FANTASTIC 4️⃣: LEGACY OF TOMORROW

MARCH 3, 2025

The sun was setting over the desolate landscape of Silver City, casting long shadows over the crumbling buildings and empty streets. Richard stood in front of a giant rock, his suit slightly dusted from the day's training. Sweat trickled down his face as he glared at the massive boulder, his arms stretched out, trying to figure out how to move it. His brows furrowed with frustration.

Richard: (Frustrated) How the hell am I supposed to move this thing?

Franklin stood a few paces away, watching him with a mix of concern and patience. He crossed his arms and offered some encouragement.

Franklin: (Supportively) You better believe in yourself, bro. You've got the power just focus and believe!

Richard stretched his arms, trying to make the rock budge in the direction he wanted. His arms lengthened, but the rock barely shifted. He groaned, growing more frustrated.

Richard: (Grumbling) This thing's too big...

Franklin, not wanting to give up on Richard so easily, took a step closer, about to offer more advice, but before he could speak, Richard suddenly threw the giant rock toward him, his arms snapping back to their normal length.

Franklin: (Shocked) What the fuck!?

Before Franklin could react, the rock was already in the air, hurtling toward him. Franklin, quick on his feet, used his astral projection ability to create an ethereal version of himself, and punched the rock out of the way with a powerful blast of astral energy.

Franklin: (Shouting) What's wrong with you!? We're trying to help you!

Richard shrugged nonchalantly, his posture casual as though it was no big deal.

Richard: (Shrugging) Not me, bro. I'm doing my own thing.

Franklin's frustration peaked, and he clenched his fists. His astral form grew larger, and he raised his hands, a surge of power rushing through him.

Franklin: (Shouting) Take this!

Franklin sent out a burst of astral energy toward Richard, but instead of dodging or absorbing it like Franklin expected, Richard stretched his body, absorbing the damage into his elastic form. The impact passed through his body without harming him, and then Richard recoiled, launching the stored damage right back at Franklin.

Richard: (Smirking) Less talk, more work!

In a flash, Richard stretched his arm to grab Franklin, attempting to slam him into the ground. Franklin managed to escape, dodging the attack by using his astral form to phase through Richard's stretch. With a quick move, he grabbed Richard's leg and swung him around, spinning him before tossing him into a nearby abandoned bar, causing the wooden walls to splinter from the force of the throw.

Franklin: (Frustrated, walking toward the wrecked bar) I was trying to help you! We've been training for a month now, and you're still acting like this!

Richard groaned as he sat up from the wreckage, brushing off the dust and debris. He stretched his legs out, slowly getting back to his feet. His head tilted back as he looked at Franklin with an exasperated sigh.

Richard: (Exhausted) Yeah, yeah... forgive me. I just need a rest, I guess.

Franklin's shoulders slumped, clearly exhausted from the constant back-and-forth. He walked over to Richard, shaking his head with a mix of disappointment and understanding.

Franklin: (Calmly) You can't keep pushing yourself like this. We're trying to help you control your powers. This isn't about just strength; it's about balance.

Richard wiped his forehead, his expression softening as he nodded slightly.

Richard: (Quietly) Yeah, I get it... but I still don't know how to do this right. Every time I stretch, it feels like I'm just flailing around.

Franklin placed a hand on Richard's shoulder, his tone more supportive now.

Franklin: (Encouragingly) It takes time. But you're getting stronger. Trust me, we'll get there. Just... trust the process, alright?

Richard sighed again, looking at the wreckage around them. The ruins of the abandoned city felt oddly fitting for his own frustration. But with Franklin by his side, maybe there was still hope for him to finally get his powers under control.

Richard: (Reluctantly) Alright... let's keep going then.

Franklin smiled faintly, relieved that Richard was at least willing to continue training. Together, they had a long way to go, but for the first time, Richard seemed willing to try truly try to learn how to use his powers.

Richard stood next to Franklin again, who was now pointing at a random wooden chair positioned a few feet away.

Franklin: (Grinning) Now, punch that tree over there!

Richard looked at Franklin with a confused expression, his eyes squinting at the target.

Richard: (Tilting his head) That's a chair, not a tree...

Franklin shot him a playful, almost innocent look, his eyebrows raised in mock surprise.

Franklin: (Cute tone) I know, bro. Now do it!

Richard stared at Franklin for a moment, then sighed in frustration, not willing to argue anymore. He stretched his arms out, winding them up before delivering a powerful punch in the direction of the chair. His arm elongated, twisting with a snapping sound as his fist collided with the wooden frame of the chair.

The chair instantly splintered upon impact, its legs breaking off, and the backrest shattered into pieces. Richard retracted his arm, looking down at the destruction he caused.

Richard: (Shrugging) Poor chair...

Franklin gave a small, sympathetic nod as he watched the chair crumble into pieces.

Franklin: (Nodding) I know..

But his eyes soon turned serious as he looked back at Richard, his tone shifting to something more focused.

Franklin: But now we're done with your physical training. Now it's time to know your weakness.

Richard wiped the sweat from his brow, his face turning slightly more serious as he processed Franklin's words. He had been pushing his limits for a while now, but he had to admit, Franklin's point made sense. Training his physical strength was one thing, but understanding his weaknesses was a whole different challenge.

Richard: (Uneasily) Weakness? What do you mean? I don't have any weaknesses. I'm invincible when I stretch, right?

Franklin narrowed his eyes slightly, walking closer to Richard as he gave a subtle, skeptical smile.

Franklin: (Thoughtfully) You're not invincible, Richard. Every power has a counter. Every ability has limits. You need to know where your weakness lies if you want to truly control your abilities. And that's what we're gonna figure out.

