Marvel: Familia System

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Toph sat at the top of the nightclub, feeling the rhythmic thumping of hundreds of footsteps below. The loud noises always bothered her, and the pounding music inside the club was a headache she didn't need. The roof was a much better option, where the night air was cool and the vibrations were less intense. Nero had been thoughtful enough to ensure her room was soundproofed, but for Toph, it was like filtering out the roar of a dragonfly.

She leaned back, her mind drifting to the peculiar circumstances that had brought her here. One moment, she was in her world, the next, a strange voice offered her an opportunity to experience a new universe. The voice explained the Marvel Universe's intricacies, and after some consideration, Toph had agreed. The transition was disorienting, but now, sitting atop the roof, she felt more grounded than ever.

The sound of the rooftop door opening snapped her out of her reverie. She recognized Nero's steady, confident gait even before he spoke.

"Taking a break from the chaos?" Nero asked, his voice calm and composed.

Toph smirked. "You know me, Boss. I'm not exactly the life of the party."

Nero chuckled, a warm sound that she came to appreciate. "Sorry for the room, Toph. I will make yours extra soundproof."

Toph shrugged, her smile softening. "It's fine. I needed some air anyway. 

Toph was surprised by Nero ever since she was brought to this world. She felt an otherworldly force within her making her loyal to Nero, but not in a sense of subservience, but preventing her from betraying him. She still had her own character and could display her dislikes if she had any, but Nero was nice to her and others, despite being their leader now, which Toph appreciated. He also seemed to understand her explicitly, which she could see how. The voice did tell her that Nero had a deep understanding of their character and situations in their worlds.

"Hey, Boss. Ever think about turning this place into a meditation center?" Toph quipped, her voice carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Nero chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "It's an idea, but I'm not sure our clientele would appreciate the change."

Toph smiled, feeling the vibrations of his laughter through the rooftop. "Yeah, I suppose the crackheads and dead-drunks wouldn't be too keen on finding their inner peace."

Nero took a seat next to her. "Well, the regular soundproofing failed. What else can I do to make it more comfortable for you?"

Toph appreciated his thoughtfulness. "It's fine, really. I like the rooftop. It's... grounding."

"Fair enough," Nero said. 

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the cool night air brushing against them. Toph listened to the city's heartbeat, the faint sounds of life below a constant reminder of where they were.

After a few minutes of silence, Toph spoke up. "You're different from Twinkle-Toes, ah, that's—"

"Aang," Nero finished for her, amusement in his voice.

Toph nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You really know a lot about my world."

Nero laughed warmly. "Don't worry, I haven't seen you naked." He grinned wider as Toph's face turned redder, Nero saw through her thoughts. "Think of it as having a general idea of your story."

Toph's initial embarrassment faded into a smile. "Good to know. It's weird enough being in a whole new universe without that."

Nero leaned back, looking thoughtful. "This world is complex, but I've found having friends makes it a lot more manageable. How are you settling in?"

Toph shrugged. "It's different. But I've been through stranger things. At least here, I'm not being chased by the Fire Nation."

Nero's laugh rumbled through the air. "True, but we have our own set of challenges."

Toph tilted her head, catching the vibrations of Nero's laughter. "I've noticed. Here, it's all about strange creatures and bizarre powers. Back home, it was pretty straightforward—four elements and one chosen one."

Nero's smile was evident in his voice. "Aang might have a different take on the chosen one bit."

Toph clicked her tongue, amusement coloring her tone. "Well, he won't know it anyway."

Nero's laugh was deep and warm. "Unless I summon him too."

Toph turned her head toward him, a habit she had when conversations turned serious. "Can you really do that?"

Nero shrugged, the movement translating through his voice. "It's a bit of a draw of luck but not impossible. Speaking of which, Sokka's here too."

Toph's heart skipped a beat. Sokka. The memory of him brought a smile to her face. "Is he? That's... interesting."

Nero noted the change in her demeanor, his tone turning teasing. "I remember you had a bit of a crush on him, didn't you?"

Toph's cheeks heated, but she didn't shy away. "Maybe. What of it?"

