The sun ascends on yet another exquisite morning, casting its radiant beams upon the city of New York, enveloping it in a comforting warmth and bestowing a golden glow upon every window. This captivating sight shall forever remain a testament to beauty. Today, at the McDonald's in New York, the atmosphere is one of warmth and vibrancy. The fast food establishment, at this hour, is consistently bustling, but today it is practically overflowing, brimming with students from various classes and their companions. Some have gathered here to catch up, while others seek to indulge in a delightful afternoon repast.
The diligent employees gracefully traverse the premises, graciously serving cups of piping hot beverages and delivering plates adorned with freshly cooked fries, burgers, chicken nuggets, and other delectable items from the menu to the tables where numerous individuals are partaking in their meals. Occasionally, some individuals pause to engage in conversation with their colleagues, while others are simply too enthralled to remain seated long enough to consume their nourishment.
The entire restaurant was abuzz with conversation, as patrons engaged in lively discussions on a variety of topics. The air was filled with a pleasant blend of chatter and contentment, so much so that even the sound of a bell would have struggled to penetrate the joyful ambiance. This, however, was not an issue, as the additional noise only served to enhance the overall atmosphere. Indeed, the entire establishment was brimming with vitality on this particular day, as people reveled in each other's company while basking in the warmth of yet another delightful summer evening. At one table in particular, two individuals were relishing an afternoon lunch, spent in each other's delightful presence.
Cindy was dressed in shorts and a plain black shirt, her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She sat quietly sipping her soda whilst listening attentively to her boyfriend, Hector, who sat across from her. He eat his burger with gusto, chewing and swallowing in great gulps before reaching for his cup of coffee once more.
Cindy chuckled at him. "You're getting ketchup all over your face." She said, pointing at a smudge of ketchup running down the side of his lip. When he saw this, he grinned mischievously and wiped away the smear of grease with his thumb.
Cindy rolled her eyes. "What kind of person wipes away ketchup with their thumb instead of just using a napkin?"
Hector took a quick swig of his drink before setting it down onto the table. "Oh I don't know…someone like you, maybe?"
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek sweetly, before continuing to devour his food. Cindy could feel her cheeks warm slightly, but she couldn't quite stop herself from grinning. She took a bite of her nugget while distracting herself with thoughts of her first time meeting Hector, where the memories of her childhood came flooding back.
They had met when Cindy had been five years old. Her father had introduced them shortly after, and they had immediately hit it off secretly from both her mother and father. It had been love at first sight from the moment she laid her eyes upon Hector, which, ironically, made her even giddier than it already did. That feeling, along with their growing friendship had continued until the beginning of high school, where their friendship started to develop deeper.
From there, it only grew, to a point where Cindy would often wonder if their feelings hadn't evolved beyond friendly affection, and eventually they reached a stage where they were able to admit how deep their feelings were. It didn't take long for the two teens to begin dating and for the pair to become inseparable. They had always found solace within one another, no matter what life threw at them, and together they would weather every storm that was thrown at them.
Their relationship had blossomed into something much stronger than any friendship ever could. Cindy loved to think about those times. Those days were so magical, so pure…they were perfect. Perfect because of Hector. Because he was the first boy who made her feel safe enough to let her guard down completely around him. In turn, he made her whole world complete. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for him.
"So many people here," Hector said after swallowing down a mouthful of his burger. He looked around at the crowded restaurant, taking in every single individual he saw. "Not that I blame them for coming here, you know. I mean this is my favorite place to go and eat."
Cindy smiled, shaking her head slightly.
"Well, as long as you don't come here too much and get fat, then I don't mind too much." She laughed lightly at her own joke, watching as Hector playfully stuck out his tongue at her.
"I'm not gonna get fat," he argued, feigning offense. "My metabolism is fine, thank you very much."
She giggled. "I know, I know."
"If anything, that Kenny McFarlane guy should be the one worried about getting fat. I mean did you see how big that guy is?"
"That's mean, Hector."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
Hector and Cindy looked up at a TV mounted on a wall behind them. Their eyes followed the broadcast as it played in slow motion, depicting a news report being displayed. One reporter spoke up amidst the static.
