Chapter Text
Welcome to The Beetle & The Atom, everyone.
This entire story focuses on the show thru the eyes of You, Mark, and Eve. All of the other side stories involving Darkblood, Titan, and the rest are pushed to the side here. The story is also inspired by a Quora post I found months ago about Blue Beetle being able to beat Omni Man, lol
Not to mention, TB&TA was created for the simple fact that I watched the Atom Eve Prequel from start to finish and I felt leagues upon leagues of sympathy for Eve as a character. So here it is.
Also here's a last ditch warning. This WILL be more vulgar and brutal than my other stories (while having the usual steamy times between you and Eve wink wink), since Invincible itself is an adult show for a reason, and we have the option to mark our stories as mature. Just putting that out there. Read with caution, people.
Finally, yes I know I misspelled Jaime's name throughout this entire book. That'll be corrected in Season 3 and onwards lol
' - Means telepath speech between you and Khaji Da.
Without further ado, enjoy.
-
40 years ago.
On a desolate and barren planet deep in space, explosions are heard across the surface as Jamie Reyes, the 3rd Blue Beetle, is ruthlessly killing a squad of Viltrumites after ambushing them by blowing their warship apart in half. He flies around in the air, gunning down 1 Viltrumite after another with miniguns on his arms as their body parts and various entrails spill out and land on the ground as they yell in pain. As a Viltrumite tries to get the drop on him from behind, Jamie utilizes the back pincer, impaling the Viltrumite through his head, instantly killing him as he then uses the other pincer to stab them in their stomach and rip them apart in half before tossing their body to the ground. Jamie flies forward, and temporarily slows down time for himself while swinging his blades. From his point of view he's still moving a normal speed. But from the point of view from the Viltrumites, he's flying at a pace so that is very indescribable while he brutally cuts apart each of their kind as if they were steak. Blood flies onto the suit as he presses on. Pulling out all of the tricks in his suit to kill every Viltrumite around him, they end up to be utterly helpless against Reach tech. At this point in time, around 20 Viltrumites are killed by his own hands in various ways. Their mangled bodies are laying behind him as the suit is drenched in blood and entrails from head to toe.
Jamie: ¡Malditos asesinos! ¡Los mataré a todos por lo que le hicieron a mi familia!
[You fucking murderers! I'll kill you all for what you did to my family!]
Before Jamie could even continue to lay waste to the Viltrumites that flood his position, he is then met with a boulder hitting him. Subsequently, Jamie is sent tumbling into a cliff wall which breaks apart on impact, followed by an ominous figure going in to stab him. Jamie rolls out of the way, but he is met by different Viltrumites surrounding him all at once as they hit him as hard as they can, sending Jamie tumbling into different fists with each hit until suddenly, a blade from the unknown figure goes right through his stomach. Jamie looks his killer in the eye as his helmet vanishes to reveal Jamie bleeding from his mouth as he coughs up blood.
Jamie: Hijo de puta...
[You son of a bitch...]
???: Your family were nothing but backwater dwellers whose lives mattered little. I'd say I did them all a neat little favor out of the kindness of my heart by killing them, Jamie.
Jamie then telepathically talks to Khaji.
Jamie: 'Khaji, do it.'
Khaji Da: 'No Jamie! I can't leave you here.'
Jamie: 'It's the end of the line for me anyways... but not for you. Choosing people to possess this power is what you do best, right? Just keep looking.'
Khaji accepts the fact that she'll lose Jamie, and conjures up a nuke. Jamie smiles with his eyes closed, as he knows someone out there will continue to fight in his name and Ted Kord's whether they know it or not. The figure flies off from the planet at the speed of light as the other Viltrumites are sadly caught in the blast, killing not only them, but Jamie as well while his entire body is vaporized, and the planet itself is destroyed. Once the blast subsides, only Khaji Da is left unscathed admist the rubble.
Khaji: Jamie... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not saving you. It was my duty to keep you safe. But I swear to you, your death will not be in vain.
Khaji then makes her way towards Earth to spend many years seeking out the next person to hold the helm of the Blue Beetle. Across 20 years, next to nobody ever made the cut for her, but eventually, she found a prime candidate with untapped potential; You.
