Stupid whale got me cleaning toilets! What are you paying the cleaning staff for then!?
You know what, it's fine, no one here is big enough to make a mess anyway, I just have to mop the floor really well.
It's been a week since I woke up in this world.
Through the newspaper I was able to get an exact date and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that Stark won't be kidnapped for another 8 years, Hoorah! Can't help but think that coming here at this moment was planned, but hey I ain't going to complain, I would have hated to face everyone as a little kid, heroes and villains alike.
Now onto better news, I've been thinking really hard on what to do from here on out. I've read the comics, I saw the movies, and I know many things about this world. I have power here, and I plan to use it.
I'll use it because here, in this universe, I can get back something I lost, and all I need to do is gather some rocks. Seeing my mom and little sis again is within reach and I'll do anything to make my wish come true.
That is my long term plan, right now I need to establish myself in order to gain power and freedom.
So, to do that and using my extensive knowledge of hero stories I came to a pretty obvious conclusion.
If you want to be free to pursue your goals without other's interference you need one thing.
MONEY!
That's right, no offense spider-man, even if I like you a lot, but working your ass off to barely eat while you do superhero work it's just plain stupid.
With great power, comes the ability to earn a decent salary my man, don't joke with me.
So, for now I'll aim for the Iron-man way, billionaire and philanthropist, the playboy route... never really liked it, so to the trash it goes.
I've also been contemplating a lot about the so-called heroes in this world. Believe me, I'll like to believe I'm not a bad person, and while I definitely plan to join future conflicts, I have to accept that the Halo System is a system designed for war, and war means death.
Looking at everything that's available from the system I can't help but believe that I'll make a pretty mediocre hero if I stick to incapacitation and protecting, aside from shields and strength enhancements everything else is basically a weapon.
Given the lives I've already taken, it seems kind of pointless to go for a different route at this point.
Sure I could make an effort, I get it, but this moral code of capture and prison is more often than not going to come back and bite you in the butt, I know it, you know it, just like every superhero ever would be able to confirm.
I'm not a fan, I got a second chance, why should I let these troublemakers run around destroying everything and being a nuisance. You never know, maybe they'll have their second chance somewhere else.
Yet this chance is mine, and I've decided to take it for myself and my family.
So, first things first, I've already decided how I'm going to start generating money. On the small gadgets blueprints there is a particularly useful tech that is bound to revolutionize the energy industry; plasma batteries.
I send a prayer to all you fallen covenant soldiers! God bless plasma tech.
I'm really excited, I was expecting some trivial things from the small gadgets blueprint, but getting the knowledge to build a plasma battery, which can be easily converted from ammunition to a power source was a godsend. Everyone will pay a lot to have cheap clean energy for everything.
It's going to be great.
Now, I just need a lot of money to get things going, and for that I need to farm some points…
Right...
Ok, next plan, if I'm right about point generation, making a small change to the story could be interpreted as someone or something that should have appeared suddenly didn't or decided not to.
So, a thug here or a thug there missing should theoretically give me some points, easy.
*Sigh*
There is no way tactical strategies will help me overcome a grown man. I need more points for weapons, and I can only think of a safe way to get them.
That is interacting with some characters of the story, and given that I am in New York, I can only think of one.
.........…..
(2 Days later)
Why did I ever think that this would be easy? It was obvious, that witch would not let anyone just roam around free, damn why did I have to be a kid, and here of all places?
Well, there's no way I'm going to stand here waiting for a chance, no sir, even if I'm a grown ass young adult in the body of a kid this silent treatment is starting to affect me. Not even the little ones dare to speak a word in my presence.
Time to escape, at least for a little while, my hope is that since nobody talks to me, they'll just think I'm somewhere hidden in the orphanage. I really doubt Edna will be looking for me, that is a job for her underpaid employees.
3 HOURS
That is how long I've walked, it really wasn't difficult to leave the premises, that fence could really use some maintenance, there's a lot of holes. Then here's the hard part, I don't have a single cent under my name, so now I'm really hungry, and thirsty. I was able to get Peter's address, well, Ben Parker's address from the public directories and it is far farther than I thought. Now where is it? Should be around here, ahh there it is!
Now…
Surprise, surprise, there is no kid playing outside with friends, or in the park. I've been here for the past 2 hours and haven't seen any movement or sign that someone is inside. I know what you think, just go and ring the doorbell and greet Ben and May. Then when they see a completely random kid at their doorstep wanting to go play with their adoptive son, they will smile and let you in without a worry.
Well I still believe in common sense so that plan is out of the table.
Now what? I'm really losing my patience here.
Then I saw her.
A little girl about my age, wandering down the sidewalk, hugging a sketchpad to her chest with force.
A chance!
Come on Dom, just like you practiced, first impressions are always important.
"Hey. Uh... hi"
Smooth. I got this.
"Oh... hi."
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: You have met character: Mary Jane Watson. +30 Points awarded.
Yes! That's what I'm talking about!
"I'm Dominik. You can call me Dom if you want. I just moved nearby… so I'm just seeing the places around".
Great, keep it casual. Don't scare the kid.
"I'm... Mary Jane" She said, her eyes still flicking from time to time toward the house with the screaming man.
"...Is that your house?" I asked, already knowing the answer but still hoping she'll say no with a weight settling on my chest. I never met my father but if given the chance I would choose not having someone like that looking over me.
"Yeah, don't mind it, he's always like that." She nodded slowly, as the yelling grew louder, only slurred words, broken dishes reached the porch where we both stood.
"...Sorry" I said sincerely, no kid should have to go through that.
