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So here we are again for another tale. This finishes the first three stories in my MCU project, so please check out its prequels Knifefish and The Armored Automaton. Please give feedback, and if you can recommend books or sites giving accurate information on modern Japan, please do so. My current designs for the fourth and fifth stories needs that information. Other than that I present my newest story. "Okay, remember," Robin managed as she looked ahead, "No killing unless you have no choice." She flew through the air, inside of a patchwork armor painted bronze. "Alright," Isaac said. The intelligent armor shot through the sky as she rode inside, the pair of them bolting. As they flew they came upon a tower, smoke pouring out of the side. Letters ran down its length, though they were obscured by the ash. Isaac flew into the hole, landing with a tap. Immediately Isaac opened up his back, and Robin stumbled out. As she balanced she patted her chest, feeling a lump where her yarn catfish was held underneath her black and gray uniform. Scars covered her face, burnt in. "Okay, they have tech based off of the Expo drones and early Iron Man Armor," Robin focused, "Crude mechs, but enough to keep the police at bay." She felt around, feeling the electricity of the tower. Below she could sense the mechs, their guns raised to fire over anyone who approached. Robin was a scientist who managed to engineer organic implants that bind to humans. These implants grant the implanted the ability to see electricity and the power to fire bioelectric stings. She was the first to be implanted, and known to the public as Knifefish, the first autistic superhero. "SHIELD suspects ties to AIM," Isaac updated in a boom. He was a cobbled together suit of armor, built from the remains of Iron Man's arsenal and Chitauri technology. The Chitauri were aliens who invaded the Earth fairly recently, led by the Norse god Loki. "Thanks," Robin nodded. "You think they are after a way to stabilize Extremist?" The company that owned the building was infamous for genetic experiments, and the Extremist formula required a lot of improvements. "Or a new superhuman serum," Isaac blasted through some wreckage, "There is a lot of research on regenerative formulas in this place." The two of them ran down the hall, making their way to the stairs. Knifefish scaled onto Isaac as he dropped down, falling through the gap in the staircase. Then as he reached his target his Repulsers fired, levitating him and Robin in the air. The two landed back on the stairs, stepping towards the doors. Knifefish hummed as she stared at the wall, feeling around through the barrier. Suddenly she burst through the door, discharging electricity into a mech. Sparks danced from the bulky suit, as Robin dropped out of the way. As he came up Isaac fired, sending blue energy into the mech. It crumbled to the ground, sizzling. Knifefish felt it, detecting the trapped pilot. With a nod she moved on, with Isaac coming up behind. --------------------- "They're in." SHIELD agents crowded around their monitors as they watched from Isaac's cameras. The duo were moving forward, slipping towards another mech. With a leap Knifefish discharged into the foe, before Isaac unleashed a burst of energy. Across the room an agent asked, "Sir, are you sure it's wise not to send the Bolts?" An agent with black hair and an eyepatch turned to face him, "The Bolts and the Drones are not supposed to be public. We need them for the next big threat, and we need them stealth. The public will not take kindly to mass genetic engineering." "Do they know?" asked the agent. Agent Jackson looked his underling over before saying, "Knifefish is currently informed that we are trying to make superheroes, not soldiers. Whether she believes it, we don't know, but the Automaton does not know about his duplicates. And we prefer they don't find out. Understood?" "Yes sir," the agent answered. "They are just the public image," Jackson muttered, "The clean portrait." --------------------- Outside of the Sentinel SHIELD base a whirling of blades spun as a helicopter landed. From its doors stepped out a woman covered in implants with a yellow suit of armor. As she landed with a thud she walked forward, a red light in her chest aglow. "Who are you?" a SHIELD agent asked, machine gun at the ready. "My name is Agent Georgia," her eyes turned red, "I am your superior. Escort me inside." The agent's eyes turned glassy as he nodded, before leading her forward. Behind her came a trio of men, none in SHIELD uniforms. Together they wheeled crates of supplies, masked from sight. As they approached the entrance another agent asked, "Who are-" "I am Agent Georgia," she answered, "Your superior. I have come to help in the defense of Earth. Inform the others that their superior is coming, then take me to the bulk of your agents." The man activated his earpiece, and began to give a report. Turning to the first agent she said, "Take these three agents to the comms and do whatever they say." Her face scrunched up briefly, though she still calmly walked inside. The agent led her forward, his eyes blank and glazed. Stepping forward she entered a large room, where agents crowded in front of monitor. "Who are you?" an eyepatch wearing agent pulled out a gun. "My name is Agent Georgia," she answered, "I am your ruler. I am here to lead you in the defense of Earth." The agents saluted, even as blood trickled from her nose. "Now," she said, "What resources does this site possess?" --------------------- Knifefish ducked, narrowly avoiding a swinging metal fist. With a push she thrust out her arms, zapping the machine. As the mech stumbled she ran to its back and delivered another shock. The Mach stagger, even as it swung around, knocking her to the ground. Ducking behind desks hid workers and scientists, trying not to be spotted. A few tried to record the fight, but most had the sense to just avoid the fight entirely. As Knifefish pulled herself from the ground missiles soared from the mech. As they neared a blast of azure energy struck the projectiles, bursting them. Isaac turned back from Knifefish as she picked herself up, before he fired a blast of energy into another mech. The mech was knocked back even as Isaac flew into it, smashing its front. As he fired again into it a fist swiped his leg. The third mech began to bash him about, striking the ground. Elsewhere Knifefish ran around her mech, feeling the electricity of the battle. As the mech launched its missiles she ducked, leaving them to slam right behind her. She stumbled forward, but caught herself. While the mech reloaded she pulled herself to it and discharged a strong blast. Sparks emitted as wiring was shot, before the mech toppled over. As she started to run off, the cockpit swung open to reveal a man. Knifefish darted back, before discharging into his chest. He passed out, though his body remained functioning. Knifefish ran over to the mech flinging Isaac, and delivered a shock to its back. It stumbled, freeing up Isaac to break free. As he landed he fired into the mech, blasting off an arm. While the pilot stumbled Isaac flew at the robotic suit, knocking it to the ground. As the mech crashed he blasted into it again, shorting it out. Immediately he rush to the remaining mech, which had begun to run away With a thrust of his wrists Isaac fired into the surviving meh, sending it cashing. As the last foe fell Isaac and Knifefish ran up to each other a dipped their heads, even as the civilians cheered. As Robin felt around Isaac pried open the mechs, taking out the crew. "Threat disabled," he reported. "...Good," a voice stated, "Wait around until the recovery team gets there, we can't afford for that tech to go missing." "Yes sir," Isaac bellowed, before turning to Robin. She was watching the fallen enemies, even as she felt her catfish. Her scars scratched over her face, a relic of an Extremist Soldier's attack. "Knifefish," he stated, "I have to...secure something. Can you watch them?" "Sure," she answered, "Just don't leave without me, you're my ride." Isaac nodded, before departing from the area. --------------------- As Isaac went off Robin turned to the three unconscious enemy agents a civilian came up to her. "Robin, right?" he asked. "Call me Knifefish," she said, not focusing on her lack of a secret identity, "You need something?" "Who is that guy?" "Oh, that's just Isaac," she