--Wednesday--
The training ground was nestled deep within a dense forest. Towering pines and sprawling oaks formed a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air smelled of damp earth and moss, and the occasional rustle of leaves betrayed the presence of wildlife—squirrels darting through the underbrush or birds flitting between branches. A stream wound its way through the terrain, its gentle babble adding a peaceful undertone to the otherwise quiet surroundings.
Steve stood at the center of a small clearing, gesturing to the thick vegetation around them. "Today's lesson is about camouflage—not just wearing it, but truly using it."
Emma raised an eyebrow, leaning against a tree. "You mean, like blending in with bushes and hiding behind walls?"
"More than that," Steve replied with a grin. "Camouflage is about disappearing into the environment. It's not just what you wear—it's how you move, where you position yourself, and even how you think."
Taylor, crouched nearby tinkering with a component that would eventually go into her Sentinel. "So, it's like becoming invisible without being invisible?"
"Exactly," Steve said. He turned to Anne, who was adjusting her boots. "Anne, what do you think the most important part of camouflage is?"
Anne tilted her head thoughtfully. "Not getting caught in the first place?"
"Close," Steve said. "The most important part is understanding your surroundings. If you know your environment, you can make yourself a part of it."
Zoe walked by with a tray of water bottles, watching the group with a smile. "Looks like you're giving them the full Captain America treatment, Steve."
He chuckled. "Something like that. Now, everyone grab a piece of gear from the picnic table."
Instead of modern gadgets, the table held simple supplies: scraps of burlap, a collection of foliage, small containers of mud, and pieces of netting. Steve gestured toward them. "We're keeping it old school today. You'll be improvising your camouflage using what's available here and in the forest."
Emma picked up a piece of netting and eyed the mud nearby. "So, no magic invisibility cloaks or fancy tech?"
Steve shook his head. "No cloaks. You're going to learn how to blend in with just your wits and what's around you."
He gestured for Taylor, Emma, and Anne to gather around.
"Alright," he began, "let's talk about what it takes to truly disappear in a forest. This isn't just about throwing mud on your face or ducking behind a tree. It's about understanding the environment and how to use it to your advantage."
Steve crouched low and picked up a handful of dry leaves, letting them crumble between his fingers. "First step is to study your surroundings. Pay attention to the colors, textures, and shapes around you. Notice the way the light falls through the trees, the way shadows shift as the wind moves the branches. If you can mimic these patterns, you're halfway to becoming invisible."
He turned to Taylor, who was scribbling notes in a small notebook. "Taylor, look at that bush over there. If you were trying to blend in with it, what would you do?"
Taylor glanced at the bush, then at her clothes. "I guess... try to match the colors? Maybe crouch low behind it?"
"Good start," Steve said. "But think bigger. If you're hiding near that bush, crouch to its shape. Add twigs or leaves to break up your silhouette. And remember, don't stay perfectly still—natural objects sway with the wind. If you're too rigid, you'll stand out."
Steve grabbed a small branch and showed it to the group. "The human body has a recognizable shape—head, shoulders, arms, legs. If you want to disappear, you have to break up your outline. Use foliage, mud, or even your own gear to mask those lines."
Emma raised her hand. "Like those ghillie suits snipers use?"
"Exactly," Steve said. "But out here, you improvise. Pull loose branches or vines over your shoulders. Smear dirt on any exposed skin to dull the shine. Even a shiny boot can give you away if the light hits it right."
"Now, let's talk about moving through the forest," Steve continued. "This is where most people screw up. Fast, jerky movements catch the eye. If you're trying to stay hidden, move slowly and deliberately."
He demonstrated by stepping carefully between two bushes, his feet landing silently on patches of moss and avoiding dry leaves. "Step on soft surfaces like dirt or moss, and avoid snapping twigs. Keep your movements smooth, and if you need to pause, freeze in a natural pose—like you're part of the scenery."
Anne grinned. "So, basically, become a forest ninja?"
Steve chuckled. "Close enough. But remember, even ninjas can't hide a footprint. Always check your trail and erase it if you can."
He pointed to a cluster of trees casting a heavy shadow. "Light and shadow are your best friends—or your worst enemies. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid standing in open sunlight where your outline is sharp."
He nodded at Emma. "Go stand in that shadow over there and see how much harder it is for us to see you."
Emma jogged over and crouched in the shadow. The difference was immediate—her form blended into the darkness, making her much harder to spot.
