Chapter 5: Recruitment Drive.

Ward descended from the sky, landing right in front of the mansion he had come all this way to visit. The mansion belonged to a former gangster turned construction magnate, a man by the name of Geoffrey Wilder. Wilder, alongside his wife Catherine and a group of other, so-called elites, were members of an organization known as "PRIDE".

PRIDE was a charity organization… on the surface, that is. Beneath the surface, they were a group of alien worshipping, child murderers. Or at least they would be. As things stood now, PRIDE hadn't killed anyone yet. In three days', time… that would change, as ritual sacrifice would soon take place. The first of many. And it would change the lives of PRIDE's members forever.

Ward's intention in coming here was to stop the upcoming sacrifice from happening, and hopefully bring the members of PRIDE over to his side while he was at it. They would be the second such organization he sought to recruit. The first being "Advanced Idea Mechanics", or "A.I.M." for short, an organization that he had not only successfully recruited, but also helped to fund.

He had stayed incredibly busy these last two years, after all. Travelling all about, making allies, building the foundation for what would help to minimize the damage to come. Ward was careful about it though, as A.I.M. was a part of the MCU's precious "timeline". He suspected that tampering with it would bring trouble his way. And he was right.

--- Bern, Switzerland-New Year's Eve, 1999 ---

A bespectacled man, holding tightly to a cane, was standing alone on a rooftop. Fireworks were going off in the night sky over head. Cheers could be heard from the streets below. The world seemed to be in celebration, but the bespectacled man, "Aldrich Killian", wasn't paying any mind to such things.

Instead, while everyone else was either enjoying themselves or watching the skies overhead, Aldrich was looking down. Wondering how quick his end would come, if he just… stepped off the ledge. He wondered if anyone would anyone miss him, if anyone would even notice that he was gone. And at the very moment his desperation reached its peak, when the tears he had been holding back, finally flowed down his face, a stern voice sounded out from behind him.

"I would mind that next step doctor… it looks like a doozy."

Startled by the sudden voice, Killian turned around in bewilderment, paying no mind to the fact that he was still standing on the rooftop's ledge. Not until he fell. Stumbling, his whole life flashed through his mind. Realizing he'd gotten his wish, he gently shut his eyes and waited for the end to come.

After a few moments however, he realized that he wasn't falling. Opening his eyes, Killian found himself laying not far from the edge of the roof, where he saw a muscular young man in a strange robe looking down at him.

--- MC's Viewpoint ---

'Well, that was fucking close.'

He had rushed all the way to Switzerland only three months into his training, all to recruit Dr. Aldrich Killian, the man currently laying on his back in front of him. Ward would have been quite distraught if the first words out of his mouth where what had caused the man to fall to his death. Luckily, he was able to catch him. He even managed to control his powers doing it, a double win in his book.

'Crazy bastard!'

While looking at Killian, Ward stepped down from the ledge of the roof. Walking up to the man, he grabbed Killian's cane and offered him a hand up.

"My apologies doctor, it was not my intention to startle you."

Still watching him, Ward could almost see the gears spinning in Killian's head. His expression cycling between thankfulness, confusion, and disappointment. He seemed to make up his mind quickly enough though, as he soon spoke.

"It… its fine… tha…thank you… for saving me, I mean."

"But… who are you?"

"How do you know my name…?"

"And… where on earth, did you come from?"

"I was quite certain I was alone up here."

Killian looked at him with pleading eyes, seemingly desperate to understand what was going on.

'All good questions.', Ward thought.

If a stranger appeared out of nowhere and started using his name like that, Ward would probably have been asking the same. Hell, he probably wouldn't have asked at all. He would probably have backed away slowly. This was a strange situation, after all. Scratching his head, he did his best to answer.

"Well… for starters, my name is Grant Ward."

Ward sighed to himself, as Killian's next question was a bit harder to answer. He didn't want to lie to the man, but he couldn't tell him the truth either. Ward had thought about what to say before coming here, but after seeing Killian's gaze, Ward knew that what he had originally intended to say wasn't going to cut it. So, Ward decided to just speak his mind.