Richard shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. His face was conflicted, torn between confidence and doubt.

Richard: (Frowning) Yeah, but what if I don't have a weakness? What if I'm just... different?

Franklin paused, considering Richard's words for a moment. He placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring look.

Franklin: (Softly) Everyone has weaknesses. Even my dad, even me. You just have to figure out what yours is so we can help you protect yourself. Trust me, it'll make you stronger in the long run.

Richard let out a deep breath, reluctantly nodding in agreement. He knew Franklin was right, but the idea of discovering a weakness in his seemingly unbreakable powers made him uneasy. Still, he had no choice but to move forward.

Richard: (Sighing) Alright... let's get it over with.

Franklin stepped back, gesturing for Richard to take a defensive stance.

Franklin: (Serious) Let's start by testing your durability. I want you to stretch your body and take a hit. Let's see how much punishment you can really absorb.

Richard cracked his knuckles, his body already feeling the strain from the day's training. But he knew this was important. With a grimace, he prepared himself for whatever Franklin was about to throw his way.

Richard: (Grimly) This is gonna suck... but let's do it.

Franklin, standing a few paces away, was fiddling with a piece of equipment, his face determined.

Richard: (Confused) Uhhh, what are you doing?

Franklin, without looking up, shouted back, his tone almost frantic with excitement.

Franklin: (Shouting) You have the immune ability, but let me test it with all my equipment! If you have one of those weaknesses, I need to know! Okay?!

Richard rolled his eyes, raising an eyebrow. He didn't entirely understand what Franklin was up to, but after a month of intense training, he wasn't about to back down now.

Richard: (Shrugging) Okay! Bring it on!

Franklin gave him a satisfied grin, clearly not backing down either. He reached into his bag and pulled out a bulky piece of tech something that Richard didn't recognize right away.

Richard's eyes widened as Franklin held it up, pressing a button.

Richard: (Shocked) Is that a rocket launcher?!

Franklin, his grin widening, shouted back with excitement.

Franklin: (Shouting) YES! Double the triple, baby! Time for some testing!

Before Richard could respond, Franklin yanked the trigger with a dramatic flourish. A rocket shot out of the launcher, speeding toward Richard in an instant.

Richard's eyes went wide as the missile approached, but in that split second, he stretched his arm out, his elastic form easily absorbing the impact of the missile. The explosion from the rocket was nothing compared to what he could handle, and with a swift motion, Richard launched the missile back into the sky.

The rocket streaked upwards, exploding in a spectacular display of color and light, a firework illuminating the darkening sky. Richard, holding his stance, smirked as he watched the brilliant display.

Richard: (Grinning) That's one way to make a show of it...

Franklin stood frozen for a moment, his mouth slightly agape as he watched the rocket's explosion paint the sky. He blinked several times before looking back at the rocket launcher in his hands, his brow furrowed.

Franklin: (Amazed) Since when did Dad create a firework made of rocket launcher?

Richard chuckled, shaking his head at Franklin's reaction.

Richard: (Sarcastically) Yeah, looks like the Stark family doesn't just build tech... they create party supplies too.

Franklin quickly flipped through a manual, his finger tracing over the instructions, clearly trying to figure out what he'd just witnessed.

Franklin: (Muttering) This wasn't in the specs... this should not have been fireworks.

Richard, still feeling the adrenaline from the test, walked over to Franklin, who was now deeply engrossed in reading the manual.

Richard: (Grinning) You're not going to blow something else up, right?

Franklin looked up, eyes still wide in disbelief, before shaking his head with a laugh.

Franklin: (Smiling) I have no idea what just happened, but... I guess you're good to go. No weaknesses there, huh?

Richard stretched out his arm, flicking his fingers as he made his way toward Franklin.

Richard: (Casually) Told you. I'm indestructible.

Franklin looked at the rocket launcher in his hands one last time, half-amused and half-confused by the results.

Franklin: (Laughing) Yeah, you're definitely indestructible... and apparently, a walking fireworks show.

Richard stood, stretching his limbs and testing his elasticity as Franklin began rummaging through a duffel bag nearby. Richard eyed him warily, already having a bad feeling about whatever was coming next.

Richard: (Warily) Please don't tell me it's that...

Franklin looked up from the bag, his eyes glinting with excitement. Without missing a beat, he held up a sleek, red-glowing piece of technology.

Franklin: (Grinning) Yes! Iron Man repulsor!

Richard's eyes widened, his jaw dropping slightly in disbelief. He took a step back, his arms instinctively crossing in front of him as if to shield himself from the impending chaos.

Richard: (Stunned) How in the world did you even get that?!

Franklin didn't even flinch. He held the repulsor out, activating it with a loud hum as it powered up, a blue energy beam charging in front of his palm.

Franklin: (Grinning) Time to shine!

With that, he fired the repulsor at Richard, the blast surging forward like a laser. Richard's body stretched to absorb the impact, but the repulsor's energy didn't faze him at all. It glanced off his body, spiraling harmlessly toward the nearest wooden chair. The energy shot through it, shattering the chair into splinters.

Richard: (Deadpan) Poor chair... always getting destroyed.

Franklin looked on, wide-eyed at how Richard had effortlessly absorbed the attack. He frowned, reaching back into his bag.

Richard: (Nervously) Oh no... please, not that...

Franklin's grin only grew as he pulled out something much bigger. A heavy-duty machine gun gleamed in his hands.

Franklin: (Excited) How about this?

Richard's eyes widened as Franklin armed the machine gun and aimed it straight at him.

