Avengers academy

Welcome to the academy

Nick and Charlie stood at the edge of a vast landing strip, their bags slung over their shoulders as they stared at the sleek black jet in front of them. It looked like something out of a movie—a high-tech, futuristic aircraft that didn't quite belong in the real world.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," Charlie muttered, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. "This is... surreal."

Nick chuckled nervously. "Yeah, no kidding. I keep expecting someone to jump out and tell us it's a prank."

The sound of footsteps caught their attention, and they turned to see Tori approaching them, her usual unreadable expression in place. She was already dressed in what looked like some kind of tactical gear, a dark jacket and combat boots that made her look more like an undercover agent than Nick's boyfriend's sister.

"You two ready?" Tori asked, her voice as flat as ever.

Nick cleared his throat. "Uh, as ready as we'll ever be, I guess."

Charlie gave her a wary look. "You're really into this, aren't you?"

Tori shrugged. "It's not about being into it. It's about being prepared."

Charlie frowned. "Prepared for what exactly? You still haven't told us anything about this place."

Tori looked at him for a long moment before sighing. "It's... complicated. There's a lot you'll have to learn on your own. But trust me when I say this academy is about more than just powers. It's about training, control, and understanding what you're capable of."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "So, you've already been through this?"

"I've been here for a few months," Tori said simply. "I've seen what they do. It's intense, but necessary. And it's safer than trying to figure this out on your own."

Charlie crossed his arms. "You could've warned us."

"I did," Tori replied, her tone unchanged. "In my own way."

Nick shook his head. "Classic Tori."

Before anyone could say more, the jet door opened with a quiet hiss, and a tall woman with fiery red hair and a black jumpsuit stepped out. Nick's eyes widened as he recognized her immediately.

"Is that...?" Nick whispered, barely able to contain his awe.

"Natasha Romanoff," Tori confirmed. "Black Widow."

Charlie blinked in shock. "You're kidding."

Natasha gave them a quick nod. "You must be Nick and Charlie. Welcome to Avengers Academy."

Nick felt his mouth go dry. "Uh, yeah. That's us. Nice to... meet you."

Charlie just stared, still processing that an actual Avenger was standing in front of him.

"Follow me," Natasha said, turning back toward the jet. "We're on a tight schedule."

Tori followed immediately, and after a brief glance at each other, Nick and Charlie hurried to catch up, their hearts racing. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by an even more futuristic interior, with sleek metal walls and glowing screens. It felt like stepping into a spaceship.

"This is insane," Charlie whispered under his breath, eyes wide as he took in the high-tech surroundings.

Nick leaned closer. "We're actually in a jet with Black Widow. I still can't wrap my head around that."

They found seats toward the back as Natasha settled into the pilot's chair. Tori took a seat across from them, pulling out a tablet and typing away without a word.

Natasha's voice came over the intercom. "We'll be at the academy in about an hour. Sit tight."

Nick turned to Charlie, who still looked a bit pale. "You okay?"

Charlie nodded slowly. "Yeah, just... I didn't expect any of this. Tori, the jet, Black Widow. It's all happening so fast."

Nick smiled reassuringly. "It's a lot, I know. But we'll take it one step at a time, right?"

Charlie gave a small smile back. "Yeah. One step at a time."

Tori glanced up from her tablet, watching them for a moment before speaking. "You'll get used to it. The academy is overwhelming at first, but it gets easier."

Nick leaned forward. "What exactly is it like? The training, I mean."

Tori tilted her head slightly. "Depends on your powers. Some people have physical abilities—strength, speed, that kind of thing. Others have more... mental or emotional powers. The academy tailors the training to what you need."

Charlie swallowed. "Mental or emotional powers?"

Tori's eyes flicked to him. "Yeah. People like you, Charlie."

Charlie blinked, feeling a chill run down his spine. "People like me?"

Tori's gaze softened, if only for a second. "You'll understand when we get there."

Nick frowned. "And what about me? What if... I don't have any powers?"

Tori raised an eyebrow. "You think they'd invite you if you didn't have potential?"

Nick opened his mouth to respond, but Natasha's voice interrupted.

"We're approaching the academy. Buckle up."

Nick and Charlie quickly strapped in as the jet descended, their nerves building with each passing second. The windows revealed a sprawling campus below, surrounded by forests and mountains. It looked like something out of a futuristic military base, with tall buildings and training grounds stretching out as far as they could see.

As the jet touched down, Charlie let out a shaky breath. "Well, here we go."

Nick squeezed his hand. "We're in this together, remember?"

Charlie nodded. "Yeah. Together."

The door to the jet opened, and Natasha led the way out, gesturing for them to follow. As they stepped onto the landing strip, the full scale of the academy hit them. Students in various uniforms and training gear were scattered around, practicing with powers Nick couldn't even begin to understand.

"This is... overwhelming," Charlie muttered, eyes darting everywhere.

Nick nodded, still taking it all in. "Yeah. But... kind of cool, right?"

Tori stopped beside them. "Welcome to Avengers Academy."

Charlie looked up at the towering buildings ahead and took a deep breath. "I guess there's no turning back now."