"See what I mean?" Steve said. "It's not perfect, but it's a huge improvement. Now, imagine if you combined that with some foliage to break up your shape."
"Last but not least, sound," Steve said. "Out here, even the smallest noise carries. No talking, no heavy breathing, and absolutely no unnecessary movement. Keep your gear tight to avoid clinking, and if you need to communicate, use hand signals."
He looked at Anne. "Try walking five steps forward without making a sound."
Anne nodded, carefully placing her feet on the forest floor. Her first step was silent, but the second snapped a twig, and the third crunched some leaves. She winced.
"Not bad," Steve said. "But remember, it's not just about where you step—it's about how. Roll your foot from heel to toe to avoid sudden pressure. Let's try that again."
For the next few hours, Steve guided them through the forest, giving each girl personalized tips and corrections. By the end, they were dirty, tired, and much better at blending into the forest.
"Good work today," Steve said, a proud smile on his face. "Tomorrow, we'll add another layer—moving undetected while someone's actively looking for you. But for now, you've earned a break."
Taylor, Emma, and Anne exchanged grins, their earlier mistakes now valuable lessons.
As Taylor and Emma joked and ribbed each other about all the mistakes they had made today, Anne went to walk side-by-side alongside Steve. "Um, Steve? Can I talk to you?"
Steve turned his head. "Sure, what is it?"
Anne then said, "I've been thinking… I want the super soldier serum too."
Steve blinked. "What brought this on?"
Anne shrugged a little too casually. "Oh, you know, just in case I lose my other powers. You never know. There's power nullifers out there. I could end up losing or forgetting all the skills I learned the way too. This way I can still defend myself, because the serum isn't exactly a parahuman power, ya know?"
Steve got the feeling there was something Anne wasn't telling him. "That's all very true. But that's not the only reason is it?"
Anne slumped. "Okay, fine. You got me. It's just… Oni Lee tried to kill my kid sister and her best friend without a second thought. I thought villains and heroes had this agreement you know, like in one of the unwritten rules… something about not killing kids??"
Steve slowed his pace, his expression softening as he looked at Anne. "Yeah, there used to be something like that too back in my world. A kind of... unofficial rule. But not everyone follows it, especially the ones like Oni Lee. People like him don't care about rules or decency."
Anne frowned, clenching her fists. "It's not right. Emma's only thirteen, and Taylor... she's been through enough already."
She paused, thinking of what Taylor had told Emma and her on Tuesday while they were training out in Taylor's backyard. It was the only personal place they could train without fear of noisy neighbors like O'neill, as the fences were too high for any potential snoops to peek over.
So one of them had gotten a piece of the "Dreams" again as they'd call it in public, and unfortunately this time it was Taylor again. And she had experienced something truly horrific.
Here Anne thought she had been horrified over the fact that in Jarod and Gemini's world, there had been people immoral enough to kidnap, clone and train up thinker-trump types of humans. But in this new world where Laura, aka X-23, lived, this organization made The Centre look downright humanitarian and sane.
There was a reason why Emma, Taylor and Anne didn't talk much about Jarod's world or him, because when you boiled down to the very basics the story was kind of depressing, and one could only hope that Jarod found his happy ending and the answers he had been looking for. Because when the dreams ended for them, it had left things open-ended for everyone.
Anne kind of envied them for that, because getting to see somebody die was just…. Ugh. and to expernice it alongside the person like it was happening to you too? Yikes.
Anyways, The Centre and the organization that had cloned and made X-23 was like Day and Night. The Centre had fed the kids well, gave them toys, and stuff like that. A lot of the kids had came to see the people of the Centre as something to parents and family… that is, until they usually entered teenagerhood and wanted to go out to explore the world. Or started to notice the facts didn't line up at all, like how it had happened for Jarod.
X-23's, or rather Laura's, experiences wasn't so cushy in comparison. The stuff they did to her… Ugh! It was so horrible and it just made Anne angry thinking about it!
Anne realized she had been silent too long and shook her head and faced Steve. "Anyhow…I can't stand the idea of them getting hurt—or worse—just because some psycho decides he doesn't care about lines he's not supposed to cross."
Steve nodded thoughtfully. "I understand where you're coming from. But the serum isn't something to take lightly. It changes you, Anne—physically and mentally. And there's no going back. Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?"