Richard: (Panicking) No way!

But Franklin wasn't about to back down. He pulled the trigger, and bullets rained toward Richard. The speed and force of the shots were like a hailstorm, but Richard simply stretched his body, letting the bullets harmlessly bounce off his skin. He grinned, but his expression shifted to one of concern as he saw the bullets ricochet in all directions, heading straight back toward Franklin.

Richard: (Grinning) You might want to duck.

In a flash, Franklin activated his astral form, his body glowing faintly as he projected his energy outside of himself. The bullets hit the astral form, creating sparks as they shattered harmlessly around him.

Franklin: (Shouting) HOW?!

Richard, still standing casually amidst the chaos, raised an eyebrow.

Richard: (Nonchalantly) Well, guess I'm immune to everything, huh?

Franklin, still surrounded by the debris and his astral form maintaining its defensive barrier, clenched his fists in frustration and awe. He turned toward Richard, his voice tinged with both admiration and disbelief.

Franklin: (Sighing) This is insane. How are you this invincible?

Richard shrugged, unbothered by the destruction surrounding them.

Richard: (Grinning) It's just who I am, Franklin. Guess we'll see what else you got, huh?

Franklin, still half-cocked in his astral form, stared at Richard, now both annoyed and impressed.

Franklin: (Sighing) I swear, you're like some living tank. How am I supposed to test you now?

Richard chuckled, stretching his limbs with a flex.

Richard: (Mockingly) Maybe try throwing a building at me next time?

Franklin narrowed his eyes, his confidence returning despite the barrage of failures. The training wasn't over yet.

Franklin: (Grinning) Oh... Is that so?

Richard: (Sweating) Oh Shit im dead...

-MEANWHILE BACK TO THE BAXTER BUILDING-

Valeria sat at a sleek workstation, her brows furrowed as she sifted through holographic displays of Richard's data. N'Kalla leaned casually against the edge of the table, her arms crossed, holding a tablet with detailed analysis.

Valeria: (Curious) So, what did you find on Richard?

N'Kalla glanced at the tablet, swiping through the pages of data with a flick of her finger.

N'Kalla: (Nonchalantly) Well, he's got a brain to rival any super-genius. His IQ is clocked at 267.

Valeria: (Blinking, surprised) Same as my dad, huh...

She leaned back, crossing her arms as her mind began to piece things together. N'Kalla flipped to another page on the tablet and held it up for Valeria to see.

N'Kalla: (Continuing) But there's more. I ran an analysis of his weaknesses.

Valeria's confident demeanor shifted as N'Kalla revealed the results. Her expression darkened with concern as she read the words displayed on the tablet.

Valeria: (Alarmed) Oh no... This is not good.

N'Kalla raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly.

N'Kalla: (Calmly) What's the problem?

Valeria pointed at the holographic display, her voice rising as she explained.

Valeria: (Urgently) His weaknesses! Look Ice and Limited Control over his powers. Ice, N'Kalla! The most basic thing! And limited control? That's a disaster waiting to happen.

N'Kalla tilted her head, not entirely understanding Valeria's panic.

N'Kalla: (Shrugging) Okay, ice is a problem, sure. But limited control? Isn't that the whole point of this training you've been forcing him into?

Valeria paced back and forth, clearly agitated.

Valeria: (Frustrated) You don't get it! If he's caught in extreme cold, he might be completely immobilized. And limited control means he's as dangerous to himself as he is to anyone else. He's like a ticking time bomb.

N'Kalla glanced back at the tablet, then at Valeria, her expression serious now.

N'Kalla: (Softly) So, what do we do?

Valeria stopped pacing, her mind racing with possible solutions. She turned to N'Kalla, determination flashing in her eyes.

Valeria: (Firmly) We push his training harder. If he's going to survive out there and keep himself and everyone else safe we need to find a way to help him overcome these weaknesses.

N'Kalla: (Nodding) Got it. But maybe start with baby steps? Okay?

Valeria gave her a sharp look but smirked despite herself.

Valeria: (Dryly) I'll keep that in mind.

The two stood in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling in. Valeria finally turned back to her workstation, her fingers flying across the console as she began designing new simulations for Richard's training.

Valeria: (Determined) We'll fix this. One way or another.

-BACK TO RICHARD AND FRANKLIN-

The training grounds, littered with shattered debris, smoking craters, and discarded weaponry, bore the marks of Franklin's relentless attempts to test Richard's resilience. Both young men stood at opposite ends of the field, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination.

Franklin: (Wiping sweat from his forehead) Alright, Richard... this is it. The last one. I hope you're ready because this one's different.

Richard: (Cracking his knuckles and smirking) Bring it on, Franklin. I've tanked everything you've thrown at me so far. Let's see what you got.

Franklin: (Grinning mischievously) Oh, you'll see.

Franklin reached into a reinforced crate, pulling out a sleek, futuristic weapon with a glowing blue core. The weapon hummed ominously as he activated it, frost crystals forming around the barrel.

Franklin: (Shouting) Say hello to the Cryo-Disabler 3000! Dad's design, with a few of my tweaks. Let's see if this gets through your invincible act!

Richard: (Confidently stretching his arms) Ice? Really? I'll just absorb it like everything else. Hit me with your best shot.

He carefully adjusted its settings, the hum of the weapon growing louder.

Franklin: (Shouting) If this doesn't work, then nothing will!

Richard: (Grinning confidently) Yeah, yeah, just fire it already!

Franklin aimed carefully, the weapon charging up with an audible whir.

Franklin: (Under his breath) Hope this works...