"As for how I know your name, that's a bit harder to explain."

Meeting Killian's quizzical stare, Ward continued.

"I have been keeping track of you for months now."

Killian backed away after hearing that, not that Ward could blame him. He did find the reaction quite reasonable. A large, muscular man having just told someone that he was stalking them… there was no way that wouldn't come off as a little creepy. Smiling in amusement, Ward continued.

"Please don't misunderstand, doctor."

"I am talking about your think-tank… Advanced Idea Mechanics, I believe it's called."

"Amongst other things, I wish to invest in it."

"And as I knew you'd be here… I had hoped to take the opportunity to speak with you."

Ward came to a stop here, allowing Killian to process his words. Killian looked him over closely, before speaking.

"You don't really look the part of an investor Mr. Ward."

"But then, I suppose I don't look like much of a scientist either, do I?"

Ward couldn't disagree with that, but it would be rude to come out and say it. Killian laughed at himself, almost derisively so, before he sighed and asked another question.

"Why… why would you want to invest in A.I.M.?"

"It's just an idea… and apparently, not a very good one…"

Killian trailed off while looking at the ground, most likely reliving the humiliation he had just experienced. He wasn't up on this roof for fun, after all. No, he was promised something by someone he idolized. A promise that went unkept. And in a very cruel way, at that.

Ward could only imagine what that sort of humiliation would do to Killian, someone who was already so desperate. Of course, he didn't have to imagine, he had seen what it would twist him into. That's why he had shown up here, on this rooftop, moments before Killian's personal demons would consume him. To save him from himself… and gain an intelligent ally in the process.

'Such beautiful fireworks…'

Looking up at the fireworks going off in the sky, Ward posed Killian a question. One that he often pondered in his old reality.

"What do you think about the state of humanity, doctor?"

Killian looked up, before responding.

"Humanity?"

Nodding his head, Ward answered.

"Yes doctor, humanity."

Killian went quite for a full minute before responding.

"I think we're lost, broken even."

Hearing his answer, Ward couldn't disagree. But he knew that Killian was hurting right now and that his answer most likely reflected that. Ward also noted that Killian had relaxed his guard a little bit. Looking back down at Killian, Ward smiled.

"Lost… yes, that's a good word for it."

"I couldn't agree more, doctor."

Walking up too Killian, Ward soon continued speaking, a small frown on his face.

"But we don't have to remain lost."

"It is my belief that A.I.M. can help humanity in progressing beyond its current state of stagnation."

Ward could tell that he now had Killian's full attention.

"That's why I sought you out."

"Because, if we, as a species refuse to change…"

"Then ours is a future that will undoubtedly be wrought with many hardships."

Ward did his best to speak his thought's… without giving away too much information, that is. What followed his words was silence, as Killian lost himself to his own thoughts. Ward felt he might have come off as to 'flowery', perhaps even spooking the man. His worries were for naught however, as minutes later, Killian broke his silence.

"Your right Mr. Ward, A.I.M. could help… but what is your actual plan?"

"So far, all you've done is spout out inspirational words."

Shaking his head, Killian continued.

"I may be desperate Mr. Ward, I'm not afraid to admit that… but I'm not stupid."

"If you truly want my help, as you've said… then prove it."

Pausing, Killian looked directly at him.

"Because I am done taking people at their word."

Ward could only smile ruefully at Killian's last statement. The man before him had grown as a person. He used the night's humiliation as a catalyst to change himself. And it was Wards hope that with his intervention, Killian wouldn't change in the same way he had in the MCU.

'One bad day.'

That's all it takes for a person to break. Being strong enough to bend without breaking, that takes a strength of character that most people don't have. And by taking that step, Killian may very well be all the stronger for it.

"Fair enough, doctor."

"In one month's, time, you'll have twenty million dollars to fund your work, and far more in the years following."