Anne hesitated, her gaze dropping to the forest floor. "I just… I want to be strong enough to protect them, no matter what. I don't want to feel powerless if something like that happens again."
Steve placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Strength isn't just about physical power. It's about your resolve, your willingness to stand up for what's right, and your ability to think on your feet. The serum can help, sure, but it's not the only way to protect the people you care about."
Anne looked up at him, her expression firm. "I know that, but I still want it. I've thought about it a lot, and I know it's a risk. But it's my choice to make, and I'm ready."
Steve sighed, a mix of admiration and concern in his eyes. "Alright. I'll talk to the others about it. But we'll need to make sure you really understand what you're getting into. Deal?"
Anne nodded. "Deal."
Steve gave her a small smile. "You've got a good heart, Anne. That's what matters most."
As they continued walking, the sounds of Emma and Taylor's banter echoed through the trees, a reminder of the people Anne was so determined to protect.
Steve then gestured his head over at Zoe. "So, have you told your mom about this yet?"
Anne chuckled. "Ah. no…. I was hoping you'd help me talk her into it?"
Steve raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You want *me* to help you talk your mom into letting you take an experimental serum that permanently alters your body and boosts your abilities? That's a tall order, kid."
Anne shrugged, grinning sheepishly. "Hey, She trusts you. Well, the current you anyhow. And it's not like I can just walk up to her and say, 'Hey, Mom, I want to become a super soldier because I'm worried about getting jumped by crazy knife-wielding psychos. And most importantly protect my kid sis from Oni Lee.'"
Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "You underestimate your mom. Zoe's been through a lot, and she's not one to shy away from tough conversations. But she's also your mother, which means she's going to ask a lot of questions—and she's going to want answers."
Anne sighed. "Yeah, I know. But I figured it'd go over better if you were there. You're like... the current voice of reason around here. Everyone's caught up in their own thing right now. Even Mom and Dad is working on something together right now."
Steve gave her a mock-serious look. "That's both flattering and terrifying. But alright, I'll back you up. Just don't expect me to sugarcoat it. You've got to be honest with her about why you want this."
Anne nodded, her grin softening into a more genuine expression. "Thanks, Steve. I mean it. I know this isn't easy, but it's important to me."
Steve glanced over at Zoe, who was chatting with Emma and Taylor while packing their leftover supplies back into the car.They had made it seem like they had simply wanted a picnic in the nearest forest just outside of Brockton Bay for the day. You know, just in case somebody came along and asked questions.
"Alright. Let's do this. But remember—you're leading the conversation. I'm just here to keep it from spiraling into a shouting match."
Anne smirked. "Deal. And hey, no promises on the shouting part. It's Mom, after all."
Steve shook his head, laughing quietly as they made their way toward Zoe. "You've got guts, Anne. I'll give you that."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To say Zoe was thoroughly unimpressed was an understatement. That night at supper, she turned to her husband Alan and said, "Alan, you should talk some sense into your daughter. You've gone though this process, you can tell her why she shouldn't go though it."
But surprisingly enough Alan just simply nodded thoughtfully and said, "I can see where Anne is coming from. She's right, anything could happen."
Zoe blinked, setting her fork down as she stared at Alan. "Excuse me? You're agreeing with her? Alan, this isn't a game—it's a permanent alteration. You of all people should understand the risks involved!"
Alan leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but serious. "I do, Zoe. Believe me, I do. But I also know what it's like to feel powerless, to want to ensure you're never caught off guard again. If Anne wants to do this, it's not because she's reckless—it's because she's thinking ahead."
Zoe folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. "She's a teenager, Alan. Thinking ahead doesn't come naturally at her age. This is a life-altering decision, and she's not even fully grown yet!"
Anne, who had been quietly eating her meal, finally spoke up. "Mom, I've thought about this a lot. I'm not doing it just because it's cool or whatever. I've seen what it's like out there, how fast things can go wrong. I just want to be ready, no matter what happens."
Zoe looked between her husband and daughter, frustration evident on her face. "And what if it goes wrong? What if it doesn't work the way you think it will? Or worse, what if it changes you in ways you can't predict?"
Alan sighed, placing a hand on Zoe's arm. "That's why we'll make sure she understands every step of the process. This isn't something you rush into, and Anne knows that."
Anne nodded. "I'm not rushing, Mom. I just... I don't want to feel helpless if something happens to you, Dad, or anyone else I care about. I'm tired of waiting for someone else to save the day."