Franklin pulled the trigger. A brilliant beam of shimmering, icy light shot out of the cannon, hitting Richard directly in the chest.

Richard: (Smirking) Another energy blast? This'll be easy to...

Franklin pulled the trigger. A concentrated blast of icy energy erupted from the weapon, striking Richard squarely in the chest. At first, Richard braced for the usual absorption process, but something was different. The freezing energy spread rapidly across his body, encasing him in solid ice.

Richard: (Panicking) Wh-wh-what the fuck?!

Frost climbed up his arms, legs, and torso, locking him in place. His normally elastic body seemed to resist stretching under the intense cold.

Richard: (Struggling) Frank! I-I-I can't move! What the hell is this?

The frost solidified quickly, encasing Richard's legs, arms, and torso in a thick layer of ice. He tried to stretch back his body, but his powers were useless against the cold.

Richard: (Shouting) Franklin Richards! What is this!!!

Franklin: (Jumping down triumphantly) Gotcha! It's a cryo-immobilizer Dad designed. I made a few tweaks. Looks like ice is your kryptonite, huh? This Cryo-freeze tech. Knew your metabolism was the key to your powers, so I designed something to shut it down temporarily. Ice lowers your body temperature, slows everything down. Looks like it worked like a charm.

Richard: (Through gritted teeth) You... you cheat! This is dirty! Let me out of this!

Franklin: (Crossing his arms) Oh no, you're staying like that for a minute. I need to savor this victory.

Richard: (Glaring) You're dead meat when I get out of here, you know that, right?

Franklin: (Laughing) Yeah, yeah. Take it as a lesson no one's invincible, bro.

As Richard continued struggling, Franklin grabbed a nearby camera and snapped a quick photo.

Franklin: (Grinning mischievously) For the scrapbook.

Richard: (Groaning) Y-you couldn't have tested something less extreme?! Like a fridge or an ice pack?!

Franklin: (Shrugging) Where's the fun in that? Besides, you're fine. The ice will melt in a few minutes... probably.

Richard: (Glaring) P-probably?!

Franklin: (Laughs, patting the ice-covered Richard) Relax, bro. This was all part of the plan. Now we know your limits, and I gotta say... it's about time something slowed you down.

Richard: (Muttering through gritted teeth) I hate you so much right now.

Franklin: (Grinning) Love you too, buddy.

As Franklin walked away to inspect his device, Richard sighed, watching the ice slowly start to crack.

Richard: (Under his breath) Next time, it's my turn to test your limits... and I'm bringing a flamethrower.

-NEXT DAY-

The early morning light filtered through the cracked windows of the abandoned cabin, casting soft rays across the dusty floor. Richard lay on a worn mattress, tangled in blankets, the weight of everything pressing down on him even in his sleep. Beside him, Franklin was curled up on the other side, his phone still buzzing quietly on the floor next to him.

Suddenly, an urgent sound pierced the stillness a loud, shrill alarm blared from Franklin's phone. It vibrated across the floor, rousing Franklin from his sleep instantly.

Franklin: (Groggily, grabbing his phone) What the—

The screen displayed a warning message: "Warning! Enemy on sight!"

His heart skipped a beat Franklin scrambled to his feet, swiping through his phone's surveillance app to see the CCTV footage from Silver City. His eyes widened as the screen flickered, showing several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents surrounding the area with Nick Fury Jr. and Maria Hill in the front.

Franklin: (Shouting) Richard! Get up, NOW!

Richard groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes as he processed Franklin's alarm.

Richard: (Confused) What's going on?

Franklin quickly tapped his phone and pulled himself into his astral form, his body still in the cabin but his energy projected outward, hovering above his own body, his eyes glowing with power.

Franklin: (Urgently) They're here... Nick Fury Jr. and S.H.I.E.L.D... we're compromised!

Before Richard could respond, a loud crash echoed through the cabin. The window shattered as a smoke grenade flew through, releasing thick, choking smoke into the room. Richard and Franklin both heard the thudding of boots outside.

Franklin: (Shouting, his voice panicked) RUN!

Richard scrambled to his feet just as Franklin's astral form expanded to protect him, a shimmering shield of energy wrapping around him. Richard's breath caught in his throat as the smoke filled the cabin, making it almost impossible to see.

Nick Fury Jr.'s voice suddenly boomed from outside, amplified through a megaphone.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Commanding, through the megaphone) I know you're in there, Fugitive! Come out now!

The sound of boots clanging against the wooden floor echoed louder as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents rushed to encircle the building. Inside, Richard's pulse raced, his every instinct screaming to get out. He looked toward Franklin, who was using his astral form to hold back the oncoming agents.

Richard: (Desperate) We can't stay here! We need to get out!

Franklin: (Strained) Just go, Richard! I'll hold them off as long as I can!

Maria Hill's voice echoed from outside, giving commands.

Maria Hill: (To Nick Fury Jr.) We'll flush them out. Take care of the matter now!

Maria Hill's voice could be heard barking orders just outside the cabin, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents moving into position. Franklin and Richard had no time to think.

Richard: (Frantically) We need to get out of here, now!

Franklin's astral form started to phase toward the door, but the crackling voice of Nick Fury Jr. echoed in the cabin.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Firmly) There's no escape, fugitives! We've got the whole area surrounded. You can't run forever.

The pressure of the situation hit them hard. Franklin's astral form flickered briefly as he pushed through the smoke, leading Richard out of the cabin's back door, making sure they avoided detection.

As the sound of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents moved closer, Franklin and Richard raced into the dense woods, their only chance being speed and evasion. The battle for their freedom had just begun, and they were already being hunted.

