Marvel: Genes of Power

Chapter 007: Steve Rogers

Smair, after successfully selling the exercise routines he had acquired, filled his stomach with a hearty meal and rested well for the night. The next morning, he set off at dawn, oriented himself in the correct direction, and began flying steadily toward the United States. His flight wasn't particularly hurried; instead, it was deliberate and calculated, avoiding unnecessary risks.

The thought of Charles' abilities lingered in Smair's mind—those powers could be taken at any time. But the Super Soldier Serum was a different story. It was gone, no longer accessible to him in the present. His current physical body, being only ten years old, couldn't handle the serum even if he had it. But Smair wasn't overly worried; he knew he would find a way to acquire it in the future, when his body would be better prepared to withstand its effects.

Having seen Captain America in his previous world and recalling the plot, Smair knew the tragic fate of the brilliant doctor who had developed the Super Soldier Serum. The doctor was assassinated by HYDRA shortly after Steve Rogers' transformation, leaving Captain America as the only successful product of the serum during that era. Smair couldn't help but scoff at the irony. By 2010, the Marvel Universe was crawling with enhanced super soldiers. By 2025, they were as common as Kryptonite in Superman's world—popping up everywhere with little explanation. Yet, here he was, in 1941, a time when this legendary serum was still a one-of-a-kind miracle.

On his journey, Smair stopped at a large city along the way. He managed to secure a decent amount of charity funds through clever manipulation and used the money to stockpile food reserves. After all, in the unpredictable chaos of World War II, being prepared was a matter of survival. There was no guarantee that he would always stumble upon a city, especially since this period was fraught with scarcity and danger. People were constantly on edge, living under the looming threat of death, whether from bombs or starvation.

Fortunately, Smair's luck held out. He maintained the correct direction during his flight and avoided any unforeseen calamities like sudden storms or turbulent weather. Even though he was confident that such obstacles wouldn't pose a major problem to him, they could easily disorient his sense of direction, costing him precious time. After seven long days of travel, Smair finally reached the vicinity of San Francisco. However, this city wasn't his ultimate destination. His eyes were set on the heart of the United States, the eternal hub of opportunity and innovation—New York City.

Smair had managed to escape from a Nazi concentration camp and had entered the United States as an undocumented immigrant. But in a time of war, when chaos reigned supreme, the country was already brimming with countless illegal immigrants seeking refuge. One more child, like Smair, slipping through the cracks was hardly remarkable.

By the time Smair flew over the dazzling skyline of New York City, it was already nightfall. The city glittered like a jewel, its streets alive with the energy of a world seemingly untouched by the horrors of war raging across Europe. The stark contrast between the devastation he had left behind and the peace he now observed struck him deeply.

Walking along the bustling streets, Smair couldn't help but marvel at the nightlife of 1940s New York. The city's charm was undeniable, its sense of security surprisingly strong. The law and order of this era were far better than what he had read about the future, where gangs and supervillains ran rampant, plunging entire neighborhoods into chaos. For a ten-year-old boy to wander the streets alone at night without fear of harm—it spoke volumes about the times.

As he wandered, his eyes landed on a large advertisement for the upcoming "Stark Expo." He stopped in his tracks, staring at the giant banner with a mix of curiosity and recognition. This was a pivotal moment in the Captain America storyline. Howard Stark, Tony Stark's father, was set to showcase his revolutionary inventions. The Stark Expo was a beacon of hope, a glimpse into the future, but there was one problem—it required an entry fee.

Smair's expression darkened as he muttered in Korean, "Damn the IRS. If they could, they'd probably tax the dead, too. Not to mention tax the air living breath."

With no money to his name, Smair was left standing outside the exhibition, debating whether to sneak in. Just as he was mulling over his options, two figures approached him, their laughter and casual banter catching his attention. Narrowing his eyes, Smair immediately recognized them. One was a thin, frail-looking man—Steve Rogers, the future Captain America. Beside him was a taller, more confident figure—Bucky Barnes, Steve's loyal best friend and the future Winter Soldier.

Smair's mind raced as he pieced together the timeline. This was 1941, nine months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a time when the United States was still debating its entry into the war. The Captain America story was just beginning to unfold.

"Hey, kid, do you want to come in, too?" Steve's kind voice interrupted Smair's thoughts. The man had noticed Smair lingering outside the exhibition, his gaze filled with longing.

"Yes, big brother," Smair replied, putting on a distressed expression. "But my money fell out somewhere on the way here." He turned his empty pockets inside out for emphasis.

"That's no problem. Come with us; I'll pay for your ticket," Steve said warmly, reaching out to pat Smair's head.

Smair stepped back, swatting Steve's hand away. "Don't touch my head! My mom said not to let strangers touch me!" he snapped, feigning indignation.

Steve chuckled, unfazed by the boy's reaction. "What a spirited little guy. Right, Bucky?" he said, glancing at his friend.

Bucky grinned. "Yeah, makes you wonder how his parents let him wander around alone."

Tickets to the Stark Expo weren't exorbitant, as Howard Stark had deliberately kept the prices accessible to the average family. The half-price children's ticket was even cheaper, costing only about five dollars. Steve, true to his nature, didn't hesitate to pay for Smair's entry.

As they stepped inside, Smair felt a pang of self-loathing. Pretending to be a helpless child was humiliating, but it had worked like a charm. He consoled himself with the thought that survival often required swallowing one's pride.

"Hey, Bucky! Over here!" A young woman's voice rang out from the crowd. Smair turned to see two women waving enthusiastically at Bucky.

Bucky nudged Steve with a grin. "That's your date for the night. Don't blow it."

Turning to Smair, Bucky added, "Alright, kid, this is where we part ways. Go explore and have fun, but remember—stick to crowded areas and yell for help if you're in trouble."

"I understand, big brother," Smair replied, nodding earnestly.

As Steve and Bucky walked away, Smair couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for the man who would one day become Captain America. Steve's kindness and selflessness were evident even now, long before he gained his superpowers. In that moment, Smair understood why Captain America was such an enduring symbol of hope in this world. He wasn't just a hero; he was a genuinely good person. He had the heart of Superman.

*****

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