Zoe's expression softened slightly, but she still looked conflicted. "I understand wanting to protect the people you love, Anne. I really do. But the serum isn't just about physical strength. It changes everything—your body, your limits, your life. Are you ready for that?"
Anne looked her mother straight in the eyes. "I think I am. But I won't do it without your blessing."
Zoe sighed, her shoulders slumping as she glanced at Alan. "And you're okay with this?"
Alan shrugged slightly. "I'd rather she came to us about it instead of doing something drastic on her own. At least this way, we can guide her."
Zoe let out a long breath, her resolve wavering. "Fine. But we're talking this through—every detail. And I mean every detail."
Anne smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom. I promise, I'll think everything through."
Emma then snorted loudly as she took a bite of her creamy pasta. "At this rate, everyone in this family is gonna be serumed up with super-soldier juice pretty soon. Even mom. Calling it now."
Zoe raised her eyebrows at her youngest daughter. "Oh really? And why would I get… serumed up, as you put it?"
Emma smirked, twirling her fork in the creamy pasta. "Because, Mom, you're already the brains of this family. Well, besides me anyways. Imagine if you added super strength, endurance, and agility to that? You'd be unstoppable. The ultimate multitasking mom."
Alan chuckled, setting down his glass. "She's not wrong. You've already got the smarts and leadership skills. You'd give Captain America a run for his money."
Zoe raised an eyebrow, giving her husband a playful but skeptical look. "Flattering, but I think I'm just fine the way I am. Besides, someone needs to stay grounded around here, don't you think?"
Anne grinned, leaning on her elbow. "Come on, Mom. Imagine how much faster you could tinker if you didn't need to sleep as much. And you're one to talk about staying grounded, considering that you wanted to keep the angel theme and fly around!"
Zoe gave an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. "So, this is the plan now? Turn me into a sleepless workhorse for the family?"
Emma laughed. "Hey, you're the one who always says there's not enough hours in the day. We're just offering a solution!"
Zoe rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'll pass, thanks. But it's nice to know my kids think so highly of me."
Emma leaned back in her chair, grinning mischievously. "Mark my words, Mom. One day, you're gonna see the appeal. And when you do, I'm totally saying 'I told you so.'"
Zoe gave her a mock glare. "Don't hold your breath."
The table erupted in laughter, the lighthearted banter momentarily easing the tension from their earlier conversation. It was moments like these that reminded them they were still a family, even in the midst of all the weird crap that was an constant in their lives now.
Emu-Steve smiled and shook his head in amusement in the living room, having overheard everything though his connection with Emma. Meanwhile, he was watching one of the historical movies of this world that he found so interesting that the rest of the family found to be so bland. It was meant to be educational, one of those movies that teachers would play whenever they didn't feel like teaching at school.
And well, as an emulation, he didn't need to eat… even if he did enjoy eating. Currently, he was snacking on some nice buttery popcorn and that was enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rest of the week flew by as Steve shifted the training focus to blending into urban environments. The shift from forest to cityscape came with its own challenges: navigating crowded streets, using shadows and architecture for cover, and learning to spot and exploit blind spots in surveillance.
Emma found herself enjoying the new setting, though she grumbled about having to practice walking quietly on hard surfaces. Taylor, however, seemed to take to the lessons naturally, quickly mastering the art of moving without a sound. Anne, ever competitive, wasn't far behind.
By Friday, their progress was evident. They had grown so adept at silent movement that sneaking up on one another became an unspoken game.
Anne managed to spook Emma in the kitchen by appearing seemingly out of nowhere, while Taylor got the drop on Steve during a rooftop exercise. Even Zoe wasn't safe; she jumped when Emma suddenly appeared behind her in the garage.
"Okay, you've officially become too good at this," Zoe grumbled, clutching her chest after Emma's latest surprise. "I'm going to have everyone wear a bell or something just to keep you all from giving me a heart attack."
Emma grinned. "Don't blame me. Blame Steve. He's the one who said stealth was important."
Steve, leaning casually against the doorframe, smirked. "I didn't tell you to use it on each other. But I guess this means the training is working."
Anne raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "I have to admit, that was pretty fun. I wonder what else you've got planned for us."
Steve's grin widened. "Oh, don't worry. You'll find out soon enough. But for now, enjoy the weekend. Next week, we'll focus on something else."
