89. Zoya

Zachlor16: Hey guys. Before we get into the chapter, just want to say that this is another unique chapter. You'll see why in a little bit. But please note we do see your comments and we keep your suggestions on mind. Also could you lay off the requests and suggestions for a few chapters? We kinda got the next 15 chapters planned out so could you just ease up a little? Thanks. On to the chapter.

At the Royal Woods docks in what was used to be the territory of the Russian gang of Royal Woods, the Terror Crew were meeting up with the Russians to collect money.

"Here you go comrade Johnny." The lead gang member said as he handed Johnny two duffel bags of money. "This week's profits plus extra."

"Some extra bucks. Sweet." Johnny said. "Alright, I'll be back for the profits for next week." Johnny said.

"Hey Johnny!" Candyman called. "Look at these new toys." Johnny heads over along with Nuke and Squatch. They peer into the crates and sees several assault weapons.

"Now these are nice." Nuke said as Candyman pulled one out. This brought one of the Russians over.

"Be careful comrades." He said. "The safety on these are a little touchy."

"We'll be careful." Candyman said.

"I don't use guns. I prefer my own firepower." Nuke said as his hand glowed in yellow energy.

"Speaking of which how's the reactor holding up?" Squatch asked.

"Not to bad. Still getting used to it." Nuke replied. "It's a lot more comfortable than it looks."

"Well let's be thankful you didn't exploded into pieces." said Candyman replied.

"You ain't kidding on that." Nuke said. He then feels something tugging at his pocket for quick second before it stopped. He looked over and saw a little girl running off. "What was that?" He reaches into his pocket and growls. "My money! That runt stole my money!"

"Someone stole from you?" Johnny asked. He then sees the little girl running and runs towards her blocking her way. The little girl turns around and runs the other way, until Johnny runs the other way and blocks her way. "No where to run and hide kid."

She starts to back away where she backs into something hairy. She looks up to see Squatch looking down at her with his arms crossed. He then holds a hand out. "Alright kid hand it over." He growled. The girl sighs and hands the money over to the large meta which he then hands to Nuke. Nuke then counts it to make sure it's all there and nods. "Alright cool. Now who the hell are you? What made you think it'd be a good idea to try and steal from the Terror Crew?" The four then took a closer look at her. She was nine years old wearing a raggedy dress. Her blonde was covered in dirt and she had no shoes.

"You wouldn't hurt a little girl would ya?!" The girl asked.

"Just tell us your name brat!" Squatch shouted.

"I'm not a brat! My name is Zoya and I need to get some food." The girl shouted.

"Oh why didn't you say so?" Candyman asked. He takes off his hat and reaches inside it pulling out a few chocolate bars out of it which he hands to the girl. "Here you are. Some rich delicious chocolate courtesy of Sweet Tooth candy shop."

"You're giving her candy, after she stole my wallet?!" Nuke exclaimed.

"I could never say no to a starving child." Candyman said.

"Yeah Nuke have a heart." Squatch said. Zoya looks at the candy and hesitantly grabs it before scarfing the candy down. "So what's her deal?"

"Oh I see you've met Zoya." One of the Russians said.

"You know this little thief?" Nuke asked.

"She always comes here from time to time." One of the Russians said. "Sometimes we give her some food."

"Huh. She Russian too?" Johnny asked. "I thought I heard an accent."

"Indeed." The Russian responded. "She's the daughter of Ivan Kolov, the Iron Curtain."

"The Iron curtain? I didn't even know that guy had a daughter." Nuke said, "Does she have any powers?"

"No she doesn't, not that we know of." The Russian said.

"So she's powerless?" Squatch replied.

"Like we said we're not sure." The Russian told them. "However she was born after the reactor explosion. Ivan was deported back to Russia after he was arrested. He stayed for little while but snuck back to America leaving behind wife and daughter. She could have the meta gene." The four turn back to the girl who was still eating candy.

"So we're not the only ones with daddy issues." Squatch said. "Well as far as we know with Candyman. And I'm not sure if we want to know."

"You probably don't." Candyman said.

"Well it looks like I did this world a favor by killing Kolov." Nuke said. This got Zoya's attention.

"You killed my father?" She asked.

"Yeah." Nuke replied. "Got a problem with that?" Zoya doesn't respond and out of nowhere, hugs Nuke catching him by surprise. "Um what's happening?"

