[24] Start of Something Great, or Is It?

Chapter 24: Start of Something Great, or Is It?

—

"So what's the story?" asked Enrique as he sat with a cup of coffee on the table. "You are looking much better than last night, by the way."

Mary Jane Watson, the red-haired girl from last night, was sitting opposite him. She was wearing office clothes as if to interview, as that's exactly why she came here. 

Last night, after being saved by Supernova, and offered a job to boot, Mary Jane was gracefully dropped to her home. 

It was late, so Enrique dropped her at her home by the sky. As flying was new to her, on top of her prior drinking, MJ threw up and made a mess. That's why, hearing his compliment, she blushed in embarrassment when she recalled that incident. 

He left me his card last night… MJ meekly looked at him as she thought. I didn't think he was serious, but he really does own a company.

Enrique Nova, the founder, and CEO of his own company, [Nova Games]. He was now sitting across from her, in a casual suit.

MJ actually didn't have many expectations when she left her home today, deciding to attend the 'interview'. She wasn't sure if her skills were enough to work for a Superhero- businessman.

"Miss Watson?" Enrique called her gently, shaking her out of her head with a flinch. "Is everything alright?"

MJ nodded quickly. It was somewhat weird that the interview was happening in a coffee shop (albeit a very luxuriant one), but she didn't question it. He must have his own reasons.

"By the way, I don't actually have an office yet, so the appointment was set here. I hope you don't mind," Enrique sipped his caramel frappuccino. "It'd have been unprofessional to call you to my villa."

"It's fine," MJ took a deep breath, released it, and said. "My boyfriend… I guess he's my ex now. Anyway, I don't wish to share the details, but basically, he is the son of the CEO of a big company. He got me a good job there, though please don't mistake it for the lack of my abilities. If you check the CV in front of you, you'll realize I am more than capable."

"Yes, of course." Enrique took a quick look and nodded. "So you and your boy broke up and he fired you? What a bitch move. What sort of man does that?"

"...." MJ didn't say anything.

It was much more complicated than that, the reason for their breakup wasn't… normal. Harry wasn't normal. Not anymore. Perhaps it was a family trait? Either way, MJ didn't even want to know.

"Anyhow, I have heard about you." Enrique continued. "Not to make it creepy, but I mean to say I know exactly which company you worked for and therefore, who your boyfriend was. I didn't randomly offer you the job, it was a lucky encounter that I met you just when I needed someone like you. So honestly," he pushed the CV away. "I don't need to see this. I know what you can do for me."

Mary Jane Watson. Actress. The executive assistant of Tony Stark. Professional fashion model. Nightclub owner. All these were the works she had done in the comics. Enrique didn't know why he even remembered these.

She did precisely the work of an assistant in the comics, more so for Tony fucking Stark, so she wasn't a bad catch for this job. It was rather true to say this was a lucky encounter.

"Rather than the CV," Enrique leaned back on his chair. "Let's talk about the flexibility of this job. As you saw me last night, I am a hero, business isn't the only thing I have to do. So as my assistant, you'll have to be a lot more flexible compared to any other. Starting from…"

Enrique began to explain; MJ listened with her back straightening. 

MJ did her research on this company before coming here, obviously, and so she knew it was affiliated with the Hardy Corporations. That was a huge company. Nova Games may be small now but had huge potential. 

In such a scenario, to be the CEO's assistant who'll pull all the strings in the CEO's stead, the name MJ will be world-famous when the company becomes huge.

– Breaking news, world-class assistant MJ has once again shocked the world with her genius! 

Things like that, and money. Lots of money. Money was very important. She lost her mother to sickness because she didn't have money. But with this job, she would have it all. Also, working for a Superhero…! That sounded great, too.

"A-alright, so," MJ cleared her throat when Enrique finished explaining. "To boil things down; I will make most of the choices, and you'll just give the final verdict. If you agree with my choice, it happens. If you don't agree, it doesn't happen. I don't get to do anything on my own, all work with your permission."

There were details beyond that, but that was the main point.

"Yes." Enrique nodded. "That's basically the things that a normal assistant does, but you just have more freedom."

"I understand," MJ nodded and released a breath. "I think I can do the job."

"I am glad to hear that," Enrique stood up and reached out a hand. She stood with him and took it, shaking his hand. "I really hope we enjoy a long-term relationship."

"Me too, sir."

"Now, after we finish the paperwork, your first job would be to find us an office." He said with a smile, his eyes looking into hers as he shook her hand gently. "I am waiting to be impressed."

MJ held back a smile and nodded. It was easy for her first job.

****

Indeed, MJ wasn't chosen on a whim. Enrique was sure she was the right person for the job, her comic counterpart wasn't the assistant for Stark for nothing, after all. She proved that by picking a great office for cheap rent.

For the next few days, Enrique went through the job applications filled in the online forums. He picked up the skilled ones, the ones with potential, and the ones he thought would keep the workplace active and fun.