"This morning, during the experimental detonation of a gamma bomb, scientist Bruce Banner rushes to save a teenager named Rick Jones who has driven onto the testing field; Banner pushed Jones into a trench to save him, but is hit with the blast, absorbing massive amounts of gamma radiation. While Banner is un-injured and unconscious, both him and bones are taken to hospital for further treatment. We will return later to interview Mr. Jones. Until then, keep tuned to our local station to hear more updates."
"Damn. What a tragedy," Hector said solemnly. Cindy nodded in agreement.
"I hope he'll be okay," she mused.
"Me too," Hector replied. He turned towards her. "Hey, you want to see something beautiful."
She raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Like what?"
"Trust me, it's worth seeing," he insisted.
Cindy eyed him suspiciously. "If this is another one of your pranks I swear—"
"No, I promise. It won't be too bad."
Hector stood up and placed money on the table. He then grasped Cindy's hand firmly and led her through the sea of people towards the exit. The pair started down the sidewalk towards the nearest subway station, where they boarded a train heading towards their destination.
Footsteps echoed throughout the prison's winding hallway. Boots thumped against cold stone floors that were slippery from an afternoon of rain. A guard with a flashlight scanned his ID card through each open cell door on either side before allowing him to pass. The prisoners didn't bother moving as they watched their guards pass them by. Adrain Toomes trailed after the guard in front of him as he passed two more cells until he stopped at the very last one on the left. It was empty except for the single prisoner inside it, who sat on his bed with his head lowered, staring blankly into nothingness.
The guard unlocked the door and stepped aside, allowing Adrian to enter. The guard shut the door behind Adrain, making sure the locking mechanism was engaged, then walked away down the hall. Adrain stood inside the cell, hands in his coat's pockets, and took one step forward.
"Aleksei Sytsevich," Adrain greeted. "A pleasure to meet you."
Aleksei Sytsevich was a muscular man. In height alone, he was easily eight feet tall. He had broad shoulders and thick arms. His face was chiseled and defined by strong, angular features, especially the jawline. He wore dark grey pants and a dark gray shirt with black stripes along the seams. Aleksei stared back silently at Adrain while still sitting hunched over on his bed.
"Who are you?" Aleksei asked, his deep voice sounding hoarse even though there wasn't a single other soul around. "And how do you know my name?"
Adrain smiled softly. "You don't remember me? We've met half a year ago when you and your 'friends,' tried to rob some tech inside Astro tech I used to work in. You had me as a hostage."
Aleksei stood up and slowly walked toward Adrain. Adrain felt himself being studied intensely under those piercing blue eyes. After what seemed like forever, Aleksei finally spoke up again.
"What do you want?" Aleksei asked, looking down at Adrain as though he were something disgusting on the bottom of his boot.
Adrian cleared his throat.
"Do you know of a man named, Norman Osborn?" Adrian asked, looking at the giant man curiously.
Aleksei quirked a brow at Adrian.
"Osborn? The big man of OsCorp?" Aleksei inquired incredulously.
"Yes, him," Adrian replied. "You see, my former partner told me to bring my Magnetic Air Transport System to OsCorp; something I've been working on for half a year now. He arranged the meeting with Osborn, of course. But, I come to find out that he was studying my ideas and rejected them. Then announces OsCorp Tech-Flight four months later. The same Tech-Flight that I've worked my life on."
Adrain glared at the ground.
"The same Tech-Flight he stole from me…" He mumbled bitterly.
Aleksei crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly.
"You want revenge?" Aleksei inquired coolly.
"More than anything," Adrian said with conviction. "He betrayed our partnership and stole my work. So I plan to destroy all of his life's work as my way of responding in kind. But I can't do this alone; I'm just one man."
"So you came crawling to me for my aid?" Aleksei questioned skeptically. "After I have threatened your life?"
"I'm not asking you to be my friend," Adrian retorted sharply. "We're not friends, and we never will be."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Indeed."
Silence descended upon the room. Both occupants stood frozen in place, staring intently at each other. It took a few moments, but eventually Aleksei broke the silence.
"If," Aleksei began, taking a step close to Adrain. "And I say if I were to help you, what's in it for me?"
Adrian smirked.
"Your freedom, of course, and something that might pique your interest. Something that can make you more… tough for any bullet to penetrate."
Aleksei's expression remained unchanged for a moment. Then, as the gears turned in his mind, a wide smile crept across his lips.
"All right, Adrian, you have my attention."