She forced a half-smile at my words, but didn't meet my eyes. Well let's not dwell on the bad stuff, come on Dom, time to distract her.
"...Is your mom home?" I asked again trying to shift her focus, if I remember correctly, her mom should be a good person.
"Not now, she is always working" Her tone dropped at that, resignation written on her face.
"I... well..."
Damn, what am I supposed to say now? This is going to be her life until she graduates.
"Sounds lonely" I said before I could stop myself. "Have you ever told her that?"
She blinked. "Tell her what?"
"That you miss her. That it sucks being alone all the time"
She just stared at me silently as if debating something with herself. The silence prompted me to continue.
"Well… umm… she must really miss you, I'm sure"
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: You've made a minor change to the story. +20 Points awarded.
What the… '...Was that really all it took? Just listening?'
"Maybe I'll talk to her later".
"Yeah, maybe... Hey, what do you do for fun here?"
She was smiling now. That's a good sign. Alright, let's go meet your not so super-powered neighbor.
"Fun? Uh... I guess I draw sometimes, or read, when it's quiet enough. But... mostly I just hang out with my neighbor. He's pretty cool."
Yes, kid! Perfect!
"Really? I've got some time right now. Think we could go play for a while?"
"Yeah, sure! He's just next door. C'mon, I'll take you to meet him".
Bingo. Thanks, little redhead.
"Fine! Does he live alone?"
"No, he lives with his aunt and uncle. They're really nice, you'll see".
They sure are, and I bet those points are going to be real juicy too.
*Knock* *Knock*
The door creaked open and a kind voice greeted us.
"Oh, hey there, MJ. Nice seeing you here."
"Hi Mr. Ben! Me and my friend were hoping to come and play with Peter".
"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Dominik".
"Nice to meet you too, Dominik. Just call me Ben. Please, come on in, you two. May! We've got company!"
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: You have met character: Ben Parker. +30 Points awarded.
Great! Keep 'em coming!
"Hello, miss. I'm Dominik."
"Well, hello there, Dominik! It's so nice to meet you. Are you a friend of MJ's? Such a polite young boy".
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: You have met character: May Parker. +30 Points awarded.
"I was just passing by, wondering if there was someone to play with".
And maybe farm a few points on the side, of course.
"Oh, that's wonderful! It's always nice for Peter to have more friends around. Peter! Come down, there's someone here to meet you!"
"He's probably buried in one of those books again. Smart kid, that one. Just a tad shy."
'Just wait until he can bench press a Buick. That'll shake that shyness right out of him.'
Footsteps padded down the stairs, and a boy about my age stepped into view.
"Uh... hi."
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: You have met character: Peter Parker. +60 Points awarded.
Well, look who it is, double the points, Mr. Parker? Don't mind if I do.
"Hi! I'm Dominik! You can call me Dom. Mary Jane told me I could come play!"
"Oh... uh, cool. I'm Peter. You, um, like comics? Or science stuff?"
Oh Peter, you gotta loosen up. Don't worry, I'll play along.
"Now, Peter, don't keep them standing here. Go on, show them to your room or something."
See? She gets it.
"Yeah, Pete. Don't just interrogate the poor guy. Go have fun!"
"After you!"
Come on, young spider. Let me see the lair.
"Uh, okay... this way."
"You kids have fun now! Let me know if you need anything!"
"And don't forget to show them that collection of yours, Pete. It's pretty impressive!"
...…
Well, that was an interesting experience, I never thought that I would be able to play like a little kid again. Peter and MJ are great, especially Peter, damn, I can't remember the last time I played with some friends.
I remember going to the to buy cards and little trinkets with them back in my world, this Peter apparently likes comics a lot, that is something I was aware of, but not to this extent. You really are a hero nerd, and your collection proves it.
Talking to MJ was also kind of enjoyable, I may be partial about her comic character. Well I may just hate her a tiny huge bit, but right now, I can't help but sympathise with all her childlike wonder and dreams. Also, I'm not an artist and I'll never be one, but this girl can really draw, which makes me think, why did she never pursue a career in this field? That is something to think about.
Anyway, I can honestly say I enjoyed my time here. They might be kids, but they are good kids, and aunt May really knows how to cook. That pasta was absolutely divine.
"Thank you, Ben, May, dinner was delicious!"
"Oh, you're so sweet, Dominik. It was our pleasure! You're welcome here anytime."
"Yeah, kid, you've got good manners, makes you a pretty rare breed these days. Be safe heading home, alright? You sure you don't want a ride?"
"It's fine, mom is just around the corner and there's still sunlight don't worry, see you later Peter, MJ"
"Uh, yeah... it was cool hanging out. Maybe you can come back sometime?"
"Sure thing, I'll come back later, promise!"
…
Today was a good day. I really have to figure out how to come back, but it's too damn far, and I'm absolutely sure I don't want to walk for 3 hours.
Nothing to do about it, better yet let's see mi haul.
'System display my points'
[System Points: 170]
Yeah baby! Make. It. Rain. I'm rich! Woooooo … ooo… Fine, enough, calm down Dom, yeah it's impressive, but you have to remember that there are no more easy points from now on, you gotta make them count.
*SCEECH*
Woah, calm it with the siren officer, my poor ears!
Ah damn is he here for me?
"Kid, are you Dominik Holt?"
Playtime is over, I guess.
"Yes?"
[SYSTEM NOTICE]: "You have met character George Stacy. +30 Points awarded.
Sorry what? Come again? Like the chief of police? What is going on here?!
"Dispatch be advised I have located the kid, I'll bring him over to the station, call over their guardians, over. Hop on kid, you got a lot of explaining to do"