Maria Hill's sharp eyes locked onto the two figures sprinting through the dense forest. She raised her firearm in a swift motion, taking a precise shot.

Maria Hill: (Shouting) Over there!

The gunshot rang out, cutting through the morning silence. The bullet struck Franklin square in the back, sending a pulse of energy through his body. His glowing astral form flickered and shattered, like glass breaking apart, before vanishing completely. Franklin let out a sharp gasp as he collapsed onto the forest floor, his physical body finally grounded.

Richard skidded to a stop, eyes wide with horror.

Richard: (Panicked) Franklin!

But before he could run to his friend's side, Franklin gritted his teeth, lifting his head just enough to look at Richard. His face twisted in pain, but his voice remained firm.

Franklin: (Weakly) Go! They're after you, not me! Don't look back!

Richard hesitated, his body screaming to stay, to fight. But he saw the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents closing in, their weapons raised. He clenched his fists, swallowing the lump in his throat.

Richard: (Nods) I'll come back for you.

Without another word, Richard turned and bolted deeper into the forest, pushing himself as fast as he could, dodging branches and leaping over fallen logs.

Nick Fury Jr. stepped forward, his eyes following Richard's retreating figure. His jaw tightened as he turned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Commanding) Don't just stand there... CHASE HIM!

Richard's breath came in ragged gasps as he darted through the trees, his legs pumping furiously to put as much distance between himself and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. He had barely slowed when the familiar sound of boots crunching on the forest floor echoed behind him. He turned a corner, and his heart sank the agents had surrounded him.

Agent 1: (Shouting) Freeze! Hands where we can see them!

Four S.H.I.E.L.D. agents moved in from all sides, their weapons raised. Richard's eyes flashed with determination. They might have been trained, but he had something they didn't—he had been training for this moment with Franklin, learning how to harness and control his newfound abilities.

Without warning, Richard snapped into action, his body a blur of motion. The first agent lunged at him, but Richard absorbed the energy from their attack, feeling the surge of power course through him. He countered with a series of fluid, precise strikes, knocking the agent to the ground.

The second agent tried to corner him, but Richard spun, using the agent's momentum against them, delivering a crushing blow to their chest. The third agent attempted to fire a tranquilizer dart, but Richard dodged and snatched the weapon from their hand, turning it around and firing it harmlessly into the air.

Now, the last agent, the most determined, came at him with everything they had. Richard grinned, tapping into the full extent of his ability. He absorbed the agent's energy blast before redirecting it back, slamming them against a tree with a force that left them crumpled on the ground.

Richard stood tall, sweat dripping down his face, his chest heaving with exertion. He'd taken down four agents with ease, but just as he allowed himself a breath of relief, a voice rang out from behind him.

Captain Marvel: (Coldly) You've made a mistake.

Richard's eyes widened as he turned to face the powerful woman, his mind racing. He'd heard of her Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel. She was strong. Too strong for him. He had no doubt she could finish this quickly, and as much as he wanted to fight, something inside him told him not to challenge her.

Richard: (Nervously) Shit i-i can't fight a woman!

But Captain Marvel didn't give him a chance to explain. She launched herself at him with incredible speed, her fist glowing with cosmic energy. Richard barely had time to react as her fist collided with his chest, sending him staggering backward. He gritted his teeth, pain surging through his body, but his eyes narrowed as he realized that he could absorb the energy from her attack.

The cosmic power flowed into him, more intense than anything he'd felt before. He could feel the power building, but instead of allowing it to overwhelm him, he channeled it. He focused, pulling the energy from her punch and using it to fuel his own strength.

In a split second, Richard lashed out, absorbing more of her power and redirecting it, landing a blow squarely in Captain Marvel's face. The force of the punch was so overwhelming that it knocked her backward, sending her crashing to the ground.

Captain Marvel: (Groaning)

Richard stood over her, chest heaving, his hands trembling from the energy he had absorbed. He looked down at the unconscious form of Captain Marvel, astonished by what he had just done. He had taken down four agents, and now Captain Marvel, someone who was legendary in her own right, was lying in front of him, defeated.

But his moment of victory was short-lived. The sound of approaching jets filled the air more reinforcements.

Richard: (Sighs) Yeah, time to run.

And with that, as he turned and about to sprinted away before reinforcements could arrive. Something was wrong with his body, and it was rapidly spiraling out of control.

Suddenly, he felt an intense pressure in his limbs. His arms and legs started to stretch uncontrollably. At first, it was subtle a few inches, a slight elongation. But soon, his limbs began to stretch and bend beyond their usual limits, elongating far too much.

Richard: (Struggling) Wh-wh-what's going on?! Why can't I move?!

Panic surged through him as his arms and legs continued to expand. The elasticity that had once been a tool for strength and movement was now betraying him. His body seemed to have no control over how far his limbs stretched, and the more he tried to pull them back to normal, the weaker he became. It was as though his own power was working against him. He collapsed to his knees, his arms limp at his sides, trying desperately to regain control.

Richard: (Gasping) I... I need to... focus...

His breathing became shallow, the strain of trying to retract his limbs overwhelming him. It was taking every ounce of his energy just to make his arms and legs return to their normal size.

But the more he tried, the weaker he became. His limbs refused to cooperate, his strength draining with each failed attempt. His body trembled, helpless, and he fell flat on the ground, his limbs finally immobilized, unable to move.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Approaching, his voice cold) Looks like the hero's finally out of juice.

Richard's head turned, his vision blurring as Nick Fury Jr. and a squad of agents emerged from the shadows. They surrounded him, their expressions hard and determined.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Shouting to the agents) Get him up. We're taking him in.

