In an old neighborhood Brooklyn Heights, just over by the bridge, an elderly gentleman opens a letter from someone he hadn't seen in a long time. The writer wasn't very fond of his demands on the means of communication, but from time to time it was a good thing to adhere to the preferences of those who saved your life on more than one occasion.

He was a tall, fair-skinned man with thick, white hair combed up to the side. He sat cross-legged on one of the chairs in his living room, leaving his cup of tea in the small coffee table. Taking out a pair of reading glasses from his jacket, the man focused on reading the letter.

"Hey old man, how's it going?" The 'old man' read in Tony's voice. "I hope you're doing well. Time flies, doesn't it? Of course, you'd know that better than anyone. I know we haven't spoken in a while, work's kept me busy. But I'm really making the most of life, something I'm glad you finally did.

Since you probably still don't watch TV, you won't know about this little bombshell. I started working as a teacher at M.A! I know, I know, Tony doing that seems way out of character, doesn't it? Teaching the future generation of heroes, blah blah blah. I actually saw your grandkids in the hall once or twice. James and Sharon have gotten huge! They look nothing like you though.

Anyway, getting off track here. As you hopefully remember, before you retired, I'd started working on that Arc project. Wound up being something of a dud. The plan was to make it possible for an individual to be able to produce energy without needing a reactor. But after a bit of corporate espionage, one of the test subjects (a spider) escaped and bit a kid, a young boy without a Quirk.

Before you get your blood pressure up, nothing bad happened. Actually, the kid wound up getting powers from it, his own bonafide Quirk. I started training him to control it, and I gotta tell ya, he reminds me a lot of you back in the day. He's genuinely compassionate, plus he's got courage, a strong-will, and a brain I haven't seen since, well... me!

He's attending M.A. now, and I'm keeping an eye on him. The kid's still dealing with a few hiccups mastering his Quirk, but he always finds clever ways to overcome obstacles. I truly feel that one day, he could outshine us both.

I feel like I'm going to need your help sooner than I think, hence why I'm writing this letter. So, from one Number 1 to another, I could definitely use some advice. Also, please get a phone. You at least had land lines back in your day.

Sincerely, T. Stark, The Invincible Iron Man."

"So Stark's got himself a protege..." He said with a slight smile. He finished reading the letter, setting it on the table. The man glanced at an armoire at the side of the room.

There were a few photos, dusty knick-knacks and memorabilia from the 1940's inside. But chief amongst them, sitting against the very back with faded colors, was a triangular shield. The old man raised his cup of tea, sitting back in his chair. "Guess I'd better come up with something," he said, taking a sip.


- The school closed the day after the League of Villains attack on EDR. I think they wanted us to have a little break. But honestly, it was hard to relax. A few days later, they sent us an email saying that for now we should be paired up going to school, for security reasons. -

"Peter! You're going to be late!" May knocks on her nephew's bedroom door, not hearing an answer. "Peter!?" She knocked harder, only to hear a groan in response. "I told you not to stay up late working on those web shooters!"

Another groan, longer and louder was heard. May gave up and went back into the kitchen, regretting a little that she chose that day to make Peter's favorite pancakes.

Just then, she heard the doorbell ring. Quickly lowering the heat on the stove, May walked towards the door and opened it, coming face to face with a surprise; a young girl with auburn hair stood on the porch.

"Good morning Mrs. Parker, I'm Wanda Maximoff, Peter's partner for the walk to school," she said, smiling with slightly rounded cheeks.

"Ah, so you're the famous Wanda that Peter's been talking about so much!" The older woman said, making the poor girl blush without knowing what to say. She turned as bright red as the bow in her hair. "Come in, I'm making pancakes!" She made a bit of space, letting the girl enter the Parker residence.

"Your house is very beautiful, Mrs. Parker," the girl said politely.

"Aww, you're so nice!" May said, going back to the stove and pancakes. "But please call me May. 'Mrs.' makes me feel older than I am. If you want, Peter's room is the down the hall, second door on the left."

"Okay, thanks!" The girl left immediately, heading to the boy's room to see if he was already awake. May watched after her, smiling cheekily to herself as she brought up her coffee to her lips.

Heading to the door, which was obvious from the Iron Man-style wooden sign and the name 'Peter'. The girl knocked softly, but what she didn't expect was that as soon as she knocked, the door opened and a tired Peter appeared before her. He had messy hair and his eyes were still slightly closed.

"I heard you, May. I'll be right down! Let me finish changing and-" But then, his eyes adjusted to the light enough to see who was really in front of him. "Wanda? What are you doing- Oh, right! The pairs for school, I just need to finish changing and I'll be right out, okay?"

