Chapter 3

What's up everyone I am aback with another chapter of something few people seem to be reading. But I enjoy writing it so there you go. Anyways, not much to say about this chapter or why it took so long other then if you have been following me I have been posting a lot of new stories. Too many if you ask me but I can't help it.

With that I only got one review to answer that being for jonh73 c. And I know in chapter 2 I was rambling but I am trying to do better. I am also going to attempt to get in to the more emotional parts and hopefully action in the coming chapters. Not this one so much but if you still reading by chapter 4 hopefully.

Other than that, if you enjoy the story, please leave a view with thoughts or ideas. As it helps the story along. As I am often suffer from writers block and have trouble moving a story forward. I am not the best planner and most of my ideas come on the fly.

Have a good one everyone and intel next time stay safe.

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-February 2005-

You know I had to give Howard credit where credit was due. It was amazing what he could pull off in a relatively short amount of time. I thought as I looked up at the garage building right in front of me with a sign that read Saints Auto Repair and Restoration. After the robbery and murdering of those Maggia members Howard, Quentin, Johnny and I went to ground. Basically, disappearing for a time while the heat died down. While we were certain no one knew we had anything to do with the hit on the Maggia we all agreed it was better to be safe than sorry. As the hit was in every newspaper and on every news channel around county.

It was being labeled as the worst gangland mass murder in US history since the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre back in the day. In total 6 people were dead, and we got away with over 100,000 dollars in cash. The tradeoff was that we had every cop in New York and the FBI looking into the murders. Not to mention a small fraction within the Maggia as well. So really, we had no choice but to disappear for a time. After all, if four guys who were flat broke till just recently suddenly showed up with a shit load of cash, well to say it would drew unwanted attention would be putting it mildly.

That time however came to an end on January 13th at exactly 1:31pm in Red Hook when some wise guy got it in his head that the Russia Mob was responsible for the hit. Firing the first shots of what would be the start of an all-out gang war between the Manfredi Family and the Russians. It was in all honesty getting pretty bad out on the streets. As the two sides were going at it without the slightest concern for the citizens of New York. Already three innocent bystanders and 11 gang members had died. That was without adding to the number of people injured which totaled somewhere around 111 or something like that.

Honestly, I felt kind of bad about it all. Seeing as it was our actions that led to this war, but while I felt bad about it somewhat it wasn't enough for me to get involved. In fact, if anything it provided me and the others with the perfect opportunity to move the cash without anyone being the wiser. Still, I didn't expect Howard to have gotten things going so quickly. Seeing as he was only 18 years old, pushing 19, I didn't think any bank would take him seriously if he tried to finance a business. What I forgot to take into consideration was if you have 100,000 grand in your pocket some more than less reputable banks would be more than willing to give you a loan, no questions asked.

Walking into the garage I immediately see my three accomplices. Well two accomplices and one friend as I unlike Howard and Quentin I felt like I could trust Johnny not to stab me in the back. With them, however, was Aisha, Johnny's girlfriend who I had only met once and Livia, who was Howard's girl. Along with some man I had never seen before.

Seeing me walk in Howard clamps his hand together and says, "So Emilio what you think?"

I make a show like I am looking around before answering, "Not bad Howard not bad at all."

"You damn right not bad. Just look at what my man has pulled off while the rest of you were too busy playing with you dicks." I hear Livia say as she hugs Howard.

Looking at her closely I really didn't know what to make of Livia just yet. I mean I knew what she did in the Punisher movie and the trouble she caused but here she was just some girl. A very attractive and bitching girl but just a girl none the less. Loyal to Howard and clearly in love I actually found myself liking her a bit. Often trading jabs with each other in passing.

Giving a dry laugh I say, "Well we can't all be so lucky as Howard to have a whore on a leash to suck his dick."

"Fuck you, Emilio." Livia says to me back no liking me calling her a whore.

"No thanks Howard maybe willing to risk it but I have no idea where you have been." I say earning a laugh from Johnny and Aisha and a not-so-subtle glare from Howard. Who unlike his movie counterpart who wouldn't allow anyone to disrespect his would-be wife like I did, doesn't say anything. More than likely because this had become the normal for Livia and me rather than any sense of self preservation. After all, while he was well aware I was stronger than him, he didn't fear me. Well not by much anyways.

Stepping forward before Livia can hit back Quentin step forward and says, "Alright that is enough you two. Emilio, I what you to meet my uncle Jonathan Glass. He will be running the day to day for us."

"Pleasure to you Mr. Glass." I say walking up and shaking the man's hand.