Richard tried to push himself up, but his body simply wouldn't respond. He could barely lift a finger, let alone stand and fight. The elasticity had turned against him, and it was now more of a prison than a power.

Maria Hill: (Stepping forward, looking at Richard with cold resolve) Don't bother. We'll handle this.

Before Richard could even attempt to say anything, Maria Hill stepped forward, her hand raised. In a flash, she swung a knockout dart at his neck, injecting him with a potent sedative. His vision went dark almost immediately, his consciousness slipping away as the chemicals took effect.

Richard: (Weakly, as he slumps) No... I...

And just like that, he was out cold, his body fully immobilized and under the control of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Sighing) Took long enough.

Maria Hill: (Nods) He's not the first to be too powerful for his own good.

The agents moved in, restraining Richard's still limp body, their faces expressionless as they began to secure him for transport.

-HOURS LATER-

Inside the dimly lit transport, Richard and Franklin sat restrained in heavy-duty restraints, their hands cuffed to metal bars. The rhythmic hum of the aircraft filled the silence, broken only by the occasional chatter from S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stationed nearby.

Franklin turned his head toward Richard, who was slumped forward slightly, his body still weak from the fight and the sedatives. That's when Franklin noticed something he hadn't before. Richard's upper body was bare, his usual suit missing, and across his back were deep, jagged scars—long, overlapping whip marks that had healed but remained as painful reminders of the past. Franklin's eyes widened at the sight.

Franklin: (Softly) Where did you get that scar...?

Richard stiffened slightly at the question, his head lowering. His fingers curled into fists, but he didn't respond right away.

Richard: (Low voice) Why do you ask?

Franklin: (Shrugging slightly) Just want to know. I mean... we're family, after all right??

Richard sighed deeply, leaning his head back against the cold metal wall of the transport. His expression darkened, and for a moment, he hesitated. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he spoke.

Richard: (Quietly) I got this from my father.

Franklin's heart clenched at the admission. He had expected some kind of explanation maybe a fight, an accident, something but not this. His usually cocky and sharp-witted friend now looked distant, like he was remembering something painful he had buried long ago.

Franklin: (Frowning) Your father did this to you...?

Richard let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head slightly.

Richard: (Sarcastic) What, you think I tripped and landed on a dozen whips? Yeah. He did this.

Franklin was silent for a moment, trying to process what he just heard. He had always assumed Richard had a rough past, but he never expected something like this.

Franklin: (Firmly) That's messed up, Richard. No one deserves that.

Richard: (Looking away) Yeah, well... doesn't really matter now, does it? He's long gone.

Franklin: (Softly) That doesn't mean it's okay.

Richard didn't respond. He just stared at the cold metal floor, his face unreadable. The transport continued to fly through the air, carrying them toward an uncertain future, but in that moment, Franklin knew one thing for sure Richard had suffered more than he ever let on.

The two sat there, the weight of their circumstances pressing down on them. Suddenly, the door slid open with a faint hiss, and Nick Fury Jr. stepped inside, his serious demeanor matching the situation.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Firmly) Put this on.

He tossed a plain, black shirt toward Richard, who looked up, momentarily confused, before catching it. Fury didn't wait for any questions and just stood there, his arms crossed, his eyes trained on Richard.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Commanding) You're going to the court. Get dressed.

Richard glanced down at the shirt, then back up at Fury, before reluctantly starting to pull the shirt on, though the movement was slow and stiff, the weakness from his previous fight still lingering in his muscles.

Franklin, still restrained beside Richard, narrowed his eyes.

Franklin: (Sarcastically) Am I included in this court trip too?

Nick Fury Jr. didn't even flinch at Franklin's tone. He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering as he addressed him.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Coldly) No. Just this fugitive.

Franklin's expression faltered for a second before he shot a sharp look at Richard, who had now finished putting on the shirt. Franklin could see the tension in his friend's posture, the exhaustion from everything that had happened, and the uncertainty about what was coming next. Franklin's voice softened slightly.

Franklin: (Quietly) You're not going through this alone, Richard. We've been through worse together.

But Nick Fury Jr. wasn't interested in any sentimentality.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Gruffly) Don't get any ideas. You're staying here. He's the one going to court. You've got nothing to do with it.

Franklin didn't respond right away, but his gaze lingered on Richard, a silent promise of support. As Fury turned to leave, the door closing behind him, Franklin's words echoed in the quiet transport.

Franklin: (Under his breath) Don't forget who got your back, man.

Richard: (Flatly) Court, huh?

Nick Fury Jr.: Yeah. You're officially a fugitive, and people want answers.

Richard scoffed as still slipping the shirt over his head, the fabric brushing over his still-sore body.

Richard: Great. Just what I needed getting paraded in front of a bunch of rich people in suits who already think I'm guilty.

Nick Fury Jr.: They don't just think it. After what happened in New York, they know it.

Richard's jaw clenched, his hands tightening into fists in his lap. Franklin was about to say something, but Richard cut him off.

Richard: Yeah? And what about you? What do you think, Fury?

Nick Fury Jr. stared at him for a moment, unreadable as always.

Nick Fury Jr.: What I think doesn't matter. What you do next does.

Richard held his gaze for a moment before looking away. The weight of what was coming settled heavily on his shoulders.