"She's hugging you." The Russian replied.

"I'm guessing that you hate dad due to him leaving you and your mother?" Squatch said.

Zoya nods. "It's because of him my mother was killed by his former associates." She said. "I came here hoping to kill him but I was told he was already dead. Now I know who to thank."

"Er no problem kid." Nuke said as he peeled her off of him. "But that was more of payback for me than you." He turns to the others. "Let's get out of here." They all start to leave but Zoya runs after them.

"Wait! Can I go with you?" Zoya called.

"You want to come with us?" Johnny asked.

"Yeah." Zoya replied.

"Look kid, we're not running a foster care system. We're running crime businesses. So beat it!" Squatch said.

"But I have no where else to go!" Zoya exclaimed. "You wouldn't say no to a little girl?"

"We just did." Nuke said.

"Besides Johnny and I were on our own without powers and we turned out fine." said Squatch.

"If you call committing crimes, fighting meta human kids and running from the law fine then i guess you did." Zoya said sarcastically. "Look please just take me with you! I won't get in the way I promise."

"Sorry my dear but the answer is still no." Candyman said. Zoya is about to say something else when a car comes screeching in at full speed.

"Look out! We can't stop!" The driver shouted. He and the passenger then jump out of the car but it keeps going straight towards Zoya who doesn't move.

"Move it kid!" Nuke shouted. However the car hits Zoya head on. However when the car hit Zoya, it stopped and the front was badly damaged. The Terror exchange a glance and walk towards the wreckage and when they get there they see Zoya but her skin was metal.

"Her skin is metal!" Candyman exclaimed.

"So she does have father's power?" Squatch shouted.

"Looks like it." Nuke said.

"Alright it's settled." Squatch said. "She's coming." Johnny looks at him surprised.

"Wait what?" Johnny exclaimed as Squatch approached a now normal skinned Zoya, picked her up and placed her on his large shoulder. "You can't be serious?"

"Come on Johnny she has no where else to go. We can't let her stay on the streets." Squatch said. "Besides non of us had a place to stay when we ran away from dad."

"But you can't be serious about bringing her with us!" Johnny argued. "Nuke back me up here."

"Actually i gotta agree with the big guy." Nuke said. "She's a meta human and we could use her."

"I agree with Nuke and Squatch. She can be a useful." Candyman said.

Johnny let out a shout. "You three can't be serious." He shouted. "You seriously want to take a kid under out wings? Really? You're basically volunteering to raise a kid. You all want to do this?"

"It's not like she's a baby Johnny. We just need to give her a roof over her head, some food and warm clothes." Candyman pointed out.

"Her mother is dead bro. You want abandon her, that's your problem. Not mine." Squatch said.

Johnny let's out a groan and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Fine we'll take her with us!" He says. "But I ain't gonna like it! Now let's get out of here!" He starts walking out with the others slowly following him.

"How long before she's wrapped around his finger?" Nuke whispered.

"I give it a week." Squatch muttered back before turning to the girl on his shoulder. "Let's get you out of here kid."

Two weeks later

A bus pulled up in front of a bus stop and opened the door. "Last stop. Everyone off." The driver called. Seconds later, Zoya walks up and climbs off. She no longer wore the raggedy dress she was found in. She now wore a purple t-shirt underneath a blue sweatshirt. She also wore ripped black pants and white shoes. And on her head she had a beanie over her blonde hair. Once she was off the bus she turned to the driver.

"See you tomorrow Stan." Zoya said.

"See ya kid." Stan said before closing the door and driving off. Once he was gone Zoya started making the walk home. As she made her way down the street she saw several different people hanging around. She saw a lot them were thugs and criminals but she didn't mind. She just kept walking. As she passed a group of African American men, they looked up from their conversation and approached her.

"Yo yo it's Zoya!" The lead man chanted as the rest joined in. He holds out a fist. "What up girl?" Zoya smiles and fists bumps before doing the same to the other men.

"Hey guys." Zoya said. "Just heading home. Don't want to keep my uncles waiting."

"Well don't let us keep you." The bigger man of the group told her before doing a bro/sis shake with her. "We'll see you around."

"You know it." Zoya said before walking off. This wasn't new to Zoya. A lot if the crooks and thugs were familiar with her because she sometimes went to collect money with her uncles so she could learn the trade. She they didn't intimidate her in the least.