"The pleasures mine." He shakes my hand then says, "Listen like I told the others I don't want to know what boys are up to. I just what a job and no trouble understand?"

Looking at the man with a smile that doesn't fully reach my eyes I say to him, "Don't worry Mr. Glass I can assure you we are just young businessmen looking to make an honest buck."

It was a lie; he knew it, I knew it. Hell, everyone in the room knew it but that wasn't the point. The point was I was giving him plausible deniability. So, he can say to the cop if they ever come for us that he knew nothing. Call it a kind gesture but it was also a warning. If you don't want to know don't ever ask about it.

The man nods his head and then takes his leave. Looking at the others I say, "Girls will you give the men the room?"

"Men really? Is that what you are Emilio?" Livia says in a mocking tone.

"Howard, Johnny." I look at them and they nod their heads. I may not have been the official leader, but I think they knew who was in charge here.

"Livia go home I will call you later." Howard tells her.

Which earns him a look from her but then she sees the look in his eye. The same look she saw on his face when he came back one night after hanging with the others. She still didn't know what they did that night or where the money came from to start their own business, but she knew Howard wanted her far away from it because he loved her.

"Fine, just don't forget to call me." Livia says before leaving.

"Aish, you get going to." Johnny says before removing his arm from around her shoulders and giving her ass a smack.

A smack that makes most of us smile as she just takes it but not without a look that promises payback. But like Livia she gets what is going on and knows Johnny wants her far away from his business. "Alright you boys stay out of trouble and don't get killed."

"No promises babe." Johnny says. Loving watching his girl go and who wouldn't with how good Aisha looked in a pair of jeans.

Once they are gone, however, the smiles on our faces disappear along with any pretenses that we are friends. We were business associates and that was all. Which was made clear when Johnny turned to Howard and said, "Have to say Howard, Saint's Auto Repair and Restoration. If I didn't know any better, I would think you trying to become the boss."

Just looking at Johnny, Howard shrugs his sounders and says, "What you what me to say? We needed a name for the company and you, and Emilio were nowhere to be found."

"And you think that just give you the right to fucking name our company after yourself." Johnny says aggressively.

"Ya, I think it does. Got a problem with that?" Howard says just as aggressively.

"You're fucking right I do," Johnny gets up and is about to charge at Howard.

That is till Quentin gets in-between them both, "That is enough you two cut it out. We are all on the same side in case you both have forgotten."

This doesn't do anything to calm either of them down. It was a good thing neither of them were armed as I was sure they would be pointing guns at each other if they were. As it stood, they were going to come to blows soon seeing as both of them were very proud. Not willing to take shit from the other.

And they would have started fighting if I didn't stomp one of my feet while at the same time activating the Transmutation Circle on the bottom of my shoe. Then watch as chains made of concrete appear from the ground. Binding them in place before they can start fighting.

This has the effect of shocking both of them while I say, "That is enough you two."

I take no small amount of pleasure at the shock and awe on their faces at what I had just done. As both knew that just three months ago, I wasn't able to do anything like this. But that was three months ago, and I had grown since then and had one person to thank for that.

-Flash back 2 months ago-

Now I don't like to believe in fate personally but after I had died and been reborn, I guess you could say that I had learned to accept that there was a higher power out there. What it wanted from me or if it wanted anything at all, I didn't know. But there are some things that have happened that just screamed that it was more than just coincidence. Like meeting Johnny and the others. I mean in a world of billions in a city of millions what were the changes of use ever meeting. Even if we were all criminals the chances were still small.

That is why I felt something more was going on when one day I went to the New York Public Library. You see after the hit, I found myself with time to spare. Seeing as I wasn't in school like I should be, and no one was looking for me, I decided to brush up on my physics so to speak. Alchemy, from what I could tell, worked off a number of sciences with physics being one of the main ones. So, I thought it would be a good idea to start studying it but boy was I out of my depth when I attempted to learn about it. I mean really, I should have known it wouldn't be so easy. After all I had all while I had all the knowledge on Alchemy and what it could do in my head that didn't mean I could just do it. It was the same for learning physics.

All the knowledge I could ever hope for was in this one library but like with the knowledge in my head I couldn't just open a book and suddenly understand it all. Fuck I might well have been trying to learn a different language. Probably would have been easier to do with how much sense this shit made. It was kind of a cold reality check that I may have been smarter than I was in my past life, but I was still stupid as fuck. And at the rate I was going I wouldn't have made any progress any time soon. That was till I heard her voice for the first time.

"Having some trouble there?" I heard a voice say from across from me.

