The North Atlantic Sea
Atomic slowly descended, his helmet glinting under the bright sun as he peered down at what was meant to be the captivating azure waves of the ocean.
Instead, he was greeted by a disheartening sight: a chaotic mosaic of dancing waves, but not of water—instead, they were composed of mountains of trash and plastic debris that bobbed on the surface.
He was soaring over the North Atlantic garbage patch, an expansive region notorious for its accumulation of human-made marine waste trapped within the swirling currents of the North Atlantic Gyre.
This was one of five major gyres around the globe, each a vortex carrying and concentrating refuse, including the North Pacific, South Pacific, South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. The vast swath of waste reflected humanity's negligence, an unsettling reminder of the impact of human waste on the planet's oceans, as Atomic took in the grim reality below him.
The Sea Education Association estimates that the North Atlantic Garbage Patch spans hundreds of kilometers, harboring an alarming density of over 200,000 pieces of debris per square kilometer. This vast expanse of pollution primarily consists of microplastics, which originate from human-created waste that washes into the ocean via rivers.
The garbage patch poses significant risks to both wildlife and human health, largely due to the ingestion of microplastics by marine creatures and the entanglement of fish in this hazardous debris. The issue has persisted for years, intensifying annually as dedicated environmental activists tirelessly battle against powerful corporations that remain slow to act.
Efforts to address the North Atlantic Garbage Patch have been minimal; environmental experts caution that removing microplastics could inadvertently disrupt marine ecosystems further, as the cleaning processes might filter out numerous small oceanic creatures.
These careful considerations have often been weaponized by corporate executives—primarily responsible for the pollution—as a convenient excuse to avoid implementing measures to cleanse the oceans and address the urgent environmental crisis.
"Sorry it took me a while to get here… life got a little out of hand," Atomic said to the ocean as if it could listen. "Now then… let's get to it."
Atomic raised his hands, channeling an immense surge of crimson light that swept over the vast mounds of discarded waste littering the ocean surface.
While he possessed the power to effortlessly convert trash into harmless carbon dioxide, Atomic understood the complex reality of the marine ecosystem. Many creatures had made their homes in the debris, finding shelter and protection from predators within the chaotic landscape.
With the well-being of these marine inhabitants in mind, Atomic decided to create something far greater out of the piles of waste.
He focused his energy, transforming the heaps of refuse into a breathtaking coral reef that cascaded down to the ocean floor. It was more accurate to call this new formation a coral mountain, given its towering height and impressive depth, standing majestically against the blue expanse of the sea.
As the steady transformation was completed after an hour of hard work, the vibrant, multicolored coral structures emerged, teeming with life. The marine creatures that had once inhabited the piles of trash curiously explored their new surroundings.
The resilient corals, shaped into Fringing Reefs, Barrier Reefs, and Atolls, provided a sanctuary that would not only serve as a stable home but also as a formidable shield against any lurking predators.
Atomic floated back, a smile hidden behind his helmet, marveling at the stunning underwater landscape that unfolded before him. Schools of fish flitted around the vibrant corals, their scales shimmering in the sunlight that filtered through the water. The once-stagnant patch of discarded materials had transformed into a thriving, colorful rainforest of the sea, poised to nurture marine life for generations to come.
"That's better," Atomic said with a tired sigh and looked behind him where a small legion made up of twenty ten-meter-tall MSM-07 Z'Gok amphibious mechas flew over the water's surface.
In a striking departure from Atomic's typical combat mechas, the MSM-07 Z'Gok models before him were conceived with a fundamentally different purpose.
Rather than being crafted for combat and defense, these innovative machines were explicitly designed to safeguard the northern sea, maintaining its newfound purity and preventing future pollution.
Their sleek, hydrodynamic forms were designed to swim gracefully through the water, and they were equipped with advanced sensors and specialized tools to sift through debris and contaminants carefully.
With a gentle yet steadfast determination, they were assigned the critical mission of retrieving any trash that Atomic might have overlooked, all while ensuring the protection of the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the waves.
"You guys are up," Atomic said, and all his mechas gave him a brief salute before diving into the sea. "One down, four more to go."
Dashing up, Atomic flew up into the sky and began flying toward the North Pacific Ocean to repeat the process.
Far off in the distance, a head broke through the ocean's iridescent surface, revealing a striking figure who watched as Atomic soared into the sky.
The sunlight highlighted her piercing blue eyes, which narrowed with curiosity at the red and white hero, before she shifted her gaze to the towering coral mountain that stood majestically below. Her long, blonde hair streamed gracefully in the water's gentle currents as she dove back beneath the waves.
Namora propelled herself toward the vibrant coral structure, marveling at the kaleidoscope of colors that danced around her. The marine life thrived in their newfound paradise, a vivid symphony of fish darting and weaving through the intricate formations with palpable joy.
She then turned her attention to the industrious MSM-07 Z'Gok mechas, who sported Atomic's logo on their chests, diligently combing the ocean floor. They worked with precision, scooping up remnants of human debris and carefully placing them into large nets, ensuring that the ocean remained pristine and safe for its inhabitants.
"What is this? Who was that surface dweller?" Namora murmured to herself, a mix of intrigue and wonder coloring her voice. She cast one last lingering gaze at the breathtaking coral structure, a marvel crafted by Atomic's hand. "I must inform Namor of this at once."
