Chapter 39 : Planning ahead
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In silence, I pinch the bridge of my nose with a frown. I just… can't ! This silly girl really expects us to compete with a team originally funded by the government ? And while that's not true anymore, all the things they've invented and patented make their pockets much deeper than those of four teenagers like us.
Sure, Peter, while not as much of a genius as Reed Richards, was gifted too. He could probably create a few revolutionary things… For instance, his web-fluid might be useful for construction or sold to law enforcement agencies to temporarily restrain suspects and criminals.
Thinking it through, I think that's where Peter's talent lie : chemistry. I think. I don't know if he has other talents and/or interests. Still, in any case, he would need money in order to patent anything. Otherwise, the patent board could just refuse his patent and use his idea for themselves… He needs someone to defend his idea and prevent anyone from stealing it. I remember it happened to Peter in a fan-fiction I read once. Moreover, it was stolen by none other than Tony Stark…
Yeah, he won't be going through this if I can prevent it…
As for the idea of fighting as a team ? It's not a bad one, actually. At least, we'll have each other's back in case things go wrong. And frankly, it's much better than going it solo 'cause I ain't doing that ! Peter's gone through so much shit in the comics because of it… Kingpin unmasked him twice and discovered his identity once in the Ultimate comics. He was captured, tortured, had his loved ones taken hostage, etc…
If he'd been able to call on allies, some of those events might not have turned into such tragedies. I'm thinking of the Amazing Spider-Man movies, especially. First, it was Gwen Stacy's father who died, and then Gwen herself…
So, I decide to say :
« It's not a terrible idea… Though we'll have to see later for a hide-out or turning Peter into the next Reed Richards. We'd need money for those two. »
Doreen pouts a bit before saying uncertainly :
« Can't we… I don't know. Find some unused building or something ? »
« Yeah, but we won't be able to truly settle down and leave anything there. Financially challenged, wannabe heroes aren't the only people looking for quiet, deserted places. So, are homeless people, and criminals. Unless we can secure it in a permanent way it's just not worth it. Not to mention, what if someone buys the building, or the city decides to finally do something with it ? » I shake my head and continues : « Unless we find something that hasn't been used for years, preferably unknown or forgotten by everyone, I don't think it's worth it… What do you guys think ? »
Looking at everyone, it seems my words hit close to home, at least. Doreen's pout increased, but she stays silent. What I haven't told them, is that I actually have plans to make myself stupid rich. Or rather than plans, it's more of a hope really. To become the next J.K. Rowling or Georges Lucas with my stories. It would also tie into my idea to amplify or add to my powers. However, before I can even consider implementing the ideas I have, or even think about it more, I think I should consult my parents… Perhaps come to an understanding with someone else, as well.
God, I really don't want to meet him… or her. Still don't know what's the version of this character.
Suddenly, Cory speaks up :
« If we're doing this, there's something I need. Badly ! Perhaps, something we all need : training. Nate's parents know about my powers and offered to train me as well, but if we're to become a team, we also have to learn how to fight together… »
I start and look at my foster sister. That's a surprisingly smart thing. An obvious thing and yet… I hadn't think of that. Take the first Avengers movie for instance… The first time these walking sources of Ego decided to take up arms… It was a disaster. It took Coulson's death for them to pull their shits together somewhat. That, and the threat of a pending alien invasion. We have to be smarter than that.
Speaking of alien invasion, I wonder if it's going to happen here… Probably. Perhaps not the Chitauri, but the Krulls, the Krees or whatever other intergalactic power exist out there. Maybe something worse like the Xenomorphs from Aliens or some other living nightmare from out in the depths of space.
Once more I shake my head. I'm doing that a lot lately… Letting my thoughts get away from me. It can be productive, but not in social situation. Or fight situation. I wonder if it's because of stress… Probably. Anyway, I have to focus on the conversation that's continuing without my input.
« What do you think, Nate ? Think your parents would agree to train us ? »
Apparently, Peter, Cory and Doreen agreed that it's the best course of action. It kinda is, when it comes to train to fight and deal with magical threats. I nod but add :
« Sure. However, we should also train on our own. My parents deal in the mystic. Even though they've helped Cory and me escape from kidnappers, they don't know the first thing about criminals, organized crimes and a bunch of other stuff we'll have to do as super-heroes. Maybe we should think of consulting our senpais if we're to to do this… »
« And by Senpais, you mean ? » Peter asks.
I shrug. New York has a whole gallery of super-heroes, and super-powered people. Or, I guess I could use my dad's contacts. I cross my arms and my right index finger automatically starts tapping on my bicep. Dad doesn't want me on Xavier's radar, that much I know… But they've got the facilities and the training we need. Do we risk getting embroiled in all the X-men's bullshit by associating with them more than necessary ?
Instead of thinking and deciding on my own, I tell my friends about my doubts… Peter, as the nerdy fan of brilliant men he is, is all for training with them. He also seems to have some kind of hero worship when it comes to the X-men, for some reason. Almost as if he wants to be one of them… I thinking more than the X-factor, it's the babe factors. For a teenager, and I speak from experience, the girls in this mansion are almost like crack for an addict.
Doreen is interested, only for one thing : Wolverine. For some reason, perhaps because they share animalistic traits, she has a huge crush on the man. Plus, according to the two women of our group, the man is 'hot'.
As for Cory, she's considering a possible access to tech we wouldn't be able to get our hands on. The suits truly designed to handle high risk situations, and not stitched in our garages. The advanced computers, the vehicles…
In the end, it seems everyone but me agrees that it is a good idea.