Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wade’s House, Middleton, Halloween

“What’s wrong?” Wade’s mom asks after Dawn’s been returned to her parents. He’s been sulking in his room, which is actually unusual if he doesn’t have any jobs to do.

“I’m fine.” Wade says. His mom gives him an obvious disbelieving look. Wade sighs before responding. “Have you ever wanted to be…more than you are?”

“Oh, sure.” Wade’s mom says. “That’s pretty typical for teenagers.”

“I guess.” Wade says.

“This isn’t about Olivia, is it?”

“No!”

“Oh, good.” Wade's mom says. “Because I like her and all, but if she made you feel unworthy, she'd have to deal with me.”

“It’s not about that.” Wade says. “It’s about the fact that all my friends are superheroes and I…I’m just a genius who spends too much time in his room. I’m not out there fighting with them or helping them in other ways. And…I’m not the only person who can do what I do, so how long will it be before they don’t need me anymore?”

“Look, as your mother, I would worry if you went out into the field.” Ms. Load explains. “They’re fighting dangerous people, some with powers. You wouldn’t have a way to protect yourself. I understand how you feel, I really do, but it’s dangerous, and I wouldn’t want you to even if you did have superpowers.”

“I understand mom.”

“I’m sure you’ll find other ways to help your friends.” Wade’s mom says. She kisses him on the forehead. “Goodnight sweetie.”

“Goodnight mom.” Wade says.

It’s not like she has to worry. Dr. Director won’t let me train for field missions due to my age and lack of powers, and it’s not like I can just build some.

With that, Wade remembers something that happened four years ago on this day; Kim activated the Centurion project.

Or…maybe I can.

***

Middleton, Present Day

“I don’t think we can catch up to them this way.” Titan says. He’s currently in pursuit of a couple of criminals in a car. He’s on a motorcycle, weaving in and out of traffic, but the highway during rush hour is still hard to navigate.

“I think it’s time to call for backup.” Says Blue Baboon. He’s also on a motorcycle.

“Backup has arrived!” Says a voice. They look around for it and see a suit of armor fly past them and catch up with the car. It uses some kind of beam from its suit to lift the car, stopping it in its tracks.

The criminals are easily apprehended after that.

And, of course, the local news arrives quickly.

“Who are you?” Blue Baboon asks.

There’s a pause before the suit answers.

“Centurion.”

Chapter Text

“It’s not that we doubt Centurion’s sincerity,” Dr. Director explains, “we’re just not comfortable with someone flying around with advanced technology and dangerous weapons and being unable to verify who they are or how they got it.”

“I kind of get that,” Ron says, “but, since we do trust him as a hero, is uncovering his identity really our top priority right now?”

“You have a point.” Dr. Director replies. “Mr. Load, please look into Centurion as soon as you get the chance.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Wade says.

“Olivia, how are you doing on tracking down those smugglers?”

“I’m tracking their funds through a few shell corporations. I’ll call as soon as I’ve got a better lead.”

“Thank you.” Dr. Director says. “For now, you’re all dismissed.”

Though most people are eager to leave, Ron stops to talk to Wade.

“Wade, uh, can we talk?” Ron asks.

“Uh…sure.” Wade says, nervously. “What’s up?”

“I know you’re upset that Dr. Director won’t let you train for field missions.”

“Oh, uh, that’s fine.” Wade says. “I mean, I was upset for a bit, but it’s fine now.”

“It is?”

“Yup. Totally fine.”

“Okay. Good. I was just going to say, sometimes, you don’t wait for other people to approve. Sometimes you just...jump in. Prove you deserve the chance.”

“Um…thanks. That’s actually really good advice. But, like I said, it’s fine now.”

“Really? What changed your mind?”

“Oh, my family would be worried. And I’m not really cut out for field missions. It requires more physical activity than I can handle. I’m just gonna stick with tech stuff. It's what I'm best at.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re handling it well.”

“Thanks. Uh, look, I gotta go. I have a game with an MMORPG group soon, and I do not want to log in late.”

“Alright see ya.”

“See ya.”

Ron found the exchange to be weird due to Wade’s obvious nervousness.

He must not be handling it as well as he wants us to think.

***

The MVU Baseball Team was just finishing up a game when they got the call.

“Sorry, Yori, looks like you’ll have to miss the after party.” Ron says. “Olivia tracked down a warehouse owned by one of those shell companies. With any luck, we’ll find the animals they’re smuggling there.”

“I think this is more important than an after party.” Yori says.

“Even though you did play very well and deserve to celebrate that,” Will says, “I do agree that this is more important.”

“Well, then, let’s head out.” Ron says

***

“This is definitely the place.” Will says.

“How can you tell?” Ron asks.

“Because their security system is very modern and sophisticated.” Will explains. “They wouldn’t bother unless they were trying to hide something valuable.”

“So, do we have Yori do the ninja thing?” Ron asks.

“Can’t.” Yori says. “They have heat sensors. Even invisible, I’d still have body heat for them to detect.”

“Our best bet is to disable the system.” Will says.

“Is there any way to do that without getting close to it?” Ron asks.

