bulging muscles rippling beneath its leathery skin. Sharp, jagged bone protrusions jutted from its massive frame, giving it an even more fearsome appearance. A deep, rumbling laugh, both amused and menacing, echoed from its terrifying visage as it seized an empty car with ease and hurled it across the street. Thankfully, the vehicle sailed harmlessly past, narrowly missing a group of panicked people who sprinted away in sheer terror.
"The Abomination…" Wyatt whispered as he watched Emil Blonsky, now the Abomination, laugh as he destroyed everything around him.
With a laugh, the Abomination picked up a car and launched it down the street directly at a running woman.
Before he knew it, Wyatt moved.
At the last moment, Wyatt waved his hand, transforming the car that would have crushed the woman into water. It splashed her but caused no harm. She blinked in confusion and continued running.
What am I doing? Wyatt screamed in his head. I can create anything, but I'm not strong! I'm not fast, and my body is as durable as a normal human. So why am I putting myself in danger?!
"Come on!" Abomination roared and kicked a flaming car down the street. In its path, an injured man screamed.
A flash of red-pink exploded from under Wyatt, launching him into the sky. Waving his hand, he created a glowing wall in front of the man. Stopping the flaming car from crushing him.
The man blinked and turned to look up at a flash of light in the air. This caught the eyes of those running away, making them pause in their rush to get away.
Flying in midair above the street, Wyatt was now covered in a hastily constructed costume. This suit was a combination of Mark's Invincible outfit and Eve's uniform. A red motorcycle helmet rested on his head, concealing his identity. The materials used for the costume included a mix of rigid and elastic fabrics, such as carbon fiber and graphene, designed to absorb the impact of any blows he might receive. Although the costume was not well thought out and seemed rushed, it would serve its purpose.
Am I really doing this? It's not too late to fly away. Leave this for the Hulk to handle. Wyatt thought, but at the sight of several unmoving people sprawled around Abomination, he knew he couldn't do so.
Wyatt's mind flashed to Serena and Luigi.
Their restaurant and home were only two blocks away. If Abomination's rampage led him to their location and resulted in them getting hurt or worse, he wouldn't be able to look himself in the mirror for allowing that to happen.
No.. I can't. Not when I have the power to give everyone time to get to safety. At least until the big guy gets here!
"Hey, ugly! I suggest you put on some pants! And a mask while you're at it. Geez, you have the face only a mother could love!" Wyatt quipped as he flew closer to the Abomination. He was thankful for his helmet. Otherwise, his scared, straight expression would be evident for all to see.
"Who are you?" Abomination said with a glare before grinning. "It doesn't matter. You'll make do until he gets here."
"Hey! I'm not your appetizer, you overgrown Anglerfish!" Wyatt yelled and flew higher. His hands shook at his side. "I'll give you one chance, surrender, and no one has to get hurt!"
Abomination chuckled and grabbed a nearby car. With little difficulty, he threw it at Wyatt as if it were a softball.
"Okay, looks like we're doing this…" Wyatt said, taking a deep breath.
With fear gripping his heart, Wyatt flew at the car.