20 Years later.
Nevada countryside, the desert. A large convoy of trucks and SUVs with dark tinted windows are transporting a center box truck, the trucks move as one in a single file line. In one of the SUVs, 3 men dressed in all black and grey tactical gear from head to toe are moving with the convoy. The passenger clears his throat before speaking up.
Solider: (thru walkie talkie) So, any idea on what the hell we're moving?
Masons: Some type of high tech bug, man. Other than that, I'm more worried about getting paid. My little girl turns 8 next week, so I'm gonna treat her like a princess when that day comes.
Victor: Ha. Amen, to all money that keeps the world going 'round, brother.
The center radio can be heard in the middle of the SUV, and from it, is the voice of an authoritative man.
Williamson: Spectre-3, how copy?
Terry: I read you loud and clear, boss.
Williamson: Good, good. This is nothing but a regular run of the mill supply transfer, guys. This high tech bug crash landed right near Area 51-- and you'll all be back in time for breakfast once we hand it over to Cecil. Don't fuck this up, you'll all make extra dough by the time this deal is done and dusted. Do I make myself clear?
Terry, Masons, & Victor: Copy, boss.
Williamson: Cecil will be waiting at the drop off point. Don't leave him out in the wind. Out.
Silence grows in the SUV until Terry talks.
Terry: Fuck man, did you see what we had to contain that bug with? 4 coffin sized boxes of pure steel.
Masons: Damn thing gave our boys a run for their money. Literally. Had to get all of Alpha Squad to get after it.
Victor: Well, the good thing is, it's in our possession now. And it's going nowhere.
Masons: Damn right-
Suddenly, an explosive goes off under one of the front trucks as other armored men fire on the convoy, pulling up in trucks of their own. Victor and Masons open fire and retaliate as the rest of their allies do, but they are gunned down in quick succession as the SUV pulls back quick.
Masons: All stations! Be advised! We're taking fire! Repeat, we're taking fire! Multiple casualties!
Victor leans out the truck and guns down a few of the other armored men.
Victor: Contact, rear!
Terry: Who the fuck are these guys?!
Masons: North Korean PMCS! I'd recognize their uniform color from anywhere!
The radio blares loudly.
Williamson: This is Big Moon, eliminate the threat, soldiers!
Cecil: This is Platinum Falcon, do not lose the cargo!
As all out death and destruction occurs between Williamson's men and North Korean PMCs, the only things that can be heard are yells, vehicles crashing into each other screams, gunfire, explosions, and tires screeching. And if that wasn't enough, RPGs are fired, and they blow up several soldiers as they scramble for cover to fight back. As the SUV tries to get back to the truck where the cargo is housed, a C4 charge from below explodes, and sends the truck flying into air as it lands upside down. 2 minutes pass before Terry awakens, and sees Victor and Masons, lying dead in the driver and passenger seats. The radio in front is still active as Williamson tries his best to get answer from his men.
Williamson: All Zeniths- come in! Victor! Masons! Come in! Anyone, report!
Terry: Masons... fuck.
North Korean PMCs clean up around foot, while speaking their native tongue; double tapping any Zeniths who might have lived.
NK PMC 1: (Check around for survivors, shoot them all. They might be faking dead.)
As the PMCs finish off any surviving Zeniths, they check the truck that houses the cargo, finding a scarab sized hole leading out of the truck.
NK PMC 2: (Dammit, it's gone!)
Two other Zeniths try to run away, but they are shot in their legs. The 1st Zenith pulls his gun, but his shot dead. The 2nd only stares up at the North Koreans, responding in their language.
Zenith: (When you motherfuckers get to hell, I'll be there to kill you all!)
He is then shot dead.
NK PMC 3: (You first.)
From the radio, Williamson and Cecil bicker back and forth about the outcome of the transport.
Williamson: My men need help, Cecil!
Cecil: That means roping other soldiers into a conflict like this, and we do not want to risk war against another country, North Korea or not! Their identity has not yet been confirmed!
Terry, who grabs the radio, and knows his time is up as a PMC leans down and grabs him by he ankles, dragging him out of the SUV as another points a pistol at him, he shouts as the pistol is cocked back.
Terry: Williamson! We lost the-
Terry is cut off with a fatal hollow point round that enters his skull, which kills him instantly.
