I've always liked pizza. Sometimes my family and I would go to all-you-can-eat pizza places, where you paid at the entrance and then could eat as many different pizzas as you wanted. Did you know there are chocolate-covered pizzas? I didn't, not until that moment. I also found out it's a good combo if you want to spend two hours in the bathroom. That day, I had the worst indigestion of my life.
Anyway, today I discovered a similar place—giant pizzas for only 2 dollars. I wasn't going to pass on that opportunity, so here I am, one in the afternoon, stuffing myself with huge slices of pizza while watching the restaurant's television, tuned to my favorite news program.
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Jonah Jameson (slamming his hand on the desk):
"One week, ladies and gentlemen! One week since so-called unregistered heroes have been roaming the streets of New York, and now they even have a name: Legion. And let me make something perfectly clear: they are NOT heroes! They're not Avengers, not soldiers, not firefighters, not police officers! They are a danger nobody asked for and nobody understands!"
Jameson, with a sarcastic tone:
"What do we know about this so-called Legion? Nothing. The only confirmed fact is that he shapeshifts like a traveling circus of monsters with the same logo. Mutant? Alien? A failed experiment? Nobody knows! And yet, many are praising him as if he were the second coming of… well, you get the idea."
Jameson leaning closer to the camera:
"And he's not the only one. Or have you already forgotten about Spider-Man? Another masked fool who thinks he has the right to swing around the city, throwing punches and deciding who's guilty or innocent. Legion and Spider-Man are two sides of the same coin: illegal vigilantes, hiding behind masks or monstrosities, answering to no one. And they should never be placed on the same level as our proud official forces—much less the Avengers, who did step forward and were recognized by the UN!"
Jameson, raising his voice:
"That's the difference! We know who the Avengers are, we know why they fight, and they answer to something. But Legion? Spider-Man? They're mysteries acting under their own rules, and that is exactly what makes them dangerous. We don't know what they want, nor what they'll do tomorrow."
Jameson slams the desk again and leans back:
"So think twice before you make them into idols. Because while you applaud, they hide their true faces and their real intentions. Spider-Man, Legion, all these vigilantes! This city doesn't need makeshift monsters. We need real heroes. Heroes with names, faces, and accountability. Heroes like the Avengers—not like them!"
The screen cuts to the Bugle logo with red headlines:
"Legion and Spider-Man: heroes or threats?"
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I watch the television while chewing on a slice of pizza.
Does it anger me that he talks about me like that, even though I've risked my life for the entire city?
No. Maybe it's because I loved his character in Sam Raimi's movies—it clouds my judgment a little, I admit. But honestly, I find his personality entertaining. Even if he slanders and defames me, I know his intentions aren't bad, and they're not entirely baseless.
I understand his point. Someone nobody knows goes around beating criminals and acting like a hero—but that's only until something goes wrong. And when accountability is demanded, since nobody knows who he is, there's no one to hold responsible.
But I also get the other side. Revealing yourself to the world has terrible consequences if you're not prepared. The Ultimates comics show it clearly: the moment Peter revealed his identity, the consequences were immediate—his aunt, the most important person in his life, was dying, all because of a sniper.
Yeah… I side with the people who think his deal with Mephisto was foolish and way too hasty. But considering how shaken he was, I can somewhat understand his decision.
I grab some napkins, clean my hands and mouth, and glance around the place.
The city bounced back quickly to normal. Sure, there are still people moving houses and chatting about their "invasion experience," but aside from that, you wouldn't think that just a week ago there was a hole in the sky pouring out aliens.
Thor took Loki and Terrax a few days after the invasion, as well as the Tesseract—to Fury's great annoyance.
I was tempted to grab the hand of one of the two Asgardians so the Omnitrix could scan their DNA. But if, for some reason, I ended up being able to transform into one—and as powerful as they are—I fear the All-Father would set his one eye on me. All Asgardians are in Asgard. What would one be doing on Midgard? Where did he come from? Why is he as powerful as his two sons?
No, sir. I don't want anything to do with Odin. Even his cinematic version, considering he raised his daughter as a weapon of war, used her for conquest, and then locked her away for millennia—all just to cover up his past.
If that's what he did to his own daughter, I don't want to know what he'd plan for me. For now, I'll stay off his radar until I can access stronger aliens and unlock the time limiter on the watch.
As for Terrax and the Chitauri? The Omnitrix couldn't scan them. For the first time, it spoke—saying Terrax's DNA was far too damaged. And in the case of the Chitauri, their biology was so heavily modified that it was impossible to obtain. Shame—the Chitauri General looked pretty strong.
