How did I meet my best and closest friend? I remember it like it was yesterday. Even though it was about 6 years ago, I still recall it quite vividly.
The 6th grade had just begun, and I had moved to New York City from my hometown of Schenectady just a week or so prior. I was nervous, and I had the makings of a fresh new victim for the bullies to attack. It wasn't until science class that everything changed.
"Can anyone tell me Netwon's first law of motion?"
Two hands shot up in the air instantly. Both nerds at the front of the class, no less. It was my hand, and the hand of a scrawny-looking kid, hat over an oddly bald head and a very distinct nose. I'd soon learn that his name was Adrian Toomes, and that we shared similar interests.
From the first meeting, we became fast and inseparable friends. And it still holds true to this day. I'm not sure if he knows just how he means to me. For the curious: it's quite a lot, and even just saying "a ton" doesn't quite begin to describe it. He's been my confidant, and a source of comfort and motivation when I need it. He's always been there for me, and I for him.
When I first discovered that I had developed superhuman powers, he was the first person I turned to. He's perhaps the only civilian to know of my secret.
Well, formerly civilian.
This is the story of how my best friend became more than simply a friend, and instead became a hero alongside me.
"We had Hawkeye cornered, the mission was going smoothly, but then Electro decided to disobey orders, and immediately got hit by a-- ...Adrian, are you listening?" "Yes, yes, of course."
I knew that look. Adrian was upset, and his mind was elsewhere. He was trying to play it off like nothing was wrong, but no one's better at lying and seeing through lies than a hero, especially one in civvies.
"Adrian, what's wrong?" I inquired. "It's nothing. Really," he lied. "What's wrong?" "It's... I..."
He sighed, then stopped and turned to me. There was a sense of hopelessness in his eyes, and I knew whatever was bothering him, it was serious.
"You know how you kept pushing me to show my flight tech to Oscorp?" he asked. "Yes. And I remember you saying that you finally got an appointment with Norman Osborn himself. That's a very good achievement. I've been meaning to ask about how it went," I replied. "...He rejected it. I got a personal email from Osborn, he doesn't see the practical applications, and thinks my ideas are too 'out there' and 'far-fetched'. An 'overactive imagination'." "Oh, Adrian, I'm so sorry." "No, it's fine. It's not like you did anything wrong."
There was a hint of bitterness in his voice. Adrian had a tendency to develop and allow grudges to brew a toxic stew of bottled emotions. I couldn't let that happen here, something so unfortunate could have a serious negative effect.
"He's wrong, you know. Did he even take a good look at your calculations, your designs? Your ideas are brilliant, and perfectly feasible. And there are plenty of applications, he's... he's just too blind to see spectacular things, even if they're standing right there in his office!" I exclaimed.
I didn't mean for that outburst to come out, but it seemed to help brighten Adrian's downcast mood.
"Thank you. Say... would you like to see my prototype? I haven't tested it, but other than that, it's complete," he offered. "I'd love to see it," I nodded.
I didn't know what to think when I actually saw it, however. It was amazing, but at the same time, I was a bit perplexed, and a bit... stunned.
"He called me a bird, with flight tech and my head in the clouds. Which gave me an idea: make the design like a bird," he explained. "It would make sense to make it appear like a bird, because it flies, and birds are a good, aerodynamic model for something like this, but... why the bright colors?" I raised an eyebrow. "Well... I've been thinking. We don't spend as much time together because of your new... is hobby a good word to describe it? At any rate, I'd like to join you. If it's okay, that is." "I-I..."
I was caught off-guard, but in retrospect I should've seen this coming. How long had he been planning this? Did he know the risks involved? The next thing out of my mouth, I don't think I was thinking. At least, I wasn't thinking with my brain.
"That sounds wonderful," I finally said. "Yes! I was worried about what you were going to say, I'll admit. Ah... I haven't tested the suit, though. On paper it might work just fine, but in practice? Not so sure in that regard," he turned to the suit, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "No time like the present for a test flight." "Good point. I need a minute to get suited up, meet you on the roof?"
I left to use the bathroom to change, and all the while I was mentally berating myself. I shouldn't have said yes! I want to protect Adrian, not expose him to the very real dangers I face near daily! Stupid heart. For an organ without the capacity to actually think, you sure come up with some pretty bad ideas.
There was a slight breeze, and the sky was mostly clear, save for a few clouds. We were 30 stories up, and neither of us had a fear of heights. But I had a fear of what might come of this. I wasn't going to sabotage my best friend, heavens no, everything was set in stone from the moment I said yes. That just made things worse, though.
"Systems are a-go and everything is working. Alrighty then. I suppose I'll go first and you'll spot for me?" Adrian looked at me for confirmation. "Ah... yes. Go on. Let's see this thing in action," I encouraged.
He seemed nervous as he came to the edge. And he had all the right to be. Taking a deep breath, he spread his arms -- or perhaps I should call them wings -- and... fell forward.