NK PMC Captain: (Move out.)
As the PMCs leave the scene, Williamson and Cecil continue to bicker on the radio, but to all Zeniths who are now dead men and nothing else.
Williamson: Cecil, we are losing this cargo!
Cecil: There is no cargo. This transfer did not and does not exist.
Williamson: I won't forget this.
Cecil: I already have.
Cecil hangs up on Williamson.
Williamson: (growls in anger and tosses his phone) Dammit!
Williamson storms out of the room, slamming the door. His thirst to get revenge on Cecil for getting his men killed becomes an obsession. One that ate away at his entire mental stability until his untimely death.
18 years later. Present day.
Dressed in a denim jacket, a plain shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers, you currently find yourself walking home after a very long and grueling day at school aka dealing with history, math, science, algebra, social studies, and just about every other subject. Simply thinking about how today went makes you quickly open the music app on your phone and drown your ears in music. The noise cancelling wireless earbuds rests firmly on your ears as you go down the sidewalk. Backpack on your back and all. You've been a social butterfly at only 18 years old, going to parties and doing most of the stuff they show you in movies set in high school except for the illegal things that could get you tossed behind bars.
You look off into the sky to see a pair of would be villains get punched into another hero, who slams them into the ground to apprehend them both.
Minding your business with a smile, you walk off. All you hear is the sound of helicopters and GDA troops rappelling down ropes to drop on the ground safely.
GDA Troop: All citizens. Move back quickly. Make way.
The citizens do so while the villains are dragged off into trucks made to contain them and their powers.
As you continue to walk off, you go between other people. Keeping to yourself at all times.
Into a minute of the song, You're almost instantly joined by 2 of your best two buds, Mark Grayson and Samantha Eve Wilkins. Your day is always a bit brighter each time you see them.
Mark: Hey Y/N.
Y/N: Hey Mark, hey Eve.
Eve: Hey.
Eve simply waves at you, and you wave back at her with a smile. You've known Mark ever since your childhood. But once the 2 of you also ended up meeting William and Eve during your freshman years together, the 4 of you have been extremely inseparable since day 1 of high school. And during those semesters, there has never been a dull moment. Not even for a second.
Y/N: So... either of you care to ask me what the hell they put in the pizza?
Mark: Dude. I dunno. But whatever they did to the pizza, it has me hoping we get it tomorrow.
Eve: Well, hopes can only do so much, Mark.
Mark: Eh, you have a point.
Minutes pass, and the three of you soon enough return to Mark's home. He knocks on the door, and his parents can be seen. Thankfully, your family has been on very good terms with his family when you and Mark hit it off as best buds, alongside your Aunt, Green Ghost, being allies with Nolan. All is good.
Debbie: Mark, how was school?
Mark: Oh you know. Dealing with a math test. ...Again.
Debbie: Mark, sweetie, you know how important your math is.
Mark: I know, mom. I know.
As Mark walks into his house, Debbie smiles at you and Eve.
Debbie: Why, hello Y/N. Eve.
Eve: Hey Mrs. Grayson.
Y/N: Yo.
Mark then yawns as he turns to Nolan.
Mark: Dad, you think we still got time to head to that movie?
Nolan: Of course we do.
Mark: Yes! (fist pumps) And, can I head out with my friends?
Nolan: Go ahead.
Nolan smiles upon seeing his son so excited. You smile as well upon seeing him so excited.
Mark quickly goes upstairs, puts his backpack in his room, and heads back out, joining you and Eve. The three of you walk off, but you then get a video call on your phone. Switching your audio output to 'PHONE SPEAKER", you answer the call.
William: Guys! Did you hear about what happened at the White House? The Mauler Twins just ran up to the place and then... (mimics an explosion sound)
Eve Yep. Other class across the hall wouldn't stop yapping about it. And-
Mark: I heard, William.
William: I just can't believe the Guardians almost got POTUS killed.
Mark: At least Omni Man was there.
Y/N: You got a point. Dude eats hollow tipped and tracer bullets for breakfast. But he's got nothing, absolutely nothing on Green Ghost.
William looks right at you, and you look at him.
William: You're such a fanboy for Green Ghost, Y/N.