—"I was about to ask if the pizza was to your liking, young man, but I see that won't be necessary." A slightly plump older woman in the restaurant's uniform approaches my table with a smile, holding a small notepad.
—"I've never had such a huge pizza before, ma'am, but yes, it was delicious. Thank you. If it's not too much trouble, could you bring me the check?"
The woman nods kindly and heads off to fetch the receipt.
—"Hey, change the channel! Jonah's yelling is gonna make me deaf!" a man shouts (ironically), while his wife, sitting beside him, hides her face in embarrassment.
The TV switches to another news channel while I prepare the money.
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Anchor:
"Good evening. It has now been seven days since the events that marked New York and the entire world: the first extraterrestrial invasion in history.
That day will be remembered not only for the bravery of heroes, rescuers, and citizens, but also for a phenomenon that lit up the city's skies: the auroras that appeared after the portal closed.
As a result, the UN has officially declared the date as Aurora Day."
Co-anchor:
"Over the past week, new pieces of the puzzle have come to light. Those mysterious figures seen during the battle have been confirmed as a single entity: Legion.
According to available information, Legion is a person—still unknown if mutant or not—capable of altering his body and taking on different forms, each with unique abilities. All of them share a common emblem, described as a stylized hourglass on their bodies."
Anchor:
"Following the official confirmation, governments around the world issued a joint statement thanking all the heroes who participated in the defense against the Chitauri—including Legion. Since then, Legion hasn't remained only in New York: his activity has spread throughout the United States and several other countries, where he has assisted in rescues, emergency containment, and at times, even facing criminals or local threats directly."
Co-anchor:
"However, international reactions vary. Some governments have expressed gratitude for his intervention. Others have emphasized that, while they appreciate the help, official forces exist for the protection and assistance of the population.
And, of course, there are countries that have taken a far more critical stance, warning that they will not allow an unknown, illegal entity to operate within their borders—going as far as to threaten legal or even military responses."
Anchor:
"On social media, Legion is one of the most discussed topics worldwide. Theories about his origin, his powers, and his true intentions are multiplying. But the majority of younger audiences lean in his favor, describing him as 'someone who just wants to help.' For many, he has become an unexpected symbol of hope in the midst of chaos."
Co-anchor:
"Thus, Legion officially joins a new chapter in the history of today's heroes. A chapter that is only just beginning, and one we still know very little about."
Anchor:"We'll continue to monitor developments and reactions surrounding this new enigma. Coming up next: more international news."
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Yeah, I've been using XLR8 to circle the globe, helping out wherever I could in different countries this week. I don't want to lock myself to just one place.
Of course, I knew it would stir up some problems, but people around the world need help. And if I can do something—even a little—of course I'll do it.
—"Thank you, dear. Here, take this." The lady hands me a small ticket. "Next time you come back, you can use this for a twenty-five percent discount on your first pizza."
—"Thank you, I'll definitely be back." I take the small slip of paper and tuck it into my pocket.
Leaving the restaurant, I begin walking down the lively streets of Manhattan.
This week I dedicated myself to a lot of things. I managed to get an apartment at a very low price—after the invasion, the most affected areas dropped drastically in value, so I landed one for $1,500 a month.
Using Grey Matter, I calculated probabilities and variables and did some high-volatility trading. With something this big happening, the markets swing up and down insanely fast—but for a mind like Grey Matter's, it's like predicting a ball will roll downhill if you set it on a slope.
So, in my account I've got about $3,050 after paying the first month in advance. I made sure not to earn too much, even taking small losses to avoid drawing attention. If anyone checks, it'll just look like beginner's luck.
I still need to buy furniture and all that, so for now I eat out.
I've also been trying to learn more about the Omnitrix. In the show, Ben seemed to know what he was doing, at least up to a point—turning the dial or sometimes using voice commands.
So I tried something similar, obviously while using Grey Matter. I got a mirror and built a small device that could act as my arms to reach my back.
With extreme care, I interacted with some of the commands. If I said I wasn't scared, I'd be lying—I was terrified. If for some reason I accidentally triggered the self-destruct function, I'd have to ask Odin for help… or maybe try to travel into the Quantum Realm, praying Kang would be there, and beg him instead.
Thankfully, that didn't happen. I couldn't remove the time limiter, but I managed to double the duration of my transformations and activate the "end transformation" function.
I also found something very useful: a camouflage function. I managed to set it so that, when activated, it looks like a normal watch, meaning I won't have to worry about hiding it under my clothes anymore.