answered, "His body's made from some of the Iron Man Armor. He is okay." "He's a robot?" Knifefish stared before she said slowly, "He is not a robot, he is an android." "What is the difference?" "Robot is an insult coming from the Czech word for slave. Android comes from the Latin and Greek meaning man." "...Okay." Knifefish calmed and resumed watching the mech pilots. Time passed in awkward silence, before Isaac returned. "I have what I required," he said, "Hopefully SHIELD will send a team up here sometime this day." As he waited police made their way into the room, spotting the knocked out pilots. "I see you have everything under control," a policeman muttered. Isaac turned towards him, "Yes, it would appear so." Knifefish meanwhile was checking a clock, noting the time. --------------------- Robin looked at Isaac, "It's been too long. Call another SHIELD base." The two of them were on a roof, with the mechs in one pile and the bound pilots in another. Isaac nodded before remarking, "I heard you earlier. I was unaware you had strong feelings about the word 'robot.' Despite its origin you realize it's current meaning jus means humanlike machine." "...That is the main definition," she said, "But it also is used to meaning 'emotionless machine.' Which you aren't." She sighed, "It's a insult people sometimes associate with autistics; the robot, the Vulcan. On the other side you have the r-word and savant." "I was unaware of this." "My mom says people don't do it any more and times are changing," she looked away, "That we are so common that they have to change. Will doesn't think so." "Odd," Isaac said. "No, he has had a harder time than me," Robin said, "He moved out because the stress of moving was actually less than being with his birth parents. There are reasons a lot of his family are villains in his stories." "No," Isaac said, "I just spoke to the Director of SHIELD, he was unaware that agents haven't come yet. I believe that can only indicate nothing is wrong." "Agreed," Knifefish replied, "...You were being sarcastic right?" "Director Fury is sending agents to us now," Isaac looked up, "As well as some to investigate the base." "We better join them," Knifefish looked up at the sky, "You know, once the agents arrive." --------------------- Helicopters whirled in as Extremist Soldiers unloaded supplies. An army of the superhumans moved about, incoming from the survivors of AIM. AIM had been a technology group responsible for terrorist attacks and a conspiracy against the United States. After their founder was taken down and AIM was exposed by the superheroes Iron Man and Iron Patriot the remaining workers were on the run. But with the fatal nature of the Extremist treatment and the efforts of superheroes like Knifefish and Iron Patriot AIM had dwindled in number. Now all surviving AIM agents were injected with Extremist, as their leader had commanded. The superhumans were all ticking time bombs, unless they could stabilize the technology. "Any luck with Stark's research on Extremis?" The former superhero had managed to purge the treatment from a user, allowing SHIELD to deposed captured agents. But it alo might help in balancing the formula. "No, Madam." As Extremist Soldiers modified the long range transmitters, Madam Georgia looked on. As she watched her workers, a pair of operatives approached her. A youth was clutched in their hands, struggling to break free. "Madam," one of the AIM acts said, "We caught this kid trying to access the comms." "Who are you?" asked Georgia, "Who were you trying to contact?" The teen winced and grunted. "Go to ---- neut," he answered, "I'm not talking. Give me all the headache you can, I won't give it up." "No," Georgia slipped, "No, no you can't be immune. No, I-we need this. Lock him up, and get the amplifiers ready. We have to hurry, I need to unite the world before it is too late." The agents dragged Will away, as Georgia breathed heavily. "Control," she muttered, "Need to maintain control. Can't let it happen again." --------------------- Robin flew inside of Isaac as they approached the base, struggling to get comfortable. With a twist he dived, landing outside the perimeter. As Knifefish stumbled out Isaac remarked, "Radio signals are jammed." "Okay," Knifefish felt around, "Truth, there is like an army of Extremist Soldiers in there. I thought there was only one left. Even if they built another device, how did they get so many volunteers?" "Truth?" "Sometime you have to see FMA Brotherhood," she backed up as she felt more, "Okay, this is over our heads. We need to get Avengers on this, or Iron Patriot-" "You need to go get help," she turned suddenly, "Just go outside of range, it shouldn't take long for you." "...You are not coming?" "There are a lot of SHIELD agents here," she answered, "And Will. I need to make sure he is okay. I can avoid them long enough to figure out what is going on. You know, maybe. Point is we might not have time to wait. I mean yeah I only write down three-fourths of the Bolt information, but who knows what else they have there." "You were prepared for this?" Isaac focused on Robin, as she looked down "Captain America is the first superhero," she answered reluctantly, "But he was intended to just be a soldier. And you told me about New York. The Chitauri only noticed us because we were using that Tesseract to make advanced weapons." "I have difficulties seeing the difference between a superhero and a soldier," Isaac remarked, "Both defend populations and battle enemies, and both kill. You are the exception." "...A superhero should be a defensive force," Knifefish began to move forward, "To protect first, fight second. Soldiers are meant to fight wars, heroes should save and protect lives." Isaac stared at her, before saying, "At the base SHIELD has records of the regeneration experiments. If they could use them to stabilize Extremist..." Knifefish nodded turning towards the facility. Isaac turned away, before bolting into the sky. In a blur he flew off, as Knifefish crept forward. She made her way towards the base, feeling everyone with bioelectricity. Knifefish finally reached the door, and fired a weak jolt to the electronic lock. As it opened she bolted inside, feeling around for anyone. As she ran she suddenly froze, as she spotted a security camera swiveling about. Feeling around she bolted, just as the camera faced away from her. With a leak she discharged, causing the camera and the nearby lights to spark out. Her hands held out like antennae, Knifefish swerved as she ran, looking for everyone. Bioelectricity roamed over the base, forcing her to duck and weave. As she felt around she ould feel someone in the local brig, contained. Knifefish made her way towards the prison, spotting an unusual soldier guarding the cells. He felt a odd, not human, but not quite a Extremist Soldier, with hotspots on his arms and chest. As she focused she could see Will, glaring. She breathed out, even as the soldier suddenly turned towards her. Knifefish leapt forward, sending a blast into the agent. As she turned to watch him. her eyes widened, as a surge of electricity struck her. "Bolt," she realized, hardening up. The man leapt at her, discharging. Quickly she leapt to the side, tumbling onto the ground. As she pulled herself up she swung out her arm, zapping his leg. As she stood up the Bolt staggered, freeing her to spot a faint spike of electricity in the soldier's ear. Hoping to herself she leapt forward and discharged, frying into the soldier's ear. As the soldier stumbled in pain she blasted again into his ear, letting the earpiece burn into him. "And that is why I don't carry electronics," she said, before kicking him in the crotch. She breathed as Will clapped, "Nice takedown," he said, "Listen, something is going on. I think we are looking at a Loki scenario." Knifefish nodded carefully, Isaac had told the two of them the story. Loki was the brother of Thor, both gods. Loki had lead the invasion in the Battle of New York, but in the build-up he had used his powers to mind control SHIELD agents. Will suddenly smiled, causing Knifefish to shake her head, "No," she said, "AIM probably didn't factor in non neurotypicals in whatever device they used...Isaac. That lab was a diversion." Will nodded, "I thought so. Time for you to save the world?" "Time to stall," she shorted out the lock, "We need to get to communications, the Avengers need to know...but first we need to head to the labs." Will nodded, before