"Where… where am I?" Wyatt said as he cautiously looked around his environment.
Wyatt found himself seemingly suspended in the vast expanse of space. Vibrant galaxies swirled in hues of deep purple and shimmering gold while clusters of stars twinkled like scattered diamonds against the velvet backdrop of the cosmos. Every so often, a shooting star would streak across the void, leaving a luminous trail that danced before fading into the distance.
What bewildered him further was the sheer absence of sensations that one would expect in such an environment. There was no biting cold to chill his skin, nor the desperate need to inhale air in a vacuum that would typically suffocate a mortal being. Instead, Wyatt felt an odd sense of peace enveloping him, as if the universe itself cradled him gently, allowing him to drift weightlessly amidst the celestial wonders.
"This is trippy. Did I die? Is this… heaven? Or the other place?" Wyatt joked. He was trying to alleviate his fears as he continued to float.
"Your performance was… lacking."
A booming, powerful voice erupted behind Wyatt, reverberating through the stillness of space. With a startled yelp, he quickly spun around, his heart racing at the sight before him.
Towering over him was a colossal figure, its imposing presence casting an ethereal glow. The being's bright, luminous white eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness, filled with an intense gaze that held centuries of wisdom. Its form appeared to be composed entirely of pure, swirling energy, crackling with an otherworldly light that shifted and danced like a living nebula. The figure's expression bore the weight of stoicism, a serene calmness that suggested an ancient power and an unwavering resolve, leaving Wyatt both awed and intimidated in its presence.
"You must grow stronger... Wyatt," The powerful being said. "If you fail to do so, then everyone's efforts would have been in vain."
"Wha? Hold on! Who or what are you, and where am I?! And what do you mean by "everyone's efforts would have been in vain"? Make sense, damnit!" Wyatt yelled, ignoring the fear that was shaking his very bones for raising his voice to who could probably erase him from existence with ease.
"Grow stronger… and perhaps we'll meet again," The being said and snapped its fingers.
Wyatt screamed as he was sent hurling through the endless space.
••o••o••o••
Wyatt woke up feeling his head being smacked repeatedly. He turned up to see an angry old Chinese woman swing a broom at him whilst yelling in Mandarin. Her Mandarin quickly changed to English as she saw him finally awake and moving.
"How many times do I have to tell you weirdos not to sleep behind my restaurant? Get out! Get out!" The woman yelled. Another whack of her broom followed each word.
"Geez! Lady, alright! I going! I'm going!" Wyatt stood up and covered his head with his arms to defend himself from the woman's attacks. Moving quickly, he got away from the woman and neared the end of the alley.
It was the middle of a bustling afternoon in New York City, where throngs of commuters navigated the busy streets, each individual lost in their own thoughts and routines. The sounds of honking horns and distant chatter filled the air, creating an effortless symphony of urban life. Amidst this chaos, a brief flash of light flickered unnoticed in the alleyway.
Wyatt, now clad in comfortable, casual clothing, stood at the edge of the sidewalk, taking a moment to stretch his weary, bruised muscles. As he scanned his surroundings, he absorbed the vivid colors of shop signs and the rhythm of pedestrians rushing by.
"Am I in Brooklyn?" He asked before hissing. "Shit. I hurt. I hurt all over."
Wyatt rubbed his tired eyes and released a heavy sigh. "What the hell was that? Was that a dream? Or… something ominous?" He shuddered and began walking on the sidewalk. "Whatever it was, it can't bode well for me. Okay… time to head home for a nice long nap."
••o••o••o••
A man with an eyepatch covering his left eye stood resolutely within the dimly lit surveillance and intelligence gathering room of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (SHIELD). The room hummed with the low buzz of technology and flickering screens that displayed a wealth of data on threats and operations worldwide. His expression was tight and collected, showcasing a lifetime of experience in high-stakes situations. This man was Nicholas Joseph Fury, the formidable Director of SHIELD, known for his no-nonsense demeanor and strategic mind.