Y/N: Well that is my aunt underneath the suit but I'm not name dropping her. Not in a million years. I'd rather let her do her job without any fear of her identity being on every corner of the internet.
William: Respect, Y/N. But back to Omni Man. He's hot and all-
Mark cuts off William with a disgusted groan, knowing that's his dad he's talking about.
Mark: Jesus, William. Really?
William: What? I like a guy with a 'stache.
Y/N: Let's... at least find you a guy at our school who has one.
William: And will you and Mark help me the whole way through?
Mark: We will, man. We definitely will.
William: I'm holding you two to that.
William then clear his throat.
William: Anyways, are we still up for some Clash Crash tonight? I'm hoping to snag that level 43 armor.
Mark gives William a look. And it's a look he knows all too well.
William: Don't you dare bring up that job, dude. Don't be that guy.
Mark: Doing it anyway. Besides, when's the last time you brought a comic book?
William: Uh, never. You're into some weird stuff.
Y/N: Hey. Reading comics about a guy in a spider suit who has spider powers while he shoots webs from his hands, isn't weird. It's great.
William: Whatevs you say Y/N-
Suddenly, a girl's voice can be heard from around the corner.
???: Go away, Todd!
Looking into the distance, you see an all too familiar pair of people. Amber, and Todd. You've seen their faces so many times you lost count. You know Todd was interested in Amber, but you didn't know he'd stoop this low by blocking her path on the sidewalk.
Todd: Aw, come on Amber! I know you're interested in me! Marcy spilled the beans.
Amber: (sarcastic tone that Todd doesn't notice) You are big and strong.
Todd: Hell yeah I am.
Amber: And you really think that's okay for you to harass me? I'll give you two words. Fuck. Off.
Amber walks off, but Todd grabs her by the wrist.
Todd: Don't turn your back on me? What, are you a lesbian or something?
Amber: God, I wish. Would you leave me alone then?
Todd: Nope.
Todd keeps Amber held still.
Amber: Let me go so I can find a girl to kiss!
Amber slams her fist down on his forearm, but nothing works. Mark marches over to the conflict, but you hold him back.
Y/N: Don't. Guy's built like a tank.
You switch the camera to the front so William can look at the conflict with ease.
William: I'm with Y/N on this. He towers over Mark like a statue.
Mark looks at you and Eve.
Mark: Maybe you three can sit back and watch this? Cause I can't.
Having the hand to hand knowledge you got from your father, you think of ways to knock Todd on his ass.
William: I can because I'm not Omni Man. And neither are you.
Mark thinks for a moment, but he steps in.
Y/N: Are you serious, man? I mean... Todd is a big guy.
Mark: Doesn't matter.
Mark walks up to Amber and Todd, yet you stand next to Mark, ready to back him up if anything gets crazy.
Mark: Todd! I think Amber's been pretty clear about how she feels.
Todd: You serious, dude?
Mark tries to reason with Todd, having his arms out in front of himself.
Mark: Look...
Todd throws a punch, but you quickly knock it to the side with your arm, grab Todd by the arm, and slam him on the ground. You stare at Todd with ire, and Eve smiles at seeing you give Todd what he deserves; karma.
Y/N: Listen next time, dumbass.
Todd growls at you and quickly gets back up, but Amber kicks him right in-between the legs from behind as he yells and falls to the ground. Unlucky for him, other students live 2 blocks down from Mark's house, which instantly showers Todd in a flurry of flashing lights from all sorts of smartphones. Todd somehow gets back up after suffering a kick to family jewels.
Todd: What the hell are you all looking at?
Todd waddles past you holding his groin. Amber looks at you, and then at Mark. She lets out a simple sigh.
Amber: Boys.
Amber walks off as well. You then help Mark up.
Mark: Thanks, Y/N.
Y/N: Anytime, dude. Anytime.
You and Mark bro hug. And off to the side, Eve smiles at you still.
Timeskip.
After hanging out with your friends for a meal that's not from the cafeteria, you wind up heading back home on your own going from the shopping center. As you walk down a desolate street, you notice a building with all its lights out. Suddenly, your mother calls your phone, and you pick up with the quickness.
Irene: Y/N? Where are you?
