Reborn as Superboy in Marvel (AU)

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New York, August 21, 2007.

In one month, my life changed more than I expected.

My video game was a massive success. Fifteen million dollars in revenue. I knew it would be profitable, but I never imagined this level of success.

With that money, I made two important decisions.

The first was buying a penthouse in the Upper West Side. It wasn't the most luxurious, but it had security, privacy, and enough space to work without problems. The view wasn't bad either.

The second was investing six million in a building in West Side to establish my own video game company. With this, I'll secure stable income and prepare for what's coming.

Because this is just the beginning.

When Tony Stark shuts down his weapons division after his kidnapping, Stark Industries' stock will drop. And when he reveals that he is Iron Man, the company's value will skyrocket. If I play my cards right, I'll be able to buy shares at a low price and sell them when the market reacts.

But even though money is important, it's not what pushed me to act as a superhero.

Two reasons marked the change.

The first: after weeks of practice, I finally managed to activate my tactile telekinesis. It's not perfect, but I can surround myself with a protective barrier, like a second skin. It shields me from light impacts and cuts, but it requires concentration. If I get knocked out, it disappears. Still, it's a step forward.

The second reason… Jessica Jones.

A few days ago, I found an old news article. A car accident. The entire family died… except for the daughter.

Jessica Campbell.

If the timeline follows its course, she will soon discover her powers. And that means Kilgrave could find her at any moment.

I'm not going to let that happen.

I designed tools to deal with the problem:

A metal mask, similar to the one they used on Loki.

Reinforced face masks.

Handcuffs capable of withstanding one ton of force and resisting high temperatures.

Rescue equipment for fires and floods.

I also spent an entire night creating a program that alerts me to any case of superhuman force in the city. Now, all that's left is to wait and hope nothing serious has happened yet.

In the meantime, I decided to start patrolling.

Without drawing attention.

My outfit: the clothes Superboy wore in Young Justice, with black gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and a black face mask like the one the Winter Soldier used.

I don't use my super strength unless necessary. I prefer strategy.

---

Harlem, one week ago.

Three armed men were robbing a liquor store. The owner, a man in his fifties, trembled behind the counter.

I approached silently, detecting their blind spot. One was guarding the back door. He never saw me coming when I choked him out with a sleeper hold.

The other two were inside.

"Hurry up, man!" one said, nervous.

His partner was stuffing money and bottles into a bag.

I stepped on a bottle on the floor. Noise.

They turned to look.

"The hell…?"

The one with the gun fired.

Hit me in the chest. No effect.

Silence.

Then, panic.

I leaped over the counter. Disarmed him with a strike to the wrist and punched him in the jaw. He dropped unconscious.

The other one raised his hands.

"Hey, hey, no need to—"

I knocked him out before he could finish the sentence.

The store owner stared at me, incredulous.

"Who… who are you?"

I didn't answer. I turned and disappeared.

---

A beep on my computer.

I look at the screen.

The program detected a case of superhuman force.

Jessica Jones POV:

Location: an alley in Hell's Kitchen.

Several people unconscious on the ground.

In the center, a young woman with dark hair, trembling as she looks at her own hands.

Jessica Jones.

---

Jessica was breathing heavily. Her heart pounded.

"What… what did I do?"

In front of her, five unconscious men. One was embedded in the wall.

A few minutes ago, she had just been walking. Trying to clear her mind.

Then, those guys appeared.

They surrounded her. Laughed. One tried to grab her.

And then… everything went blurry.

Something inside her exploded.

Bodies flew.

Concrete cracked.

And now she was here.

"Incredible."

A voice interrupted her thoughts.

Jessica turned sharply.

A well-dressed man watched her from the shadows of the alley. Purple suit.

Calm smile.

"Who… who are you?"

He stepped forward.

"An admirer."

Jessica felt a chill.

"Stay back."

"Why would I do that?" he said, calmly. "You're special. You feel it, don't you? That power inside you."

Jessica frowned.

"I'm warning you."

"Jessica."

His voice changed. It felt… stronger.

Jessica blinked.

Why did she feel… light?

Why did she suddenly want to hear more?

"Tell me, Jessica… do you want to stop feeling afraid?"

She nodded without thinking.

Kilgrave smiled.

"Then be a good girl and come with me."

Jessica took a step toward him.

Then another.

In her mind, she screamed.

But her body didn't obey.

Kilgrave turned and started walking.

Jessica followed.

Unable to do anything.