Beside him, looking equally focused but with a hint of warmth in his demeanor, was Phil Coulson, his trusted right-hand man. Coulson was a highly decorated agent, respected for his tactical prowess and unwavering loyalty. He stood ready with a wealth of knowledge and insight, prepared to support Fury.
"Care to repeat that?" Nick Fury asked in a tight voice. The small team composed of researchers and surveillance specialists all flinched at the man's icy tone.
"Y-yes, sir. We believe the individual known as Atomic appears to possess the ability to create or manipulate matter in his surroundings, allowing him to generate a variety of objects or materials at will," This observation was reported by a young analyst who, while addressing his superior, conveyed his findings with a sense of urgency. He provided this information while rapidly documenting details on his tablet.
With a swipe of his finger, footage of the battle in Harlem started playing on the large wall-sized monitor in the high-tech room. The video primarily highlighted Atomic's powers, showcasing his ability to fly and manipulate his surroundings to his advantage.
"Upon analyzing one of the wheelchairs designed for injured individuals, it was observed that the materials used in its construction were comparable to those typically found in standard wheelchairs, if not of higher quality," The young man noted, "It almost suggests that..."
"He can manipulate the very atoms themselves," Coulson said with astonishment. "That's…"
"Dangerous," Fury cut in, gaining everyone's complete attention. "That explains how Atomic was able to create Emil Blonsky's adamantium restraints. That material is one of the rarest and most difficult things to manipulate on the planet, and he just whipped it out of thin air like it was nothing."
"Actually, it seemed that he used the concrete as… sorry. I'll shut up now." The young man said without thinking. Only to quickly quiet down once Fury's gaze fell on him.
"If Atomic can change the atoms of anything he wishes, the very world itself is his playground," Coulson said. "Is he capable of manipulating living matter?"
"Uh, we don't know if he can or can't yet," A brown-haired woman said meekly. "He didn't seem to have changed or affected Blonsky's body during the confrontation, but if our theories on his abilities are correct, there's no reason why he couldn't affect living matter."
"In theory, he could wave his hand and erase someone from existence. He's almost... like a god," Another researcher said with a fascinated look before grimacing. "I mean… sorry."
Fury glared at the researcher and glanced back at the footage still playing on the monitor. His one eye focused on Atomic's helmet, almost as if he concentrated enough; the figure's hidden identity would be revealed to him.
"Coulson, form a specialized team and find out Atomic's identity. I want to know who he is and where he sleeps," Fury said and made to leave the room.
"Yes, Director." Coulson nodded and turned back to the footage. He watched as Atomic flew and moved, not to fight the Abomination. But to help those around him.
As Coulson watched Atomic save several lives, he had a feeling deep within him that Atomic wasn't a threat. His instincts were telling him that the man could be a force for good.
••o••o••o••
Erik Magnus Lehnsherr, better known as Magneto, stood with an air of quiet authority in a sprawling, opulent room adorned with dark wooden furniture and rich velvet drapes. The faint glow from the massive screen before him illuminated his intense gaze as he scrutinized the chaos captured in the footage from the recent battle in Harlem. His hands were clasped behind his back, a posture that exuded both confidence and contemplation.
As he watched the two titans—Hulk and the Abomination—clash with a ferocity that shook the ground, his focus remained unwavering, fixated solely on Atomic. The powerful displays of raw strength and destruction were mere background noise to him; it was the enigmatic figure of Atomic that commanded his full attention. Each movement, each flicker of energy, drew Magneto deeper into a mental analysis of potential alliances and threats, setting the stage for his next strategic maneuver.
"He's the one that you saw flying away from Charles's school," Erik stated. Behind him, a woman with blue skin and orange-red hair nodded.
"Yes, he's the one." Mystique nodded. "What amazing potential he has."
"Indeed. It leaves me to wonder why Charles let him go." Erik frowned and watched as Atomic created chains made of Adamantium. "What an incredible gift."