Y/N: Oh- Uh- Hey mom! I was just grabbing a quick bite with Mark and Eve from Shake Shack. I'm own my way back right now.
Irene: Good, good. We're having a great dinner tonight and all. I wouldn't want you to miss this one.
Y/N: Lemme guess, mac and cheese, stuffed pasta shells, and seasoned broccoli?
Irene: (chuckles) You know it. Better get home quick before Sasha gobbles it all up.
You and your mother share a quick laugh.
Irene: And now I have to get back to the oven. Stay safe on the way back, okay Y/N?
Y/N: You know me, mom.
Irene: I know a raised a solider, that's for sure. I love you.
Y/N: I love you too.
Irene ends the call, and you start to walk past the building with the sign 'Kord Industries' that's across from you. But before you do, you fire up another song.
Right as you walk past the building, it explodes. Sending you flying and tumbling into some bushes, and right into a parking lot.
As you come to, you notice not only is there debris from the building, but your jacket is on fire, so you quickly take that off and toss it to the side, looking at the building that's currently in flames. Deciding to check your chest and stomach regions for any other damages, you lay your still intact shirt to the side, This action has your entire toned torso exposed.
Y/N: Fuck me... if I got caught in the middle of that...
Seeing a highly technological scarab with glowing eyes, you walk over and pick it up, it rests in the palm of your hand.
Y/N: Eh, this is most definitely just another toy.
You toss the scarab away behind yourself, it clatters on the ground.
Just as you were about to leave, a thug appears pointing a gun at you. You can just smell the alcohol from his breath indicating that he is far from sober.
Thug: Superpowered freak! You made that building explode! You put people at risk!
Y/N: You got it all wrong, I didn't-
The thug shoots the ground next to you, and you freak out, scared for your life putting your hands up.
Y/N: Woah! Hey hey hey! Wait-
The thug shoots you in your chest twice, and then in your stomach. You cough up blood, dropping to your knees, followed by your face and your chest meeting the concrete. Several more bullets tear through your back, the final one going to your head, killing you. The thug runs off, the gun in his jacket.
As you're lying dead in the parking lot, the scarab from before suddenly returns, and it latches itself to your back as you feel all of your wounds being fully healed. Getting killed and then being brought back from the clutches of death is one thing, but this sure is another thing. You try to get it off, but you yell out in pain as it pierces your skin and wraps its legs around your spine, only making you scream in pure agony. You once again attempt to pull it off of you, but is far too late, the scarab is stuck to your back like glue. Soon enough, you look at your hands, that are slowly becoming encased in an advanced alien suit. The rest of your body is covered up as well, and the pain subsides in an instant. Looking out of the suit, it has all types technological info on the visors that you can't describe.
Y/N: What the hell is going on...? I died!
And out of nowhere, a feminine voice is heard inside your head.
???: 'You have. But now you haven't. Congratulations, I have saved your life. For your own betterment please do not resist.'
Y/N: Who said that?
Khaji Da: 'Me. Khaji Da.'
(Khaji Da's Voice Claim: Cortana, Jen Taylor.)
You respond back, yet you don't say a single word with your lips. But with your mind.
Y/N: 'Khaji Da? Where are you? How are we talking?'
Khaji: 'I am currently situated on your back, attached to your upper spinal cord. And as for how we are communicating, our minds are linked as one.'
Y/N: 'Alright Khaji, maybe you'll get the memo from my mind to get off my back. Literally.'
Khaji: 'Negative, Y/N. I have saved your life afterall. And you have been chosen.'
Y/N: 'Chosen? Chosen for what?'
Khaji: 'To become... the 4th Blue Beetle. Dan Garrett was the 1st. Ted Kord was the 2nd. And Jaime Reyes was the 3rd Beetle 20 years ago. It falls to you to continue their shared legacy.'
Y/N: Blue... what? NO. No no no no, I can't do the superhero life. I can't. I'm just a normal boy. I should be at home, watching shows, watching movies, and hanging out with my friends! Not having... a talking bug that turns into a suit who won't get off my body!
Khaji: 'Do not fret Y/N, this suit comes with a vast library of information. Including the know how on combat.'
Y/N: Well... is there any info on how I can remove you and be done with this?