You know we have all seen those movies with the classic cliche scene when boy looks up and time just stops. Or slows down when he looks up only to see the living embodiment of a goddess walk into the room or standing across from him. So, I am not going to say that was what happened but fuck man there are just moments in time that seem to last forever. I thought I was ready to meet the beautiful women of the Marvel Universe but till you literally run into one of them you're not. In my case that women would be one Susan Storm and I say Storm because she was clearly too young to be married just yet.

At a guess I would say she was no older than 20 if that. Long blonde hair, deep blue eyes and a body that well. Let's just put it this way you could take all the hottest images you have even seen on the women. Combine them all in to one package and I swear to the One Above All you still come up short on how hot this woman was. I mean she was something else and worse, yet she knew it. She knew she was hot and while she didn't dress to outright flaunt it, she definitely didn't try to hide it.

Now I have never been the best with women but ever since I had been reborn, I had done pretty well for myself. Hooking up with a few hoes here and there. Mostly girls from the gym I had joined who found me attractive and looking only for a good time. So, I thought my days of being tongue tied or bashful were over but nope that wasn't the case.

So, your excuse me for not lying and saying it didn't take me a moment to get my wits together and answer back cooly, "What makes you think that?"

Giving me a knowing smile Susan says, "Only that you have been flipping between the same three pages for the last 30 minutes without a break."

I laugh a bit and say, "Maybe I just find these pages that fascinating. Could be I found a breakthrough that will change the face of science as we know it."

Getting up from her seat and walking over with a smile on her face she picks up the book then gives me a look, "Physics I for Dummies. Now why do I feel that isn't the case?"

I shrug my shoulders and say, "Hey you never know."

That makes her smile and laugh a bit then hold her hand out, "Susan Storm."

Taking her hand in mine and shaking it I say, "Emilio Escobar pleasure to meet you, Miss Storm."

"Please call me Sue." She says with a smile before sitting down across from me. "So, tell me Emilio shouldn't you be in school."

Just smiling at her I say, "Shouldn't you?"

"Oh, I am, Empire State University." She says with some hint of pride.

"Oh, impressive a collage girl. Must be my lucky day," I say to her while looking her up and down.

An action that only made her roll her eyes. "Not as lucky as you think young man."

"Pity." Is all I say in turn as I lean back in my seat.

"So, tell me what is a young man, who I am guessing drop out of school doing studying physics in New York Public Library?" Sue asks me.

Leaning over a bit closely but not too much I say, "Would you believe me if I told you I was planning to take over the world by use of science and technology?"

In response she just held up the book again without a word.

"Touché, would you believe me instead if I said I saw this cute blonde a few days ago reading a book I couldn't hope to pronounce and in a vein hope of impressing her I thought I learn so physics. All so I could hit on her so she would agree to go on a date with me?"

"That I could believe," Sue says good naturedly. Despite my clear interest in her I wasn't being a jerk about it, so she didn't really mind my flirting.

"So, what do you think do I have a chance?" I asked her.

Laughing a bit at me she says, "At impressing her or getting her to agree to go out with you."

"Let's say both but the last a bit more than the other." I answer her.

Leaning over a bit herself this time she says, "I think you would have better luck taking over the world."

I make a face like she really hurt me with that one and says, "You hit hard Miss Storm."

Leaning back in her own chair she says, "Sue."

"My bad." I say back good naturally.

"So, you going to tell me why you are really studying physics?" She asks.

I shrug my shoulders and give her a half-baked lie, "I am thinking of going to go get my GED."

"So, you are a drop out." She more says then asks.

"Something like that. School never was really my thing, but more doors open for you if you got a piece of paper that says something then not." I told her.

"Going back to school would be better." Sue says to me.

"Maybe but that door is closed as far as I am concerned. But who knows, right?" I say in good cheer.

"Right." She then starts to get up about to leave.

But when she does, I stop her, "Hey before you go mind helping me out?"

Smiling at me she asks, "Now why would I do that?"

I give another shrug and say, "I don't know maybe because you be doing a good deed. Helping a clearly lost boy find his way."

That only made her giggle a bit, "I don't know Emilio, something tells me you far from lost. In fact, I think you knew exactly where you are going."

And wasn't that the truth Sue thought to herself as she looked at the young man before her. She didn't know why she came over here to talk to Emilio, but something told her she should. Maybe it was just a part of who she was. Seeing a young man like him trying so hard to learn something that he clearly didn't understand made her kind of what to help him. But now that she was talking with him, she didn't know if that was such a good idea. He was too confident for someone who seemed to be only 18 years old if not younger. Then there were his eyes, something about those eyes told her he was bad news. Still, what could it hurt to help him just a bit.