following her out into the hall. --------------------- "Attention Director Fury," Isaac hovered over a forest, "Knifefish and I have investigated Sentinel. It appears to be overrun with Extremist Soldiers. Signals are jammed within." "That is all we need," Fury sighed, "The military is sending Iron Patriot, and we've got some of our agents on route. You need to navigate them." "Sir Knifefish has already gone in," Isaac said. "Funny," Fury glared across the comms, "She didn't seem suicidal." "She isn't," Isaac answered, "I suspect she might be after the research on Extremist. She may be attempting to cure the invading force." "You think she can?" "...Not all of them." "Iron Patriot is almost at your location," Fury said, "Get him there with all speed." "Sir." "You won't make a dent in them," Fury said, wait for help. You're no use to us dead." Isaac stared out towards the base, his hand clenched. --------------------- Madam Georgia relaxed as wires piped into her implants, as her soldiers hooked her up to the communication hub of the base. Lights flickered as she started to link in, even as she winced. As she hyperventilated an Extremist Soldier walked up. "Madam, we are having some electrical problems." "A rogue Bolt," she managed, "Get...the others on it." "Madam, why are you doing this. It could kill you." "If we are safe, then I am willing," her eyes looked pale, "Now hurry. I can't risk taking out SHIELD when they arrive. Get our army prepared." the soldier nodded, before departing the chamber. --------------------- Knifefish and Will slipped through the base, her hand guiding him as she felt around. Her eyes were opened, but most of her vision was through electroreception. Suddenly she began to move faster, dragging Will behind her. "Truth. Truth," she muttered, "Come on-" Suddenly she stopped dead short, letting Will drift. As he came back he asked, " What's wrong?" "We're surrounded," she muttered, "Truth, a Bolt is running up, he feels me. We're running now." Will nodded, as the two of them focused. Knifefish took off, running with Will right behind. As they ran Extremist Soldiers swiveled, before sprinting after them. The superhumans pounded into the ground, their footsteps cracking the floor. As the Bolt came up Knifefish discharged into his ear, causing him to collapse in pain. She winced at the sound, before sprinting towards the lab, even as the soldiers charged. Suddenly a fist smashed into Knifefish, knocking her to the ground. Wearily she pulled herself up, to see a fierce Extremist Soldier towering over her. Quickly her hands flew up as the foe punched, sending a jolt down through the soldier's arm. As he winced Will tackled him, knocking the soldier to the ground. Knifefish pulled herself up, before forcing her body to sprint. Her side ached, even as Will covered the rear. "Almost there," she managed as they turned a corner, squeezing Kitty. Suddenly an Extremist soldier ran from the front, causing Knifefish to dodge. As she moved she heard a sick crunch, as the foe slammed her fist into Will. Knifefish stared in horror as Will fell, watching him collapse in pain. As a hand grabbed Knifefish she spun around, before discharging into the Soldier's skull. In a flurry she charged, letting adrenaline take over. She zapped another soldier, and another, before grabbing at Will. Helping Will up she dragged him inside the lab, just as a pack of AIM agents charged. Inside she heaved a table to block the door, before rushing to a lever. With a twist she pulled, as an alarm sounded. "Quarantine!" it sounded, as the door slammed shut with a metal gate. Robin sighed with relief, before turning to Will. He was bleeding from the chest, and the smell of ash came from his blackened shirt. "I'm not feeling so good," he admitted as he sprawled. "Okay. Okay. Okay," Robin held her chest, squeezing her catfish inside the suit, "Wait, duh. Okay, computer." Robin rushed over to a monitor,typing in her username. Quickly she searched through, before pulling up a series of notes on the regeneration formula. "Okay, I just need to fix a serum that turns users into lizard-men," she began to read as she spoke, "With science not in my field that I have never studied before. Please be my cave moment." Tony Stark was the first modern superhero, using high tech armor. However his first suit of armor was simplistic and built together in a cave with a box of scraps. Yet that first suit still possessed the first mobile Arc Reactor in the world, and the cleanest power source at the time. --------------------- As Extremist Soldiers patrolled, there was a twinkling in the sky. As they turned a barrage of missiles flew through the air, pounding into them. With a Thud Iron Patriot and Isaac landed, even as Quinjets began to flew towards them. The jets shifted their engines down and began to hover, even as large guns opened out at their bottoms. Bullets began to pound into the nearest Extremist Soldiers, even as Iron Patriot and Isaac flew into the base. Iron Patriot whirled open his shoulder gun even as Isaac fired blue bursts into two soldiers. As the AIM agents stumbled Ion Patriot fired a missile, ripping a trio of agents apart. "We need to find Knifefish," Rhodes said, "Can you track her? I'm reading at least six signatures." The pilot of the Iron Patriot suit was a soldier who had been a long time friend of Tony Stark. "Bolts," Isaac said, "They are too similar. Their freedom is...curious, though two appear unconscious." "Yeah," Iron Patriot blasted another agent, "And I am reading a lot of SHIELD agents coming towards us." "Loki scenario?" "I really hope so," Rhodey fired a missile at the feet of the coming crowd, knocking them to the loot, "Or lose SHIELD has the worst background checks in the world." As they moved in there was a rush, as a squad of Extremist Soldiers mashed though the walks into the two of them. --------------------- "Madam, the rogue Bolt has locked herself in a genetics lab." Georgia lay in her chair, her eyes red as she twitched. "I'm...I'm...I'm focusing," Georgia answered, "Deal with the other intruders first first first, one Bolt isn't going to hurt us really real fake." "...Yes Madam." --------------------- "Talk to me," Robin said as she separated strands of lizard DNA, "I think that is what you're supposed to do to keep conscious." "Sounds great," Will blinked long and slow, "Did you...did you know at least a third of the soldiers think we are together." "We are." "No," he winced, "Like Almei." "...Never," Robin stated at him for a second, before starting again, "I mean I'm flattered they aren't assuming we can't feel, but you're like my brother. And I couldn't do that to you." "I know," he answered, "Though even I disagree with your con-cough-ception of love." "It isn't love it's lust," her hands were a blur, her clumsiness forgotten, "lust can sometimes transform into love, but it always starts as filthy dirty primal urges." "..." "Will, come on," she said, looking at him frantically as she worked, "Please. Will. William?" She began to hyperventilate as he muttered, "I'm sorry if I pushed you-" "You couldn't if you wanted to," Robin finished, "Not really." She looked over a syringe of chemicals, wincing. "Why couldn't it have been catfish DNA?" she moaned, before forcing herself to inject the fluid into her arm. As she started go automatically refill the needle she grabbed a scalpel and made a light cut on her wrist. As she looked the cut began to rebuild itself, rapidly healing. As she helped she felt around, checking out the Extremist Soldiers outside the door. "Okay," she affirmed, "Everything is okay." Quickly she rushed to Will and injected the serum into his blood. She watched over him, squeezing Kitty tight through her uniform. The soft catfish cough to keep Robin calm, as she watched over her dying friend. --------------------- "Madam," an Extremist Soldier ran up, "It appears that the Bolt is actually Knifefish. She returned already from the diversion-" "You fools!" Georgia's eyes erupted with fury, "And you let her get in a lab? She is god there! Release the drones, take her out and the intruders!" The soldier nodded, before running out as fast as he could. --------------------- Isaac smashed into a wall as an Extremist Soldier tackled him. As he pulled himself up there was a twist as a burning touch singed into his armor, roasting into him. Isaac struggled to break free, just as Iron Patriot flung another soldier into the one pinning Isaac. The