"Um… I… Uh…" The girl couldn't even formulate a word, her face was extremely red.

"Hey, are you alright? You look a little red..." The boy said, not quite understanding what was happening. Finally, in a moment of waking clarity, he realized that Wanda's eyes were not looking at his face, but a bit lower. Peter looked down and realized the issue: he was shirtless, standing in only a pair of boxer shorts.

This wasn't the first time she'd seen a boy shirtless, certainly not living with Pietro who liked to lounge around. But simply by staring at the boy's impressively muscular body, his defined chest and abdomen, an immediate heat tinted her face. Looking back at the boy, she could see he was also turning red. The two rushed away from each other.

"I'MSORRYABOUTTHATISWEARIHADN'TREALIZED!!!" The boy yelled, slamming the door in embarrassment.

"I'MSORRYFORLOOKINGIDIDN'TMEANTO!!!" The girl also rushed off back towards the kitchen.

May, meanwhile, had heard everything and started laughing to herself, "Well, he's awake now."


Peter and Wanda walked towards 75th Avenue Station. They'd agreed to meet Danny and Gwen, who came from Harlem, at a bakery on 6th Avenue. Both said nothing during the walk, both had slightly red cheeks due to the shame of the events that had occurred earlier. But Peter had to say something anyway, he couldn't get through the day without talking to his best friend...

"I, uh, heard from some people that you managed to prevent the red villain from reaching your brother," said the boy to his friend, who blushed even more from the compliment.

"I-It was no big deal, I just levitated him a bit. Kamala was the one who caught him..." she replied, embarrassedly scratching the back of her neck. "I used a lot of energy on that, fortunately he was distracted."

"What do you mean?" Asked Peter, not hiding his curiosity and admiration for meeting new Quirks. He knew of other heroes with telekinetic powers, but he felt that Wanda's were a little different.

"Well... my Quirk, 'Hex' allows me to distort natural energy," she said, activating and creating the small, pulsating sphere of red energy. "I usually distort the energy around objects, but the energy around people or animals is too chaotic..."

"How so?" Peter asked, quickly taking his notebook out with a pencil to write down.

The girl seemed not to notice, "How do I explain? Oh! You know when you're not paying attention, then someone pushes you and you fall?" Peter knew very well what it felt like, but he let Wanda continue, it was a rhetorical question after all. "What do you do when you know the person's coming to push you?"

"I would... try to deflect or stand firm so I don't fall," Peter replied, tapping his chin with his pencil.

"Exactly!" She said excitedly, "The same thing happens when I try to control someone's vital energy. If they don't notice it gets easier, but if they do, it becomes a battle of willpower and..." She looked at her classmate, only to see him writing furiously in his notebook. Wanda could've sworn the tip of the pencil was about to catch fire.

"Uh, sorry for not asking permission," the boy said, noticing the red eyes staring at him in curiously. "It's kind of an old habit. I always write down everything I can about new Quirks, it's something I've done since I was a kid."

"Hehe, it's no wonder you're so smart," she said with a smile, and looked ahead while walking. "Every moment reminds me of how amazing you are..." She added with barely a whisper.

"Hmmm?" Peter asked.

"Nothing!" Wanda replied loudly, becoming flushed. She accelerated to stay a few feet in front of the boy.

They soon reach the station and board the bus; fortunately M.A's student IDs gave them free access to buses and subways. During the forty-five minute drive to the bakery on Sixth Avenue, the students heard people talking about the news, chiefly attack by the League of Villains on EDR and the involvement of first-year students. Fortunately, since they were out of their hero uniforms, they weren't recognized.

The bus then stopped in front of Bakery Magnolia, and the two blonds, Gwen and Danny waited for their friends. But alongside them, an unexpected person, but by no means unwanted was found.

"What's up Luke?" Peter asked, getting off the bus. The taller student gave the boy's fist a bump.

"Hey guys," he said with a smiling. "I was already here buying some donuts when these two came in, said they were waiting for you."

"We just found out that he lives in Harlem as well, so he might join us once in a while," said Danny, greeting his friends.

"Our cult has gained another! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Gwen laughed evily.

"Is... she okay?" Asked Luke.

"You get used to it," the others replied simultaneously.

"But were you alone Luke?" Wanda inquired. "Shouldn't we all be with a partner?"

Luke glanced to the side, "Well…"

But before the boy could give his classmates any kind of explanation, something approached them at high speed and stops, producing an air wave that shook their hair and made them close their eyes. Once they finally opened, they beheld another student.

"The Human Rocket, savior of kittens in trees, is here!!" Young Sam declared to the others, posing as if to show off muscles he didn't have. He was wearing his school uniform and had his backpack on his back, but still wore his special helmet on his head.

