Marvel: The Witcher

Wait... so let me understand this correctly. You don't know where you came from, and the last thing you remember is waking up in an alley. And now you're here?

Yup...

-_-

I don't believe you. Why are you not telling me the truth?

With an amused smirk, I raise an eyebrow.

Realizing she might have been a bit too forward, she backtracks and quickly changes the subject by asking me why I dyed my hair white, but instead of answering her question, I ask one of my own,

"Actually, I was wondering, what's today's date?" 

Clicking her tongue in discontent, she answers, "You don't even know this much? It's January 1st, 2000."

The weight of the situation is hitting me hard. The knowledge that I'm standing on the precipice of a brand-new century, a new millennium, with no money but the clothes on my back and the crazy, cryptic story about waking up in an alley—it's overwhelming and underwhelming simultaneously. Sure, I have the knowledge of the future, but that doesn't mean I automatically know how to make it work for me.

Invest in Stark Industries. That's an easy one, right? Tony Stark's rise to greatness is practically a known fact to all marvel fans. But how do I even invest or even approach him? Stark Industries isn't just a quirky little startup, it's a tech juggernaut. I'm sure Tony would have some kind of massive security, even back in the day. Not to mention, he's probably still a bit of a playboy genius at this point, not quite the more... responsible Tony Stark I'm familiar with.

Then there's the Dora the Explorer first episode. Great, I guess. I can use it to relax one day or something. But it's not going to make me rich. Maybe I should think bigger—like, really big. Early investments in tech, like Google or Amazon? But how would I even go about that when I'm broke? Where do I even get the startup capital? I'm feeling a bit like a guy who knows how to make a fortune but doesn't have a way to actually start making it.

Kaycee's still watching me, a bit puzzled by my sudden shift in mood. I can feel her waiting for an answer to her question, and I haven't given her one yet. She's also probably wondering how I could be so utterly out of the loop on something as simple as the date. The truth is, I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do with all this knowledge.

But then, as I glance back up at her, something shifts. The gears start turning in my brain again.

"You know," I start, my voice taking on a more determined edge, "there are opportunities here. So many opportunities..."

Kaycee raises an eyebrow, not quite sure what I'm getting at.

"Don't suppose you know where I could get a few grand together, do you?" I ask, half-joking, but fully aware that every moment is another chance for someone else to get ahead.

Her expression softens a bit from her confused state as she reclines, likely observing my change in demeanor. She smiles slightly, perhaps perceiving an underlying message in my words, or simply amused by my rather overt inquiry regarding finances.

"Well, you could start by not looking so lost. You never know who might take you seriously if you look like you have it together."

I give her a wry smile. "Great advice. I'll try that. But no promises."

Regarding finances, I am also struggling. In fact, I am currently on my lunch break while studying at CUNY School of Law. She speaks with the confidence of someone who has yet to face the harsh realities of life.

A broke college kid, huh? Well, maybe you will be useful.

with a mouth wide Kaycee stares at me and my shamelessness.

That was rude, Mister Jaxon. I'll have you know I'm not completely broke. My parents are helping me through law school, so I get a weekly allowance. and who said I was going to give you any money? You are too shameless Jaxon.

Now, now, there's no need to get upset. Obviously, I'm not asking for handouts. Naturally, I have a plan, and I want you to become my partner because soon enough, I'll be the successful one. I say with confidence.

Once, with mouth agape, Kaycee's only thoughts were, "You're lucky you're a smoke show; otherwise, I would have left a long time ago."

Waiting for her confirmation, I put on a pleading look in hopes of persuading her to agree to ally with me.

letting out a resigned sigh, Kaycee shakes her head in exasperation then looks at me and seriously gives me a once-over 

With newfound hope, my eyes start to sparkle literally yellow sparkles. 

Widing her eyes Kaycee's eyes go wide did your eyes just sparkle! She yells in exclamation.

As soon as the last of Kaycee's words hang in the air, I feel the eyes of the coffee shop's patrons shift in our direction. Her exclamation about my eyes sparks a few raised brows, and a nervous chuckle from myself, and I can practically hear the collective thought: What is going on here?

The sudden attention is both annoying and oddly thrilling. I'm sure it's not every day that someone's eyes randomly sparkle like they've been dipped in magic or Tinkerbells fairy dust. But right now, I can feel the creeping awkwardness building around us, and I'm not about to let one sudden exclamation label me a "Mutant" or something of that nature.

I glance at Kaycee, and she gives me a nod, clearly on the same wavelength. Without a word, I pick up my coffee, then grab Kaycee's half-eaten sandwich that's somehow been left abandoned in front of me. My fingers tremble slightly, not from nerves but from the creeping rush of adrenaline. suddenly feeling like eating a half-eaten sandwich I just shove the rest of it in my mouth. 