With a fierce determination and the grace of a bullet, she shot through the water, her powerful strokes propelling her swiftly toward her destination.
••o••o••o••
New York City, USA
"Breaking News: Heroic Ocean Cleanup Achieved! Today, in a stunning display of environmental heroism, the renowned figure, Atomic, has successfully cleaned all five oceans, addressing the critical issue of oceanic pollution that has led to the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch," From behind the television screen behind a local electronics shop, CNN reporter, Gavin Daniels, said into a microphone as he stood on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean. A large, colorful coral structure could be seen in the waters behind him.
"In a remarkable turnaround, Atomic has not only removed the debris littering our seas but has also crafted some of the largest coral reefs ever documented. These new life-giving structures promise to provide a thriving habitat for marine species that had previously adapted to living among the trash. While billionaire genius Tony Stark has made significant contributions to the cleanup efforts, the magnitude of Atomic's achievements in a mere two days is nothing short of extraordinary. As stunning visuals of pristine oceans filled with colorful coral reefs circulate, there's a renewed sense of hope for our planet's marine ecosystems. Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible story and the future of our oceans!" Gavin added as images of each of the five world oceans were shown off. In every image or short clip that was shown, colorful coral reefs could be seen without a speck of trash in sight.
On the other side of the storefront's gleaming glass window, a bright-eyed girl named Doreen Green stood out like a ray of sunshine.
Her short, fluffy orange hair framed her face, adorned with two perky, squirrel-like ears that jutted playfully from a colorful headband. Her large, bushy tail, reminiscent of a squirrel's, twitched animatedly behind her, drawing curious glances from passersby who couldn't help but wonder about her odd appearance. Clinging to her back was a small grey squirrel, its little body sporting a purple bandana that flapped gently as it moved.
"Golly, did you see that, Tippy-Toe? Can you just imagine the types of trees Atomic could create?!" Doreen exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she bounced on her toes. "What I wouldn't give to have him make us a grand oak tree house to call our own!" Her companion, Tippy-Toe, chirped enthusiastically, his tiny paws gripping her shoulder as he nodded in agreement.
"What do you mean you've seen a flash of light like that before? At the park two years ago? Are you messing with me?" Doreen continued, diving into a lively conversation with Tippy-Toe, oblivious to the strange looks she garnered from those around her. Onlookers, who had already found the scene peculiar, stared at her wide-eyed, murmuring among themselves.
"A… squirrel tail? Is she a mutant? Or maybe she's one of those furries?" one passerby muttered under their breath as they walked past Doreen, clearly bewildered. "Uh, whatever. Just keep on walking."
As time progressed, this reaction to mutants had evolved into a more common and accepted response. Following Atomic's compelling speech on Capitol Hill, the public's perception shifted significantly.
Many people began to engage with mutants in a spirit of curiosity and empathy, rather than fear or misunderstanding. This change fostered an environment where new friendships and relationships could flourish—connections that had once seemed impossible were now forming as individuals opened their hearts and minds to a broader understanding of mutant identities.
Despite this societal shift, Doreen Green found herself in a unique position.
She was not a mutant.
Her presence among them often led to puzzled glances and whispered conversations, as she navigated a world increasingly defined by genetic distinctions.
Doreen experienced a genetic change for unknown reasons that granted her squirrel-like abilities, particularly a prehensile tail. To keep this a secret, her parents decided to homeschool her and restricted her from going outside to prevent exposure.
As Doreen grew older, she became increasingly frustrated with being confined due to her tail. Eventually, her parents took her to a doctor, who confirmed that Doreen was not a mutant, despite her family's long-held beliefs.
At 15, Doreen learned she could talk to squirrels when she heard one from her window. She saved this squirrel from a dog, and they became good friends. The squirrel, named Tippy Toe, encouraged Doreen to use her abilities to help people.
Ever since then, Doreen began to fantasize about becoming a super hero, and came up with the alias of the "Unbeatable Squirrel Girl" in hopes of one day becoming a hero. Much like her idols, Iron Man and Atomic.
"Okay! I've made up my mind! We're going to look for Atomic and ask him nicely if he can make us a super tree house. That sounds reasonable, right?" Doreen grinned as she watched Tippy Toe nod with his little arms crossed. "Excellent! Now let's begin our search. He must be back in the city after saving the oceans, right? He's probably super tired and must live around here somewhere. While we're at it, we can also ask him if we can be his sidekicks! What do you think, Tippy?"
Doreen turned away from the flickering screen of the television, her expression a mix of excitement and determination.
The news anchor's enthusiastic report about Atomic possibly being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his remarkable efforts in cleaning up the oceans had gone completely missed by her ears.
Channeling her unique, squirrel-like agility, she dashed into a shadowy alleyway. With a swift crouch and a mighty leap, she scaled the brick walls, her fingertips gripping the rough surfaces as she propelled herself upward. In a matter of moments, she reached the rooftops of Manhattan, the bustling streets below a blur of lights and sounds.
With the city sprawling beneath her, Doreen ran with the grace of her furred counterparts, leaping from one rooftop to another. The wind whipped through her hair as she scanned the skyline, searching for any sign of Atomic.
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AN: The long-awaited character, Squirrel Girl, has arrived! If you're curious about her appearance in my story, Doreen looks just like her counterpart from Marvel Rivals. I've recently started playing that game a lot and have been having a blast!