android pushed up before blasting the soldier point blank, tearing into her. With a twist Iron Patriot launched a volley of missiles into the incoming Extremist Soldiers, knocking them back. As dust over their vision Isaac scanned forward, before hauling twin burst into a charging soldier. Suddenly red eyes pierced the gloom. In a burst an ebony figure rocketed through the shadows, smashing into Isaac. As he tumbled he caught sight of a robotic drone, roughly identical to him. "What is this?" Isaac stood up, "Why...they made more of me." His sensors poured over the two robots, taking every detail. Just as he prepared for a fight an Extremist Soldier tackled him from behind. As he fell, Iron Patriot blasted the drone, knocking off a chunk of its armor. The robot turned towards Rhodey, before surging blue energy into the warrior. Iron Patriot knocked into a wall from the blow, as a second robot crashed into him from the side. He skidded across the ground, before catching himself. Isaac activated the jets on his feet, burning into the Extremist Soldier. As a rip in her toro emerged he blasted off, tackling the first robot. Isaac swung his fists wildly, pounding into the machine. Behind him he could see Iron Patriot firing missiles into the second done. The robot sparked as its core was ruptured, before blasting Isaac. He stumbled back, as it swung out its leg, knocking him to the ground. Isaac shuddered from the blow, while the robot began to step on his face mask. Twisting his arms up he fired at the robots core at full blast, even as his sensors failed. Feeling the pressure relax he pushed up, knocking the robot off of him. As Isaac turned to help Iron Patriot, a metal arm swung into him. He staggered, to just as spotted the drone, it's left arm dangling by exposed wires. The robot swung again with its right arm, before blasting Isaac in his core. Isaac shuddered at the impact, his power source shaken. Suddenly the second robot smashed into the one armed machine, freeing Isaac to launch twin blasts into the core of the first robot. With a rip it exploded, tearing into the second. Iron Patriot focused his hands and fired his Repulsers into the machine. As it staggered Isaac hurled blue energy into its core, just as Iron Patriot launched a missile into it. With a rip it exploded, tearing it apart. As the two took a moment o recover Isaac managed, "I de-detect abnormal brain Bolt in labs. Possibility it is Knifefish. Go investigate?" "You okay?" "Head in pain," Isaac answered as he touched his bent up head, "Need repairs. Least SHIELD apparently has experience in make me." "Not just that. You just destroyed copies of you." "I not agree to them. Simple programing I sense. They mockery to I. Not true people. Just robots. You kill humans." Iron Patriot gave him a look, saying, "True. Just don't give out on me." The two technological heroes ran down the halls, coming up upon the lab room in question. Outside some soldiers were trying to burn their way in, as a drone watched. Suddenly the machine swiveled, as a barrage of missiles flew into the crowd. The ceiling ruptured, raining rubble onto the group. The debris knocked into the heroes and the group, burying them. Slowly the group picked themselves up, just in time for Iron Patriot to fire a surge of power into two of them. The third soldier leapt on Iron Patriot, as the done and Isaac picked themselves up. Isaac leapt onto the robot, smashing hard into its core. As the robot fell he kicked, before blasting it's core twice. The robot collapsed, just as the Extremist Soldier collapsed. Walking up to the door Isaac smashed it open, for Will to leap at him. "Oh," Will climbed off, "It's you. Huh, looks like SHIELD was making an army put of you." "So it would seem," Isaac looked as Knifefish came up, her hand squeezing the lump in her uniform. "I might have good news," she said, "I have started researching the Extremist purge, I think I can maybe make a dispersal system through the sprinklers." "Right," Will said, "In a short amount of time we should be able to strip all of them of their abilities, except for your drones and Bolts." "So do you know why they are attacking here?" Knifefish asked suddenly, "This isn't the biggest SHIELD base, and the research here isn't exclusive." "Maybe they were after you." "But I was sent away-right," Knifefish glanced at the damaged drone, "Bolts. Duh. Okay...but again they have files on it elsewhere. Probably less guarded places, and if their mind control fails the Bolt guys will quickly turn on them." "Oh, right," Will slapped his head, "She said she was going to unite the world. The AIM person in charge I mean." "...Base po-po-possess ability project signals across world," Isaac turned towards a wall, "If AIM able use power, perhaps they transmit mind control across planet." "Alright," Iron Patriot turned, "Isaac, you're with me. We need to stop that signal. Knifefish, try to depower the AIM agents." Knifefish nodded, before running over to work. Will stood beside her, brandishing a scalpel. Iron Patriot and Isaac took off, clunking away as they ran. Isaac smashed through a door in a rush, charging up towards the communication hub. The two bursted into the room, to find it literally covered in Extremist Soldiers. --------------------- Knifefish turned to Will, flask in hand. "Okay," she nodded, "Now we need to move to...I have no idea where sprinklers get their water." "I do," Will began to run, "Remember 'Of Water and Blood?' I had to make sure you could use the sprinklers to defeat Stingray." Knifefish smiled briefly, chasing after him. Will's stories tended to revolve around Knifefish, even before she was discovered by SHIELD. However ever since the two of them had been forced to flee to SHIELD only Robin had been able to read them. "Okay so we need a blueprint of the building," Will said, "Think you can access that?" "You know I'm not good at computers." "Well then we have a lot of guesswork to do." --------------------- Explosions rocked the room as Iron Patriot launched missiles across the room. SHIELD agents leapt in the way of the explosives, shielding the comms. "Really?" he asked, before switching to Repulsers. Extremist Soldiers charged past the fallen agents, searing heat bursting from the AIM operatives' mouth. "Keep them-ah-ha-busy," the woman in the center ordered, "I need more time!" Blood trickled out of her nose, and her face had started to turn red. Her breathing was irregular, heaving up and down. Suddenly a burst of electricity discharged into Iron Patriot, causing him to spark. As he turned Isaac tackled the Bolt, blasting the mind controlled superhuman in the face. As the Bolt fell another surged electricity into Isaac, causing him to collapse. Sparks dances about him, his systems already devastated by the fighting. As he stumbled Isaac forced a burst from his hand, blowing up the agent's skull. Isaac collapsed on the ground, as Iron Patriot sent Repulser blasts into a charging Extremist Soldier. The AIM agents crashed into a wall, as beams of energy burned through the horde as they charged. With a twist Iron Patriot got a blast free, burning into the comms. Sparks erupted from the monitor, shocking the yellow suited woman. With a shriek she sparked, ripping the wires off her face. Blood oozed from her ears as she shook. "You fool," she roared, "You have doomed the planet!" --------------------- Robin and Will twisted a valve, pouring fluid into the pipes. "Okay, that should do it." "I've got to set it off," Robin started to sprint, "You tie up the Bolts I knocked out." Will nodded as Robin ran off. Knifefish sprinted about, skidding into the room. Her hand flew to her mouth as she stepped into the comms room, which had a layer of goo on the ground. Devastated SHIELD and Extremist Soldiers crowded the floor, torn to bits. As she stumbled an Extremist Soldier tackled her. Quickly Knifefish discharged into his head, stunning him long enough to get free. As explosions rocked behind her she leapt at the ceiling, before discharging. Sprinklers activated, dripping mostly water onto the crowd below. But mixed in came another compound, soaking into the Extremist Operatives. Slowly they stumbled, before collapsing on the floor. As Knifefish landed she spotted Isaac, collapsed on the ground. His electronics were silent, and no lights flicked. "Come on," she muttered, before giving a weak discharge into Isaac. She waited briefly as something thumped behind her, before trying