"I've already begun a search for Atomic. With him on the side of the Brotherhood, our goals for this world could come to fruition much sooner than later." Mystique said, her eyes glued on how Atomic held Abomination in place with just his hand.
"Use any method to recruit Atomic to our cause. He must not fall into any other faction." Erik said with a dark glare under his red and purple helmet.
"Understood. I will not fail." Mystique smiled and left the room. Leaving Erik alone.
"You will be one of my spears to take down the false wall of superiority that humanity has erected," Erik said, his grey steely eyes locked on Atomic's helmet.
••o••o••o••
-2 Months Later-
A now sixteen-year-old Wyatt navigated around a group of tourists who were taking pictures, their laughter providing a cheerful backdrop to his morning workout. He felt light on his feet, each stride bringing him deeper into the city's heart, where the iconic architecture rose majestically.
As he jogged past Central Park, the expansive greenery provided a beautiful contrast to the surrounding concrete jungle. He could hear the distant laughter of children and the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. He pushed himself to maintain a steady pace, his heart racing but steady—thanks to his daily physical training over the past two months. Granting him much greater strength and stamina than from he first woke up to this new world.
"Just a few more blocks," he muttered to himself as he navigated through the maze of streets. As he continued, the world around him became a blur—the honks of taxis, the chatter of pedestrians, the distant sound of a street performer strumming a lively tune.
Jogging past food vendors hawking hot dogs and pretzels, he couldn't help but smile. With his mental finish line just a few blocks ahead, Wyatt's spirits soared. He sprinted the last stretch, exhilaration coursing through him as he crossed the invisible finish line of his routine. Annoying some commuters as he brushed past them.
"Watch it, you punk!" A New Yorker eating a bagel yelled.
"Sorry!" Wyatt cackled and ran away. As he ran, he passed by an electronics store with several televisions in the storefront. On their screens, various live news channels were visible.
"...it's been several weeks since the attack in Harlem that left it in tatters. There have been no more sightings of those involved..." A female reporter said as she pointed to the still-in-progress rebuilding efforts in Harlem.
"..Yeah, there was this guy dressed up like some Power Ranger or something. He just swooped in and began fighting the big, ugly guy out of nowhere. It's true! I was there!..." A homeless man said with wide eyes.
"...the sudden disappearance of the 400-foot bottomless pit on 125th street in Harlem has suddenly vanished. Almost as if it was never there, to begin with. Leaving the city's construction team bewildered..." A male newscaster said as images of the street that once held the large hole where the Abomination fell were no longer there.
"...I don't know if you're seeing this, Atomic. But I want to thank you for saving my life. I was the one you helped from..." A young woman with a light bruise on her head said.
The recent leaks of footage from security cameras and smartphones during the Harlem attack has thrust the Hulk, Abomination, and a new figure known as Atomic into the spotlight. Amid the chaos and destruction, it's Atomic's courageous actions and relentless rescue efforts that have captured the hearts of many New Yorkers. Videos shared online by witnesses showcase his remarkable bravery as he navigated the perilous scene to save those in danger. As a result, a growing number of residents were now fascinated by this emerging hero, eager to learn more about the man behind the mask and the impact of his extraordinary feats.
As time passed, the public's hunger for information about Atomic only grew, with many eagerly scanning the news and the sky, hoping for another glimpse of the enigmatic figure. However, much to their dismay, Atomic had yet to make a reappearance. His mysterious absence led to a gradual decline in the public's fervor, but discussions about him continued to thrive across platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and a range of other social media channels.
Debates raged on as passionate voices clashed over whether he was a hero championing justice or a perilous vigilante operating outside the law. Some speculated about Atomic's origins, with whispers suggesting he might be a Mutant, a notion that stirred animosity among those who harbored deep-seated prejudices against Mutants. These sentiments fueled a growing call from certain factions within the community, demanding his arrest and raising questions about the implications of his powers on society as a whole.