He then gave a satisfied nod, looking over Emma, and Anne.Taylor wasn't around as she had recently gone home. "I've got to say, you three did pretty well. Not everyone can master stealth of all types in just a week like this. You've exceeded my expectations."
Emma crossed her arms, a proud smirk on her face. "Well, what can I say? Some of us are just naturals."
Anne rolled her eyes but grinned. "Yeah, naturals at tripping over your own feet this past Monday."
"Hey!" Emma shot back, but her indignation melted into a laugh.
Anne then let up on her teasing as she said, "To be fair, we've all improved a lot. Remember how loud we were at the start? Now we're practically invisible."
Steve chuckled. "Exactly. You've not only learned how to move silently, but you've also started thinking like stealth operatives—analyzing your environment, anticipating obstacles, and adapting. That's the real key to staying undetected."
Anne leaned against a nearby wall, twirling a loose strand of hair. "So, does this mean we've graduated?"
"For now, yes," Steve replied with a grin. "There's always more to learn, but this was all I could teach. Next week, we'll move on to whatever else I can teach you. For now, though, take the weekend to rest up—and maybe stop sneaking up on each other before someone has a heart attack."
Zoe poked her head in, arms crossed and a mock stern expression on her face. "Yes, please. I don't need my youngest turning me into a jumpy mess."
Emma snickered. "No promises, Mom."
Zoe huffed at that with an annoyed expression but shook her head in amusement as she moved down the hallway.
[[ Stealth has been mastered! 20/20!]]
~~~~~~~~~
Early Sunday morning, Alan sat up abruptly in bed, his breathing uneven and his face pale. As the sunlight streamed through the curtains, it illuminated the sleek, futuristic armor encasing his body—the Iron Man Mark LXXXV suit. The armor hummed faintly, its surface gleaming with a polished brilliance that spoke of cutting-edge design and raw power. But Alan wasn't admiring it.
He was staring into the distance, eyes wet, as Tony Stark's last words echoed endlessly in his mind.
"...I am Iron Man…"
Alan clenched his fists, the metallic plates of the gauntlets clicking softly as they shifted. His chest rose and fell heavily, and he struggled to process the flood of emotions and images that had surged through his dreams. Tony's defiant stand, the snap of his fingers, and the immense sacrifice he made for everyone—it felt so real. Alan could almost feel the heat of the energy surging through the gauntlet and the heartbreak of knowing what it cost Tony.
Zoe stirred beside him, groggily opening her eyes. When she saw Alan sitting there, fully armored and visibly shaken, she immediately sat up. "Alan? What's wrong?"
He took a deep breath, his voice barely steady. "It's... it's the end. The end of everything for Tony Stark. I saw it all, Zoe. Felt it all." He looked down at his gauntlets, flexing his fingers as if testing whether they were truly his. "He knew it would kill him, but he did it anyway. To save everyone."
Zoe reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, even though she had no idea what he was talking about…. But she got the gist of it, as she had gone though something similar with Mercy, even if Mercy hadn't died… and then there had been that thing with Anne.
The cool surface of the armor contrasted sharply with the warmth of her touch. "It sounds like Tony Stark made a choice that saved countless lives judging by what you said. That's... incredible."
Alan nodded, his jaw tightening. "It was more than incredible. It was... heroic. Selfless. He had everything to lose, but he did it anyway."
He paused, staring at the arc reactor in his chestplate. "How do you live up to that?"
Zoe gave him a small, encouraging smile. Now THIS part she understood. Because sometimes she did develop something of a complex by comparing herself to Mercy now and then. After all, Mercy was so amazing, and was a genius medical engineer…. The real Zoe on the other hand…. All she had going for her was that she was very good at baked goods, catering and party-planning. Oh and the fact that she was a smoking hot mom, even if she did have a bit of a mom-body. That was it.
Zoe of course was proud of Mercy, as weirdly enough watching everything that Mercy had gone though had endeared Zoe to the blonde angel. This expernice made Mercy feel like she was one of Zoe's children. But at the same time now that Zoe had Mercy's genius and her abilities, it made her wonder if she could really live up to everything that Mercy did and stood for.
"By doing what you can, where you are. That's all anyone can ask. I know that sounds trite as hell and sounds like one of those cheesy platitudes that people say way too often… but it's true." Zoe replied.
Alan exhaled slowly, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Yeah... yeah, maybe you're right."
He stood up, the armor adjusting seamlessly to his movements. The hum of the suit felt more familiar now, almost like a second skin. As he turned to leave the room, Zoe called out gently, "Alan?"