An office where only work happened wasn't a good office; depressed workers weren't fine workers. As the company was still young, these employees were the core people. In the future, they will be the ones to know secrets that nobody else does. So they need to be kept happy so that they don't leave.

After all, when someone with forbidden knowledge decides to leave, it's a very bad thing. So, some goofy people were needed. Along with gossipers, who would keep the office dramatic. At this stage in his life, Enrique could spot such people from just their pictures on the CVs.

New year, and on the 1st of January 2012, the Nova Games officially began in a physical office in New York. It was a seven-story building that was being rented, with the first five being used by other people, while the top two floors were for Nova Games. As Enrique just had 15 employees, there wasn't yet a need for a bigger office.

"Officially welcome to the company, everyone." Enrique wore a smile, suited up in a slick black outfit, and had his hands in his pocket.

The walls were painted white, bright red, bright yellow, and neon green. Picked to especially keep the minds of the workers energized. All the work stuff was brand new, the tables were shiny, and the computers were powerful. The room was decorated today, as it wasn't only the start of the company, but also the start of the year. Overall, it created a lovely atmosphere with the sunlight shining over them by the wide glass wall on one side.

"No work today, as it's the start of everything, and I am already stretching things by calling you to work today. May sound weird, but it was to test your commitment. Two possible colleagues of yours didn't come, they said they needed to be with their family. I respect that, I really do, but I think it's better for them to stay out of Nova Games." Enrique said while wearing a smile, and the cheerful mood seemed to waver for a moment.

The workers have to realize they're working for him, and he could end their careers with a thought. So it was better to signify the hierarchy from the start.

MJ was standing beside Enrique, holding a file, and she smiled awkwardly hearing him. However, she didn't say anything.

"Anyhow," Enrique's eyes moved from one side to another, registering the 7 females and 8 males in front of him. "I have reserved a party for you all in the Restaurant Rose nearby. My treat, of course. I hope you'll enjoy your time there and get to know each other better."

Few of them exchanged impressed glances, hearing the name of the particularly expensive restaurant, as their just recent doubt that their boss may not be the best person suddenly vanished in thin air.

"That's it. I will be taking my leave; if any of you have anything to ask or say, don't mind consulting the beautiful Mary Jane here. Suppose she is the boss when I am not around." Enrique patted MJ's shoulders, making her once awkward smile wide again, and then backed off to a window nearby. "Farewell guys, I will come to check on you from time to time."

Then, under every one's observation, Enrique jumped out of the window and… flew away. That left the workers blinking, awed, as they truly came to accept that all this was real. Some of them had taken the job precisely because it was a Superhero's Company, which meant their life would be all safe and nice starting from now.

Seeing him fly into the horizon at the speed of sound, they truly revitalized their belief.

****

In another part of the city, sitting on his office desk was Harry Osborn as he wore a deep frown.

As he read the report in his hand, his eyes burned with rage and tore the paper apart—releasing a loud groan.

"No, no, no…! She was supposed to come begging me. Why is she working somewhere else?!" Harry Osborn slammed his fist on the table. "Who the fuck does this Nova bastard think he is?!"

Perhaps he should make a point; the fact that nobody could just live normally after taking what belonged to Harry Osborn…! Even if that 'nobody' was a cape-wearing clown.

X-x-X

It was the new year of 2012.

Enrique had no idea precisely when the plot of 'Avengers' would take place. 

Odds were that it might just happen in the last month of the year. So, there was no point in holding back the things that needed to be done.

One such thing was Anna's school. She was yet to graduate high school.

Anna's third year was supposed to start in October last year. But on a holiday a weekend before that, she discovered her powers. After which she fled her home.

So Anna Marie's a 2nd-year high school dropout. Which wasn't a good thing for what Enrique had in mind about her.

"But still, c'mon, sugah! I am a freaking Superhero! Why must I have to attend school?!"

As Enrique had expected, she didn't react calmly when the news was broken to her. It was natural given her age. Only a decade or more later will she realize the true importance of school.

"Listen,"

Enrique sipped coffee and said.

"College is ignorable. In the incoming era, there is nothing that college teaches you that's important enough to waste four years there. You can learn those things yourself. However, it's a little different when it comes to high school."

The two of them were sitting inside a Starbucks, and a few people were looking due to their costumes. A kid had come earlier for an autograph, but other than that, everything was at peace. 

Unlike the rumors, most people in this country minded their own business.

Rogue wore a frown as she sipped boba and stared at him with unamused eyes.

"What's so different?"

She asked since she clearly saw no real reason.

"More so, when I have such a handicap. Why must I… go amongst people who will fear me? Are you even planning to send me to a mutant school?"

"As of right now? Nope."

Enrique shrugged at her question.

"The only two mutant schools are that of Charles and Emma. Charles is clearly not even being considered, while Emma is someone I have a passive-aggressive relationship with. She may be on our side right now, but that may not always be true. I don't want you to study in her school and let her learn all the secrets about your powers."

"Fair enough. Then, a normal school? Um, Enrique…"

She looked hesitant. Scared, even. 