The majority of people in the town were engaged in their daily routines, such as visiting markets, enjoying breakfast at local eateries, or witnessing the younger generation revel in the company of their peers. These youngsters could be found either frolicking in their own backyards, engaging in imaginative play, or gliding effortlessly on skateboards along the deserted streets. Those who chose to remain indoors were either occupied with personal endeavors or diligently attending to their professional responsibilities within the confines of their homes.
The sky was adorned with a vibrant shade of blue, while the air remained refreshingly crisp and pure. The sun radiated its luminous rays from above, graciously bestowing warmth upon the entire forest below. In the distance, the melodious chirping of birds could be heard, their feathers gently rustling in the wind as they joyfully sang, their harmonious melodies resonating across the modest clearing.
Along the path the pair traversed, an array of flowers blossomed, their vibrant hues visible even from their current vantage point, evoking fond memories of their dear friends and cherished abode. Upon reaching an unoccupied expanse of land, Cindy paused, observing the elongated shadows cast by the trees beneath their verdant canopy. A soft sigh left her as she gazed upwards, looking up at the sky. A smile touched her lips, her gaze following the branches above. Cindy felt at peace here, amongst the gentle rustle of leaves, and the comforting hum of insects.
"It really is beautiful." She remarked, breaking the spell of tranquility that enveloped them.
Hector turned towards her. His gaze rested on her face, his expression one of adoration and contentment. He gave her a warm smile, one which caused her to return it. "You're right…it really is."
"We should make a picnic area out here somewhere…or maybe build our own place here among all these beautiful flowers," Cindy suggested, pointing in the direction of an open field.
Hector chuckled. "That does sound nice," he agreed.
Hector offered his hand to Cindy. Her hand grasped easily in his and he guided forward by her side. They followed the winding trail that led to the lake, the water mirroring the sky above and shimmering like the stars. Walking towards a bench at the shore, the two sat down and stared out across the lake, taking in the sights around them. Their hands found each other on top of the wooden bench, fingers intertwined loosely between them and resting on the surface of the wood. They continued to sit and watch the lake as the sun sat low in the sky, painting the trees in a deep shade of orange. The breeze blew gently, blowing waves of water across the surface of the lake.
Hector broke the silence as he looked over at Cindy.
"So I was wondering…when we graduate, we should buy our own house and live together." Hector suggested.
Cindy smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I would like that actually."
Hector beamed. "Really?"
"Yeah."
Silence descended between the pair for a moment.
"If we're older, and I were to ask you to marry me… would you say yes?"
Cindy raises her head to look at him with a raised brow.
"So you're saying you want to marry me?" Questioned Cindy.
Hector nodded. "Yeah."
"But why me?" She asked, looking at him curiously.
"Well, I suppose I love you. I suppose you're everything I need." Hector answered as he locked his glassy eyes with hers.
"Hector, I'm hardly perfect." She scoffed with a faint smile.
"I never said you were perfect Cindy. But you are enough. Enough for me, enough for me for us. I love you and that is all I ever wanted." He confessed with a small pout.
"Oh Hector…" Cindy murmured with a warm smile as she embraced her boyfriend. "That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
"I know." Replied Hector with a soft chuckle.
"You know what else is nice?" She asked as she pulled away from their embrace.
"What?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"This."
Cindy leaned in and softly kissed Hector. After the initial shock wore off, Albert began kissing back. Their fingers brushed occasionally against each other. As if on cue, Cindy rested her head back against Hector's shoulder. She closed her eyes, her breathing slow and relaxed, the rhythm of her heart audible. Hector smiled, placing his arm around Cindy's shoulders. Neither spoke for a few moments, merely basking in each other's presence, content in their moment of serene beauty.
Suddenly, a tingling sensation ran down Cindy's skull towards her skull, the sensation slowly traveling through to the rest of her body until finally reaching her legs. Cindy faced forward and bolted upright. She scanned her surroundings. The sensation caused her to jolt slightly, but soon faded away once more, leaving her alarmed and alert.
"Cindy? Are you okay? What's wrong?" Hector asked, concern evident in his tone.
Cindy turned her gaze towards him.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry." She lied.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm su—"
Cindy's eyes grew large when the tingling sensation returned again, causing her to jolt upright and stand up. Her head whipped to the right just in time to skillfully grabbed a thrown pebble before it landed on Hector's shoulder. Said hand crushed the pebble effortlessly, leaving remnants of dust on her palm.