again. Suddenly Isaac flickered and managed, "I-I-I-I-oh. Major repairs needed." "Just lie down," Knifefish sighed, just before a Repulser blast knocked into her shoulder, sending her across the room. As she stood up her tissue began to heal, even as she winced. As she looked she spotted a woman in a yellow suit of armor smashing Iron Patriot into a wall. "Do you comprehend what you have done!" the woman shrieked to the soldier. "No," said Knifefish as she ran up, "What have we done?" She delivered a shock to the stranger's arms freeing Iron Patriot from her grasp. He crashed into the ground, the suit inoperable. "You will die!" "Seriously," Knifefish crashed as a blast of energy knocked her back, "And where did you get that armor?" "You...you want to know? Fine, I'll tell you. I was at the Battle of New York. I was there when the sky burned and gods decided the fate of the world. And you know what I did there. You want to know what I contributed?" "Nothing," the woman said, "I did nothing. I could do nothing. I was just an ant in a tornado. Everyone was. Only the Avengers had any control of the situation, we were helpless. And we will be the next time." "Don't think for a second there won't be another disaster," the woman clenched her fist, "We've been noticed. The aliens will come back, and others too. The only way we have a chance is if we work together. We have to gather our best minds and develop new soldiers, stronger technology. Otherwise the next time we won't have another chance." Knifefish looked about with electricity and said, "AIM did have a mass produced superhuman serum." "And at the time we were still respected," the woman clenched her fist, as the two of them encircled each other, "We even were allowed to modify Iron Patriot. The governments toy! In a few years we could have mass produced proper mechs like this exoskeleton! But then Stark had to reveal Killian's plan and drive us apart." Knifefish continued to feel electricity, and focused on the woman. A spike was gathering behind the woman, radiating energy. Knifefish tensed up, just as a blue burst smashed into the woman. She turned towards Isaac, who had managed to stumble to his knees. Quickly Knifefish leapt, discharging into the AIM Leader's back. The woman spun about, punching Knifefish to the ground. She pulled herself shakily, as the woman fired twin Repulser blasts into her gut. Knifefish crashed to the ground, her chest ripped. She laid still panting, her body slowly squeezing new tissue over the wound. As the AIM Leader charged Isaac fired into her, blasting her back. With a turn she spun, before firing into the android. He sparked, before completely collapsing. Knifefish pulled herself up, crawling over to the AIM Leader, who immediately spun around. With a kick she smashed into Knifefish, cracking her hand. Tears leaked from her eyes, as Knifefish grabbed the leader, and discharged. Electricity parked from her touch as she unloaded, causing the woman to scream. The leader kicked into Knifefish, just as Will tackled her. His fists swinging he tore at her face, squeezing on her implants. She roared as he ripping into the metal, prying into it. His eyes gleamed yellow, his pupils thin. With a surge she blasted Repulsers into him, before flinging him to the floor. Will bent on the ground, even as Knifefish pulled herself up, her chest covered in a faint level of skin. Standing up she leapt, discharging into the AIM Leader's chest. The leader staggered as her radiant core sparked. Energy began to leap from her chest in a strange mist, not unlike the reach of the Tesseract. Knifefish winced as a fist smashed into her, knocking her to the wall. Blood trickled from her implants, even as she struggled to charge. The yellow suit sparked and shuddered, as it's safety's began to kick in. Suddenly Will tacked her, holding Iron Patriot's shoulder mounted gun. With a roar he stabbed it, driving the tool into the mech's core. Fire was born from the armor, slamming Will to the ground. As his skin roasted he looked ahead to see the current leader of AIM, her body torched and tortured. Her body crumbled still and broken. Knifefish pulled herself up, crawling to Will, her chest still devastated. "I'm ah-ha-fine," he managed. She nodded, giving him a hug, before crawling to the leader. Squeezing Kitty, who had survived the fight inside Knifefish's uniform, Knifefish laid her head on the villain. Worry in her eyes she discharged into the Leader's chest, before listening again. As Knifefish felt a faint heart beat she relaxed some, before gulping. She tore some of the clothing off a shredded AIM agent, and bond some of the particularly bad burns. She finally calmed as Will scooted up to her. The two of them leaned there, even as Knifefish looked at the electric dead android. Her eyes were narrow as she stared at Isaac, his body one of many brutalized ones in the room. --------------------- Robin watched as SHIELD agents were bound to tables. The first was slid into an MRI machine, a familiar sight. As the agent lay inside the machine neurologists looked patiently, ready to investigate. Will stood beside her as she asked with a sigh, "Will Isaac and Iron Patriot be okay?" "Yes," Sitwell answered as he looked as well, "The Iron Patriot Armor will take some time to repair however and Isaac will need major reconstruction as well, but both will survive." "Isaac is going to have to explain himself first," Robin decided, her fist clenched. A flicker of the tore apart bodies entered her mind, exploded corpses devastated by her allies. "When did you plan on telling Isaac about the drones?" Robin suddenly turned to Sitwell, staring into his mouth. "We did informed him," he answered, "The data must have been damaged in the fighting." There was a silence before Robin said, "I really doubt that. Then again I don't always get people, I'm still checking out me and Will." "We noticed your experimenting," he said,"you destroyed all the research on the regenerating serum." "Yes," she said, "I didn't want AIM to get the research. And as it turns out it has side-effects in some people." Will nodded, his eyes still golden and reptilian. She could also just about see her reflection, her eyes had a trace of yellow in them as well. "Could you fix it?" "Not my field," she shut him down, "You want a safe serum go to...whatever that company was. Or just put up with Bolts. By the way, has she talked?" "Georgia has been moved to a secure facility," answered Sitwell, "She won't escape." "Yeah," Robin said, "And these agents?" "Hard to say," he glanced at the MRI, "Their minds are several damaged, it may be years before there is any type of recovery." "What are you going to do now?" he asked. "Me and Will are going to talk about writing and stuff," she glared at the thought, "Then when 'murderfest' gets bettered we'll ship back out. Unless you have a reason for us to stop." "No," he said, "We can send you out in the field before then though." "Quinjets are too slow." "We have alternate quicker transportation." "...No robots." "Current Quinjets," he said, "But we have been studying Isaac's design. We can improve them to move at Isaac's speed." "You sure it works?" "Completely." "I will need time to prepare," she said, "But I could use a break from him. Will and me will need a few days" "Understood." As Sitwell walked away Will said, "You know they are making weapons out of you, if they did it to Isaac they would do it to us." "I know," she replied, "But I can't take the research I gave them back. I'm not skilled with computers. And they would probably try to synthesis their own if they had to. The box is open, so all I can do now is hope." "Besides," she said, "The world still needs heroes. And there need to be Autistic heroes, they can't all be neurotypicals. Though we definitely could use some other ethnicities too, even I've noticed everyone but me and Iron Patriot is solid white. Though I heard something about a bird man..." "Wait..." Will said, "You and me?" "...Yeah," she answered, "You have powers too, and you don't like being around these people all the time." "You realize what you might unleash." "No, Will," she was firm, "You aren't a villain. You would never let yourself. Just...don't massacre people. Just, scalpel not sledgehammer.." "Understood," he looked at Sitwell's back as he walked away.