"But perhaps I can teach you a bit. That is unless your actually plan to learn nothing and just keep hitting on me." Sue says to me.

"You hurt me, Sue. All I want to do is learn. Now about what who can say." I say so it's clear I am very interested in her. Don't want her going into this with any misunderstanding and all that.

That seems to make her smile a bit and she takes a seat next to me and begins what would become a long study session.

-Flashback end-

You know people often put too much focus on Reed Richards's intellectual ability and not enough on Sue's own. Portrayed more often than not, as the mother figure and love interest of Reed, her intellect was often overshadowed. From what I remember she had a doctorate just like Reed though I don't recall in which field. In short, she was a genius herself, just not on the level that Reed was, but then few were. In the little amount of time, I had been studying with her she had help me understand a very basic sense of not only physics but several other sciences as well. I still had a long way to go before I got to her level or even your average advanced highschooler, but it was something. And hell, I even managed to impress her a bit when she realized I had next to no foundation to work off of. Sadly, that meant that I would now have to take the GED or go back to school as she was expecting me to pass either way.

That wasn't part of the plan and while I could say I was only going to do it at some point so I could get into her pants. Well, I would be lying as I found myself actually enjoying the time, I spent with her. Leaning things not only about her but of stuff I had be desperately waiting to learn about the current state of the world. Something I didn't do because of my fear of drawing Shield's attention. The first thing I learned was that this Sue Storm mirrored a mix of the Ultimates version and the 616 version. Her back round for starter was more Ultimate than 616 with her father being alive and well along with her mother. Sad thing was that like the Ultimate Universe her mom left her family but under different circumstances. Rather than leave her family to pursue her career it had more to do with a disagreement with her husband. I didn't get the full story, nor did I push to do so but apparently Sue took her father's side more than her mother's. So, there was some animosity between Sue and her mother but not a whole lot as they still talked from time to time.

Yet as good as that information was in learning about Sue, the most important thing I had learned was that she was already well acquainted with one Reed Richards and Ben Grimm. Having gone to school with them in high school and then again in college. Which made them both respectively between 20 to 22. I was unsure and again didn't press for more information but did know that Reed was halfway done with his PHDs, and Ben was a star football player. Something I would have known if I kept up with sports as the NFL had their eyes right on him. Though according to Sue, Ben was planning to join the military right after college. I could guess why. As for her brother Johnny, well he was Johnny, pretty much the same one from nearly every comic.

Back to the here and now it was because of Sue that I learned to take my powers to another level. Not only creating chains out of the floor beneath us but also being able to direct them. I still had a long way to go to get to the level of most people in Full Metal, but I had taken the first step. After what felt like getting nowhere fast.

Seeing them calm down a bit after witnessing my power I stomp my foot again releasing them. "I happen to like the name Johnny so it's no big deal. Plus, on the bright side if heat ever comes down it will be Howard that they investigate first, not us."

"Nice to you see you thinking of me Emilio?" Howard says with a brave face. Trying not to let it show that he was more than a little freaked out by Emilio's little display of power.

"Hey that was pretty cool Emilio. When you learn to do that." Johnny says truly not afraid. Such feelings just weren't part of the equation when it came to his mindset.

Smiling at his question I say, "A few weeks ago. Learned it with some help from that cute blonde chick I told you about."

"Ah the smart one in collage. Ya, I remember you telling me about her. You hitting that yet or what?" Johnny asks.

Before I can answer his question, however, Quentin interrupts us and says, "Gentlemen can we please get back on topic. What's our next move?"

Looking over at Quentin I say, "What do you mean? We get to work. Everything is set, all the pieces are on the board. All that is left is to do is to start hitting the gangs to steal their money and use it to expand our operations."

"Yes, yes, I know the plan but how? It's not like any of us were privileged enough to know where the gangs did their business or what fronts they had. How we going to go about finding them?" Quentin asks.

"Leave that to me Quen I know a kid deep in the streets. If anyone knows where to start looking its him." Johnny says.

"Alright then I will start moving the merchandise here. Now I just got to ask, Emilio I know I have already seen it before but are you sure you can repair these cars? Some of them are going to be in extremely bad condition. I don't what to use what little money we have left on them if you can't fix them." Howard says to me.

Looking at Howard I say, "Hey don't worry about Howard. Like I said I can fix anything with my power. Just get the cars and I will handle the rest."