-MINUTES LATER-

The transport door hissed open, revealing the bustling scene outside. As Richard stepped down onto the cold, hard ground, his eyes were immediately drawn to the crowd gathered on the streets. People held up signs, their faces twisted with anger and fear. The words were clear, shouted in unison by the crowd:

Richard's heart pounded in his chest as he looked around, the weight of the hostility in the air suffocating. The signs were a cruel reminder of what he had become in their eyes a threat, an outsider, something less than human. His hands clenched into fists, but before he could react, Nick Fury Jr. stepped beside him, his presence a solid wall of calm amidst the chaos.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Coldly, to Richard) Keep walking. Ignore them.

Richard's jaw tightened as the shouts of the crowd grew louder, their accusations cutting through the air. He could feel the heat of their glares burning into him, and it made his skin crawl. He pushed forward, his legs heavy with the weight of the moment.

Richard: (Muttering to himself) I'm not a mutant...

His words barely escaped his lips, lost in the noise around him. Fury glanced at him, his expression unreadable, before he shot a sharp look toward the crowd.

Nick Fury Jr.: (Grimly) They don't care what you say. They already decided who you are.

Richard's eyes darted nervously across the angry mob, his mind racing. The words haunted him "monster, demon, mutant". None of it was true. He wasn't a mutant, wasn't some kind of abomination. He was just... different. But that didn't matter. To them, he was the enemy.

Richard: (Shaking his head, frustrated) I'm not one of them... Why can't they understand that?

Nick Fury Jr. didn't answer immediately, allowing Richard to vent his frustration as they walked through the gates and toward the courthouse. The mob continued to shout, but Fury kept his eyes ahead, focused on their destination.

Nick Fury Jr.: (After a moment) People fear what they don't understand. And they'll do anything to label it something they can control.

Richard didn't say anything else. As they made their way into the courthouse, the shouts from the crowd faded, but the sting of their words lingered. And for Richard, the question still burned in the back of his mind.

Richard (hTinking) what if they were right?

The doors to the courthouse creaked open, and Richard was escorted inside by Nick Fury Jr., the tense atmosphere palpable in the air. The courtroom was a stark, cold place, with high ceilings and walls lined with polished wood. The room was filled with spectators, some sitting quietly, others whispering among themselves. The sound of murmurs echoed off the walls as they watched Richard, who felt every eye on him like a weight.

Nick Fury Jr. gave a small nod to Richard, signaling for him to remain calm. Richard swallowed hard, his throat dry. His heart raced as he took in the scene before him. The judge, a stern man with graying hair and glasses perched on the edge of his nose, sat at the front of the room, waiting for the proceedings to begin. A few court officers stood nearby, watching the situation unfold, ready to react at a moment's notice.

Judge Dox, an imposing figure, cleared his throat, his gaze never leaving the file before him. He didn't look up as the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the room.

Judge Dox: (Loudly) They have arrived now. Let the court begin.

His voice was cold and authoritative, silencing the room instantly. Richard took a deep breath as he and Fury stood in the defendant's area, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The murmur of voices slowly died down as the proceedings commenced.

Judge Dox: (Looking up at Richard) Richard Ritchson, also known as the fugitive, you stand accused of being a threat to public safety, resulting in the chaos in New York. You are considered an anomaly by various governmental organizations, and we are here to determine your fate. Do you have anything to say before the court begins?

Richard's mind raced, his thoughts a jumbled mess. His body tensed as the words hung in the air. It was now his turn. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him—those who were determined to label him, condemn him, and those who had their doubts.

Richard: (Quietly, but with determination) I'm not a threat. I just... I just want to live my life.

The judge regarded him coolly, but his expression remained unchanged. The room was silent for a moment before Dox nodded.

Judge Dox: Very well. We will hear the evidence, and from there, we will decide the course of action.

Judge Dox opened a thick file, flipping through the pages with deliberate slowness. His sharp eyes scanned the contents before he looked up at Richard, his voice booming throughout the room.

Judge Dox: (Reading aloud from the file) But first, let me tell you in this court about your family background.

Richard's stomach twisted. He felt the eyes of everyone in the room bearing down on him, wondering what the judge was about to reveal. The murmurs from the crowd grew faint, but he could still hear the distant whispers of curiosity and judgment.

Judge Dox: (Looking at the file) Your name, Richard Eren Hu, or Richard Ritchson, as you've been known since your adoption. Age, seventeen.

Judhe Dox: (Pauses and looks at Richard) Now, Richard, is your Ritchson last name adopted or biological?

Richard's heart raced. He'd been prepared for many things, but not for his origins to be brought up in the court. His mind flashed back to the day he was adopted, the uncertainty he'd felt, and how much he'd wanted to find a place where he belonged. His adoptive parents, though they gave him love and care, were never the ones to discuss his biological family.

Richard: (Quietly, with a slight hesitation) Adopted.

Judge Dox didn't react immediately but continued to scan the file. He was meticulous, his voice tinged with a kind of cold curiosity.

Judge Dox: (Looking back up at Richard) An adopted name, then. This would explain the lack of clear biological records. And, from what I gather, you have no knowledge of your biological parents?

Richard shook his head slightly, feeling exposed in a way he had never felt before. The courtroom, with all its stares and questions, made him feel like a specimen under a microscope. But he wasn't going to back down. His truth, no matter how complicated, was his own.

Richard: No, sir. I don't know who they are. I never met them.

Judge Dox let out a quiet sigh, glancing at the papers again before turning his attention back to Richard, his voice now more measured.

Judge Dox: (Nods slowly) Very well. We will proceed, but this detail will not go unnoticed in the proceedings. The fact that you are adopted does raise some questions, though.

The room grew silent, everyone waiting to see where this line of questioning would lead. Richard felt his palms grow clammy. He had no idea what the judge was thinking.

Judge Dox turned the page of the file, his voice carrying a weight of authority and coldness.