Okay, its story time again. This time I need to go over a few things, as I often do. One, I came up with this story while half asleep. I wrote most of it when awake and I reviewed it, but if there are gaps in logic that might be why. Also, there are original characters here. I don't like doing that, but I wanted to do an Autistic hero, and there are none. At all. So I made up one. Plus this way I don't have to worry about her being used in the MCU. Tell me what you think about her and the other characters, I may recycle her later for original projects. With that said here is Knifefish. (Its an order of fish by the way) Over one year earlier, at the Battle of New York Explosions rocked overhead, knocking against the streets of New York City. Citizens scampered as the ground erupted in fire and cars overturned. The sky was so clear, revealing all the destruction. Robin stared into the sky as she clutched at her yarn catfish. A powerful blue beam soared into the sky, ending in a tear. This hole ripped through the air, a portal. And through it flew scores of aliens, some atop floating skiffs, others aboard giant whale-like beasts. The invaders flew over the city, raining chaos from energy blasts. Below the beam stood Stark Tower, a new structure designed by the billionaire genius Tony Stark, the first modern superhero and the only public one. Stark currently flew overhead as Iron Man, his red and golden armor worn from the fight. With a twist of his palm powerful energy erupted from his hand, blasting an alien skiff out of the sky. He soon flew out of view, busy fighting the invaders. “Robin,” a voice shook her out of her daze. Robin turned to see Will waving at her frantically, calling her forth. Quickly Robin ran towards him, catfish held tight. Her black hair clung to her head as she sprinted, short against her shaded skin. The two teenagers hugged each other from the side, before looking up at the chaos again. “You got your stories?” Robin ventured, causing Will to briefly double check his pockets. “Yes,” he sighed as he touched his tablet, “And the rest. You have Kitty?” Robin held up her yarn catfish, before the two of them hurried away from another explosion. As the two teens ran, a fleeing woman knocked into Robin. As she stumbled Kitty flew from her grip, landing besides a building. Immediately Robin raced towards the fish, while Will looked around. Robin squeezed her fish as she caught it in her hands, before hearing a cracking sound. Robin looked up to see a chunk of the building above her collapse and fall. The teen stared in horror as the debris barreled down towards her. She could do nothing. She was too slow and not the best balanced. It was the most horrifying second of her life. And then history took two paths. In one, Robin was crushed, dying in her late teens. But in another timeline… A shadow cast over Robin, blocking her view. There was a clunking sound, as the rubble bounced harmlessly off a circular shield, held over her head. She turned to see a man wearing a blue, white, and red suit, holding up the shield. “Captain America?” Robin managed as she gasped. His colors were bright and vivid, arranged with splashes of color. Stripes stood above his waist, and his shield was colored in patriotic hues. He stood so strong, barely slowed down by the debris. “You need to get out of here,” the man said, “Stay off the streets, use the underground to get to safety.” Robin nodded, before running over to Will, who had started to hyperventilate. Robin took one more look at the star spangled man, as he protected a small family from energy blasts. Captain America was the first superhero ever, way back in WWII. But that was almost seventy years ago. So was this his successor? A descendant? Will dragged Robin back to reality, and the two took off. As they ran Robin thought back to that split second and shuddered. Her body tensed up slightly, even as she looked into her catfish. --------------------- Robin felt her arms, as Will wrote on a tablet. He had a soft smile on his face, even as he glanced over at Robin again and again. The pair of them were in Will’s apartment, still within the city of New York after all this time. Robin had Kitty resting on her shoulder, the bristles stroking her neck. “So, how does it feel?” “It feels a little tingly,” she repeated, “I think you asked that already.” “Oh, sorry,” he looked up, meeting her shoulder. “Think you can show me again?” “Sure,” she held out her hand towards a lamp, just as an alarm went off. The two of them flinched, before pulling themselves up. “Door bell,” Will laughed nervously, as he walked over to the door. He sighed deeply in preparation, before je swung it open. A man in a black and white suit emerged from within, though neither of them glanced at his face instinctually. “Robin Watson?” asked the man as he approached her. “…Yes,” she answered, meeting his mouth with her gaze, “What is it?” “I represent the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division,” the man said, “Or SHIELD. My name is Agent Sitwell.” “…Okay.” “We would like your help with something,” he continued, “especially since Iron Man quit being a vigilante.” Robin broke into a nervous laughter, “Why-ha, why are-ha, sorry I just ‘Avengers,’ why are you here?” The Avengers was the team of six superheroes who defended New York during the alien invasion last year, made up of the monstrous Hulk, an archer, a spy, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor; god of thunder. “We have been following you since you joined ESU,” Sitwell said, “You have been doing remarkable things with genetics since you arrived, even by their standards.” Empire State University was a college in New York well known for its genetic research. Unfortunately it had a history of unethical tactics, among at least a few professors. Robin had joined about a six months before the invasion of New York when she was sixteen, and had since stayed with Will Roberts, a close friend. “I see,” she giggled, “Sorry, sorry, this is-ha, inappropriate. Just-ha-ha really excited.” She bit down, and forced her nervous laugh to cease, for the most part. “It isn’t that big of a deal,” she followed his mouth, “I’m just on a Think Tank, most of the work on Knifefish was already done by the time I sighed up. Really there were a lot better researchers than me, they deserve the credit.” “Knifefish?” “It’s the order the Electric Eels belong to,” she answered excitedly, “Like some Catfish, Knifefish can see through electricity. Though only the Electric Eel is known to use electricity for offense and defense.” “The point is, you were able to help make highly efficient electricity producing cells.” “Yeah,” she smiled, “But I mean Albert formed the foundation, and Nicole did the bulk of the work. I just swooped in.” The research was going to be used for microscopic devices in the body, to power them as needed. “SHIELD thinks you can help us on some projects of our own,” Sitwell said as he looked over her carefully, “Regarding the Avengers Initiative.” “You want me to make superheroes,” she held her head with a great grin, “That is-okay that is great. I just-wait, you aren’t pulling me out of Empire State for this right? Or moving me far away? Cause I don’t deal well with change.” “No,” Sitwell stared at her face, “You can continue your education.” “Will she get paid?” interjected Will from across the room. He was staring intently at Sitwell, though his expression was not completely there. “Yes.” Robin caught Will's gaze and nodded, cursing herself inside. "Can I ask a favor in return." "That would depend on what favor you want." "Can you shut down research on 'curing' Autism," she asked, "Helping us adjust is fine of course, but I do not want that eugenics in the world. And I know I will be creating superhumans. So no purges okay?" "If you can give us superheroes then I see no reason why not," Sitwell agreed. “Well before this hallucination can end,” Robin rubbed her arms, “Alright, let’s go make some superheroes.” She grinned, even as her eyes flashed downwards. It was a brief glance, nothing significant. --------------------- Robin glanced around at the men in suits before her and asked, “Um, do they need to be here?” She was in a lab in Empire State, with microscopes and equipment at her leisure. She had been working on the project since the meeting five days ago, though only now had SHIELD moved in. Kitty sat on her lay, upside down. “Yes,” an agent answered, “Ever since December, AIM has been on the move, trying to get as many scientists as it can. We just got to you first.” Robin nodded wearily, rubbing