"Are right then I guess we better get going. I have some calls to make but expect the first shipment of busted up cars later this week. Till then I will have Quentin's uncle just do normal mechanic shit." Howard says.

"Got it. Johnny lets go." I say then start to head out.

Once outside, however Johnny says, "Emilio you really alright with Howard named the business after himself? I mean I know you said you were but….."

"But nothing Johnny. I knew Howard would try a power play of some kind sooner or later. Putting the business in his name and naming it after himself isn't a surprise. It was why I used my power to stop you both from coming to blows." I say to Johnny.

"Oh, so you wanted to make sure he understood who the boss really is. I get it." Johnny says to me with a knowing look.

"That is right and sorry about that by the way. I know you two weren't really about to start fighting." I say to him. Actually, feeling sorry for my actions against him. Not so much Howard.

"Forget about it. I thought it was pretty cool to be honest." Johnny says blowing it off having not really mined.

"Cool now tell me about this kid we are meeting." I told him.

"His name is Dominic, Dom for short. He is a street kid but well connected to the homeless community and other street kids. Knows were a lot of powerful people hang out and where a number of illegal businesses are." Johnny says.

"You sure about that?" I asked him.

"How do you think I found you in a city of millions? I mean after all you didn't exactly make it easy to find you." Johnny asks in a somewhat mocking voice.

"Point, but are you sure he will help us?" I ask.

"I see no reason why not. He hates gangs with a passion after his family was killed by them in a drive by. So, he would most likely would be happy to help us." Johnny says.

I stop walking and look at Johnny like he is an idiot, "Johnny you do realize we are trying to create a criminal organization, right?"

Looking back at me Johnny just smiles and say, "Ya so?"

I just keep looking at him then shake my head, "Never mind. So where are we going?"

"Bayville." He answers me making me come to a stop again. Making him look at me strangely this time.

"Say that name again." I demand.

-A few hours later-

Fuck I thought as I step off the bus and started walking down the street towards the area Johnny told me we could find Dom. If there was one place, I was actively trying to avoid with all of my being it was this place. Seeing as avoiding the X-Men for as long as fucking possible was high on my list of things to do. Not because I was necessarily afraid of them but because I knew if I met them by chance, I somehow be dragged into whatever bullshit they had going on that day. Lucky for me that the moment I step off the bus nothing happened, but I wasn't about to chance fate. So, as we walked, I was happy to note we were far away from the Highschool or X-Mansion. The last thing I needed was to have my mind read by the most powerful telepaths in the world.

Coming to a rundown warehouse in this otherwise nice-looking city I immediately spot a kid about 5'4" inches, pale skin standing outside talking with a group of individuals I would have prefer not to see. Fuck I thought to myself, God you son of a bitch. I think because right before me was Jean fucking Gray, Scott Summers and Kitty Pryde. I just had to run into the X-Men when I was far from ready to deal with them. Maybe it would be best if turned around and come back another day I thought to myself but before I can say anything to Johnny he is already calling out to Dom.

"Yo Dom what's up man." Johnny calls to the young man. Catching everyone's attraction.

"Fuck you Johnny" I curse in my head.

"What's up Johnny? This the guy?" Dom says in a very even tone but with an undercut of frustration.

Clearly this wasn't his first meeting with the X-Men. Just by them being here I had guessed he was a mutant. If he wasn't they wouldn't be here. Meaning they were trying to recruit him to their side. That didn't bold well for me as I was here to do the same thing and that was before I knew he was a mutant. Now that I knew he was one I definitely wanted him as one thing was for certain the X-Men were not in the habit of recruiting weak members. At least not at this point in their forming. However, it went without saying that if I recruited him instead I would no doubt get the attention of both Professor X and Magneto.

Shit, I better stop thinking. Jean Gray is looking right over at me with a curious look on her face. Last thing I needed was for the fucking bird queen or whatever they called her when she used the Phoenix Force looking into my head.

"Ya this is the guy but hey man don't be rude. Who your friends?" Johnny asked shamelessly eyeing up both Jean and Kitty despite having a girlfriend.

"I wouldn't call them friends." Is all Dom says, but he doesn't need to say more.

As Scott Summers steps forward and introduces himself. "Scott Summers."

He then holds out his hand to Johnny who takes it and shakes it, "Johnny Gat."

Then they start to squeeze each other's hand in a childish display of strength. Each trying to outdo the other. Clearly Scott saw now Johnny was eyeing the girls and didn't like it. As for Johnny, he wasn't the type to back down from a challenge of any kind. So, he wasn't going to back down. Still, it was impressive that Scott was holding his ground. The movies and TV shows I had seen never played up his physical prowess, but he was holding up well. After all Johnny, for being human was scary strong as he was. Having seen him lift over 250 pounds and this is coming from a guy who didn't make lifting his life.