He stopped and looked back at her.
"You don't have to carry all of this alone. We're a team, remember? I've been where you've been. So if you want to talk about it, just know that I understand."
Alan's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Thanks, Zoe. I'll keep that in mind."
As he stepped out into the hallway, the words still echoed faintly in his mind, but they no longer felt as heavy.
"...I am Iron Man…"
As Alan stepped out into the hallway, the soft whirring of his armor's servos caught the attention of Anne and Emma, who had just emerged from their bedrooms.
Anne froze mid-yawn, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of her dad fully encased in the gleaming Iron Man Mark LXXXV suit. "Whoa," she breathed. "That's... wow, neat!"
Emma blinked, still processing the scene. She tilted her head, looking him up and down. "So, it finally happened, huh?" she said, a note of understanding in her voice. "What was it like?"
Alan chuckled softly, the sound amplified slightly by the helmet's built-in audio system.
"Intense," he admitted. "It wasn't easy watching Tony Stark's last stand—it felt like I was right there, living it. Every emotion, every choice... it was overwhelming. That's the thing, Anne isn't the only one who got to watch somebody die in those 'dreams'. I kinda get it now."
Anne stepped closer with an sympathetic expression on her face. "Yeah, it totally blows, doesn't it?"
Emma on the other hand, was a little bit shallow instead of empathetic, as she instead focused on what features the Iron Man armor had. "So what does this do? Does it have a flying feature? Scanners? Built-in weapons?"
Alan smiled, amused by her enthusiasm. "I haven't tested everything yet, but yeah, it's fully loaded. Just... not exactly something I woke up expecting to have."
Emma folded her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face as she decided to be empathetic. "I'm glad you're okay. It sounds like it wasn't an easy experience."
Alan nodded, appreciating her concern. "It wasn't. But I think I'll be fine. Just need some time to mentally digest it all."
Anne nudged Emma with her elbow, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "So... when do we get to try it out?"
Alan raised a gloved hand, a mock-stern expression on his face. "You're not trying this out. This isn't a toy. It's serious business."
Before they could respond, Alan held up his arm, and a soft hum filled the air. The armor shimmered and began to retract, segment by segment, folding seamlessly into a sleek watch on his wrist. Both girls stared in awe as the transformation completed.
"No way," Anne whispered. "It's a watch? That's... that's insane!"
Emma tilted her head, clearly impressed despite herself. "Okay, that's actually really cool."
Alan smirked, flexing his wrist slightly. "Nanotech. Stark always thought of everything."
Anne's excitement bubbled over. "So, like, can you put it on instantly? Or does it take time?"
Alan tapped the watch, and the armor unfolded, re-encasing him in seconds. He grinned at their stunned faces. "Instant deployment. Pretty handy in a pinch."
Anne shrugged, grinning. "Fair enough. But just so you know, Dad, you're officially the coolest guy in the neighborhood now. No contest."
Alan shook his head, a small laugh escaping him. "Thanks, I think. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get some air."
As he walked toward the front door after reverting the armor back into a watch again, Emma and Anne watched him go, exchanging wide-eyed grins.
"I still can't believe that just happened," Anne whispered.
Emma smirked. "Yeah, but admit it. You totally want one too."
Anne crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Duh. Who wouldn't?"
Emma nodded. "Oh totally. I wouldn't even need a magic bag of holding anymore if I had something like that for my armors and junk."
Anne seemed to think of something, and then groaned. "Oh, shoot. It wouldn't work for my costume, right? I mean, I've got my spiky leather jacket over it and stuff like that. It's not exactly armor that layers over my regular clothes."
Emma laughed. "Yeah, your whole vibe screams 'punk rock superhero,' not 'sleek and futuristic.' But hey, maybe you could get a custom version. Nanotech leather jacket, anyone?"
Anne's eyes lit up. "Now you're talking! I'd totally rock that."
Emma mulled it over thoughtfully. "Not to mention, what if we found a way to magically transfer all your regular clothes and accessories into a bag of holding while the nanobots wove themselves together into your punk rock appearance? Imagine—instant transformation without losing your aesthetic."
Anne's eyes lit up at the idea. "Okay, that does sound amazing. Like, the ultimate blend of tech and style. I can totally see Elly going crazy over that project. She's been neck-deep in studying all this kind of stuff whenever she's not doing her rich girl act for the public or hanging out with that Mary girl."