her arms. Last December Iron Man got caught up with a group of terrorists controlled by AIM. The group had possessed advanced genetic engineering called Extremist, though it tended to be fatal to the users. Extrimist Soldiers were stronger than almost any known superhero formula, with super strength, incredibly regeneration abilities, and even the ability to burn objects through touch. After the fight with them Stark had quit being Iron Man, dropping the number of superheroes down further. Getting to work Robin began to shape the artificial cells based off an Electric Eel. Her hands slowly, carefully shifted about the genes, playing god carefully. She had done this all before, but details were different. Hours slipped away as she typed new configurations, sculpting at the building blocks of life. “Any progress?” Robin smiled faintly as she replied, “Yeah, it wasn’t too hard to adapt the cells to the human body. The problem is control. I don’t think most people could be able to manipulate this as is, it might overload them.” “Can you fix it?” “If given enough time,” she admitted. “I’m not exactly Tony Stark. A lot of this is a waiting game, even with the leap I’ve had thanks to my colleagues. Where does that expression come from anyway?” She suddenly grew serious. “Um, if this isn’t classified, did Stark really destroy all of his armor?” “Yes.” Robin just stared at the wall for a time, her expression empty. Finally she sighed and returned to her work, sequencing new genomes from her almost complete research. --------------------- “You think they know?” Will asked as he put down his tablet. Night had fallen over the East Coast, though the hum of the city persisted. “No,” Robin answered, “But I prefer they don’t. What if they don’t care that it isn’t safe?” She held Kitty in her left hand, stroking it with her right. “Do you know it isn’t safe?” Robin laughed, “If I understood neurotypicals at all I would be a lot less paranoid. Honestly it might be safe it might not, but I don’t want to risk it until I am sure. Just need to stall for time until I know how a neurotypical brain reacts.” “You should be standing with them you know.” Silence followed. Finally Robin broke it as she scratched, answering, “No. I would have to travel around a lot, and you know how long it took me to adjust to New York. I would just have panic attacks. It's better I make people who can go save the world.” “Maybe.” “Look I’ve been looking into SHIELD,” Will said suddenly, “Supposedly they formed the Avengers. They knew the aliens were coming.” “Oh,” Robin looked towards him. “Well at least they were prepared.” “Some people thing they were behind some of the Avengers,” he said, “Black Widow, Hawkeye, maybe Hulk.” Robin winced, she had seen the bulky green ogre as it had ripped through the city, destroying aliens but hardly carrying for buildings in its wake. “What was the Hulk then?” “Military Experiment gone wrong.” Robin nodded as she stretched, “Then I should keep quiet. Good. I’m going to go to bed, you?” “I’m going to write a bit more,” he answered, “You mind it if River calls herself Stingray?” River was the name of a former teacher of Will as well as the upcoming villain in one of Will’s series. “It’s your story,” Robin answered, “But yes.” As she walked down the hall, Robin suddenly felt something touch her back. As she started to turn a voice whispered, “Don’t.” Robin tilted her head to see a masked man pointed a gun at her back. She was numb, staring blankly at him. Finally she whispered, “He isn’t involved okay?” “Well now he is,” the man answered, “Turn around and walk out of the-” Robin thrust her arm out behind her, touching the man’s chest. Suddenly a discharge of electricity erupted from her right hand, knocking the man to the floor. Kitty remained clutched in her left hand, squeezed tightly. As he fell stunned she felt his chest, listening. Satisfied with his startled heartbeat she called out, “Will, there was a kidnapper in the house.” There was a great crashing sound as Will raced over, brandishing a lamp like a mace. “…I should call 911,” he stated as he glanced at the unconscious man. “First can you hand me some rope,” she asked. Will nodded, before racing off. As Robin sat on the man she waited, letting her charge build back up. Finally Will return, carrying an electrical cord. “Have it left over from my old tablet,” he gave exposition to no one in particular. Robin began to make random knots on the man’s wrists, bringing them behind him. In the meantime Will pushed the gun away with his foot. “Now 911?” “Now 911,” Robin left the room, pulling out a phonebook. “SHIELD, SHIELD,” she muttered, “Yeah, it’s not here. Guess we wait then.” --------------------- Robin kept her eyes down, this time purposely. “Sorry,” she muttered to herself nervously, feeling Kitty in her pocket. Sitwell glanced at the gesture, but said nothing. They were in a dark room, with a table and a wall of one-way glass. “So how long have you had a completed super soldier serum?” “It’s not really a serum,” she winced, “But I finished it three months, two weeks, and a day ago. I started work on it on the side. Since New York.” “And why didn’t you tell us this?” “Look, I’m not typical,” Robin’s voice changed slightly, “I’m Autistic and proud. Only thing I am proud of, before this. But my brain works differently than most people. So even though the implants work for me, as I said they might not work on a neurotypical. And since I have heard some of the rumors about SHIELD, I felt like you might go ahead anyway.” “What rumors have you heard?” “The Hulk.” “The Hulk isn’t…ours,” Sitwell answered, “But trust me, he is better than the alternative. Tell me, why give yourself superhuman abilities?” “I kind of always like heroes,” Robin looked up briefly, “May Chang, Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, Captain America, you know? And then New York…” Robin looked at her pocket and said, “I almost died twice in New York, both in rapid succession. I was saved, which is great, but I didn’t want to be saved. I wanted to stand.” “What exactly are your powers?” “Um,” she answered, “I can see through electrolocation, and I can discharge electrical attacks from my hands. I can also choose to make the attacks weak or strong.” “…Was that man with someone?” she asked finally, “Like you know, Hydra or AIM?” “We suspect he was involved with AIM,” Sitwell answered, “So you planned to be a superhero?” “Not after the first few hours of designing it,” she sighed, “I just, what if I have an anxiety attack? And if I lose my stuff I would lose it. Not to mention I would stink at traveling. So it won’t have worked.” “So you just wanted power.” “No,” she said suddenly, “you asked why and did it and what I planned. You said nothing about wants. I wanted to be a superhero. And Will wanted me to be one too, if only to be an inspiration. I just, I don’t think it would work out. Besides, I can help more people making heroes more adaptable than me.” “…Am I going to disappear?” Robin ventured. “No,” he stared again, “But we may have to move you for a time.” “No,” she pleaded, before recovering, “Please, I can’t work with too many abrupt changes.” “The world is changing.” He answered, “It has been ever since Stark built his armor in that cave. We have to change with it.” “I know adaptation is the most important trait,” she said, “But - can Will come if he wants to?” “…I will talk it over,” Sitwell noticed her frantic eyes, “But I can all but say yes.” “Thank you,” she breathed. “But how long until you can ensure the safety of your implants?”” “There is a spectrum of minds,” her voice grew a little strong, before fading, “but I could run through neurotypicals in maybe three days? I haven’t tested people with depression or PTSD though so I would want a full week just in case.” “Alright,” he answered, “But you move to the Helicarrier in two. You can continue experimenting there.” Robin nodded, as she kept her grip on Kitty. "About purging..." she asked. "You created a superhuman," Sitwell answered, "We will keep our bargain." Robin relaxed, a dash on hope on her face. --------------------- “So tell me,” a woman asked as she looked to her fellows, “How exactly did a teenager fight him off?” “Electrocution,” a man answered, “her formula appears to be complete, and probably self-injected. She will not be easy to capture.” “If she has already created a super soldier serum she is more valuable than we realized.” The woman stroked her head, “We still have five soldiers, correct?” “Yes,” a man replied, “we can spare one, however the rest are needed here, until we can rebuild the device.” “Alright,” the woman said, “then send one in.” --------------------- “Here you go,” Will handed Robin a small rectangular box, “Maybe it can help.” The two were aboard a bus, moving towards the pick-up point. SHIELD agents in disguise stood there as well, ready in case AIM made a move. “Thank you,” she carefully unfolded the box to reveal a small plastic catfish. Robin beamed, before side-hugging Will. As she slid it in her pants Will remarked, “So I know you are busy, but you think you could check out my new update? I worry it’s not in-character.” Robin was a major character in his stories, known as the hero Knifefish. “You know me better than anyone, you portray me great. Just, are you ever giving yourself powers? Because I can give you powers and it never comes up. I could give them to you in real life too.” “Robin,” Will looked down, “I…I won’t be a hero. I would probably be a villain. And I don’t want to ever fight you.” “Okay even my self-esteem isn’t that bad,” she looked at his eyes, “why?” “I am angry a lot,” he answered, “you know I don’t like ‘neuts.’ I mean I lash out all the time at ableists, how they screw things up. I know it angers you too but you don’t hate people as much as I do. I probably would become Scar or something and end up hurting ‘neuts’ to avenge my people who suffer at their hands.” “You aren’t that dramatic,” Robin leaned into him, “And Scar ended up becoming a good guy.” “I guess,” Will looked away, “But I don’t want to take that chance.” --------------------- Robin watched as they pulled up at the airport, as rain began to fall. A large jet like vehicle stood before them, but with a hold for multiple people. Squeezing Kitty as she stuffed the catfish down her shirt, she looked at Will. He gave her a side-hug, before the two of them moved outside. As she walked Robin paused, as she felt something behind her. She held up her hands, and began to focus. Electricity sparked from her, as she focused. “Behind us,” she managed, just before AIM agents open fired from the front. Quickly Will grabbed her and the dived behind a bench outside the airport, as the SHIELD agents returned fire. Civilians ran from the firefight, fleeing as best they could. As Robin looked at the attack she felt another spike in electricity, just as a fist slammed into her. She flew across the room, where a few travelers stood cowering. Robin stood up as a man threw Will aside, knocking him into the pavement. The man’s hands glowed red, even as he turned to face Robin.. “Extremist,” she swallowed, just as the man sprinted towards her. Robin ran at him, before darting to the side. As he turned she threw out her hand, swiping him with a blast of sparks. The Extremist Soldier stumbled slightly, letting her run past. Will was still unconscious, but she could feel electricity still flowing through him. The man leapt into the air, jumping ahead of her in a bound. As she turned he swung out his hand, catching her face with his radiant hand. “You will pay for that,” he promised as heat burned into Robin’s face. She moaned, before thrusting both her hands into his chest with as much charge as she could. He dropped her, letting Robin crash on the ground as he collapsed. She felt her face, throbbing against her hands. Her vision was blurred, and her ears pounded. Wincing she stumbled off, even as the Extremist Soldier pulled himself up. Robin began to run, letting her electricity enhance her vision. Suddenly there was a smash as he struck her back, knocking her forward. Robin fell into a wall, dazed slightly. She pulled herself back up, as the spike in electricity that was the soldier charged. Suddenly the blunted sounds of gunfire drew nearer, and the spike stumbled. The SHIELD agents were now attacking the soldier. Robin could see the large spike tear down the smaller spikes of electricity, the Extremist Soldier had turned on the agents. Gulping she ran, before laying a sharp discharge into the soldier’s back. He stumbled, as the other spikes sprinted to a farther range. She quickly pulled back, even as the Extremist Soldier recovered. Robin needed a way to stop him, to trap the enemy. But how? Forcing her eyes to work as she ran, Robin turned to Will. A SHIELD agent was helping him up, even as the others fired on the soldier. Robin nodded at the thought, before turning her attention elsewhere. As she ran she hyperventilated, trying to keep air. Then she spotted it; a plane with a baggage lift. The life was shaped like a large crate, with collapsible beams supporting it. As Robin ran a punch knocked her into the ground. She pulled herself up, just in time for the soldier to barrel down on her. Suddenly an arm pulled her away, as Will yanked her out of the soldier’s fist. The two sprinted, just as the soldier winced from a barrage of bullets. “I need to get over there,” she pointed at the lift. Will nodded, as the two of them ran to an abandoned airport cart. Quickly Will jumped into the pilot seat, as Robin threw herself in the back. As they drove Robin caught her breath, just before feeling the Extremist Soldier. He was barreling down at them down, moving in great earth shattering leaps. Finally they wheeled in front of the lift, before Robin scrambled out. She pulled herself underneath the lift, before calling out to Will, “Run!" “Not leaving-” “Please.” He nodded, “Good luck Knifefish.” He drove off, as the soldier ran onto the lift. Immediately Robin threw herself in front of a beam, before asking, “Why are you trying to kill me, don’t you-” The soldier leapt at her, even as she rolled away. His touch burnt the beam, even as she ran in front of another. “...Need me alive?” Robin finished as the soldier burnt through the next beam. “Alive doesn’t mean uninjured,” he answered as he melted part of another beam, “As long as your brain is okay I’m free. And those shocks really stun.” “Thanks,” she stood in front of the last beam, as the man paused. “I know what you are trying to do,” he walked carefully up to her, before swinging out his hand cautiously. The arm caught Robin’s shoulder, burning into her. Twisting her arm Robin struggled, finally landing a hit on his chest. As he staggered she pulled at his arm, letting it melt into the supporting beam. Robin leapt from the lift, even as the beams gave way. The soldier recovered from the sing, in time for the crate to smash into him. As Robin looked the soldier strained against the crate, holding it just above his body with his hands and feet. As he lay trapped Robin collapsed on all fours, panting. As SHIELD agents rushed to her, Robin noticed another source of bioelectricity. She turned to see a youth, filming with an phone from a distance. Robin waved as she breathed, before noticing her throbbing head. As Will ran up to her she clutched her head. Flinching at the touch she found something unusual. Her heart was pounding, but not necessarily in a stressed way. --------------------- “Oh, good,” Robin looked at the tablet with Will from their cabin, “They got the name right.” They were aboard the Helicarrier, the massive flying aircraft carrier. The vessel floated up in the sky, hovering thanks to massive propellers. On the device was an article showing the footage of Robin fighting the soldier, headline “Electric Vigilante fights AIM Super Soldier.” Listening below it mentioned how the video recorder heard the fighter being called Knifefish, along with other things seen in the fight. Robin felt her face suddenly, still sore and scarred. She pushed Kitty into her face, letting the yarn soothe the pain. Will leaned into her as he remarked, “Well I don’t think you can have a secret identity now. Knew I shouldn’t have posted your stories online.” “They already found them?” she asked. “Pretty much,” he answered, “Though the topic exploded. I do wish more people were asking more about the stories though and less about you. No offense.” “None taken,” she suddenly grinned, “So I’m going to be busy this week finishing my implants. But after that I should have more time.” “Okay,” he said, “I’ll be busy too, trying to get permission from SHIELD to adapt your story. I mean everyone already knows, might as well set them straight.” “Right,” she nodded as the two of them leaned into each other. As they side-hugged the two autistics breathed, looking at the video of Robin in her first fight.