In The MCU with Atom Eve's Powers

The streets of Harlem were bustling as usual. People from all walks of life were moving along the sidewalks, heading to work, school, or simply out for a stroll. Wyatt, dressed in a black and red hoodie and pants, walked alongside the residents of this historically rich neighborhood with dark bags under his eyes.

Note to self: Get more sleep. Wyatt thought as he let out a yawn.

Ever since his confrontation with Scott, Wyatt had thrown himself into his work. He was spending more time as Atomic than Wyatt, barely managing to get five hours of sleep for the last week.

Shit… I can't keep going on like this. I'm not him. I can try all I want to be like him, but I'm just… human. Sure, a human with reality warping powers, but I'm not a Kryptonian with unlimited stamina and power. Wyatt thought. So why am I trying so hard? I'm not the only hero around. Can't I just step back and focus on myself?

When he reached his destination, Wyatt looked up at the newly opened Soul Food restaurant, which had been built where Luigi's Pizzeria once stood. He peered inside and saw several hungry patrons enjoying meals with their families. Behind the counter, a kind-looking woman named Mary smiled as she rang up a young couple.

Mary and her husband Jackson were the owners of the restaurant, having bought it from Serena. They had been friends with Luigi since their late twenties. Thanks to Luigi, Jackson gathered the courage to propose to Mary. For them, continuing to serve food in the place their old friend had built was a way to preserve his memory. They even added a few of Luigi's pizzas to their menu.

Since Luigi's funeral and Serena's departure, Wyatt felt compelled to walk through the streets of Harlem each week to visit the restaurant. On several occasions, he had wanted to step inside, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Failing to gather the courage once again, Wyatt turned around and left.

No, I can't. If I stop helping, then what about the people who need my-Atomic's help? I can't let what happened to my parents, Luigi, and Serena happen to anyone else. Not if I can help it. I have to keep going. I have to… Isn't that why I'm here? Wyatt thought and shook his head to remove the fatigue clouding his mind.

As Wyatt walked, he took in the sights of the lively local shops and businesses. He had to step aside as a few children ran past him. To his mild surprise, he noticed that the kids' shirts displayed the Atomic logo. One little boy even had a small action figure and made swooshing noises as he pretended the toy was flying through the air.

Looks like my merchandise has reached Harlem, too. Wyatt thought as he examined the streets closely. Although not overly visible, several posters and items featured Atomic in various shops and store windows.

Much like how one could find Iron Man and scattered Captain America merchandise throughout the city, Wyatt's own merchandise was growing in popularity. It had started in small batches in random shops. Still, following the surge in Atomic's popularity after the events at the Stark Expo, it was hard for Wyatt to go anywhere without seeing his likeness somewhere.

Some people might have felt annoyed that others were profiting from their likeness, but Wyatt didn't mind. If he wanted money, he could just create a mountain of riches whenever he pleased.

"Fwoosh! Fwoosh!" A small child with an Iron Man toy said as he chased his friend who held a toy of Atomic. "I shot you with my blasts!"

"Nuh uh! I created a force field around me!"

"No fair! I said no shields!"

Wyatt chuckled as the kids raced into a small park around the corner. However, his smile faded at the sight of the dilapidated park. He approached the fence and observed the children playing, trying to enjoy the park as best as they could. It was evident that the park had seen better days.

"You know, back in the day, this park was buzzing with energy. Kids would swing and laugh without a care in the world," A man in the hat said with a warm smile. He settled comfortably in his fold-out wooden chair, a chess set neatly arranged in front of him. "I'm Bobby Fish, by the way. It's great to finally meet you. I've noticed you strolling through here every week, and I just had to find out your name, young man." He gestured to the empty chair across from him, invitingly.

"I'm Wyatt Wilkins. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Fish," Wyatt said after a second, and took the seat.

"Chess?"

"Sure."

"Tell me, Wyatt, what has you wandering through these streets with such a lost look?" Bobby said as he moved his pawn, with Wyatt moving his own in turn. "My friends have said I have a good ear."

Wyatt smiled slightly and moved his knight after Bobby moved his bishop. "You... you ever been to Luigi's Pizzeria?"

"Luigi's? Who hasn't?! That man made the best pizza in the city. Don't let no one tell you anything diffrent! But… What happened to that man was a real tragedy," Bobby said with a frown. "Did you know him?"