Khaji: 'Negative.'
Y/N: Great. Then... what now?
Khaji: 'What will happen now is that I shall stay situated on your back until all future threats are neutralized.'
Silence.
Khaji: 'Trust me.'
Y/N: Why should I?
Khaji: 'In case you have just forgotten, I saved your life. If you hadn't discovered me when you did, chances are you would've deeply regretted not doing it.' (reads your mind) 'And if I wanted to put an end to your life, I would have already done so the moment I've seen you, Y/N. You are a prime candidate to become the 4th Blue Beetle.'
Y/N: Right... Those last 3 guys, are you sure they were heroes, right? I've seen sci-fi movies, I know what happens when alien tech attaches to an unknowing human.
Khaji: 'Of course they were heroes, they were all close partners with The Justice League.'
Y/N: Oh.
Going over to a window, you look at yourself.
Y/N: Huh. I actually look kinda neat.
Suddenly, the senor pings twice. Sensing a threat 6 blocks away, thru the suit itself being a highly advanced supercomputer, you overhear the police conversation easily.
Police Officer: Squad 2, we're closing in on psycho crazy squid man's location, all units are needed, over.
Y/N: Squid man?
Khaji: This "Squid Man" carries the same DNA as the thug who murdered you. It is in our best interest to immobilize him.
Y/N: Great idea. I'm thinking I'll go beat this guy up til he's outcold, and then I toss him in jail. Khaji, let's go find him.
Flying into the air as holographic beetle like wings rapidly flutter on your back, Khaji makes the suit take off like a fighter jet into the sky, you yell out of fear on the way to assist the police. But, you quickly come to your senses, steeling your resolve just for tonight, flying to where the police are as your fear then turns into joy as you fly across the night sky and look down at a city scattered in lights.
Y/N: WOOHOO! I'm flying!
You laugh loudly in the sky, twirling. This is better than any rollercoaster ride you've ever been on.
Timeskip.
Once you make to the scene you land on the sidewalk, a few cops are lying dead in their own blood as you look at the ground in sorrow before looking up at the suspect, Squid Man. Seeing this scene of dead policemen fills you with fear, and then anger before Squid Man notices your gaze in seconds.
Squid Man: Who the fuck are you?!
Y/N: What I am doesn't matter, what does matter is that you're going down for what you did to these cops! And to me!
Squid Man rushes to you, but Khaji forms a sword in your hand.
Y/N: 'Khaji, what are you doing?!'
Squid Man tries to hit you, but Khaji Da pilots the suit, she makes it automatically dodge all swings before she cuts off Squid Man's arms and his legs, he yells in agony as he lands on the ground.
Y/N: WOAH! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!
Squid man writes in pain as he bleeds ink.
Y/N: Khaji, why?! I thought I was going to knock him out!
Khaji: 'There was a change of plans. This foe posed a threat, so he has been disabled. Permanently.'
Y/N: But you didn't have to cut his limbs off!
Khaji: 'He shall live. It only depends on when the paramedics arrive.'
Y/N: Shit... SHIT!
You pace with panic, shivering as you're looking at several dead bodies and a dying body. But you don't get enough time to think things through as police cars arrive. Khaji Da makes the suit take off as beetle wings form on your back, and you leave the scene, emitting blue light. The police that make it to the scene are wearing body cams, and they are flabbergasted at what they're seeing.
Timeskip.
You arrive back home, phasing out of the suit as your shirt is back on. Your backpack is still intact after everything that happened. Stepping in, you close the door behind you. Your sister, Sasha, sees you.
Sasha: Y/N? What took you so long to come back?
You freeze up thinking of a proper response to throw her off course.
Y/N: I uh... took the scenic route. The night sky sure is a pretty sight.
Your mother comes to the living room, as does your father.
Ross: Y/N, where have you been?
Nervous, you reply regardless.
Y/N: I went to the museum, mom.
Irene: Are you sure? Don't lie.
Y/N: I mean... I had to brush up on my history anyway for that test.
Relieved, your parents smile upon knowing you told them the truth, a form of the truth that wouldn't upset them yet you know the true reason.
Your stomach then growls.
Khaji: 'I'd suggest eating.'
