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IX. The Wild Knight & The Savage Soldier

Chapter Nine
Steve

"These students have each proven themselves to possess the courage, strength, heart, and character that it takes to be an Avenger," Uncle Sam begins, a large smile on his face. He and Mom are standing on a stage outside the institute, addressing the students, reporters, and other Avengers present today. As the directors of the Avengers they're in charge of conducting our graduation ceremony. "It is an honor to be here today to welcome you all to the team."

"An honor indeed," Mom says, locking eyes with Lee and I. A smile crosses her lips. "We look forward to working with you all. I know that together we can help make the universe a better, safer place for everyone."

Uncle Sam glances at the list in his hands, calling the first name written there. Like with most graduation ceremonies, we're going to be called up to the stage in alphabetical order. We're going to shake both of their hands, get a certificate, then announce our chosen name. There's only twenty students graduating, so I'm the third person that's called.

"Steven Barnes." Uncle Sam reads, his smile growing into a grin.

Lee places a kiss on my cheek and begins cheering rather loudly as I walk up towards the stage. His volume is nothing compared to the rest of our family, who are practically screaming in excitement and glee. I sneak a glance at Mom and find her laughing, I can't help but laugh too.

I shake Mom's hand first. Tears are lining her eyes and the pride shining in her face makes my heart quench tightly in my chest. She mouths 'I love you' to me and I do the same, wishing more than anything that I could hug her right now, but that would look very unprofessional. I shake Uncle Sam's hand and wink at him. He winks back. They both present me with a certificate, which is leather bound
and reads:

THE AVENGERS DECLARE THAT
Steven Julian Barnes
HAS COMPLETED HIS/HER/THEIR REQUIRED COURSES OF INSTRUCTION AFFORDED BY THE INSTITUTE FOR THE ENHANCED & GIFTED, AND IS HEREBY MADE A MEMBER OF THE AVENGERS.

AUTHORIZED BY DIRECTOR(S):
Soroya Roberts
Sam Wilson

I've dreamt of this day since I was a kid. Every time Mom and Dad came home from a mission, every time they told me about their adventures, about all the bad guys they took down, I couldn't wait to do the same. I couldn't wait to have my own suit, my own name, to have people looking up to me in awe and gratitude for the heroism I displayed. Of course for most of my life I thought that being a hero was just that: the fun and the praise. I learned the hard way that I was wrong. Through Alaric Hale controlling Mom and Uncle Alex, the F.E.P nearly going to war with the government, the war with the Kree, the loss of people I love, and most of all, through the trauma I have had to endure everyday since, I have learned what being a hero truly means.

Being a hero isn't fun, it's hard and challenging. Everyday could be your last, any moment someone you love could die. Sure the adventure and fighting give temporary moments of happiness, but those moments are clouded by the death and destruction that often accompanies them. But despite how horrible it is, it's the reward that makes it worth it: not praise, not fame, but the fulfillment helping people gives your soul. I feel tears line my eyes as I stare down at the certificate, as I glance up at my mother and uncle's equally emotional gazes. I did it. I really did it. I clutch the leather bound certificate a little harder, pressing it tightly against my chest.

"And your chosen name is?" Mom asks, her voice strained with the effort she's exerting not to cry.

"The Savage Soldier," I reply, my voice equally as strained. "After my heroes."