Still, this was a pointless pissing contest so walking up to Johnny and elbowing him in the side I tell him, "Cut it out Johnny."

Letting out a small grunt he lets go of Scott's hand and says, "Fine."

"Sorry about that. Emilio Escobar." I then hold my hand out to Jean who leaves it hanging for a while.

Usually, Jean wasn't so rude as to let someone introduce themselves like the young man did and not say anything back. But it takes a while for her to get her mind straight as running into someone like him was unexpected. No, not unexpected, more like unbelievable. While she didn't go around trying to read people's mines, today was an exception considering who they were talking to before these boys showed up. After all, while they didn't know what Dom's mutant ability was it did make tracking him or reading his mind extremely difficult. Like watching a TV full of static. Every now and again she would get a word or an image but that was it. Yet while it made him hard to track even with Cerebro it did make him stand out in a crowd if she got close enough. As it was only his thoughts that would be jumbled.

However, while Dominic was unique, he had nothing on the person before her. As she couldn't pick up anything from him. His friend yes and she had to say she didn't like what this Johnny person was thinking. In fact, she wanted to slap the shit out of him for wondering if her carpet matched the drapes. But as angry as Johnny's thoughts made her at least they were there. Emilio's, however, were just not there. It was like looking at a blank sheet of paper or something along those lines. There just wasn't anything there for her to read and that scared her. Because she didn't know what that meant.

Feeling the awkwardness for what it was Kitty quickly jumped in and took his hand in hers. Shaking it enthusiastically, "Hi I am Kitty Pryde nice to meet ya."

Looking over at Kitty I smile and say, "The pleasure is all mine Kitty. Tell me is that your real name or just a nickname because your so cute?"

"Boo, get some better material." I hear Dom say.

I know the line I just gave her sounded lame but honestly it was the only thing I could think about upon seeing them. You know once I got pass the nearly shitting myself upon seeing Jean fucking Gray, I immediately noticed their looks. I mean what the fucking hell it's like the One Above All took every incarceration of these two put them together and erased all their flaws. Seeing as Jean looked like a younger Famke Beumer but multiplied her by a factor of ten and made the one from my old life look average by comparison. Then you had Kitty who looked like the X-Men Evolution drawing come to life but without all the cartoonish shit. These girls were not fucking cute. They were drop dead gorgeous and made nearly every women from my old look ugly.

It really just pointed out again that this universe didn't follow the same rules as the one I was from. Scott being a prime example as well. Now I had no attraction to the male form myself but was more than comfortable enough to admit when someone was good looking. Unlike the girls I could see several imperfections on his person but instead of taking away from his overall looks it only enhanced them. Yet this didn't go for everyone. Only for those who were main or secondary characters. After all Livia and Aisha against Jean and Kitty in terms of looks did lose. Nor Johnny when compared to Scott.

Now while the line itself was pretty lame it did earn me a small blush from Kitty who says, "Wow what a lame come on. And can't it be both?"

"You got me there." I smile at her getting her to smile back before I add, "So what you two doing here?"

"Ya what are you doing here?" Scott repeats after her only in a somewhat hostile tone.

Which only earns a smile from me as I answer, "Visiting a friend."

"Well so are we." Scott says.

Only to earn a dry laugh from Dom who says, "I don't remember thinking of you as a friend Scott." Dom says still very annoyed at them. Then looks at us and says, "Let's go inside and talk."

As he turns to leave Jean says, "Wait Dominic we are not done talking."

Looking back over at her with bored eyes Dom says, "No Jean we were done when I told you no the first time. So why don't you learn to leave me the fuck alone."

"But Dominic these two they are…." She stops, not knowing exactly what to say. As she couldn't read the mind of one named Emilio and she didn't feel right driving deeper into Johnny's mind just yet. However even so she got the feeling they were both bad guys.

"I know what they are Jean. They are like me. Now get lost." Dom says then enters the warehouse followed closely by Johnny.

Not immediately following them I just look at the X-Men and says, "Well that was rude of him to dismiss you all like that. But well, it is what it is. Kitty it was a pleasure. Hopefully we will meet again under a less hostile situation."

Before I am able to enter the warehouse however I am stopped when Jean says, "Wait."

Looking back over at her I ask, "Yes is there something you need?"

"Who are you?" Is her simple question.

Smiling at her I answer, "I already told you who I am Jean. But then I don't think that is what you met. In which case let's just say I am a simple man trying to make my way in a complicated world."