All this attention was the reason for Wyatt to lay low and keep his usage of his powers under wraps in fear of those in S.H.I.E.L.D, Hydra, or whoever else from finding him.
This didn't mean that Wyatt had completely set aside his powers. He had taken to pushing himself more than ever, determined to enhance his abilities. It was in the old warehouse, far removed from prying eyes, that Wyatt explored the full extent of his potential, working tirelessly to refine his skills and unlock new levels of mastery.
The intense confrontation with Abomination served as a crucial awakening for Wyatt. The sheer ferocity of the fight made him realize that in a world teeming with superpowered beings, he couldn't continue living his life in a lackadaisical manner. He'd end up dead if he did.
He understood that he needed to evolve—both physically and mentally.
While he could return to his peaceful days and never put on his metaphorical cape again, he knew he couldn't. Not after that night when he had stepped in to help all those people from Abomination.
He had a gift. A gift that could help hundreds of lives and improve peoples circumstances. And with his abilities, it would be effortless.
But to do so, it meant that he would have to put on his helmet and cape back on. That would naturally bring the attention of several different groups and individuals with different agendas.
This meant Wyatt had to be ready. While his main intentions were to help people, he knew conflict would eventually find him. Every encounter could turn deadly at any moment, and without a solid grasp of his abilities, he risked ending up injured or even loosing his life.
Wyatt became determined to refine his powers, dedicating himself to training rigorously. He immersed himself in honing his skills and practicing his techniques and strategies until his abilities became second nature.
It didn't help his nerves that there was also some powerful entity overseeing Wyatt's progress.
"You must grow stronger... Wyatt," The powerful being had said. "If you fail to do so, then everyone's efforts would have been in vain."
Wyatt was left confused at its words. There was so much to unpack in what it said that he didn't know where to start. He settled for the easiest aspect of its words. Getting stronger.
With his abilities, Wyatt knew that his potential was limitless. Unlike the Invincible universe, Wyatt wasn't held back by any external force, like writers.
Atom Eve was limited to whatever the writer wanted, despite her reality warping powers. This usually meant that she wasn't allowed to outshine the series' main titular character. Invincible, aka Mark Grayson. Atom Eve could have always ended any fight she entered instantly if the writers allowed her. But they didn't; otherwise, Mark wouldn't have been able to shine.
But in his new world, Wyatt wasn't hampered by anyone.
The only thing holding him back was his imagination and knowledge.
His imagination was expansive, enhanced by memories of various fictional worlds from another life. Wyatt's powerful new mind was prepared to absorb any new information he encountered. His extensive understanding of atomic composition and molecular structures came with a built-in eidetic memory, allowing him to absorb anything he desired as long as he focused on it.
With this ability, he used any free time from his training to read and study anything he could get his hands on. Making him a regular at the New York Public Library.
Back to the present, Wyatt used a towel from his backpack to wipe off some sweat from his face. Reaching a small coffee shop, he bought a bagel with creme cheese and a iced coffee. Once he took a seat on a free table, he took out a sketchbook and flipped to his latest entry.
On the page was a meticulously crafted sketch of a vibrant red and white superhero suit, combining design elements reminiscent of Atom Eve, Invincible, and Omni-Man's iconic costumes. The suit featured an array of intricate details that highlighted the advanced materials used in its construction. These included a carbon fiber weave, which promised both flexibility and strength and a layer of graphene for added durability and resilience. Overlaying this was a luxurious silk exterior that offered a sleek, polished finish, catching the light from various angles.
To ensure maximum protection for vital areas, the suit incorporated thin plates of Adamantium strategically placed to shield the head and torso without compromising mobility. Every aspect of the design was carefully considered, from the aerodynamic contours that enabled swift movement in flight to the reinforced seams intended to withstand intense combat.
Grinning at his design, Wyatt took a bite of his bagel and leaned back. "Ready or not, world. Here I come."
----
AN: Please let me know if you're enjoying the story thus far. Your comments and interaction is what motivates me to write. So feel free to let me know what you think. Other than that, see you next time!