"You'll also have the assistance of a very competent individual, who for security reasons, will remain anonymous for the time being."

"Ah, and before I forget…"

Ward reached into his robes and then handed Killian a folder containing a compilation of information that he had gathered. It contained a great amount of intel, including potential recruits, property details, and a list of private organizations that he believed might prove helpful. Squinting his eyes, Ward continued speaking in a resolute tone of voice.

"And doctor, I cannot stress enough… that should you accept my offer, I fully expect any and all government contracts to be firmly off the table moving forward."

Ward gazed deeply towards Killian, before continuing.

"This policy will be nonnegotiable, as it stems from the value I place upon innocent life."

"And I promise you… that if there are any mishaps due to half-assed science or poor leadership on your part, that you WILL lose my support."

Pausing briefly in order to allow his words to sink in, Ward lightened his gaze, then held out his hand.

"Well then, doctor?"

"Would you like to help me build a foundation for the betterment of humanities future?"

"I can promise you… it will be the undertaking of a lifetime."

Midway through reading the file, Killian became visibly exited. Understandable, since the information inside was enough to tempt most anyone. Once he realized that, Killian quickly shook Wards hand. Ward could only smile at the overly jovial man.

"Wonderful."

"I will send you both the money and the rest of the information within thirty days' time."

"Then we can discuss things in detail."

"In the meantime, please feel free to call me should you have any questions."

Handing him a business card that he also pulled from his robes, Ward walked towards the door that led to the roof. And as if he only then realized the meaning behind Wards words, Killian called out to him.

"Wai-wait… there's more?"

Ward laughed.

"Happy New Year, Dr. Killian!"

--- 20 Minutes Later- Back Alleyway ---

Ward was standing quietly next to a dumpster. Waiting. He understood full well that his talk with Killian wasn't supposed to happen. That it "had" changed the timeline. And of course, there were certain people that didn't take kindly to things like that.

Ward had known that going in, so he took care to be as alert as possible. And it was a good thing he was, otherwise, he likely wouldn't have noticed the voices coming from three roofs over. They were too quiet, that's how he noticed. It was New Years, and everyone was partying… yet three roofs over, people were whispering. It caught his attention.

They had surrounded him, but they had kept their distance. The people that Ward was on alert for wouldn't have done that… not unless they had a reason too, that is. If they somehow knew what he was capable of, then their caution was understandable. And given that the people he was likely up against were the "Time Variance Authority", or the "TVA" for short, then them being cautious wasn't necessarily a good thing.

Possessing foreknowledge of the TVA, however, gave Ward the advantage. And if the TVA did somehow know about his abilities, then that was a very good thing. Especially since running wasn't really an option. Thus, the alleyway he was currently standing in. He needed to limit the battlefield, so he chose a narrow alleyway and waited. But not before laying down a few of the "Slumber Ward" spells he knew along the walls.

Ward made certain to learn as much from Kamar-Taj as possible, as he knew this day was coming and he needed to be ready. He wouldn't have come here otherwise. Stretching his muscles, he turned around. Behind him, a large orange-colored, screen-like portal had appeared. Ward immediately recognized it as a "Timedoor", the TVA's means of "stepping through time".

"No killing."

Taking a deep breath, Ward reminding himself not to kill anyone unless necessary. It would defeat the purpose of what he was about to do. Ward then witnessed five people in militaristic black uniforms walk out of the door. Noticing two more such doors open at the end of the alleyway, he grimaced… they had come in force, it would seem.

Ward focused his senses, in order to keep track of anyone approaching him, then reached out towards the dumpster beside him. With a flick of his arm, the dumpster was sent flying, right towards the Timedoor in front of him.

He hadn't thrown it hard, only using enough force to scatter the enemy. As the TVA agents or "hunters", as they were called, scattered, Ward used his speed to almost instantly close the distance between them. Moving his body like a well-practiced martial artist, he put each to sleep with a simple hand gesture, while weaving his way in-between their attempted blows.