I had no luck with the Master Control. The sheer number of functions this thing has is overwhelming, even for Grey Matter. There are things I don't even know what they do, so just to be safe, I didn't touch them.
One thing to worry about, though, is Chromastone. Even though his form was unlocked by the failsafe protocol, every time I use it, it feels… wrong. Almost like he's sick.
In Grey Matter form, I deduced that absorbing and then releasing so much energy left Chromastone in, well, human terms, a sort of "energy crash." His body is a natural conductor, but that sudden intake and discharge overloaded him. It's similar to the original show's episode where Ben's aliens were sick.
Thank God that condition doesn't transfer to my other forms. Still, I'll need to find a way to fix it—or just wait until Chromastone stabilizes on his own.
I walked over to an elderly woman who was trying to cross the street.
—"Hello, sorry to bother you, but may I help you?"I offered my arm for her to rest her hand on.
—"Oh, what a sweet boy."She placed her hand on my arm."Thank you for helping this old lady. My little cart ran out of battery, but I couldn't leave little Daisy without her food."
—"Don't worry, I'm happy to help. Would you like me to carry your bag? I could even walk you home, if you'd like."I smiled, silently thanking the cars that stopped to let us cross.
—"Oh no, that would be too much kindness. My house is only three blocks away. I know young people like you have a lot to do."She shuffled slowly, lifting her feet just enough to step back onto the curb.
—"Not at all, ma'am. I need to go in that direction anyway. But if you're worried about it, how about this? You'll have to do three favors for anyone who needs help—no matter how small the favor is. Of course, as long as it's not illegal."I couldn't help laughing at the last part."And for each of them, tell them the same thing I'm telling you: they'll owe three favors too."
The woman studied me for a moment, then smiled and handed me the small bag of dog food.
—"That's an interesting deal you propose, young man… but I like it."She nodded."And don't call me ma'am, it makes me feel old. My name is Olivia."
—"Nicolas."I introduced myself with a smile."Nice to meet you, Olivia."
I accompanied her home. On the way, we chatted about little things: the weather, food, pets. She also mentioned how firefighters helped evacuate her from the city, and how she expected her house to be destroyed. But when she came back, it was so clean she doubted it was hers at first.
When we reached her yard, behind a small fence, a marbled-colored dog excitedly celebrated her owner's return.
—"Did you miss grandma, Daisy? I brought your food. Just be patient, I'll get it ready for you."
Olivia laughed as the little dog jumped around, licking her hands with joy.
I couldn't help but remember Luna—how she greeted me when I came home, wagging her tail, jumping on two legs. I had to be careful walking in because she practically threw herself at me… I hope she's okay, that Dad took care of her… I hope she's not sad.
SHE DEFINITELY IS. AFTER ALL, YOU ABANDONED HER.
—"Sweetheart? Are you okay? You're pale… want to come inside?"
I startled and turned to Olivia.
—"No, no, I'm fine. Just… remembered something I had to do."I waved it off.
—"Alright. But if you're not feeling well, tell me—after all, I owe you three favors now."She smiled and handed me a small chocolate."Here, a little reward for helping an old lady."
—"It was nothing. Thank you for the chocolate. I hope to see you again soon, Olivia. Take care."I bowed my head slightly, then looked at the little dog wagging her tail at me."Take good care of her, Daisy. I hope to see you too—I'll bring you kibble next time."I petted her head softly.
I nodded one last time to Olivia and continued down the busy streets of New York. That "three favors" idea? I got it from an old movie I saw when I was a kid—one of my favorites. So I thought, why not bring it into real life?
BOOOOM! / KRAKOOM!
I froze and snapped my head in the direction of the explosion.
In the distance, a massive humanoid rhino tore through the streets while Jewel rushed civilians out of harm's way. Spider-Man tried to stop him by webbing his feet, but the brute kept charging forward.
—"Looks like Rhino woke up in the mood for a stroll today."
I brought my hand to the watch, its illusion flickering away as I turned the dial, looking for the right alien for the job.
—"Shame I'll have to tuck him back into bed."
IT'S HERO TIME!
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HOW ARE YOU GUYS DOING? I HOPE WELL.
GOOD NEWS: my check-ups went fine, so with a bit of luck—and if work doesn't kill me—I'll be back posting daily chapters.
We'll be starting the Street Heroes arc, where we'll see several heroes and maybe even some antiheroes, villains, and the criminal underworld in New York.
Our protagonist will face many challenges, and his ideals will be put to the test. I hope you enjoy it—who knows, maybe a new alien will show up too?
Thank you all so much for your comments and support.
Take care, everyone! :)