“Perhaps Wade could-“

Will doesn’t finish the sentence because, as if on cue, Centurion arrives and fires disks at one of the security cameras. There’s a brief short, and then Centurion speaks up:

“The system is offline now. But it won’t take long before they notice and send guards to investigate. We should get moving.”

“On it. And…thanks.”

It doesn’t take long to take down the guards. Average hired thugs. The hard part is arranging for the animals to get the care they need and get sent to new homes.

They want to ask Centurion some questions, but he didn’t stick around.

***

“I’m moving Centurion up in priority.” Dr. Director says.

“No offense, but, why?” Ron asks.

“Because he clearly has access to our files.” Dr. Director says. “He keeps showing up on missions that he could only have known about if he heard of them from us. Since no one here is telling him, he must have access to our files. And that, obviously, is a leak we need to stop.”

Ron raises his hand.

“Yes, even though he’s using the information to help us, we still can’t let him access our files whenever he wants.” Dr. Director says.

Ron puts his hand down.

“Mr. Load, I’m moving this up in priority. Olivia will help you. But not in a bedroom.”

“Understood.” Wade says. “Though, I don’t think I need help.”

“Whether you think you need it or not, she’s helping you.”

“Okay.” Wade says glumly.

“Now, everyone is dismissed.”

Ron goes to talk to Wade again.

“Hey, it’s not that she thinks you’re incapable,” Ron says, “it’s just that, this is important, and she wants to make sure all the bases are covered.”

“Thanks, Ron. I’m just…gonna go get started on it.” Wade says.

Poor guy.

I can understand the fear of being replaced.

Chapter Text

Ron has to admit, family dinners have gotten more interesting since Yori’s moved in.

“That hard part of being up for bat is knowing what kind of ball is being thrown at you.” Yori says.

“Don’t they throw baseballs?” Ron asks.

“Yes, but in this case, I meant the kind of pitch.” Yori says. “Sometimes you think it’s a fastball, but it turns out to be a curveball.”

“It feels like there’s a good metaphor for life in there.” Mr. Stoppable says.

“Maybe.” Yori says. “Sometimes you don’t know what life’s throwing at you, but you have to swing at it anyways. Hmm…I’ll work on it.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with a great metaphor someday.” Mrs. Stoppable says. “Hana, don’t stand on your chair.”

“But I can’t reach!” Hana says.

“Then you ask someone to hand it to you.” Mrs. Stoppable says.

“Mommy, will you please hand me the potatoes?” Hana asks.

“I will scoop some for you,” Mrs. Stoppable says, “but the dish is big, and hard for you to hold, so I cannot hand it to you.”

“Okay, Mommy. Thank you.” Hana says.

“Don’t worry, Han.” Ron says. “When you’re bigger, you’ll be able to hold the dish on your own.”

Ron can’t help but think about Hana. Hana was evaluated as being naturally gifted and developmentally advanced.

Their parents have opted to not enroll Hana in any programs for gifted kids, as they’ve heard stories about children losing their childhoods to the drive to succeed.

Ron and Yori agree with them. Maybe Hana will want to be in advanced classes when she’s older, but she doesn’t need the pressure of success right now.

She can be unstoppable later.

For now, she’ll just be Hana.

***

“The Centurion thing is just baffling, Rufus.” Ron says. “I mean, if there were a breach in cyber security, wouldn’t someone have caught it? Wade? Olivia? Or even Crash? The best tech geniuses in the world, and none of them noticed a breach? It makes no sense.”

Rufus makes some chirping noise of agreement.

“Maybe I should sleep on it. I do have some great ideas in my dreams.”

More chirping noises come from Rufus, along with an exclamation of “Cheese!”

“Yeah, cheese flavored toothpaste was a great idea.” Ron says. “Goodnight, buddy.”

***

“Okay, the dreamscape again.” Ron says. “Well, I do have a problem to solve. What do you think, buddy?” He asks, turning to Rufus. “Do you think I can figure it out?”

“Uh-huh, uh-huh.” Rufus says.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have much to go on.” Ron says. “We know they’re able to access files on our missions without being tracked. And they have access to advanced tech. That’s not really a lot.”

“Hmm…” Rufus says.

“Wait, what was it Yori said? Sometimes, you think you’re being thrown a fastball, but it’s actually a curveball. What if, we’re looking at this wrong?”

“Huh?”

“What if they’re not hacking into the files? What if, they already had access to them?”

Rufus makes a surprised chirping noise.

“Yeah, that’s crazy. What if I’m wrong?”

Rufus makes some chirping noises while miming swinging at a baseball.

“You’re right. I have to take the swing anyways.”

***

Ron awakes refreshed the next day, with everything being clear.

He calls Dr. Director and gives her a simple message:

“I know who Centurion is.”

***

Global Justice Headquarters

“Stoppable, I am not one to doubt your abilities,” Dr. Director says, “but I am curious as to how you figured it out.”

“I realized we were looking at this wrong.” Ron says. “We thought we were being hacked, but we weren’t. Centurion already had access to those files. We gave him access.”

“You’re saying Centurion is one of our agents?” Dr. Director asks.

