Chapter 1

In the heart of Vought Tower, the ever-present hum of corporate machination filled the air. It was here that Madelyn Stillwell, the unyielding Vice President of Hero Management at Vought International, sat in her pristine office, contemplating the next move in her grand design. The room was as sleek and calculated as she was, adorned with modern art and tech gadgets, and a sprawling view of New York City that symbolized her reach and influence.

Madelyn had always been an innovator, pushing the boundaries of the superhero industry. Her reputation for audacity and forward-thinking was matched only by her ambition. Today, she was about to unveil her boldest plan yet.

She leaned back in her chair, clasping her hands with an air of calculated anticipation. This was her moment. And she was ready to present an idea that would change the very landscape of Vought's superhero lineup.

As the minutes ticked away, she watched the hands of the clock move relentlessly forward, knowing that her moment with Edgar, the stoic and calculating CEO of Vought International, was drawing near.

The office door creaked open, and Edgar walked in, an imposing figure in a tailored suit. His demeanor was as icy and unyielding as Madelyn's own.

"Madelyn," he began, not bothering with pleasantries, "You requested my presence. What is it that's so urgent?"

Madelyn was undeterred by Edgar's cold demeanor. With a smirk, she began to unveil her grand plan, "Edgar, the world is changing. The superhero landscape is evolving. We can't keep relying on the old guard. We need something fresh, something bold."

Edgar raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. "And what do you propose, Madelyn?"

Madelyn's eyes sparkled with the thrill of innovation. "Imagine the potential, Edgar. We're going to create a team of young superheroes, fresh faces with untapped power. They'll form their team and take the world by storm."

Edgar pondered her proposal for a moment. Madelyn had a knack for daring ideas, and he couldn't deny the potential of her plan. A team of young superheroes with a self-made image was an intriguing concept.

Finally, he nodded. "Make it happen, Madelyn. But let's put a spin on this. Remember, this team will be made up of teenagers. Volatile, impulsive hormone-addled teenagers. It is not if but when they make a mistake we can't have them besmirching our image."

She nodded"Of course sir. And to that, I have a proposition"

He raises his brow" Go on"

"We say that they created the team. However, since they are so young and lack funding. Vought a company invested in a future where supes safeguard America is willing to sponsor these aspiring heroes."

He takes in her pitch. It was a good idea and allowed them to have a way out if the team crashed and burned.

"Alright, you have the green light. Don't disappoint me and pick winners"

Later that day, the chosen candidates were contacted and invited to a meeting to discuss the creation and funding of the new team. The individuals chosen in the end were A-Train, Glacius, Popclaw, Mesmer, and Big Game. Their hero names were chosen for them by Vought, but they were yet to be revealed. The meeting was set to take place the following day, and the young heroes were filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of anxiety as they embarked on their journey into a world they aspire to be a part of, a new era in superheroism.

The following day, in a discreet conference room within Vought Tower, the chosen candidates for Teenage Kix gathered. They were a group of young, talented individuals, all between the ages of 14 - 21, each harboring dreams of becoming superheroes.

In the room, A-Train, Glacius, Popclaw, Mesmer, and Big Game sat, their eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. They were joined by Madelyn Stillwell, who wore an enigmatic smile, and an executive who remained shrouded in the shadows.

Madelyn addressed the group, "Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome you to this momentous occasion. You have been chosen for a special project, a project that will not only transform your lives but also change the face of superheroism."

A-Train, always the confident one, leaned forward with a grin. "Yeah, let's get to the good stuff. What's the plan, Madelyn?"

Madelyn continued, "We're here to discuss the creation of a new superhero team, one that you will form and lead yourselves. You'll become the face of the next generation of heroes, exemplifying a fresh start in the world of supers."

The candidates exchanged glances, trying to process the enormity of what was being presented to them.

Madelyn continued, "You'll publicly be seen as a self-made team, individuals who've come together to make a difference. And Vought International will be there to support you, to provide the resources you need to succeed."

A-Train couldn't help but ask, "So, what's in it for us?"

Madelyn's enigmatic smile widened, "You'll receive all the necessary training, mentorship, and funding for your team's endeavors. In return, you'll be the future of Vought, embodying the ideal of the modern superhero."

Popclaw, her claws glinting in the soft light of the room, seemed intrigued. "What's the team called?"

Madelyn hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "

Mesmer, a thoughtful and introspective candidate, spoke up, "What about our abilities, how can we train them and who will help us?

Madelyn's response was cryptic, "That's part of the adventure. Your abilities are unique, and it's up to you to harness them to their fullest potential. Vought is here to help guide and mentor you, but your journey will be your own."

Big Game, a young candidate with an imposing presence, asked a crucial question, "What's the first step?"

Madelyn nodded. "The first step is a symbolic one. Choose a team leader from among yourselves, someone who'll be the face of Teenage Kix. This leader will guide the team and make decisions on behalf of the group."

The candidates exchanged glances, feeling the weight of the decision ahead of them. The choice of a leader was a pivotal moment, one that would define the course of their journey.

And so, in that quiet, unassuming room in Vought Tower, the young heroes embarked on the path that would lead them to becoming the first members of Teenage Kix, a team destined for greatness. But their adventure was only beginning, and the challenges they would face were yet to be revealed.

After the candidates for Teenage Kix left the conference room, Madelyn Stillwell and Stan Edgar, the enigmatic CEO of Vought International, retreated to Edgar's imposing office for a private conversation.

Madelyn was the first to speak, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "That went well, Edgar. The candidates are a diverse and dynamic group. Big Game seems to be the standout candidate for the team leader position."

Edgar nodded, acknowledging the astute observation. "Yes, he exudes a natural presence and charisma. I believe he could be an excellent choice."

Madelyn, always thinking ahead, leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Edgar, I have another idea. If Teenage Kix performs exceptionally well for their first year, we should consider forming another young superhero team, one with a religious and patriotic theme. I'd like to call them 'The Young Americans.'"

Edgar raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me more, Madelyn."

Madelyn continued, "The Young Americans will be a group of young, devout supes, ready to carry the torch of faith and patriotism. It's a unique angle that can resonate with a specific demographic. I already have a list of potential candidates and their superhero names."

She slid a dossier across Edgar's desk. The names and superhero identities were listed neatly:

- **Annie January - Starlight**

- **Rebecca St. Paul - Holy Mary**

- **Alexander Duncan - Drummer Boy**

- **Lester McCall - General Issue**

- **Edward Douglas - The Standard**

Edgar reviewed the list, recognizing the strategic value in Madelyn's proposal. "The Young Americans. It's an interesting concept, Madelyn. We'll keep this in mind as a future project, should Teenage Kix prove successful."

Madelyn smiled, her ambition undeterred. "Thank you, Edgar. I believe the future of Vought and the superhero industry is brighter than ever."