Neb: I do not own X Men Evolution.

Ricky headed through a small town in New York. It was called Locust Valley and it had a nice charm to it. It had been three days since he had graduated from High School and now it was time to prove he could live on his own. He thought about going back to the woods and living in a cave again, but he decided he needed a real home with a real job. Luckily when he had somewhat of a head start on his Resume. He worked in a Library at his first Highschool when battling his adoptive mother in court for the right to live on his own. He also worked at a burger restaurant and a super market when the Brotherhood fell on hard times. The other Brotherhood Mutants made fun of him for it, since he was the only one of them who under stood how bad their money situation was. He stepped inside a breakfast diner and handed his resume to the owner. The conversation was kept short. The owner asked him what his strengths and weaknesses were. Ricky stated that smiling was both his strength and his weakness. That people would often take advantage of his kindness. The owner then asked him how many days of the week Ricky was willing to work. Ricky responded saying he'll be available any time they need him. Then he received the job. Next he got an apartment, the cost was more expensive then he anticipated, but that's living in New York for you. He just figures if he works overtime at twelve an hour he should be able to pay rent. If not, then he'll have to find a second job. Next on Ricky's list was groceries.

He headed towards the grocery stores. He passed several people along the way. One kid was pointing at his scar while talking to her mother and the mother told her daughter not to be rude. She apologized to Ricky, who just in turn shrugged and then smiled before heading into the store. That was where he saw a familiar eye patch wearing fellow.

"Long time no see Ricky," Nick Fury spoke up. Ricky grunted as he attempted to turn around and head away, but he was cut off by a young girl wearing a black hooded coat and a scarf and sunglasses covering her face. "No need to worry kid, I'm not here to capture you. I'm only here to offer a deal."

"How long did it take you to know I moved here?", Ricky asked. Fury just smiled back at him as he lit a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

"I knew you were going to leave the mansion before you even did son," Fury explained. "I have a knack for finding people who feel like they don't belong. It's how I tend to recruit people to shield."

"Ok," Ricky responded. He had to admit, the eye patch guy was smart but... why was he after Ricky. Could it be X-23? "That doesn't explain why you are following me."

"I'd just like to introduce you to your new partner," Fury explained and Ricky raised an eyebrow. "Like Hydra there are other agencies who had been studying mutants to make super soldiers. One of those groups was called Weapon X. But Hydra and Weapon X are not the only groups that had a mutant agenda."

"Right," Ricky sighed. "The Sentinel Project was created by a Shield Agent."

"And Reptiless here was created by another section of Shield," Fury concluded. "She was captured by them as a little girl. Raised to become a lab experiment. They wanted to see if they could turn other soldiers into beings like her. Not all sections of Shield knew were were living among mutants at the time. Eventually I infiltrated their layer thinking they were Hydra, but they weren't. As much as I hate to admit it, even those who are loyal to this country do stupid things. However, it gave me a new asset and an Idea. You've got leadership qualities kid and I'd like for you to make more then a server's salary."

"Twelve an hour is actually better then most servers," Ricky pointed out.

"It also prevents you from getting proper tips," Fury responded. "If you were in Florida making twelve an hour you'd be on your way to great things, but up here it isn't worth anything."

"Fine, but aside from money why would I join Shield?", Ricky pointed out. "All your people had ever done was track mutants, build giant robots to kill us, and cage us."

"We also helped you free your comrades," Fury pointed out.

"But you also want to cause harm to a friend of mine," Ricky argued. "Laura hasn't done anything wrong, why would you want to hunt her down like an animal."

"We both know what she's capable of," Fury admitted. "She loses her temper too often and attacks anything causing her distress in sight. She has to be stopped, but that isn't why I'm asking you to join us. Seer, an old friend of yours had been gathering a mutant army. I want you to infiltrate their hideout and report back to me."

"And if Seer sees that coming," Ricky laughed.

"That's why I offer you Reptiless as backup," Fury responded as he pointed to the girl who's face was covered. She removed the scarf revealing green scales along her face and yellow snake like eyes. "Reptiless is a mutant capable of moving like every reptile species in the world. She can be a flexible as a snake, as strong as a gator or crocodile, she can also camouflage, produce venom, climb walls with ease, see in the dark, locate water in the wild, and many other things."

"Cool," Ricky admitted. "But what do you need me for."

"Your social skills," Fury smiled. "She spent most of her life in a lab and isn't much of a talker, you however are very talkative. I could use that, and the fact that you can also pick locks, keep watch of your surroundings, and control vibrating particles is a good bonus. You don't have to answer right away, but I will keep Reptiless in your care until you make your final decision."

"Something tells me you don't trust her in Shield's care," Ricky deduced and Fury frowned. Ricky got to him, this is the first time he out smarted Nick Fury. "Fine, leave her in my care, but just so you know I'm only doing this because your interference with the X Men and the Brotherhood helped me understand who Mistique really was."

Fury nodded and headed out, the people in the store begun to head out also. They were all agent. "I wonder what happens to the actual people when he pulls stunts like that."

"I..I'm sorry for imposing," Reptiless spoke up in a quiet tone. Ricky put his hand on her head and gave the warmest smile he could.

"You are young," Ricky explain. "And it sounds like you've had a rough childhood. Which means you'll fit in with me perfectly. Nick Fury knew this, so this leads to my best advice I can give. Don't put too much faith in Shield, they are the types who will only use you for their own benifits. Don't trust every mutant you come across also, they are the same as Shield. Learn to recognize the selfless from the selfish and you will get far in life."

"Thank you for the advice sir," she nodded.

"Don't call me sir," Ricky shook his head. "When we are just hanging out in public, call me Ricky. When we are on a mission, Call me Vibrant."