Y/N: 'Will do.'
Sasha: Come on Y/N, you gotta eat. Besides, there's meat! And you know how much I hate plant all that based crap.
Y/N: That I do, sis. That I do.
Sitting at the table, you start to eat with your family. Your heart drops upon seeing the news show footage of you flying off into the air. Yet, they don't know it's you.
Sasha: Huh. Are the police really calling whoever this guy or chick is Blue Beetle? That doesn't really sound right. How about... Blue Bug? No... that doesn't work either.
Ross: Whoever they are, they better keep away from my family. For all I know they could be with The Lizard League.
Irene: After I read the report knowing they cut off a man's legs and left him there to bleed to death, I agree with you.
Hearing that, panic sets in. And now you count down the days until they find out you're Blue Beetle. The least you can do is hide Khaji Da as best you can.
And as perfect you as can without any mistakes.
Minutes later after dinner.
Going into your room, you sit down and hear Alana talk on the phone to Sasha.
Alana: So, anyone you like, Sasha?
Sasha: Uh... not really Auntie. No boy catches my eye at the moment.
Alana: Aw... I'm sorry to hear that, Sashie. But I'm hoping your brother has good luck around romance.
Groaning, you open the door peeking your head out.
Y/N: Nope. No girl's ever caught my interest either. They love pretending I don't exist, but that's alright. I don't need any romance, it'll definitely get in the way of my studies and the rest of my life. Gotta graduate high school you know.
Sasha switches the call into video mode. Alana's face can be seen on the screen.
Alana: Y/N. Let me tell you something. It may seem like it's a waste of time to you, I get that. But in reality, it's much more than that. Romance can heal, and romance can save you.
Y/N: Are you serious?
Alana: I am!
Alana chuckles.
Alana: You may not think it'll happen, but I know you'll end up with the girl of your dreams at the most unexpected moment in your life. Be assured of that, nephew. Hold your future girlfriend close with two hands and don't let her go no matter what. Can you do that Y/N?
Y/N: Uh... I'll do that. Whenever I do get lucky enough.
Alana smiles at you. You return the smile.
Alana: Now, I gotta go. Big day tomorrow with a photo shoot and all. Just got through saving The POTUS too, no big deal you know?
You and Sasha chuckle.
Alana: Sleep well, you little goobers.
Sasha: You too, Aunt Alana.
Y/N: And hey. Stay safe, please.
Alana: Y/N, you won't have to worry about me. How about this? After I get through with the usual day of being a hero tomorrow, I'm taking you and Sasha down to a bowling alley with your parents and the other Guardians. If it'll calm your nerves and help you chill out, I'll be happy to do it.
Y/N: Well... that sounds good. Sleep tight, Aunt Alana.
Alana: You too, Y/N. I know you'll eventually do great things once you leave high school, no doubt about that. And as a reminder, I'll always love you and your sister. Your parents included.
Alana starts to hang up, but she then refocuses her phone.
Alana: Oh. I have one more thing I gotta say before I turn in for the night. So listen closely. You're both a pair of strong kids. So help others, no matter what obstacles are in your way. It's okay if you feel nervous with those butterflies in your stomach, it happens to us all. And don't worry if the innocents never give you any gratitude for saving them, simply keeping their life intact is the biggest form of protection that they'd gladly appreciate without saying a single word. In conclusion, just save as many people as you can, even if it's only one. Because if you help someone, you help everyone. Now, go hit the hay.
Alana's words of wisdom stir in your head for a moment before you respond to her.
Y/N: Ha, no need to tell us twice when it comes to getting our beauty rest. Goodnight Aunt Alana. For real this time.
Sasha: Goodnight Auntie!
Alana smiles into the camera.
Alana: Goodnight you little munchkins.
Alana laughs heartily for a bit before hanging up, and Sasha goes back into her room, and so do you with your room, slipping into bed and going to sleep to wake up another day. All while trying to figure out what's next for you with Khaji Da attached to your spine like a vice.
And speaking of Khaji Da, she would be proven right about you finding her when you did. Because The Guardians Of The Globe will all face gruesome fates at the bloodied hands of Nolan Grayson himself, and soon it will be up to you and the next generation of heroes to pick up the torch they all dropped.