"Yeah… yeah, I did. He was a good man. Fed me when times were hard, and his daughter ended up becoming my closest friend," Wyatt said. "I guess… I can't stay away from the old restaurant."

"I understand, Wyatt. It's true that Mary and Jackson aren't Luigi, but they whip up a delicious Mac and cheese that I can't resist. I find myself going there every day for lunch. You know what really touches my heart? They had a talented neighborhood girl create a beautiful mural of Luigi on the back wall. It's a lovely tribute. Even though Luigi is no longer with us, his spirit and the good memories we all had at his restaurant continue to thrive in that place. No matter who's behind the counter."

Moving his rook piece, Wyatt smiled faintly at the mention of Luigi's mural. "You know… you're the second person to remind me that just because someone is gone, it's not really the end... Thanks, Mr. Fish. Oh, and checkmate."

Bobby blinked in confusion as he examined the chessboard, trying to figure out how he had been beaten. Wyatt stood up and smiled at Bobby. "Thanks for the game and talk, Mr. Fish. We should do this again someday."

"I usually play chess at Marcus Garvey Park, so if you ever want to play again, I'll be there," Bobby said with a smile as he turned back to the park. "Maybe one day the city will help rebuild this park. Wouldn't that be something to see?"

Wyatt turned to the park and nodded. "Yeah. But I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm sure someone will come along and help."

••o••o••o••

"Hurry up! We have to get home, or Mom will get mad at us!"

"I know! But I can't leave Atomic!"

The two brothers, who had been playing at the park earlier that day, could be seen running through the streets of Harlem. Wearing an Atomic t-shirt, Henry had forgotten his precious toy halfway home and immediately returned to retrieve it. His twin brother, Jordan, nervously followed. The sun was beginning to set, and they needed to hurry to make it home before their curfew.

Henry smiled as he spotted the park coming into view and dashed through the old rusty gates. The two brothers searched the park quickly for the toy, unaware of how much time had passed.

"Should you two be out this late?"

Henry and Jordan jumped in surprise, finally noticing that the only light illuminating the park came from a single lamppost in the center of the playground. They looked around nervously for the owner of the voice but found no one. Then, Henry looked up and gasped as he saw Atomic floating in the air.

"No way! Atomic!" Henry's face had broken into a large smile as Jordan gasped in awe.

Atomic nodded and landed on the ground. He pressed a foot onto the ground and sent a pulse through the park. After a second, he walked over to a bush and pulled out Henry's lost toy.

"Was this what you two were looking for?" Atomic asked as he kneeled in front of the brothers, holding out the toy for them to take.

"Y-yes, sir", Jordan said, trying to remember the manners his mother taught them. Henry, without any hesitation, moved forward and grabbed his toy.

"I'm Henry! I'm your biggest fan! Oh, this is my brother, Jordan," Henry said, practically jumping.

"It's nice to meet you two. Still, you two shouldn't stay out so late. It can get dangerous for two kids like you," Atomic said and stood up. "I'll walk you two home. But first…"

Holding out his hand, Atomic unleashed a dazzling wave of energy that flooded the park with a radiant light, capturing the attention of pedestrians and curious onlookers peering from nearby windows.

When the light faded, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. The once old and dilapidated park had been revitalized into a vibrant oasis teeming with life and color. The new play structures sparkled under the light, showcasing the latest designs that promised endless fun for children of all ages. Brightly colored swings swayed gently in a newly constructed play area, and slides glistened invitingly, beckoning children to explore.

Surrounding this lively hub, the greenery flourished with renewed vigor. Lush, well-manicured bushes adorned the edges, while tall trees stood proudly, their leaves a vivid shade of emerald, rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The solitary light pole that had once cast a dim glow over the park was now accompanied by several more, standing like sentinels to illuminate the newly revamped space. Together, their warm light spilled across the grounds, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invited families to gather and enjoy.

As the last remnants of Atomic's power faded away, a pristine, up-to-code park was left in its wake, ready to be filled with laughter and joy.

"That. Was. Awesome!" Henry and Jordan said as they looked around their new park. They were eager to play in it, but the dark skies above them stopped them. They knew they were way past curfew and had to hurry home.

"You two will have plenty of opportunities to play. Let's focus on getting home for now, okay?" Atomic said as he walked along with Henry and Jordan.

"Okay…" The brothers said in slight disappointment, but were still excited to have a superhero walk them home.