I then go inside leaving them to their own thoughts.

"What a jackass." Scott says.

"Ouch, harsh words coming from you Scott." Kitty says good naturally.

"What he is. Him and that friend of his." Scott says still feeling angry at how that Johnny character was looking at Jean.

Shrugging her shoulders Kitty says, "I don't know Emilio seemed alright. What do you think Jean?"

Jean doesn't answer her right away. As her mind to busy trying to understand what Emilio was. Because he clearly was not a normal human. Was he a mutant too? Was that why she couldn't read his mind? Whatever the case, she needed to speak to the professor.

"I think we should return to the mansion and talk with the professor. I don't know about Emilio, but that Johnny is dangerous." Jean says to the both of them.

"What do you mean Jean? Did you pick up something?" Scott asked, while trying not to say read his mind. As he had mixed feelings right now on her doing so. As any abuse of their power was in his mind atrocious. Especially reading someone's mind without their permission. For Johnny, however, he couldn't help but think exceptions could be made.

"I don't know. I didn't go very far but after his first thoughts on seeing us he immediately thought about now best to remove us if needed." What Jean didn't say was she meant kill them. That boy was actually thinking about killing them and unless she read him wouldn't have thought to much about it. Which was very disturbing to her as she had never read a mind that devalued life so easily. It made her wonder had he killed before. No best not to think too much about it, she says to herself and shakes her head before joining the others in Scott's car.

Meanwhile inside the warehouse my mind was running a mile a minute. Trying and failing to come up with an answer to my newest problem. I had not expected to run into the X-Men of all people and worse Jean Gray. Even if she didn't read my mind, I knew for a fact that I was going to be on their list of people to watch from now on. Seeing as Dom unknown to me till today was a mutant. Just by association they would want to know more about me. If Dom joined us, then that would no doubt change to keeping an eye on. Which in turn could grab Shield's attention, who most likely already knew about Professor Xavier being a mutant.

Fuck this was not good I kept saying in my mind as I tried to focus on the here and now. Rather than on what could happen in the future. So, looking at the young man before me I say, "Well Dom, was it? I don't think we got to properly introduced ourselves."

"Cut the bullshit man. I already told Johnny I am not interested in what you two are up to. I just agreed to meet you because Johnny is an old friend." Dom says cutting me off with a hostile tone.

"So, Johnny told me on the way over here. Can I ask way?" I ask calmly.

"Because I don't what nothing to do with a criminal organization. Even if it's just a small-time outfit." He says angerly.

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I understand. Johnny told me a bit about your life. Mom and dad were killed in a drive by, right?"

"And my sister." Dom says bitterly.

I nod my head and say, "In that case I really do understand."

"Good now get the fuck out." Dom says to both Johnny and me this time.

"Of course, but one thing before we leave. What happened to those people who killed you family? If you don't mind me asking that is." I ask my tone uncaring and sounding somewhat bored.

I knew I was taking a risk by asking such a question. Especially from a previously unknown mutant whose power still remained unknown to me. For all I knew he could open a gate to hell and toss me into it. But it was a risk I was willing to take. With my power it wouldn't be too long before the organization took off. When it did, I would need loyal people by my side when Howard tried to push me out or at least thought about doing so. Dom's power, whatever it was, could give me a big edge in keeping Howard on a tight leash.

Looking at me angrily for asking him that Dom looked like he wanted to attack me but instead answers me, "Nothing, cops as far as I know didn't even go looking for the people responsible."

"That is because they most likely didn't Dom. The NYPD are an extremely corrupt organization as well as being grossly incompetent. Too many bad apples at the top and too few good guys at the bottom. Most likely whoever it was that did that drive by knew someone with the cops and had it just disappeared." I say to him.

And wasn't that the said truth? Unlike my old world this place ran off of comic book logic. Meaning that the cops were either incredibly incompetent or corrupt. Just looking at it from the perspective of the short amount of time I had been here I had seen some shit. So very fucked up shit, where the cops either turned a blind eye to things or took bribes out in the open. Now granted there were a lot of good cops but that is where the incompetency started. As while good they were not good at their jobs. It was so bad I was honestly scared of what would happen once the supervillains started to come out of the woodwork.

"So, what you what to become the law on the streets?" Dom asks in a somewhat mocking tone.

I just give a dry laugh at that and say, "Do I look like a good guy to you Dom. Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions. I am just trying to survive in a world that doesn't give a shit about me. If I end up doing some good things down the line so, be it but don't think for a moment, I don't realize I am going to be doing some fucked up shit on my way to the top."

