The Fantasticar touches down smoothly on the designated landing pad atop the Baxter Building. The team exits the vehicle, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction etched on their faces. They make their way inside, drawn by the comforting aroma of freshly prepared food wafting through the air.
As they enter the main living area, a familiar voice greets them.
"Welcome home, Dr. Richards, Ms. Storm-Richards, Mr. Grimm, Mr. Storm, Franklin, and Valeria. Lunch is prepared. I hope you all are well."
Standing three feet tall with a smooth, white cylindrical body and a single large blue optical sensor, H.E.R.B.I.E. is the Fantastic Four's robotic assistant. Created by Reed Richards, H.E.R.B.I.E. is designed to support the team in scientific research and tactical analysis, but he has become an integral part of their family.
The family gathers around the large dining table, each taking their usual seat. H.E.R.B.I.E. begins serving the meal with his usual mechanical precision.
"On the menu today, we have the standard fare. Sandwiches, vegetables, and assorted juices. Anything is possible with the food printer."
The plates appear, each bearing a carefully constructed sandwich, a colorful array of vegetables, and a glass of juice.
Sue notices that Valeria is unusually quiet, picking at her food without much enthusiasm.
"Valeria, honey, is everything alright? You seem a little preoccupied."
Valeria sighs, putting down her sandwich.
"I just… I don't have powers like the rest of you. I feel like I'm just a liability out there."
Reed frowns, leaning forward. "Valeria, that's simply not true. Your mind is your greatest weapon. You're the smartest person I know. Smarter than I am, actually."
Ben nods in agreement. "Yeah, toots, don't sell yourself short. You came up with the plan, didn't ya? Besides, we're a team. We got your back."
Johnny grins, striking a heroic pose. "And hey, if anyone messes with my niece, they'll have to deal with the Human Torch! Flame on!" A small flicker of flame ignites around his hand, then quickly vanishes.
Sue reaches across the table and gently takes Valeria's hand. "We're a family, Valeria. We protect each other. You're never alone."
Valeria looks at each of them, her expression a mixture of gratitude and frustration.
"I appreciate that, but I don't want to be a damsel in distress. I want to be able to protect myself."
She pushes her plate away, the half-eaten sandwich sitting forlornly on the plate. With a determined look, she stands up from the table.
"I'm going to work in the lab."
Without another word, Valeria turns and walks out of the room, leaving a palpable silence in her wake.
Sue watches her go, her brow furrowed with worry.
"I'm worried about her, Reed."
Reed sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"I know, Sue. I just don't want her pushing herself too hard."
Ben leans back in his chair, his rocky face thoughtful.
"She'll be alright, Sue. Valeria's tough. She'll figure it out."
H.E.R.B.I.E. chimes in. "Based on current data, Valeria is exhibiting signs of increased self-reliance and problem-solving skills. Her initiative is within acceptable parameters."
Sue glances at H.E.R.B.I.E., a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Thanks, H.E.R.B.I.E. I always appreciate your… objective assessment."
H.E.R.B.I.E. tilts his optical sensor slightly. "My programming dictates that I provide accurate and unbiased information."
Johnny snorts. "Yeah, well, maybe your programming needs a little upgrade. The kid's bummed out. We should do something fun to cheer her up!"
Reed raises an eyebrow. "Like what, Johnny? Setting the lab on fire?"
"Hey! I'm trying to be helpful here! Maybe we can get her some Pokemon cards or something?"
"I don't know, Johnny..."
"Come on! What's the worst that could happen?"
Reed pinches the bridge of his nose. That's what I'm afraid of.
…
Driven by her desire for self-reliance, Valeria began designing her own gadgets. She would no longer be a damsel waiting to be rescued. Back in her personal lab, Valeria is surrounded by a symphony of organized technology. Oscilloscopes display fluctuating waveforms, soldering irons emit gentle puffs of smoke, and the soft hum of a miniature particle accelerator fills the room. It is Valeria's domain, a place where imagination takes physical form.
She tinkers with various devices, carefully soldering wires and adjusting dials. On her workbench lay the results of her efforts: a sleek, silver watch with a minimalist design and a versatile utility belt with an array of hidden compartments.
The watch could analyze energy signatures, detecting anomalies and identifying different types of energy. The belt had a nifty function that could turn Valeria invisible, like her mother. She smiles, testing the devices.
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
She admires her handiwork, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. But she knew that she could do better. I need more.
She contemplates creating a suit of armor. Images of Iron Man's sleek, high-tech armor flash through her mind. That would be useful.
"Hmm, armor would be nice. But portability is an issue. And I don't want to become an Iron Man clone."
She dismisses the idea for now. Maybe later. I'll think about it.
Valeria leaves the lab, taking her new gadgets with her. As she walks down the hallway, she adjusts the watch on her wrist and tightens the belt around her waist. A small smile plays on her lips. I am ready.
She enters the living room, where Franklin is sprawled on the couch, eyes glued to the large screen TV.
On TV, various news reports showcased heroes from both the Marvel and DC universes. The Avengers battled supervillains in downtown New York, the Justice League stopped a meteor from crashing into Metropolis, Spider-Man swung through the city, cracking jokes as he apprehended petty thieves, and the Teen Titans hosted a charity car wash to raise money for underprivileged kids. Villains like Joker, Lex Luthor, and Doctor Doom make appearances on the screen. In this world, heroes and villains from both worlds existed together.
Franklin perks up as he sees Valeria.
"Hey, Val! Come watch with me! The Flash is racing Superman again."
Valeria shakes her head, her expression indifferent.
"No thanks, Franklin. I'm going for a walk."
She turns and heads for the door, leaving Franklin to his superhero shenanigans. I need some fresh air.
Valeria walks around New York City. The city was a vibrant fusion of the Marvel and DC universes. Stark Industries and Wayne Enterprises billboards towered over Times Square, advertising the latest technological innovations. Flying cars zipped through the air, weaving between skyscrapers and neon signs.
The aroma of street food filled the air. The sounds of honking taxis, chattering crowds, and distant sirens created a symphony of urban noise. Newspapers featured headlines about Spider-Man stopping a bank robbery and Superman rescuing a cat from a tree.
Valeria observes the mundane details that reflect the presence of superheroes. A hot dog stand with a sign that read, "Hulk-sized hot dogs!" A graffiti mural depicting Batman and Captain America shaking hands. A newsstand with papers discussing today's crime. "The Joker robs bank!" I need to do something about that clown.
As she continues her walk, Valeria notices a crowd of women gathering near a small park. Their voices were a mixture of excitement and adoration, exclaiming about something being "so cute" and "adorable."
Curious, she approaches the crowd. What was attracting so much attention?
Pushing through the crowd, Valeria saw a small creature with bright yellow fur, pointy ears tipped with black, and two red circles on its cheeks. Its brown eyes sparkled with energy as it waved its tail, shaped like a lightning bolt. What's more, it was wearing a black and red cap like it always belonged there.
Valeria, confused, tilts her head.
"What is that?"
***
Give power stones to support this book.
Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.