Nero chuckled. "Just saying. I can be your wingman, send you on missions together. The rest is on you, though."

Toph tilted her head, considering his words. "Are you playing matchmaker now, Nero?"

He laughed, the deep resonance she found soothingly vibrated through her. "Maybe. I just know good teamwork when I see it."

Toph smirked, her fingers drumming lightly on the rooftop surface. "Well, I do work better with people I trust."

Nero teased, "Sounds like an excuse to be on his team. Maybe I should ask Sokka what he thinks."

Toph crossed her arms and smirked. "Yeah, like I need your help with that."

Nero chuckled. "Just saying, he might appreciate the company. Besides, you two do make a good team."

Toph tilted her head. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely," Nero replied. "You both have a knack for strategy and thinking on your feet. Plus, he respects you. That's not something he gives lightly."

Toph considered this, her fingers drumming lightly on the rooftop. "Well, it's not like I'm against it. Just... don't make it awkward, alright?"

Nero raised his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it. But you know, it might be fun to see you two in action together more often."

Toph rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Fine, but if he starts acting weird, I'm blaming you."

"Deal," Nero said with a grin. "But I have a feeling you'll handle it just fine."

They listened to the city in silence, then Nero spoke up again, his voice thoughtful. "How do you feel, listening all those criminals lurking in the shadows?"

Toph shrugged. "It is nothing I haven't listened before. It's not like I'm a superhero or anything."

Nero nodded, his voice steady, "Good. Keep that mindset. We do what we can, but we're not superheroes. People are entitled to a certain amount of selfishness."

Toph sighed, shaking her head slightly. "Yep, you're different from Twinkle-Toes." Both laughed, the sound carrying in the cool night air.

The vibrations of their laughter faded, replaced by the steady hum of the city below. Toph could sense the rhythmic thud of Nero's heart, steady and strong. She appreciated his presence, the way he brought a sense of calm and control to the chaotic world they inhabited.

"So, what's next on the agenda?" Toph asked, her fingers tapping lightly on the rooftop surface, picking up the faint reverberations of the city life below.

Nero leaned back, his voice thoughtful. "We need to strategize our next move. The Kingpin won't rest, and neither can we."

Toph nodded, feeling the determination in his words. "Just point me in the right direction, Boss. I'm ready to knock some heads."

Nero chuckled. "I know you are. But we need to be smart about this. We can't afford to be reckless."

Toph smirked. "Smart and careful. Got it. But when the time comes, I want the first shot at whoever's in our way."

Nero's voice turned serious. "You'll get it. But remember, we're a team. We watch each other's backs."

Toph felt a warm sense of camaraderie at his words. "Always, Boss."

Nero then asked, "Wanna see something magical?"

Toph turned towards him, "I would love to SEE!" She emphasized the last word.

Nero chuckled awkwardly, "Haha, right. Anyways." He took out the Finn the Human card he had set aside earlier and handed it over to Toph, "Throw this towards the middle of the roof, and watch."

Toph took the card, feeling its texture and weight. "Alright, let me watch what this does." She flicked it towards the center of the roof with a confident snap.

As the card hit the ground, a bright light emanated from it, pulsing through the rooftop. Toph felt the vibrations intensify as the air around them changed. She sensed the presence of someone new, their footsteps light and quick.

"Whoa, where am I?" a young, energetic voice echoed. "This place is awesome!"

Toph tilted her head, picking up the subtle vibrations of Finn's movements. "So, this is the magic trick? Summoning a kid with a sword?"

Nero's voice cut through the moment. "That's Finn, a warrior with an unbreakable spirit."

Toph raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the new arrival. "What's his deal?"

Finn's voice echoed, filled with a youthful enthusiasm. "I'm here to help! What do you need?"

Toph's smile widened. "I like him already."

Nero smirked, turning towards the voice. "Welcome to our little corner of the universe, Finn."

Finn grinned, his enthusiasm palpable. "Nice to be here too! Always ready for an adventure! So boss, what is the task? Want me to catch that Kingpin for you?"