"Man two weeks ago, I was searching for scraps. Now I have a place to sleep and everything." Zoya said as she walked down the street.

She looked up and saw a couple of Hispanic men approaching her. "Zoya! What's up chica?" One said. She smiles at the two and fist bumps them. "Hey when you see your uncles, let them know we scored a bunch of motorbikes. We can sell them for big money."

"Will do guys." Zoya said as she kept walking where she sees a woman walking along the sidewalk dressed fancy. "Hello. Looks like someone with some good cash on them. Time to have some fun." She walks up to the lady and 'accidentally' trips knocking her and her purse down. "I'm sorry ma'am. I'm just such a klutz." She then begins putting stuff back into the purse. "Here you go."

"Thank you." The lady said before leaving. Zoya watched her go and a smile appears on her face. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a wad of cash.

"Almost too easy." She said. She hears laughing and sees a couple more men laughing from an alleyway.

"Damn Zoya." One said. "You got her good!"

"I sure did." Zoya said.

"You think you can give us half of your money?" One of the men asked.

"Yeah we're a little low." The other added.

"Sure." Zoya said. She counted the money and saw she had snatched four hundred dollars. She then counted out two hundred and gave it to the two. "Here you go. Don't spend it all in one place."

"Zoya girl you rock." One of the men told her before holding out a fist. "See you around." Zoya nods and gives the two a fist bump before continuing home.

Zoya continued to walk on home and walked towards the door. "Hey guys I'm home!" Zoya called out to her uncles.

She looks around and saw nobody. With a shrug she heads to the living room where she saw Squatch on the couch sleeping. Adopting a mischievous grin she puts her bag down and sneaks behind the couch. She peeks over and sees Squatch still fast asleep. She then launched herself over the back of the couch and right onto Squatch's stomach waking up the large hairy meta.

"I'm up!" Squatch shouted. "What's happening?" He then sees Zoya sitting on his stomach. "Oh hey kid. Home from school already?"

"You know it." Zoya replied. "So where are the others?"

"Well Johnny is out collecting money from the drug dealers. Nuke is collecting the income from the arms dealers. Candyman is at work." Squatch said. "I was snoozing when you woke me up."

"I can see that." Zoya said as she climbed off of Squatch. "Hey looked what I swiped." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the money she took from the woman earlier. She handed it to Squatch.

"Not bad squirt." Squatch said. "What technique did you use for this one?"

"You know, my favorite technique." Zoya answered. "Accidentally bumping into someone and helping them pick their stuff up. Works every time."

"Nice, you're a master at that technique." Squatch smirked.

"I know I am. In a few years I might teach my stealing skills." Zoya said.

"That a girl." Squatch said rubbing her head. "Create a new generation of theives. So anything good happen in school today?" Zoya nodded and went into her backpack and pulled out one of her folders. She opens it up, pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to Squatch. "Math test? Let's see what we got here. Damn. Every question right. That a girl."

"Thanks Uncle Squatch." Zoya said. Soon the door to the hideout opened and Candyman did a knee slide in.

"I'm home!" He said cheerfully. "Oh Squatch you're up from your nap already. And Zoya's home!" He picks her up and engulfed her in a tight hug. "Oh how I missed you!"

"Can't breathe." Zoya choked out.

"Sorry about that." Candyman said and released Zoya from his hug. "So how was school?"

"Oh it was fine. Just the normal stuff and all that stuff." Zoya replied.

"She even got a perfect on her math test." Squatch said and showed Candyman the folder.

"Oh that's my girl!" Candyman cried out with tears streaming from his eyes as he pulled her into another hard hug. "You made uncle Candyman so proud."

"Yeah but she's also turning blue so release." Squatch told him. Candyman did as he was told and released Zoya.

"I also scored some cash off some lady." Zoya said. Squatch handed her the money she gave him and handed it to Candyman before retreating behind Squatch.

"Nice. Two hundred dollars." Candyman said. "You're a natural. Also Johnny and Nuke should be here soon." As if on cue, Johnny came running through the door with Nuke not far behind.

"Ha! Beat ya again." Johnny said.

"Well of course because your name is Johnny Speed." Nuke said.

"Face it, you'll never beat me." said Johnny. "Oh hey Zoya. How was school?"

"Oh you know." Zoya said. "Same old same old." She pulls out her math test. "And this."

"A perfect score. Nice one Zoya!" Johnny said as he rubbed the top of her head.