Panickedly I ran to the ledge to see if he was okay, and nearly got knocked back when he came soaring straight up. I could hardly comprehend what was going on, still in a state of shock from thinking he fell to his doom.
"It works! It works, Ott-- I mean, Octoman," he exclaimed, turning around to face me, hovering in the air. "I... It... So it does. You scared me for a moment there," I responded. "Sorry about that. I wanted to add some dramatic effect."
Adrian chuckled, and landed back on the roof.
"So, I'm going to need a name, correct? Can't exactly go gallivanting around using my name, no, I need a secret identity. Something to do with birds, no doubt. Hmm..." he chattered. "Eagle," I blurted the first thing that came to mind. "Perfect! Well, not fitting the colors, which are more of a Sun Conture or tropical bird, but it's prestigious, and has a sense of justice about it. I love it."
He seemed so happy, and who was I to take that away from him? I gave him a smile, but then he... frowned.
"Are you okay? You seem upset," he mentioned. "I'm not upset, I'm happy for you. This is a big moment for you," I replied, but it... it didn't feel like the truth I thought it was. "You might smile with your mouth, but your eyes tell a different story. What's wrong?" "I... I..." "I won't get upset, I promise. Just tell me." "...I don't want you to be Eagle."
I looked down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact. There was a brief period of silence, before I spoke again.
"I'm not saying you wouldn't make a good hero, and I'm definitely not saying that your tech is anything but incredible, but the truth of the matter is that I... I care too much to risk you getting seriously injured, or worse. Being a hero is incredibly dangerous. I've almost been _killed_ before. I couldn't stand to see you suffer," I explained. "I understand. And I hope you'll understand when I refuse to change my mind on the matter. I realize that your line of work is nothing short of intensive and grueling. I know you want to keep me out of harm's way, but I also know, from experience no less, that I'm going to end up in harm's way eventually. Might as well be properly trained to not just be a bystander with more of a risk of getting killed, but a hero, with a significantly less chance of dying. I've done the calculations. My survival rate in the line of fire is higher as just a civilian than as a hero," Adrian rebutted.
He was always good at debates, even if he refused to join the debate team. And he did have a good point. I sighed audibly.
"How would you like to meet and join the team?"
"Octoman, what is the meaning of this?"
A motion to Adrian, Eagle now, accompanied the questioning from Baron von Strucker. I frowned as Eagle winced.
"This is our newest team member. His name is Eagle, and he's using a powered flight suit," I responded."I did not approve of any additional members. Six is more than enough," he retorted."And you never said that there was a limit. He's already here, and he's here to stay."
I was making a risky move, arguing with the SHIELD Director. But I was determined to get Eagle onto the team. I got a glare, and stiffened. Then, the glare went away.
"Alright. But he needs to complete the qualification trial, understood?" Strucker relented."Yes, sir," I nodded.
Von Strucker motioned for Eagle to follow, and as they left, my friend cast me a worried glance. I replied with a thumbs up and a mouthed "good luck". I'm sure he'd do fine.
Or maybe he'd panic like a startled pidgeon. Oh dear-- Oh no! Oh boy.
I bit my lip as I watched, along with the rest of my team, Eagle get thrown against a wall by a training droid on the screen that showed the live footage of the initiation.
Eagle got to his feet, weak from the heavy blow. I crossed my fingers, he had to do this. I knew he could. Then there was a spark of something, newfound determination perhaps, within Eagle.
He cried out and took to the air, pushing off the wall to give himself a boost. Extending his arms forward, metal "feathers" pointing out, he sliced clean through a drone. And he just kept going, plowing through the machines at a breakneck pace. It was almost mesmerizing watching the chaos unfold. When he was through, he landed in the middle of the arena. Uh oh.
"Next is the parachute test. Let's see how good that suit is," Baron spoke over the microphone.
Eagle looked bewildered, and then dropped out of sight as the floor below him was quickly pulled away. He had barely tested it, there was sure to be issues, what if it didn't--
There was a knock on the window of the helicarrier bridge. We all turned to look and saw Eagle there, flashing a cocky grin. He then soared upward, most likely to the docking site on the roof of the flying SHIELD fortress.
I got there as fast as I could, only to not see Eagle there. A moment later, I was ambushed by a rather strong hug from behind, and excited chatter.
"That was thrilling! I was terrified at first, but that was amazing! And this means I'm officially on the team, yes?" Eagle rambled."You're... kinda... crushing... me..." I eeked out; it seemed my friend didn't know his own strength, his inadvertent bear hug having lifted me up and forcing the air out of me."Sorry! Sorry."
He released me, and I dropped a few inches back down to the ground. I then turned around, and held up my hand for a high five.
"You didn't break any records, but you did complete it faster than I did. Welcome to the team, Eagle," I congratulated."Yes! This is going to be the best!" he chirped, returning the high five.
Adrian's excitement was adorable. His eyes almost shone behind the yellow visor, and he had a smile that just wouldn't go away. I found myself in a similarly joyous mood. This was gonna be better than "the best", this was gonna be spectacular.