Nero sighed helplessly, "Not quite yet, but we will catch him soon enough. For now, I want you to train for a while, then I will send you to Hell's Kitchen. In that place, you can help Sakura protect her and the clinic. Well, that place is also crawling with baddies, so you can act in your free time." Nero was really reluctant to summon Finn, as he was really too pure. No matter what, Nero and his Familia were Mafia, and Finn was incapable of doing evil. Marvel Universe was dark, and although Finn could display heroism, it was also depressing.

Toph leaned back, tapping her foot lightly to feel the vibrations around her. "Hell's Kitchen, huh? Sounds like a place ripe for a good brawl."

Nero chuckled, the sound deep and comforting. "You'd love it. It's chaotic, but it's a challenge."

Finn's voice was eager, full of energy. "I'm ready! What kind of training do I need?"

Nero turned his arm black, the transformation emanating a subtle vibration that Toph could feel through the air. "For now, I can only teach you Armament and Observation Haki," Nero stated, his voice steady. "My mastery in the undying will flame isn't enough to teach others yet. But when it is, you'll be the first to know."

Toph leaned back, crossing her arms. "Armament and Observation Haki, huh? Sounds intriguing. What do I need to do?"

Nero shifted slightly, causing the rooftop's vibrations to change. "Let's start with Observation Haki. It's all about sensing the presence, strength, and emotions of others. Close your eyes and focus on your surroundings. Feel the subtle shifts in the air, the faintest of movements."

Toph smirked. "Closing my eyes and sensing around? Oh gosh, how could I even do that?" she said with a sarcastic tone.

Nero was dumbfounded once again. He sighed helplessly. It was really difficult talking with Toph.

"I've been doing that my whole life. Just never had a fancy name for it," she added, settling into a more comfortable position. She let her senses expand outward, picking up the faintest of sounds and movements.

"Well, Observation Haki is a little different," Nero explained. "Not only can you feel people, but you can also perceive attacks intended towards you."

Toph focused, trying to push her abilities further. The vibrations of the rooftop, the subtle shifts in the air, even the faintest rustle of leaves—all these sensory inputs she used to navigate her world. She concentrated, attempting to tap into the deeper awareness Nero described. However, nothing seemed to change immediately.

She frowned. "I don't feel anything different."

Nero chuckled, his tone comforting. "No worries, Haki isn't easy to awaken. It requires willpower, which you both have enough of. It's not something you can pick up in a day."

Toph's smirk returned. "Well, I guess I'll just have to try harder then. I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

"That's the spirit," Nero said, a hint of pride in his voice.

Finn, who had been watching intently, chimed in. "Hey, Toph! I bet you'll get it in no time. You seem really strong!"

Toph chuckled, appreciating the young adventurer's support. "Thanks, kid. I'll get there."

Nero yawned, "You can ask anyone in the team. Everyone learned Haki, that is the benchmark for our familia. Maria and Donald are better in Observation compared to the rest, while Anthony and Nigel are better in Armament. You can ask them."

Toph stretched. "Alright, I'll talk to them. But I need more practice. I'm not used to feeling attacks before they happen."

Nero nodded, leaning back on his elbows. "Observation Haki isn't just about sensing attacks. It's about reading intentions, understanding your environment on a deeper level. Think of it as an extension of your seismic sense."

Toph's brow furrowed. "So, it's like tuning into the vibrations of people's presence?"

"Exactly," Nero said, his voice smooth. "You'll get it. Just keep at it."

Toph sighed. "Fine, I'll keep practicing. But what about Armament Haki? You said it's about making yourself stronger?"

Nero's voice was thoughtful. "Armament Haki is about reinforcing your body, making your strikes harder, your defense tougher. It's like an invisible armor. You need to focus your willpower, channel it into your limbs."

Toph stood up, the cool night air brushing against her skin. "I'll give it a shot." She punched the air, trying to feel the Haki flow through her. But like before, she failed. If she could learn in an hour, that would be a miracle.

"That's enough for now. Go and get some rest. Toph, I'll close the club early today, and tomorrow morning we'll do full isolation," Nero instructed.

Toph waved her hand as she walked away, "Thanks, boss."

Nero smiled, "You too, Finn."

Finn's voice echoed with energy, "Thanks, Nero! I won't let you down."

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