"Thanks uncle Johnny." Zoya said.

"Yeah not bad kid." Nuke said.

"I even got some extra cash on the way home." Zoya smirked.

"Did you used your speical technique?" Nuke asked.

"Of course." Zoya replied,

"See Johnny aren't you glad we took her in?" Nuke said.

"Hey I became glad when I found out she knew how to cook so take that." Johnny said. "Look as long as she keeps doing good in school and becomes smarter than us, she'll be fine."

"Hey can we practice with my powers now?" Zoya asked excitedly.

"Sorry kid." Squatch says. "I gotta eat something."

"Yeah same here." Johnny said following his brother to the kitchen.

"I wish I could but I have to order more candy for my shop." Candyman told her. Zoya then looks hopefully at Nuke who sighs.

"Fine." Nuke said. "Let's go out back and practice."

"Alright!" Zoya cheered and ran towards the back.

When they got outside, Zoya took her sweatshirt off and placed it on a trash can before turning to her uncle. "How far were you able to get last time?" Nuke asked.

"Well uncle Johnny mainly worked on trying to turn my body metal but we were only able to turn my arms." Zoya told him. "I don't get why I can't turn my whole body. I mean I did it when I first met you guys but since then I struggle to do it again."

"You probably did subconsciously." Nuke said as he crossed his arms. "You were almost hit by a car. It is weird that you haven't been able to do it again but we'll keep working on it. Starting now."

"Alright let's do this!" Zoya said.

She closes her eyes and concentrates. She then feels her body start to become metal. She then loses focus and opens her eyes. "So did I do it?" Zoya asked.

"Not exactly." Nuke said. Zoya looks and sees that only her arms and legs became metal.

"Damn it! I always get my arms and legs coated in metal instead of my body!" Zoya groaned. "What am I doing wrong?"

"I think that's for you to find out." said Nuke.

"It's almost like this is destiny telling me I'm not meant to be apart of the Terror Crew." Zoya said sadly. "But I really I want to be a member though. I don't want to go back on the streets."

"Kid, even if you can't master your powers we're not gonna kick you out." Nuke assured her. "Believe it or not we've grown attached to you so we ain't gonna get rid of you any time soon. So like it or not you're stuck with us."

"You guys are really attached to me? Man who would have though that you guys have a soft spot for me." Zoya said.

"Yeah don't go telling anyone about it." Nuke grumbled. "Look kid, weather you can control your powers or not, you're still gonna be one of us. Maybe what you need is a little inspiration." He crouches down. "Get on. We're going for a little flight." Zoya let's out a little squeal and climbed onto her uncle's back. She loved flying with Nuke. Just seeing how everyone looked like ants made her smile.

"I'm on." Zoya said.

"Alright let's go." Nuke said before taking off.

Nuke and Zoya landed on a rooftop in Downtown Royal Woods. This was where most of the Terror Crew's jobs took place. Zoya climbed off Nuke's back and looked around confused.

"Why are we here?" Zoya asked.

"Well this is where most of our jobs take place and I want you to check it out." said Nuke.

She looked down and saw several dealers selling different drugs to different people. Zoya also noticed that none of the dealers were arguing or fighting. In fact they were all having casual conversations with each other. "They ain't fighting." She said. "Why?"

"Simple. They all work for one boss now so they no longer need to fight for survival." Nuke said. "Now take a look at that building." Zoya looked at the building Nuke pointed at and saw it had TC on it. "Everywhere that you see TC on it is our territory. It belongs to the Terror Crew which in turn one day belong to you." Zoya's eyes widen and a smile forms on her face. "Now come on we got another stop to make."

Zoya and Nuke landed in a wooded area. At first glance, Zoya saw nothing special that is until she saw a large building in the distance. "Whoa. What is that place?" She asked.

"The Dungeon." Nuke growled.

"The Dungeon?" Zoya asked.

"It's a prison, where the L-Crew throw in criminals, even other meta humans. They have some kind of device that prevents us from using our powers." said Nuke.

"The L-Crew?" Zoya questions. "Who are the L-Crew?"

"I'll explain later." Nuke promises. "Now this place is where I met Johnny and Squatch. This is also the place that currently has Electron and Payback locked up. They're also members of the Terror Crew. This is a place you never want to go too. That's why we're teaching you all this stuff. So you can be ready."

