Part 2: Questions Without Answers
Location: Avengers Compound, Briefing Room Time: Late Afternoon
The sun dipped low in the sky by the time Riven walked into the glass-paneled conference room. He didn't like rooms with walls. But this one felt less like a cage and more like a window.
Steve was there, seated beside Natasha. Wanda leaned against the far wall, arms crossed. Tony, as always, stood at the head of the table, a holographic display of Riven's earlier flight still spinning beside him.
"How's the head?" Tony asked casually.
"Clearer than it's ever been," Riven replied.
Steve folded his hands. "You learning anything about what this is? Your power, I mean."
Riven considered for a long moment. "It doesn't feel like power. Not exactly. It feels like... expansion. Like every time I push, something opens wider. My body, my thoughts... it all scales."
Wanda narrowed her eyes slightly. "That sounds dangerous."
Riven met her gaze. "It might be. But I think it's more dangerous if I don't understand it."
Tony nodded thoughtfully. "We'll run more tests. Controlled environments. You'll have full access to the gym, the range, the aerial zones—whatever you need. Just keep us in the loop."
Riven gave a short nod. "I will."
Natasha, who'd been quiet until now, finally spoke. "You said your mind and body grow together. Does that mean you remember everything?"
Riven didn't look at her. He didn't have to.
"Every second."
Wanda took a small breath. "Then the question isn't what you are... It's what you're going to become."
And no one had an answer.