The martial arts techniques he used were all taught to beginners at Kamar-Taj. Though, with his strength, the only one that wanted to practice with him was the Ancient One. Even so, he had still managed to improve a great deal within a short amount of time, as she was a fantastic teacher.

"Damn, how many of you are there?!"

Ten more Timedoors opened, and dozens more TVA agents emerged. After roughly thirty minutes of constant fighting, Ward was the only one left standing. Looking around cautiously, he began to gather up any useful technology he could from his slumbering enemies. Sighing, he then turned his attention to the hunters themselves.

'At least I managed not to kill anyone…'

Afterwards, Ward tossed each of the hunter's back through, then he closed the doors behind them. But not before placing a written letter on one of the hunter's bodies. With his work done for the night, Ward deactivated any remaining 'slumber wards' and examined the spoils of his victory.

He could only smile at what he had earned tonight. By studying the TVA's technology, Ward might very well come up with something new. Still smiling, he flew off, headed back towards Kamar-Taj. Even more plans formed in his mind. Foremost of which was the funding of A.I.M., to that end, he would need to prioritize making money… or rather taking it from criminals.

--- Present Day ---

Ward was currently kneeling in the "not so secret", secret basement of the Wilder mansion. He was finishing up "work" on a futuristic piece of technology called a "Dematerialization Box". Its purpose was to convert matter into pure energy. Well… that's what it was built to do, but the technology would be abused by PRIDE.

And even worse, the technology would never be made into what it could be. To Ward, who saw its potential, that was just as unforgivable as the sacrifice that the box would be used for. If properly repurposed, this technology could very well change the world. His coat off and his sleeves rolled up, Ward slipped out from beneath the box, where he called out.

"How is it looking Killian?"

Having asked Killian to meet him here with a small team of engineers from A.I.M., Ward realized just how good of an idea it was to recruit the man. His help on various projects over the last year and a half, had been invaluable. Ward couldn't do everything alone, after all. He wasn't Batman.

"The numbers look good… it should work.", Killian responded.

Taking a deep breath, Ward stood up. Finally finished making his alterations, the engineers gathered the tools they had brought along, while Ward double-checked his work. When he arrived at the mansion, he quickly slipped into the "Mirror Dimension", which was an unseen dimension that lay parallel to the real world.

Sorcerers often used it for training purposes. Some even used it for the imprisonment of their enemies. Ward however, had used it to explore the mansion and make certain he was alone. He wanted to come here sooner, but he knew that without waiting until the last minute, he would further risk exposing the changes he had made. PRIDE was by no means filled with stupid people.

'I wouldn't want them to join me otherwise.', thought Ward.

That meant that time was a factor. It had taken him an entire day for Ward and the others to make the necessary changes. That left him two days until the sacrifice would take place. And he still had a great deal of work left to do. With that in mind, he and the others turned to leave, only to see a woman standing at the entrance to the basement. Unfortunately, Ward didn't have the opportunity to see what she looked like. Because as soon as their eyes met, a staff with a circular head appeared in her hands.

"Well… shit.", Ward swore.

He recognized the staff immediately as "The Staff of the One", a powerful magical weapon. It's sudden appearance also told him who they were dealing with. Knowing that he couldn't allow word of what they had done here to reach PRIDE and seeing several shards of ice ball headed their way, Ward reacted. Reaching out his left hand, Ward disintegrated the shards with the Omega Effect.

Then, he moved forward at a speed that both his attacker and the engineers behind him could barely perceive, he took the staff she was holding from her grip, while simultaneously lifting her up into the air by her throat.

'I really wish I didn't have to do this.', he thought.

Ward detested such shows of force, but he had no wish to kill her… not if he didn't have to. Be that as it may, so long as the woman in his grasp could speak, she "was" a threat. Besides, his attacker wasn't someone who would backdown easily. While bearing all that in mind, Ward tightened his grip. His eyes glowing with flame-like, crimson-colored light, he spoke.

"Good evening, Mrs. Minoru."