The heroes thankfully got to avoid the press as the Pro Heroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. offered to handle it. Star Knight and the others were allowed to return to the Helicarrier, where they now rested in the meeting room.
"Not bad for a first battle as a team" Star Knight said.
Nightlock nodded in agreement. "I'm amazed that so many heroes joined in the fight."
"That's the UA for you" Assimilate said, "They're determined."
"I'm aware they are" Nightlock said, "I actually came from a family of heroes."
"Well, you wouldn't be alone on that" Artillery said, "It's not an easy legacy to live up to."
Just then, Nick Fury entered the room, followed by Eraser Head, Mysterio, and Captain America.
"Nice work out there, team." Fury said.
"Where's Tallia?" Star Knight asked.
"Captain Marvel has agreed to help relocate her to a more remote planet where she'll be safe. Tyserian is almost fully recovered, so once we let him out, he and Tallia will be on their way."
The other heroes were relieve to hear this.
"What of Tokyo?" Assimilate asked.
"See for yourself" Fury replied as he turned the screen on to a news channel. On it, a reporter was speaking in front of a screen showing the people returning to Tokyo as the construction and cleanup crews are seen working.
The reporter continued speaking. "Despite the events of what has been confirmed as yet another alien attack, the sudden appearance of both Pro Heroes, S.H.I.E.L.D. and a whole new team of heroes and their extraordinary display of heroics, helped push the menace back and eventually destroy it. While the new heroes have somehow disappeared, the Pro Heroes, Snipe and Ms. Joke have seemingly vouched to speak for them."
The screen shows Ms. Joke and Snipe talking to reporters. "To be honest, I personally don't know these heroes; they're from America."
"And Russia" Crimson said to the screen as Ms. Joke continued, "However, I do respect them fully."
Snipe added, "This just goes to show that we as heroes don't need to be restrained by our country's borders. If we see somewhere that needs our help, we help them. That's something I think the heroes in America strive for, including these new ones. I respect them for that."
"Do you have any idea what these new heroes are called?" a reporter asked.
The Pro Heroes shook their heads as Ms. Joke replied, "No, I don't know. What I do know is that this will not be the last we've seen of them."
Fury turned the screen off after that, then turned to face the heroes, "You've made quite the impression on everyone since then. Something tells me though that Ms. Joke is right, you'll be teaming up in the future."
The team looked at each other and smiled before Star Knight turned back to Fury. "Yes, I think we will be."
Fury nodded, "In that case, I'll be sure to have you guys on speed dial."
Cap nodded and held up multiple items in his hand. "What you did in Tokyo is nothing short of impressive. After discussing it with the others, it is my honor to nominate each one of you…Avengers."
The team looked in shock as Captain America placed one of the items in front of each of them on the table: a badge with the Avengers symbol on it. The Cap continued, "As Avengers, you have a great responsibility, but it's also a great honor; wear those badges with pride."
"We're honored." Artillery said, "Thank you."
Cap nodded. "You all have earned it. Your father is proud of you, by the way, Anthony."
Artillery smiled with pride. Then, Eraser Head spoke. "While Assimilate does have some explaining to do" Here Chris and the symbiote nervously gulped before Eraser continued, "Us at the UA are grateful as well. To show it, we have something for you back at the school. I can take you to it when you're ready."
The team nodded,
"What about Mysterio?" Ock asked Fury.
Mysterio chuckled, "Well, you're not gonna believe this but…"
Fury added, "After speaking with him and seeing how he helped you, I've given the order to remove him from the Villain watchlist and place him into the Hero Files. We'll try and find a place for him to set up camp, but for the time being, he'll remain with us on the Helicarrier."
Liz game Mysterio a thumbs up.
"Well" Star Knight said, "I think we're done here. Eraser Head, what's this thing you wanted to show us?"
AS the heroes followed Eraser Head out of the room, Assimilate stopped to talk with Fury.
"We hope it's not too much to ask" Assimilate began, "But the two groups of students who showed up in Tokyo: Class 1-A and 1-B, we only ask that your consider them for recruitment. We've known them for a while and we're sure they have what it takes. All we ask is that you consider giving them a chance."
Fury thought for a moment; this might be an opportunity to further the launch of the new agency he was creating. "I'll look into it."
Assimilate nodded. "Thank you." Then he turned to follow the others.
…
A few hours later, Eraser Head led the team down to Musutafu, where they were now in a UA bus driving towards the school.
Jake, in human form, sat next to Karmi. "Hey, I noticed you were using your new powers a bit more."
Karmi nervously nodded. "Yeah, I think I'm starting to get the hang of them."
Jake patted her back. "I knew you could."
Karmi smiled before leaning her head on his shoulder lovingly. Meanwhile, Eraser Head was next to Chris Maverick as he questioned him about the symbiote.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Eraser asked.
Chris sighed. "To be honest, I was scared. Symbiotes are unpredictable, and I was worried, that I would get looked down upon by everyone else for having one. I didn't want how people saw me to change just because I have a new power."