As the trio ambled through the bustling streets, they drew a myriad of bewildered stares and curious glances from passersby. It was a rare spectacle to witness a larger-than-life superhero in such an unassuming setting, especially one escorting two children home.

Atomic tried his best to keep up with the barrage of questions from the two boys, their faces lit up with excitement. "Why do you wear that helmet?" one inquired, while the other asked about his superpowers. Meanwhile, Atomic waved cheerfully at those around him. Even the more hardened individuals who typically roamed the streets at night found themselves straightening up, momentarily entranced by the presence of a hero in their midst.

As they rounded the corner, the three came upon a quaint townhouse that boasted a welcoming air. Its light-colored bricks were softened by a blooming garden, and the scent of freshly cut grass hung in the air. Standing at the doorstep was a woman whose face was initially etched with worry. However, the moment her gaze met that of her two sons, her anxious expression melted away like morning mist, replaced by a radiant smile that illuminated her warm features.

"There you two boys are! You had me worried sick! What did I tell you about getting home before sundown?!" The boys' mother, Keisha, said with an angry but relieved expression. "I almost called the police because of you!"

"It's okay, Mom! Look, Atomic walked us home!" Henry said and pointed to Atomic, who had gone unnoticed by Keisha.

Keisha's eyes grew wide as she finally noticed the hero. "You're… Atomic. The real one?"

"Yes, ma'am," Atomic nodded and hovered slightly above the ground to demonstrate. "I hope you don't mind that I walked your boys home. I felt it was best for them not to walk alone."

"Oh, not at all! It's perfectly fine! Thank you; I really appreciate you looking out for my boys!" Keisha smiled, gently placing her hands on her sons' heads. "But I will make sure they remember to follow their curfew."

"I'm sure you will. Alright, you two, listen to your mother and get home before dark. Okay?" Atomic said to the two excited children.

"Yes, sir!"

"You got it, Atomic!"

Atomic nodded, a glimmer of determination in his eyes, and began to ascend higher into the night sky, his form becoming silhouetted against the vast expanse of stars. With a final, sweeping wave of his hand, he soared into the darkness, leaving the crowd below in a hushed, reverent silence, their faces illuminated by the moonlight.

The following day, a remarkable transformation swept through Harlem. Residents awoke to find their parks, playgrounds, and sports courts—once familiar and aged—had undergone an enchanting metamorphosis. Brightly painted murals adorned the playgrounds, vibrant flowers burst forth in colorful patches across the grass, and the courts gleamed with new life, glistening under the sun.

Bewilderment filled the air as people roamed through the newly revitalized spaces, marveling at the unexpected beauty surrounding them. Yet, for those who had witnessed Atomic glide through their streets, there was a shared understanding; they knew that he was the architect of this extraordinary change, the undeniable force behind the magic that now enveloped their community.

••o••o••o••

Atomic landed on the rooftop of an apartment complex and took in the sights of Harlem. He had spent most of the night upgrading several sections of the neighborhood and felt a bit tired.

Despite this fatigue, helping the young twins and the larger community had eased some of Atomic's worries and lingering guilt.

"I wonder why you choose to use your abilities this way. You have so much power, yet you choose to help these humans."

Atomic frowned and turned around to see a beautiful woman with caramel skin emerging from the shadows of a water tower. Without warning, her form shifted to that of a red-haired woman with blue skin.

Mystique. Atomic thought, as several more figures leaped onto the rooftop. They were members of the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Avalanche, also known as Lance Alvers, was behind her with a determined stride. His presence exuded a quiet intensity, the ground subtly trembling under his feet. Suddenly, with agile finesse, Toad, or Todd Tolansky, leaped from the edge of a nearby rooftop, gracefully landing on all fours like a sprightly frog.

Just seconds later, a blur of silver flashed by as Quicksilver, the quick-witted Pietro Maximoff, zoomed into view, his signature cocky grin only enhancing his already striking appearance. Finally, with an earth-shattering crash, the Blob—Frederick J. Dukes—emerged from behind a crumbled brick wall, his massive form striking a formidable silhouette against the debris, a testament to his sheer strength. Walking behind the Blob with a smirk was Pyro, St. John Allerdyce. The flamethrowers attached to his upper body clicked, releasing small bursts of flame that began to float around him.

"You're a very hard man to find, Atomic," Mystique said as she walked up beside him with a sultry smile. She leaned in and whispered beside Atomic's helmet, "Or should I say… Wyatt Wilkins? Let's talk, shall we?"