“No, you can account for the whereabouts of every agent during times when Centurion showed up. Centurion is one of our scientists.”

“We have twenty full-time scientists, several employed on a part-time basis, and numerous consultants.” Dr. Director says. “That doesn’t narrow it down.”

“Those are big numbers.” Ron says. “But, of all those people, only one has requested training for field missions in the past two months and been denied.”

As Ron’s words sink in, Ron, Dr. Director, Will, and Olivia turn to look at Wade.

“Also, the Centurion Project was a top-secret project Kim recovered from bad guys.” Ron says. “A suit of armor, stored in a simple bracelet. I’ve noticed that you’ve taken to wearing a watch.”

Wade looks conflicted for a bit.

“Well, I could try to lie, but it didn’t work out well last time.” Wade says. “I’m guessing I’m in trouble?”

“I am upset that you chose to lie, keep secrets, and defy my orders.” Dr. Director says. “I believe the most appropriate punishment is time in the training room.”

“I underst – wait, what?” Wade asks incredulously.

“We want to know everything your suit is capable of.” Dr. Director says. “And, if you can handle the training room, I’ll happily put you on more field missions. But, no more lying and secrets.”

“Deal!” Wade says.

“Good, you’re dismissed.”

“That could have been worse.” Wade says.

“I thought you were smart.” Will says.

“I am!” Wade says indignantly. “Wait, why?”

“Because you didn’t even check to see what level your session in the training room is going to be on.”

“There are different levels?” Wade asks nervously. “Is it too late to back out of this?”

“Yes.” Ron and Will say.

“Oh boy!” Wade exclaims.

Chapter Text

“It’s not that I didn’t trust you,” Wade says, “or that I didn’t want to tell you. It’s just…it feels stupid. I should be fine with just being the tech guy. But…I’m not. And…it’s not easy to admit.”

“I can understand.” Olivia says. “And I can’t be too mad. I’ve been keeping a secret from you this whole time.”

“Wait, what?” Wade asks. “You have?”

“Yeah.” Olivia says. “I’m kind of psychic.”

“Oh.” Wade says. “Is that it?”

“What would you have expected me to say?”

“I actually figured alien would be the greater possibility.”

“I’m not an alien.”

“Okay.” Wade says. “Not that you being an alien would’ve been a problem. Not that you being psychic is a problem. I just meant, whatever you are, it’s not a problem with me. And now I’m rambling. I should probably shut up now. I’m certainly trying to-”

Normally, Wade would point out that kissing someone isn’t the most approved method to shut them up, but since this is Olivia kissing him, he doesn’t have a complaint this time.

“Sorry.” Olivia says when she pulls away from him.

“It’s fine.” Wade says. “It’s just…uh…that’s kind of my first kiss.”

“You didn’t even get a kiss from Monique when you used the Cupid Ray on her?”

“It was finicky and wore off quickly and frequently.” Wade says. “Also, I programmed it to give her feelings of fondness, adoration, and devotion, but I’m starting to realize that actual romantic attraction is more than just that.”

“Oh.” Olivia says. “Uh…that was my first kiss too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I kind of got tired of waiting for you to make a move.”

“So does this mean we’re…”

“Together?” Olivia asks. “I’d like to be.”

“Together.” Wade says. “That sounds nice.”

***

“So…you’ve already trained in how to do your usual stuff without your powers?” Bea asks. “Why?”

“In case someone takes them.” Sheila says. “Or I find myself unable to use them for any reason.”

“Hector never considered that a possibility.” Wes says.

“I know.” Sheila says. “He’s useless without his powers. But you won’t be. We’ll start off basic, but that doesn’t mean easy.”

“And then we can do something fun afterwards?” Wen asks.

“Or at least relaxing?” Eric asks.

“Or educational?” Patti asks.

“Yes.” Sheila says. “But only if you actually give it your all.”

“Deal!” They all say.

***

“Tell me again why I should care about these specific items?” Ms. Gray says, looking over files her tailed agent has handed her.

“These items will lead us to the location of the Ruyi Jingu Bang.” The monkey agent says.

“And we want this staff…why?”

“It should grant power to it’s true master.” He explains. “And since we’re up against powerful opponents, we could use the boost.”

“And you’re sure you’re it’s true master?”

“It can only be wielded by someone in possession of Mystic Monkey Power.” He says. “And only two people in that dimension have it. Since the baboon has the Lotus Blade, he’s not the staff’s true master. And the baby is a weapon, so it’s not possible for her to be its master.”

“Are you sure you aren’t forgetting anyone?” Ms. Gray asks.

“If she had mystic monkey power, it would have developed a long time ago.” He says.

“Disappointing.” Ms. Gray says. “Well, Ken, you’re allowed to go after the staff then. Don’t screw up.”

“Have I ever let you down?”

“Once.”

“I won’t do it again.”

“I hope not. Otherwise, I might actually throw you out the window.”

“You know that won’t hurt me.”

“Do you really want to test that?”

She gives him a stern look.

“No, I do not.”

“Good. Then, get going.”

He leaves in a hurry.

Even if he fails, I’m sure something good will come out of this.