"That gives me an even lesser reason to join you then." Dom says.

"True Dom, but tell me If not us, then someone else. So why not us? At least this way you can curve the violence that is to come." I say to him.

Dom doesn't say anything for a while and just looks at Emilio and Johnny. He found he really didn't like Emilio but couldn't say he was wrong. Ever since he had discovered his powers, he had been watching from the shadows at how the world worked. And one thing he had learned was those in power made the rules and those without were just sheep to the slaughter. Crime, no matter how hard you fought against it, would always be around. As someone would always look to take what others worked hard for or seek away to make an easy buck at the expense of others. So, while it was a shitting excuse to becomes a criminal maybe he could help control it. After all Emilio was right if not them then someone else. At least he knew himself and Johnny.

So, walking up to Emilio, Dom says, "If you take things too far, I will kill you myself. Understand?"

With a smile on my face I answer, "Perfectly."

-A few days later-

Hearing the clicks of guns being checked I had to say Dom's power was truly a fucking cheat skill man. The ability to travel and see through shadows man. Talk about fucking unfair. I mean on the surface his power didn't seem all that impressive but if you only think about it for a moment, it was one of the most broken powers there was. As wherever there was light there was shadow and at night the world was covered in shadow. The only weakness it had was that he had to be within a certain distance of said place or person to see anything.

For example, he couldn't see inside the White House unless he was standing within a 200-yard radius of it. But could see clearly into the building we were looking at from across the street. Traveling now ever was somewhat more open as once he entered what he called his shadow world he could go just about anywhere so long as the exit had a shadow equal or greater in height and width than his body. Too bad he couldn't take living things inside with him otherwise what we were about to do would be so much easier. But maybe his powers would evolve one day, who knew?

"Alright everyone ready?" I ask Howard, Dom and Johnny.

"Ready." Is all they say back to me.

"Okay then Dom where is he?" I ask.

"Top floor 3rd door on the right." Dom says to me.

"Then you know what to do once I turn out the lights. You sure you ready to do this?" I asked, making sure seeing as we were basically tossing him into the fire from the get-go.

But that couldn't be helped. No sooner had Dom joined us then opportunity came knocking in the shape of a safe house where the Kitchen Irish stored a fair amount of their drug money. A simple look into a building by Dom who had been following one of their lieutenants had proved that knowledge. And while we wanted to lay low for a while longer, we couldn't pass up the score. While at the same time undermining one of the key organizations, we wanted to either eliminate or subjugate.

Looking over at me Dom says in a cold voice. "Don't ask me that again."

He then gets out of the car and walks towards a shadow and enters it.

"Fuck that is creeping." I hear Howard say.

"Ya, ya it is. Quentin keeps the car running. Remember we have to get in and out within 15 minutes after the first shot is fired before the cops show up. Cash is on the 2nd floor with a small group of armed men. So once the lights are out, we kill as many people as quietly as we can before we use our guns understand." I ask.

"Good lets do this." I say getting out of the car and just like last time headed to the back of the building where everything has been set up. This time, however, I planned to black out the whole block to hopefully buy us more time once the violence starts.

Once I use my power to blow the junction box, we quickly enter the building. Killing the first few men we came across by slitting their throats with knives. It is messing business that is hard to stomach as it was far more personal than killing with a gun. Yet we are able to do it in large part due to the adrenaline that is running through our veins. It giving use nether the time or want to think about it. Eventually, however, we have to use our guns when we come to a room with a few guys standing by the window who spot us. Too bad for them they didn't have their guns raised like we did when we entered and unloaded on them. Killing them in a hail of machine gun fire.

"What the hell is that." A man in an office on the top floor ask out loud as he stands up rapidly upon hearing the gun shots.

They are the last words he will ever speak, however, as he quickly felt something wrapped around his throat and get pulled back hard. His eyes widen in shock and fear as he feels himself being choked to death from behind and the feeling of his throat being cut into by a wire. He tries to fight off whoever it is that is choking him, but it is no use as his strength quickly fades and with a gush of blood from neck he dies. Dom who was the one standing behind him holding the wire continues to pull on the wire till he was sure the man was dead. Then tosses the body to the side and pulls out his own gun to get to work on those who were left.

Later on, he would reminisce on how easy it was to kill another person in cold blood. Now simple it was to snuff out another human being's life just because he could. Then vomit in a toilet bowl for the rest of the night before going to sleep and having nightmares about what he had done. But that was for later. Right now, he had a job to do, and he would see it done no matter how he felt about it.