"Is this… really necessary?"

Her glove-wearing hand that was holding the boba glass tightened around it.

"Hah. Let's ignore the benefits you'll get by being a high school graduate. I plan to make you a public figure, in which case it's better to have a clean history than a dropout one. But again, we are going to ignore that since money can fix some certificates. The main thing is, you and yourself."

Enrique explained while sipping coffee. She looked more confused than before as he spoke further.

"Did I tell you that I don't at all suggest therapy to people? Yes, there are cases where therapy is needed, but I speak for the general. The number of people who are taking therapy shouldn't be that high. Ask me, why?"

"...Why?"

"Because most people like to think that they're weaker than they actually are. I am not joking, people find comfort in thinking they're weak. But in truth, they are just little cunts who are scared. Just like you."

"...."

Putting her to silence, Enrique was still calm. He moved to his real point.

"You're scared. You're nervous. You are an anxious little girl. I don't want you to be that way. I'm an evil bastard, right? You said you figured that out. You are not wrong about that. At one point, I just wanted to keep you as you are, only comfortable around me. So that I can use you as much as I want, without you ever even building the courage to say no to me."

"...."

"But, 'evil' I may be, I'm a little weird. I'm evil not only for myself but for all the people close to me." 

He pointed a finger at her.

"That includes you."

With her expression melting, Rogue put her hand down on the table and listened to him.

"This is very beneficial for you. To go to school and graduate manually, I mean."

"Sure, you will have to be very careful to not touch the students, but that too is a good thing. I know that accidents are inevitable. When such accidents happen; I know that when you touch someone and they collapse, you'll feel like shit. You'll blame yourself for everything. However, once that phase passes, you will be stronger. That's what it means to face your fears head-on."

"...."

"Lastly. I don't like weak girls."

Anna was already put back to the center by his earlier explanation. Yet, his last line seemed to hit harder. 

Rogue's lips quivered before she slowly nodded.

"I… understand. You have a point."

She accepted that he had a point. Not that she was eager to do this, but she will do it regardless. Since he asked. 

He said it was better for her. So it must be.

"Good girl," 

Enrique reached out a hand to ruffle her hair a little. Her white hair danced with its brown counterpart before he brought his hand back.

"Mhm,"

Blushing a little, Anna rubbed her nose and smiled a little.

"Alright. But what about our patrolling? If I attend school, I don't think I will be able to accompany you every day…?"

"Tigra will,"

Enrique finished his cup of frappuccino and got up.

"I'm planning on having her officially debut soon. So you just have to focus on studying and fixing your anxiety. We'll take care of the super side."

****

The 1st of January was a workday for both Enrique and Anna, albeit different from the 15 employees of Nova Games who were only called to attend a party.

Unlike them, Enrique and Anna had a job to save lives. As it was the first day, many people acted recklessly. 

Perhaps it's due to how people thought it unlikely that they would be unlucky enough to die on the first day of the year, so they took risks without much thought.

Such as speeding, even though the road was super slippery from the thin layer of snow above it.

"If the police catch you, sir, you'll be in big trouble."

Enrique chuckled to the driver sitting inside the car, while he was in front of the car's engine. His hand was on top of it, leaving a dent.

Enrique had just stopped a slipping car that was just about to hit a mother and a child.

"Are you two alright?"

Anna reached the spot running from far away and asked. She had no sign of tiredness as she checked the nearly-victims.

The driver cursed himself and leaned back heavily on the seat. He too was relieved to see nobody died.

With that, the matter was settled.

The mother was very mad, but at the same time understood the driver wasn't to blame for everything. It's just that the weather was so weird. 

Though the mother forgave him at last, the driver still promised to compensate.

"Thank you for such an understanding conversation, guys. But we two need to leave now."

Enrique showed them a smile and took off into the air with Anna in his arms.

****

What was the best way to put Anna in school?

Was it to have her hide her identity? No, because that'd ruin the whole point as the students will soon realize she had powers.

The true answer was to broadcast it nicely and big.

However, that'd cause another problem. Super-Villains.

The school might be in danger because many would know that Rogue studied there. In that case, the school needed to have enough power to handle itself against such threats.

As of right now, Enrique only knew of one school that was still normal but had the means to keep itself protected.

Midtown High. Peter Parker's school.

Blackcat is also there. Wasn't she third year too? Maybe she and Anna can get to know each other better. With a hum, Enrique noted. 'That's not a bad idea. I should contact Lydia and tell her about it just to have a conversation.'

….

Later, it was fully decided that Anna would go to that school. 

It was perfect, there was no better alternative. 

At least in Enrique's opinion.

At least until he took Anna to school a week later.

"Wha-"

The host of the Phoenix Force, the stunning redhead, Jean Grey stood in front of them. With glasses over her nose and books in her hands, she looked as if she was playing a nerd.

"Why are you guys here?"

Turns out, the Phoenix was a part-time professor in this school. 

Why in hell's name?

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