Emma smirked knowingly. "You say that like you're not going to dive headfirst into it too. I know you, Anne. You'd be dying to figure out how it all works. And let's be real—Taylor wouldn't just be interested; she'd probably be halfway through building a prototype before we even brought it up."
Anne chuckled, conceding the point. "Yeah, okay, true. I can't help it—I love learning how this stuff ticks. And Taylor? Yeah, she'd be all in, no doubt."
Emma leaned against the wall, her expression sly. "So, are we making this a team project? Elly, Taylor, you, and me? I bet we could make it happen."
Anne grinned. "Why not? Between Elly's resources, Taylor's tech skills, and our combined genius, we'd probably end up inventing something Stark-level."
Emma raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. "Only probably? Come on, Anne. Let's aim higher."
The two laughed, the room filling with an infectious energy as their imaginations spun wildly.
~~
It was too much for them to contain as Emma and Anne excitedly spilled their idea over breakfast. Alan had just returned after his quiet time outdoors, looking much calmer and more grounded.
"So," Emma began, gesturing animatedly, "we were thinking about combining nanotech with, like, a magical bag of holding idea. It'd let Anne swap out her regular clothes for her punk rock look instantly, without losing her style. And we could do the same for armor, tools—whatever!"
Anne nodded eagerly. "Yeah, and it wouldn't just be for me. Imagine how useful it could be for everyone—repairing stuff, creating new outfits on the fly, or even upgrading them with new features."
Alan nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "It does sound like a good idea. Especially if it's versatile enough to handle different use cases. Could even be a game-changer for long missions or emergencies."
Zoe set her mug of coffee down and glanced over at Alan. "We should really set up a nano-clothing fabber station anyway. Between our family and the Heberts, it's only a matter of time before a lot of our outfits are completely wrecked. And some things will be damaged beyond what even nanotechnology can repair. Having a dedicated system to fabricate and maintain gear would keep everything in pristine condition."
Alan tilted his head, considering her words. "You're not wrong. Especially with how active everyone's been lately. And with the kind of powers and tech involved, normal wear and tear doesn't even cover it."
Emma leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And think about it—this could also be a great way to study how nanotech works. Like, if we really dig into it, we could learn enough to start customizing things even more."
Anne grinned, jumping in. "Right? It's not just about repairing and replacing stuff. It's about innovating. I bet we could even integrate some of Taylor's ideas. She'd probably come up with some crazy mods to add. It's honestly scary the kind of things she comes up with. It's a good thing that Taylor would never harm a fly, otherwise I think that creative mind of hers could easily turn any power or ability into a S-class threat."
Zoe smiled wryly. "Well, I suppose it's worth exploring. Just keep in mind that it's not all fun and games. This sort of thing will take time, effort, and resources."
Alan chuckled. "When have they ever shied away from a challenge? If anything, I'd say this is the kind of project they'll thrive on."
The conversation flowed easily after that, the family brainstorming ideas and debating possibilities over breakfast. Now that Alan and Zoe could easily follow along as fellow "tinkers" this kind of conversation was surprisingly fun. It even helped Alan get his mind off Tony's death for a while.
In fact time flew before they knew it, and it was early noon by the time they realized that breakfast time was over.
Emu-D had been in ghost mode this whole time, as even crystalline beings like himself needed to rest and recharge now and then, and had been sleeping until Emma woke up. And now he wasn't even sure when he would appear, as he was too curious to see where all of this was going and he didn't want to accidentally interrupt this creative flow Emma's family had going.
Because all of this sounded AMAZING! This was the kind of [DATA] he liked, not boring mundane stuff on how to be more stealthy. Even if Steve Rogers, the man he emulated, thought it was important. Pssh. whatever.
The steve part of him however, just simply smiled at the scene thinking that it was nice how the barnes family bonded so easily over things like this.
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What should Emma train next?
[][train] Parkour 20/20
[][train] General purposes Martial Arts 20/20
[][train]Marksman Skills 20/20 (would be a 10/10 if it was only guns and knives, but this also applies to tossing his sheild around. Might be best taught after super soldier body)
[][train] Language classes (pick Russian, or Spanish) 10/10 for each language.
Vote for whatever mini-action you think Emma or any other character should do during the week.
[][Mini] Write-in.
And oh yeah, Arcadia high school comes up next for our girls!