However, he soon realized the female presence and changed his strategy. Sam removed his helmet and went towards the newly arrived Wanda. "M'lady, would you give me the honor of your-"

But before the lightning flirt could approach, he was lifted off the floor by Luke, holding him by his uniform with one arm, seemingly with no effort. "Ok, ok, that's enough!" He said to the goose-haired boy.

"Do I even weigh anything to you?" Sam asked.

"Nope," Luke grinned.

He let go and the boy put his helmet in his backpack, walking away. "Sorry about him, we're childhood friends," said Luke. "Our parents met during the army the two families are friendly."

"No problem," Peter shrugged. He and Wanda watch Sam trying to show his muscles (which only appeared due to lack of fat, not because they were developed) to Gwen. But the girl herself nonchalantly showed off that her muscles were bigger, much to the boys disappointment. Peter didn't comment, but he knew exactly what it's like having a hard-to-deal-with friend, if he could even call Flash a friend.

The six boarded another bus, and after a quicker trip, this time of less than fifteen minutes, they meet again the M.A. entrance. Fortunately, there was no paparazzi to disturb them. And when the three pairs arrive in the room, the news from the previous week is what occupied the conversations of students in class 1-A.

"Hey you guys, did you manage to watch the news?" Kamala asked around. "I only got to see it this morning."

"I saw it, even got a taste of fame. It's like we're celebrities!" Said Pietro.

"Fame's not as cool as it looks, enjoy it while they don't know where you live," Nico added in a more pessimistic tone.

"I think it depends on the fame you are creating," said Seol, scratching her chin. She knew exactly how the situation was described by the goth, but also the animation expressed by the speedster.

"Or the fame of those close to you..." remarked Reyes in a low voice. Only his neighbor Laura heard, but she said nothing.

"But after everything we've been through, it's kind of crazy to think about it," commented Amadeus.

"Yeah, imagine if the pros hadn't shown up- Ouch!" Sam commented, placing his things at his desk No. 1. He's cut off my a crumpled ball of paper hitting his head.

"DON'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD!" Said a frightened Kei. "I still have nightmares just thinking about that Goblin guy..." The artist started doodling random things in his notebook to get his mind off the trauma.

"Oh can it, ya little twerp!" Flash complains angrily to the short boy, making Peter cringe over how loud his voice was.

"The only cool thing was seeing Iron Man burst in and take down all those villains!" Said Tandy, her friend Tyrone just nodded.

"Everyone stop talking and sit down! This class is about to start!" Called Azari, playing his role of representative by being a walking alarm for the classes.

"Dude, we're all seated already," said Amadeus.

"Yeah man, you're the only one still standing," added Sam, appreciating Azari's face of defeat, as the boy walked to his desk, muttering something to himself.

"Hey, Wanda," Gwen turned around to talk to her friend, even with Amadeus blocking her view. "Who do you think is going to teach us today?"

"You want me to make room?" Amadeus asked, trying to scoot over and not block the girls from seeing each other.

"No idea... Mr. Murdock is still in the hospital," she replied, putting her finger on her chin, thoughtfully. But then, the class door opened and answered the question.

"Good morning class..." They hear the unmistakable voice of the blind hero and class teacher, but his situation wasn't easy. He wore sweatpants, a loose shirt and sneakers, and sat in a wheelchair with one arm bandaged in a sling. He still wore the dressings and bandages on his face that Peter saw the last time he went to the infirmary.

"Mr. Murdock, what are you doing here?" Asked Azari.

"I've recovered from worse injuries," the teacher replied. "The most important thing is that we not delay the curriculum, since your fight isn't over yet..."

"Fight?" Flash questioned.

"Oh, Don't tell me..." added Peter.

"Nonono! No more villains! For the love of all that is sacred!" Kei despaired.

"The M.A. Sports Festival is about to start," finished the teacher.

"Hell yes! It's time to show-" Pietro yelled excitedly, but Danny puts his hand on his shoulder and made him stop.

"Are you sure it's a good idea, sir?" Asked the blonde.

"Yeah, couldn't the villains use this to attack us when we're all in the same place?" Inquired Ava as she sat in the front row.

"Apparently, the administration thinks this is a good way to show that we have everything under control," Mr. Murdock sighed tiredly. "I admit I'm not the biggest supporter of the idea, but the festival's a great opportunity for all M.A. students. Even I agree it's not something that we can cancel because of some villains."

