chapter 4

Chapter 4

Date: January 18, 1990

Location: St. Augustine's Orphanage, London

David lay on his bed, staring up at the cracked, water-stained ceiling as his mind raced. The reality of his situation was settling in, and with it came the weight of endless possibilities — and dangers. Knowing he was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thrilled and terrified him. Here, heroes and villains were real. The events he'd once watched on a screen would unfold around him. And with each of those events came risks, risks he could do little about with a six-year-old's body, even with his newfound power.

The MCU was a world of gods, mutants, and enhanced beings, many of whom had abilities that would dwarf his if he wasn't careful. And if those heroes and villains discovered him… he didn't even want to think about what they might do. I need a plan. I need to be ready.

He went through everything he remembered, recalling the details of each phase, each conflict, trying to line up events in his mind. There were key moments he'd need to avoid — situations that could lead to devastation or death. He closed his eyes, visualizing a timeline, remembering dates and details. The Battle of New York… the Winter Soldier… Ultron… Thanos… Each name brought a chill, a reminder of how perilous this world could be.

But it was also a world with hope, with people who fought for justice and humanity. And if he was going to survive here, maybe even help, he'd need to grow stronger. He couldn't be a bystander in this world, not with the power he possessed.

David rolled onto his side, brow furrowing as he thought it through. First things first: training. He needed control and stamina, and he needed to protect himself. If he remembered anything from the comics and movies, it was that telepaths like Charles Xavier and Jean Grey could read minds — and alter them. That thought terrified him. He couldn't risk exposing who he truly was, not yet.

He sat up, determined. He would train his body, build his endurance so he could place an order to protect himself from telepaths. It might take weeks, maybe months. But it would be worth it.

The beginnings of a plan formed in his mind, a way to survive and stay under the radar. He'd need to grow stronger, physically and mentally, preparing himself for what lay ahead. If I'm going to live in this world… I'll do it on my terms.

For the first time since he woke up here, David felt a sense of purpose, a determination that settled the fear in his chest. He'd use this power wisely. He'd prepare for what was coming. And he'd survive, no matter what.

End of chap.