Judge Dox: (Looking at the file) Is it true, Richard, that this file mentions your adopted parents your adoptive mother and father abused you? That they subjected you to punishment whenever you received an F score or a grade below what they deemed acceptable?

Richard's chest tightened, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. He knew this moment was inevitable the truth was in the file, in the records, in the past he could never completely escape. He took a slow breath, steadying himself as he glanced up at Judge Dox, then down at the table.

Richard: (Quietly, voice heavy with restraint) Yes. It's true. If I ever got an F or below a passing grade... it was the worst.

The words tasted bitter, like an old wound that never fully healed. He felt the weight of the courtroom on his shoulders, the eyes of everyone trained on him some sympathetic, others filled with judgment. Richard never imagined that these memories would surface here, not in front of so many strangers. But it was the truth. And as much as it hurt, he wouldn't deny it.

Judge Dox leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable as he processed the answer. He didn't speak for a moment, letting the weight of Richard's words sink in.

Judge Dox: (After a pause, voice calm but stern) And these punishments, Richard... what exactly did they entail? Physical, emotional...?

Richard looked up now, his gaze hardening slightly, like a person who had learned to bury their pain under layers of resolve. He wasn't going to let them twist his words. He knew exactly what kind of question was coming next, but he was ready to answer.

Richard: (Clenching his fists slightly) Physical, emotional... both. I was never good enough for them. No matter how hard I tried.

His voice wavered, but he refused to break. The memories were painful, the fear of his adoptive parents' wrath, the nights spent in silence wondering if he would ever be good enough. But he had to face it. For better or worse, it was part of his story.

The room was still, everyone waiting for Judge Dox's next words. The judge, his face unreadable, turned to the prosecution, then back at Richard. There was no judgment in his eyes, no hint of sympathy. Just a cold, professional distance.

Judge Dox: (Nods) I see. This will certainly play a role in the proceedings. But we will address this in due time.

Judge Dox leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting from cold professionalism to something more human concern, perhaps even a trace of empathy. His eyes, sharp but not unkind, locked onto Richard's.

Judge Dox: (With a hint of gravity) Kid, let me tell you something. You had a bright future, didn't you? I'm sure of it. A young mind like yours... You're talented. You could've done anything, made something of yourself. And yet here we are, with you standing in front of me as a fugitive.

The judge paused, his gaze never leaving Richard, who shifted uncomfortably under the weight of those words.

Judge Dox: (His voice softening slightly) You're so young. Too young, Richard. No one should be thrown into this kind of mess at your age. But... today, I'm not the one who decides your fate.

Richard clenched his jaw, trying not to show the pain that gnawed at him. He didn't want to hear it, didn't want to be reminded of all the ways he'd gone wrong. He knew the judge's words came from a place of concern, but they still stung, as if they were a reminder of how far he'd fallen.

Judge Dox: (Looking down at the papers in front of him) It's the file. The evidence from the incident last month. That's what's going to determine everything now. Not me. Not you.

Richard's chest tightened at the mention of the incident, the flash of memories surfacing in his mind—of chaos, of the explosion, the cosmic energy, everything that had spiraled out of control. He felt the sting of shame creep up again, though he tried to suppress it.

Judge Dox: (Pauses, eyes narrowing slightly as he looks back at Richard) I don't know what happened to you, Richard. But there's no denying the file paints a picture. That energy... what you did. People got hurt. You shut down a whole city. And those things? They don't just go away.

Richard swallowed hard, the reality of the situation settling in. He'd never imagined things would escalate like this. He'd never thought he'd become the kind of person people feared.

Judge Dox: (Leaning back, his voice heavy) It's not just about your actions anymore, kid. It's about what that kind of power can do. And I can't ignore that.

There was a long pause, the weight of Judge Dox's words hanging in the air like an invisible force. Richard could feel the eyes of the courtroom on him again, and he knew they were all thinking the same thing what now?

Judge Dox: (After a beat, his tone firming) So, we'll look at the evidence. We'll figure out what happened. But know this there's no easy way out of this, Richard. Whatever happens next... it won't be simple.

Judge Dox's gaze remained steady, his hands folded neatly on the desk in front of him. The courtroom was silent except for the faint rustling of papers as the judge prepared to move forward.

Judge Dox: (His voice calm but commanding) Before we begin the real proceedings, Richard, I have to ask you something. It's a formality, but it's important. Tell me, kid... Do you plead?

The question hung in the air, and the room seemed to hold its breath. Every set of eyes was fixed on Richard, waiting for his answer. The weight of the courtroom's expectations bore down on him. His mind raced, but his answer came as quickly as the thought itself, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Richard: (Without hesitation) Not guilty.

The words echoed in the room, and for a moment, everything felt still. Richard's heart was pounding in his chest, and the weight of what he was saying hit him like a ton of bricks. He had made his choice. There was no turning back now.

Judge Dox raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable as he scribbled something down on the papers in front of him. The judge's eyes never left Richard, as if gauging whether he believed the boy's words. It wasn't uncommon for defendants to claim innocence, but the facts were what would matter in the end.

Judge Dox: (Pauses, then speaks firmly) Very well. Not guilty it is.

He glanced over at the prosecution, who nodded, signaling that they were ready to proceed. Richard, however, barely noticed. His mind was too focused on what this plea meant what it could lead to. He had denied the charges, yes, but that was just the first step in a much larger battle.

Judge Dox: (Raising his gavel) Then let the proceedings begin.

As the judge's gavel struck the bench, Richard's gaze flicked toward the doors, wondering how much longer it would take before his fate was sealed, before the world decided what kind of person he really was.