Aizawa nodded in understanding. "Powers like that are indeed no simple matter. However, our job at UA, including mine, is to build you up to your greatest potential, regardless of your powers. I know your past wasn't exactly ideal when it comes to this sort of thing, but you still shouldn't be afraid to speak up."
Chris thought for a bit, then sighed. "Well, thanks for understanding."
Aizawa only nodded before looking ahead. "We're here."
As Chris looked, he became confused; this wasn't the school. Rather, it was an abandoned building that looked only recently vacated, All Might (non-muscular), Midnight, and Power Loader were waiting at the front. The team disembarked from the bus after it stopped and went up to the heroes.
All Might nodded as he acknowledged their approach. "It's good to see you all here. I'm sure you already know that us Pro Heroes are grateful for what you did at Tokyo, so I'll keep this brief." He then gestured to the building behind them, "This facility was once used as a base of operations for Pro Heroes before it was moved to a more convenient location, leaving this building behind. It's still operational, and we're willing to give it to you to use as your own base, if you are willing."
The decision was unanimous, and the other heroes heartily agreed.
All Might nodded, "Well, then, welcome to your new home…uh… do you guys have a team name by any chance?"
"We were nominated Avengers" Star Knight said, "but I guess we could use something that stands out a bit more."
"How bout Avenger X?" Ock spoke up, "We're kind of unknown at the moment, so X makes us sound mysterious."
Nightlock nodded in agreement, "It does sound pretty kickass."
"I like it." Artillery agreed.
Star Knight nodded, "Avenger X it is."
All Might nodded, "Alright then. Well, Avenger X, welcome home."
"I can help with renovations, if need be" Power Loader offered.
Star Knight and All Might shook hands as the others headed for the building. Midnight, however, grabbed Nightlock and pulled him in for a hug as he passed by.
"Don't think I don't recognize you, Haruo." She said, "You and I have some catching up to do. Same with your cousin."
Nightlock simply growled in mild frustration as he pulled away and walked past her, "Not now, Aunt,"
"You can't keep hiding in the shadows forever." Midnight said.
Meanwhile, Eraser Head pulled Chris aside. "Remember you still have classes to attend, not to mention the explanation you owe the whole class about the symbiote."
Chris sighed, "I know."
"Let him be, Aizawa." All Might advised, "He needs some rest considering what he just fought. They both do."
"Well, good thing it's a weekend then." Aizawa said before walking off. Chris simply shook his head, "Some things just don't change, do they?"
"Not really." All Might replied.
Chris shrugged, "Well, I'll be happy to see my classmates again."
"Even Yaoyorozu?" All Might playfully asked.
Chris chuckled at the mention of his adopted sister, "Yeah, even her."
…
Later, the team was busy checking out he building. There were plenty of rooms they could stay in and even a room that could pass for a laboratory, which made Karmi and Ock excited. However, while they were busy, Star Knight found an empty room and set up a small recording camera on a table, sat himself in front of it, and it the record button.
"Star Knight, log entry 2. It has now been a few days since I came to Earth. First impressions; it's definitely not like most planets. The action never seems to stop around here. Oh, and by the way, I helped save a whole city as well as possibly the entire universe at the same time, so that was nice. I'm not alone either; I'm actually leading a new hero team, kinda like you, Dad. We call ourselves Avenger X, and we are pretty awesome. I just wanted to let you guys know I'm ok and that I still think of you despite being down here on Earth. Star Knight out."
He then hit the stop button just as Chris appeared behind him. "Am I interrupting something?"
Star Knight turned around. "No, I was just sending something to my parents. They're probably worried about me. At least, my mom is."
Chris chuckled, "Well, Artillery and I have something to show you."
Star Knight followed Chris into the lab they had passed earlier. Artillery and Liz had already booted up the main computers and seemed to be looking through the files.
"What's going on?" Star Knight asked.
"So, we got the idea to use this place not only as our main base" Artillery explained, "But also as a sort of headquarters for all young heroes."
"The next generation, so to speak" Liz added.
"Not a bad idea" Star Knight said, "but do we know anyone else who would come here?"
"Well, I did have two ideas." Artillery replied and he brought up two different files, "They don't look like much at first, but they've got it where it counts and I'm sure they'll be willing to join."
Star Knight studied the two files and their names: Kamala Kahn and Izuku Midorya. He then smiled as he read the files; this idea just might work.
A new age of heroes was only just beginning…
…
Elsewhere in space, Dex'tro was in a meeting with his "partner" concerning Shade's defeat. In the meeting room, the two sat on opposite ends of the table, with Dext'tro's partner hidden in the shadows.
"I had full confidence in him" Dex'tro argued, "I underestimated the humans would put up such a resistance."
His partner spoke in a deep voice, "Humans are like that. Stubborn, yet strong. Yet I still think you retain potential, Dex'tro. In the right alliance, of course."
The alien commander felt a twinge of hopefulness, "You think so?"
"I know so." The figure then stood up, revealing a very familiar purple humanoid in golden armor.
Thanos smirked, "Trust me, this is only just the beginning."
This ends the first volume. The next volume will explore the backstory of Chris Maverick and the symbiote in Assimilate: Origins. Other unanswered questions from this chapter will be explored in future volumes.
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