"Well, well, look what we have here boys."
Cindy and Hector whirled aroundStanding behind them was a balding young man clad in a black t-shirt with the words 'CHAMPION' written on it in bold white letters, he wore dark grey jeans, a leather belt tied around his waist with a silver buckle, and brown loafers. Behind him stood four boys, all sporting identical looks of amusement. Cindy recognized the boy as James, Hector's bully.
James approached the two with his boys trailing behind. Hector instinctively stood up and stand beside Cindy, who remained standing, glaring at James and his four cohorts.
"Two loving losers alone in a park. What kind of cliché is that?" James scoffed. "I guess you really are that lucky, aren't you, loser boy?"
Hector tightened his grip around Cindy's hand.
"Listen James, this is not the time," Hector retorted. "Leave us alone."
James laughed mockingly. "You think after all this time I care whether or not it is the time?" He glared at Hector. "I still haven't forgotten you snitching on me by telling the teacher." James said, his tone laced with disdain.
Hector clenched his jaw, his grip turning white. He inhaled deeply, exhaling softly through his nose.
"Like I said James, this is not the time. So why don't you take your friends and just leave." Hector said coldly, attempting to maintain calmness in his voice.
Unfortunately for him, the tension in his voice and posture betrayed the truth behind his statement.
"Or else what?" James challenged.
"Or I'm gonna be the one to shut those stupid faces of yours for you!"
Hector redirected his gaze towards Cindy. Both Hector and James, accompanied by his companions positioned behind him, were left astounded by the sudden outburst emanating from her. Even Cindy herself was taken aback by her own actions. She found it difficult to fathom the words that had just escaped her lips.
Perplexingly, she was unable to discern the reason behind this occurrence, yet she sensed an undeniable force within her taking control. It was as if a dormant aspect of her being had been awakened. This particular facet, though not entirely unfamiliar, possessed an air of novelty and peril.
"Ooo, someone's feisty." James noted with obvious surprise.
"What's your name, pretty lady?" One guy next to Hector inquired.
Cindy blinked in confusion. "I…"
"Come on sweetheart, tell us your name. We're nice guys." James added.
Cindy glared at the gang of bullies and remained silent. Hector narrowed his eyes at James and took a step forward. He stood in front of James, shielding Cindy from view, his stance rigid and imposing. James glanced back at Hector and smirked.
"Turn around, and walk away." Hector ordered icily.
James didn't flinch. "Or what?"
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. James and Hector glared at each other for several tense minutes, neither willing to give into the other and let the confrontation escalate. Then without warning, James rushed a fist forward in order to strike, aiming directly for Hector's face.
"Hector!" Cindy cried.
The tingling sensation surged with great intensity, enveloping her skull. In a swift motion, she swiftly moved towards the duo, gently guiding Hector aside. Extending her right arm, she gracefully connected her fist with James' cheek. The impact was so powerful that it generated undulating waves of air, propelling the young boy through the air. He soared over his comrades and gracefully alighted upon the verdant grass.
Everyone was dumbstruck. None more so than Cindy.
Cindy lowered her gaze towards her still clenched hand. She could feel adrenaline pulsing within her shaking fist. Cindy's eyes grew large as she stared in disbelief for what she did just now.
"How… how did I..?" Cindy was at a loss for words.
"Holy crap! She knocked him out!"
Cindy and Hector both stared at James' unconscious form lying motionless at their feet. The crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, exchanging whispers among themselves. Some of them stared at Cindy; fear evident in their expressions.
"It wasn't my intention…!" Cindy mumbled, shaking her head in utter disbelief. "He…he was getting too close to him, I…
"Hey, come on!" Hector grabbed Cindy's hand and pulled her along. "Let's get outta here. Before he wakes up."
Hector dragged Cindy out of the area and they both sprinted back towards the subway station.
A/N: Oh boy, James is going to feel that one when he wakes up. Cindy discovered her hidden strength, but she will learn more then just her super strength sooner then she thinks. At first I wanted to write a scene where Adrian help Aleksei brake out of prison but decided to cross that off and let it happen off screen. With us focusing on Cindy's POV I wanted to focus her just having a normal time hanging out with her boyfriend, Hector, while at the same time having her have this sense that she feels different but she couldn't explain it. With all of that said, I'll be taking my leave, and I'll see you all in the next chapter! Take care!