Moments later, we are both making a break for it, heading for the door. Once we are outside, I can feel the cool air hit my face, clearing away the lingering tension from inside.

Now with rosy cheeks, Kaycee does not even acknowledge that I have just eaten her sandwich.

Kaycee's eyes are locked with mine as we step out onto the bustling sidewalk, and I can't help but be acutely aware of the fact that I've just witnessed her be a little more flustered than I'm sure she'd like to admit. That's my power—confidence.

it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm now around 6'3'' or the fact that she's around 5'7''. a whole shoulder and head above her.

Noticing the tension between us, I extended my hand with an abashed smile and half-closed eyes, just enough to see her flushed state. Breaking the tension, I step down a step, bringing us somewhat to eye.

summoning every last drop of gentlemanliness in me, along with a few drops of improv, I decided to reintroduce myself in a more formal manner.

"Hello, I'm Jaxon, and I'm an anomaly."

Shyly, Kaysee delicately grasps my hand. Immediately, I can feel the difference in strength between us with my calloused sausage fingers and iron grip, versus her soft slim hand.

My initial thoughts were of her delicacy and the second just what are the limits of my strength?

She finally speaks after a few beats, clearly trying to compose her thoughts. "Okay, that was… interesting. Now first, what was that about your eyes? Second, where do you get off saying you have a plan for success when you seem to only be slightly less broke than the hobos lurking around every corner?"

I laugh a little at the absurdity of it all. "Hey, no one said my plan would be easy. I've got plenty of ideas, and you, my dear Kaycee, are going to be key in making it happen."

She retracts her hand and then crosses her arms, skeptical, but there's a little glint of expectation behind her expression. "Uh-huh. I'm listening, but I'm still not sure how you plan on dragging me into this mess. You didn't exactly sell me with that 'broke college kid' remark."

I can't help but grin, "Well, you're studying law, right? 

That's right, Kaycee says. Intellectual property, contracts, patent law, all that good stuff. 

See, You can assist me in legally creating a path to fortune, and naturally, the rewards of our collaboration will be distributed based on contributions. We can make this work, I say convincingly. 

Also, I don't believe it's your fate to just drone through law school. Honestly, I believe you are too intelligent and capable to simply coast through law school alone. Why not put those skills to good use now with a man who has a plan?

She quirks an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not willing to let me off the hook that easily. "You want me to help you become rich by… what? Running some sort of shady operation? Because I've got to tell you, that doesn't sound like a very good pitch."

I shake my head, the grin on my face widening. "Nothing shady, I promise. I'm talking about seizing opportunities before they even exist—investing in the right companies, making the right moves with intellectual property, predicting trends, that kind of thing. But here's the kicker—I'm going to need a partner who knows how to navigate the legal side of things, especially when we start making big moves."

Before continuing, Kay notices people with slightly upset expressions returning to Planet Earth. She realizes that she and Jaxon are blocking the entrance to the coffee shop. Glancing ataxon, extends her hand to him.

Quickly, I realize that we are indeed blocking the way to the shop. I promptly take her hand and in an exaggeratedly gentlemanly manner, help her down the stairs.

With a small smile, Kaysee delicately descends the steps.

Continuing walking, her gaze locked onto me. "You're serious, aren't you?"

"Of course," I reply, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. "We could start small, get our hands dirty with some side hustles—maybe some creative copyright work, online ventures, even some consulting. But the endgame, Kaycee? We're going to build something that no one can touch. Something bigger than the both of us can comprehend."

She looks down at her feet, contemplating, and I see her mind turning. It's the kind of look that says she's not buying it fully, but she's intrigued enough to give it a second thought. Then, after a long pause, she raises her eyes to meet mine.

"You realize, don't you," she says slowly, "that you can't just dive into something like this without a plan? And I'm not just talking about business here. You have to account for a lot of moving pieces, legal stuff, logistics. If you want me to be your partner, you need to show me that this is more than just some harebrained scheme."

My heart skips a beat, and I feel the spark in my chest grow again. There's something in her voice—something that says she might just be leaning toward saying yes, despite herself. Perhaps she sees the potential in working with me. Kaycee isn't just any background extra, after all. She's talking to me and she genuinely seems to be competent, and now, maybe, a little bit of the desperation that comes with wanting to do something beyond the expected.

"Fair enough," I say with a nod. "I'll lay out a plan. A real one. But you'll need to trust me on this—because we're about to make something incredible happen. Together."

Kaycee hesitates, giving me one last skeptical look. But then, without saying a word, she extends her hand. "Alright, Jaxon. But don't expect me to go down this road blindly. I'm not just some sidekick in this little adventure of yours."

I take her hand with a grin, my eyes glimmering a bit too brightly for comfort. "Don't worry, Kaycee. You're not a sidekick. You're my partner in all this."

And with that, I feel the first real rush of hope in a long time. This partnership? It could be the key to everything.