- This was something the whole class couldn't argue with. Everyone wanting to become a hero was enthusiastic about the big event. In the past, fans of sports competitions focused on world events like the Olympics or the World Cup. But with the emergence of Quirks, the level competition have diminished, being replaced in prestige by Sports Festivals of high school students with hero courses. And with M.A. being the largest and most famous school in the world, it was the main focus of sports and competition fans. -

"That's right! We could be scouted by other pros and we'd up recruited," said Laura, a killer look in her eyes.

"True, many after graduating join some agency and become partners of pros before branching out on their own," added Pietro.

"Huh. Who knew that hollow head of yours actually had useful information?" Flash mocked.

"Which brings us to the next topic at hand," Mr. Murdock went on. The class held it's collective breath. "...You'll be allowed to use code names during the competition," the teacher finished.

The students breathed sighs of relief, and began to to get excited again. The prospect of choosing a hero name this early was an unexpected, yet welcome development.

"Just remember," Mr. Murdock clarified. "This is a code name, not a hero name. Those you can decide on later."

Nico raised her hand, "Why are we using code names?"

"This class is in a very unique position," said Mr. Murdock. "I'm aware that several of you have concerns following the villain attack. Whether it's about someone recognizing you, or learning your family name, your face, and what have you."

Several students nodded in agreement. "It's irrational to ask you to compete if you're worried about all of that," Murdock continued. "As such, you are allowed to compete with a code name. It's not required that you do so, but the option is available."

"Are you kidding!? Of course we'll compete with code names!" Kei said excitedly. Other students began to chat with excitement again.

"Will we be allowed to wear masks too?" Asked Ava, raising her hand.

"Only for the purposes of hiding your face," replied their teacher. "Any functions that could provide an unfair advantage would need to be removed."

Mr. Murdock turned to address the rest of the class, "You'll have one week to train. If you want to use a code name or a mask, submit a request before time's up. That's it; one chance a year. Four chances in your life. No aspiring hero can afford to miss such an opportunity. I expected nothing less than the best from each of you. Am I understood?"

"Yes sir!" The students collectively say.

Their teacher nodded back, "Then class dismised."


Leaving their next class, the students began to head out for lunch. But they were still talking about the much anticipated Sports Festival;

"Oh man I'm so excited!" Said Pietro to his friends at the front of the room. He's literally vibrating with energy at super speed.

"Calm down, little guy," said Luke, putting his hand on Pietro's shoulder, making him stop. "We're all excited, for sure."

"It's our time to shine, no pun intended," Tandy said that last part to friend Tyrone, nudging him slightly.

"That's why we're here," he smiled back at her.

"You're lucky, Amadeus," Nico said to her classmate, listening to the conversation of others while the boy organized his table after class. "Quirks like yours are always good at these events, you'll definitely stand out!"

"Yeah, but what I really want to show off is how useful I can be with my brain. I'm more than just muscles," he said, remembering his uncle's fame early in his career.

"Well I sure don't need to worry!" Put in Sam, trying to talk to everyone, but in the end just talking to himself. "When it comes to being flashy, I get attention even standing still, don't you think?" He asked the classmate next to him.

"I am Groot," the young alien shrugged indifferently.

"Wow, this is insane! Everyone's so excited for this festival..." Said Peter, watching the various groups of conversations about the event by the class.

"You shouldn't be anxious about tomorrow, because there is today, and it needs your full attention," Danny noted, putting his things away for lunch.

"BORING!!!" Gwen shouts next to her friend, which made him jump a bit. He gave her a sulky look while she giggled cheekily.

"Peter...Danny...Gwen..." They hear Wanda's voice, but it was lower and more serious than usual. "Let's do our best at the festival!"

The group turns to see Wanda, with closed fists and slightly stooped, and with a dark aura around, as if she is ready to take on the world.

"Wanda, are you okay?" Asked a worried Peter.

"Nobody cares what I said?" Danny asked, referring to his philosophy about enjoying the day.

"..." Kei was the only one quiet while watching the once cute and shy girl with a menacing air he'd never seen before. He concentrated to try to get some inspiration in that scene so exotic for an illustration.

Gwen noticed this, quickly looks for something in her pink backpack full of stickers and finds a lightbulb. Quickly screwing it over the boy's head, it lights up, giving Kei an idea.

"Yandere Wanda!" he said excitedly, not realizing what had happened and starts drawing. Gwen nods approvingly, satisfied with her work.

.

.

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Barber's Chair

• So, this chapter marks the start of Season 2 of my series. After the chaos of the last few chapters, a breather was in order. So the characters get to interact a bit more with each other and we can see more connections growing between them.

• Something that always kinda bugged me in the original series; these are a bunch of kids being paraded before the world as the next generation of heroes. But no effort was made to hide their identities immediately after the attack on their school. If the villains wanted to get revenge, they could look up the names and track down their families. Here, I try and remedy that.