A Quiet Return

Aaron walked back to the orphanage with a serene calmness that belied the intensity of what he'd just done. The contrast was stark—his outward demeanor was almost peaceful, as if the events of the last few hours had been nothing more than a test, a necessary step in understanding his powers.

As he approached the orphanage, he paused briefly, taking in the sight of the familiar building. It felt strange, returning to a place of such normalcy after what he had just experienced. But he knew he had to keep up appearances.

Upon entering, he was greeted by the nurse who had been looking after him. She seemed relieved to see him, her concern evident in her eyes.

"Aaron, where have you been? I was starting to get worried," she said, her voice a mix of relief and mild reprimand.

Aaron offered a small, sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I just needed some fresh air, and I ended up wandering farther than I planned. Lost track of time, I guess."

The nurse sighed, her expression softening. "Just be careful next time. You know how easily you can fall sick."

"Yeah, I know. I'll be more careful," Aaron replied, his voice steady and calm.

She seemed satisfied with his explanation, though a lingering hint of concern remained. "Well, lunch is ready. You should eat something."

"Thanks, I will." Aaron headed to the dining area, joining the other children. He ate quietly, his mind still processing everything that had happened earlier, but his demeanor remained composed, blending in with the routine of the orphanage.

After finishing his meal, Aaron excused himself and headed back to his room. As he closed the door behind him, he finally allowed himself to exhale, feeling a slight tension in his shoulders ease. It was as if a switch had been flipped, returning him to the familiar confines of his room after the chaos he'd left behind.

Aaron closed the door to his room and walked over to the small mirror hanging on the wall. He stared at his reflection, taking in the features of his new body. Though he had seen himself before, it still felt strange—like wearing a new skin that hadn't quite molded to his old self.

His eyes scanned over his lean frame, noting the slight weakness in his build. He was on the slimmer side, his body not yet filled out, but there was potential there. His face had started to lose its childish roundness, the beginnings of a sharper jawline starting to show. At just 14 years old, standing at a height of 5 feet, it was clear that he had a future of greater height and physical development ahead of him.

Aaron touched his face lightly, as if trying to reconcile the image in the mirror with the person he knew he was inside. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a pause before he would dive into the complexities of what lay ahead.

Aaron took a deep breath as he finished examining his reflection. His mind was already shifting to the future, contemplating the challenges ahead. He muttered to himself, "If I want to stay free and do what I want, I need to be stronger."

The world around him was filled with mutants, gods, cosmic entities—so many unknowns. He knew he couldn't afford to be unprepared. "I need a place to train, somewhere secluded," he thought aloud, "away from prying eyes and potential threats."

As he considered his next steps, another realization hit him. "I need money," he said with a sigh. "A lot of it. I'll need funds for a safe location, training resources, and who knows what else might come up."

Determined, Aaron began to map out a plan, figuring out how he could earn the money he needed. He was resolute in his plan, knowing that securing his future required both strength and financial stability.

Aaron sat down, letting his mind wander over the potential ways to earn money. At 14, his options were limited if he only considered conventional or legal routes. "What can a kid like me realistically do?" he pondered aloud, his eyes scanning the room as if seeking answers.

Then he shifted his thoughts to the darker side of the spectrum, exploring more unconventional ideas. "Mercenary work…" he mused, the idea slowly taking shape. "It's risky, but it pays well and could offer the chance to absorb cursed energy from my targets. Plus, it aligns with the kind of power I need."

His mind raced as he considered the possibilities. Mercenary jobs would not only provide substantial financial rewards but also allow him to practice and perfect his powers. "But first," he concluded, "I need to get better at using my abilities. Otherwise, this whole plan will be useless."

With a clear goal in mind, Aaron resolved to focus on honing his powers before diving into the world of mercenaries. It was a challenging path, but one he was ready to take if it meant securing his future and achieving his objectives.

Aaron resolved to continue his search the next day, but his thoughts were already occupied with the groups he needed to avoid. "First up," he thought, "Hydra—or whatever's left of Shield. I have to steer clear of them. If they find me, they might experiment on me, and I don't want to think about what those Hydra freaks could do. Their obsession with experimentation is well-known, and if they get their hands on me, I could be in for some serious trouble."

"Next on the list," he continued, "is the Sorcerer Supreme and their group. I'm not even sure which version is here. They haven't shown any interest in me so far, which means my actions haven't attracted their attention yet. But that doesn't mean I can be complacent. They're powerful and unpredictable, and I need to be cautious. If I draw their attention, it could complicate everything."

Finally, he turned his thoughts to the mutants. "No contact with mutants, regardless of their side. I don't want to get tangled up in their conflicts. And I also need to be cautious of the Brotherhood. They're notorious for their terrorist attacks and are essentially the opposite spectrum of the X-Men. Their agenda could make them a dangerous wildcard."

His thoughts then shifted to another concern. "I need to protect myself from mental manipulation, especially from that bald 'mental rapist' and his followers. Even though their major events might be over, their influence could still be a threat. I need to be prepared for any attempts to invade my mind or control my actions."

Aaron sighed, feeling the weight of his decisions. "I'm in the epicenter of all these events—New York City. With the threats of Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix still looming, it's clear this universe is an alternate version. I need to be ready for anything. There are so many variables and potential threats. It's a lot to consider, but I can't afford to make mistakes. I need to be prepared for anything, and that means keeping a low profile and staying out of trouble."

With a final glance at the mirror, Aaron steeled himself for the challenges ahead. The path he had chosen was fraught with risks, but he was determined to navigate it with caution and strategic planning. His journey was just beginning, and every step had to be calculated and deliberate.

After noting all the potential threats and planning his next steps, Aaron decided it was time for a break. He'd accomplished a lot in a short span of time, and he needed to recharge before diving into the search for a secluded training location. "I'll take it easy today," he mused. "Tomorrow is when I'll start looking for the right place."

Aaron had a break now that middle school was over, and he was preparing to transition into high school. The government's compulsory education policy provided support for orphanages, ensuring that children like him could continue their education without interruption. "It's a perfect time to think about my next move," he said with a smile.

He knew exactly which high school he wanted to attend. "There's only one high school where so many significant events take place," he thought, his smile widening. The school was infamous for being a hub of activity and pivotal moments, and he saw it as the perfect opportunity to blend in and observe while preparing for the challenges ahead.

Aaron felt a surge of excitement as he imagined the possibilities. "This city is a melting pot of heroes and villains," he thought. "I'm particularly curious about which version of Spider-Man is here. There's always so much going on with him, and it would be fascinating to see how he fits into this universe. Maybe there's a chance I could even tweak my own story a little, make some changes to my past—just for fun."

His playful smile reflected his anticipation. "This break is the calm before the storm," he reflected. "But once school starts, I'll be in the ideal position to set everything in motion. It's going to be a balancing act, but I'm ready for it. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to see what the future holds."

With his plan taking shape and a sense of determination and excitement building, Aaron settled in for the evening, ready to tackle the days ahead with a clear mind and strategic focus. The adventure was just beginning, and he was eager to explore the twists and turns that lay ahead.