"OK but who are the L-Crew?" Zoya asked.

"I'll show you." Nuke answered.

Nuke and Zoya landed back into the city where they saw what appeared a battle going on. Nuke landed on a nearby roof where they saw Amplifier, Firecracker, Armor, Black Ice, Genarocker, Petty and Tongri fighting another meta human who was shooting yellow beams and fire at them.

"That's the L-Crew." Nuke growled. "A bunch of annoyances who always get in our way."

"Those guys?" Zoya asked.

"Yeah, there used to be eleven of them until their numbers grew. They got that pink blob, a tiger, a second rate brat, the absorbing guy and that Mechanical girl." Nuke said.

"How do you guys managed to get away from them?" Zoya asked.

"Candyman's drugs. They give us a power boost and the L-Crew are too good to use it." Nuke said.

"Wow." Zoya said. "So they're the enemy?"

"Yeah they're our worst enemy. Ever since they arrived in Royal Woods. No one knows where they came from?" Nuke said.

"Wow." Zoya said.

"Kid I want to tell you something." Nuke said. "Don't trust the L-Crew. No matter what they tell you don't listen to them. All they're gonna tell you is stuff that we've already told you. Trust me when I say they'll do anything to turn you against us. Kid I can assure you that we haven't lied to you at all and aren't using you. Alright kid?"

"I won't trust them." said Zoya.

"Good because despite who we are, we'll always be straight with you Zoya." Nuke said. "No matter what happens you'll always be one of us. You got that?"

"Yeah I got it." Zoya said.

"Good. Now do you have any questions or no?" Nuke asked.

"Yeah." Zoya said before looking up at her uncle with a determined look. "When can I start?" Nuke smirks at her.

"When you can master your powers." Nuke replies.

"Yeah I know." Zoya sighed.

"But when you're ready, nobody will know what hit them." Nuke said. "Ready kid?"

"Yeah I'm ready." Zoya said. Nuke than picked up Zoya and he flies away.

When they got back to the hideout, the other three members of the Terror Crew were waiting for them. "What's up?" Nuke asked as Zoya climbed down and headed towards Squatch who then proceeded to put her on his shoulders.

"You know that meta we've been tracking?" Johnny asked.

"Kind of, the one can mind control people or that Replicate guy?" Zoya asked.

"No the other one with the 'special' powers." Candyman said. "Well I heard from one of our arms dealers that he's about to pull off a big heist."

"How big we talking?" Nuke asked.

"Big enough to get the L-Crew's attention no doubt." Squatch said. "Sounds like a good audition."

"Exactly." Johnny said. "So here's what's gonna go down. Nuke, you and Squatch will keep tracking our new friend while Candyman, Zoya and I take care of some special business."

"I get to go too?" Zoya asked excitedly. Johnny smirks at her.

"How else you gonna learn?" Johnny asked.

"I'm so excited that I can to be part of the action. So where's the special business?" Zoya asked.

"Ah but why ruin the surprise?" Johnny said. "We just need to pick up a few things and then we'll head out. Everyone got it?" Everyone nods. "Good. Let's go."

Zachlor16: Hey guys hoped you enjoyed the chapter. Yes Zoya is the daughter of the Iron Curtain. Not sure if that's exactly what you all wanted but it's what y'all are getting. Now the meta the Terror Crew are tracking will be revealed next chapter so stay tuned for that. Now about requests. Now like I said earlier we do want you guys to hold off for a little bit at least til chapter 100 because we got up til then planned out. And please note we don't use every suggestion you guys give us. Only the ones we like. So if you don't see yours, it just means it didn't really interest us or we had a plot already planned out. Also we don't like to use multiple similar element users. Maximum is too so no more electric characters. Another thing is we do sometimes change up some of your suggested characters to fit what we want them to do. Even if you give us backgrounds, we sometimes change them including appearance. So just keep that in mind. Also everyone, I know the world is crazy right now, just know we're in this together. We'll get through this! Stay safe and remember wash your hands.

Smoke: Alright Zach already explained the rules. I also want to add not all of them need to be the arch-enemies of Lincoln and Luna. They got too many enemies, what about Luan, Leni, Lisa or Lily? They don't have have arch enemies, why not give them arch enemies. Just saying. But like Zach said before, hold off on the ideas, until chapter 100. But anyway, please read, review, stay safe, wash your hands and don't touch your face.