Hello this is a new project I am working on.

This story takes place about 6-5 years before the Miraculous New York Special. So please sit back, relax, enjoy the story, and please don't forget to comment.

Dinobot King out!

The tantalizing scent of hotdogs wafting in the New York air went unnoticed by Francisco as he paced beside the two Bacon Hot Dog stands with his phone to his ear. Fiddling with the loops of his apron tie sitting against the slight bulge of his stomach, he briefly glanced up for any possible customers wanting to sample one of New York's most delicious and very unhealthy delicacies, but figured the other worker watching him curiously from her own position would pick up any slack.

"Come on Dad, please pick up." Francisco growled impatiently as he hoped his father would answer his phone. Unfortunately, it went to voicemail...again.

His co-worker, Elise, cocked her head to side as she watched him. "You good?" she asked, her chestnut eyes wide with worry.

Francisco let out a sigh. "I'm good Elise. It's just that my Dad hasn't picked up. Again." His shoulders slumped as he scrubbed a hand over his face. "I mean today is the Day of the Dead. We always celebrate this holiday together, and now I'm far away from home and he's back in Cali doing business."

With a frustrated shake of his head, the boy tucked his phone in his pocket and started putting together some bacon wrapped hotdogs. Apparently needing to do something with his hands.

Elsie frowned, she hated to see him so down in the dumps. Despite meeting together just for a couple of days she considered him a friend. Glancing between him and her wrist, she fumbled with her charm bracelet as she cleared her throat. "Well you can always celebrate with my family. I want you to come" she stated with a smile then blushed as she realised what she'd said, quickly adding, "My Abuela takes Dia de Los Muertos quite seriously."

Francisco paused to smile at her in return, missing the slight flush and brightness of her eyes. Looking back to his task, he decided to accept her invitation. "Thanks." Mentally tallying what was left of their supplies while flipping a hotdog, he added, "Our shift ends soon. I'll take the leftovers and we can share with your family."

Nodding with so much enthusiasm it had her bun bobbing, Elise grinned. "Don't worry, my Abuellita and Tia have been cooking non-stop all day. You like spicy food?"

Lifting his head to blink in thought, Francisco added, "Mas O menos. It's just I haven't been eating my mom's cooking in a while, but I'll get used to it."

Opening her mouth to reply, Elise froze as her attention was diverted by two angry voices. The two hotdog vendors turned their heads to see what was causing the ruckus. A short distance away, two people were animatedly waving their arms while shouting at each other. It was their distinctive aggression and arrogance which had both Francisco and Elise grimacing.

"Ugh, those guys again! Gang activity is on the rise," Elise states with a shake of her head. Continuing to stare out the window, she let out a sigh. "Well, let's finish restocking so we can get the hell out of here. I'm dying for some Tamales."

"Yeah me too."

Relief washed over both Francisco and Elise when their shift was done. Hanging up their aprons, the pair walked side-by-side to Elise's house. Sinking his hands into the pockets of his jeans, Francisco tilted his head towards his shorter companion. "So, Elise, I know I'm still new to the area but are there really heroes here?"

"It's a bit hard to believe sometimes, but yes," Elise explained, "a wide variety. You probably have heard about Majesta and Knight Owl the most though."

Francisco nodded, "Yeah, I can't believe it." He paused and glanced to the sky briefly with a far-away look. "I used to think they were myths, but I'm glad I was wrong. That's so awesome!"

"Eh, you say awesome," Elise shrugged, far from impressed. "You haven't been stuck on the subway during a villain-hero battle before. It gets pretty scary and annoying when you're late to work."

"Sorry to hear that." He replied while pursing his lips in thought. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to eating some tamales. I haven't eaten some in a while."

With the subtlety of a shadow, a large figure dressed in jeans and leather jacket stepped across their path, bringing the pair to a halt. Running a finger down along the scar on his stubbled left cheek, the gangster wasted no time in his demands as his allies filed in behind him. "Hey! Give us your money!"

Francisco and Elise froze, their eyes wide with shock. A gasp escaped Elise as the gangster held up a knife to emphasise how serious he was.

On impulse, Francisco stepped protectively in front of Elise. "Leave us alone, punks!"

A crooked sneer spread across the gangster's face as he glanced back at his companions, then he lurched forward to punch Francisco hard in the stomach. The boy doubled over, clutching his belly while the gangster spat on the ground. "Don't tell me what to do, fat ass."

With the approving snickers of his gangmates, the scarred thug turned his attention to Elise. But as his hand reached out with the intention of snatching a handful of the girl's shirt, a boomerang sailed through the air whacking the sinister arm away.

"Stop at once," called a gruff voice which had Elise smiling, "This is your only warning."

"Oh shit!" One of the gangsters screeched as they all backed off a step.

The scar-faced ringleader scowled as he held his injured arm but didn't retreat. Instead he shook out his arm, flexed his fingers before curling them back into a fist. "I'll stop when I'm good and ready, hero." The last word was spat out with disgust.

Knight Owl didn't flinch at the so-called insult but took the opportunity to get in front of the targeted civilians. The gang saw it as acceptance of their challenge and a brawl broke out. Fists flew as the superhero ducked and weaved to avoid the blows. Being radically outnumbered, Knight Owl was unaware of the gangster slipping behind him to point a gun at the back of his head.

"Oh no!" Elsie gasped, raising her hands to her face in shock.

Francisco's gaze darted about, seeking a way to aid the superhero. The only viable option was a large broken stick that looked heavy enough to work as a club. Snatching it up, the boy didn't even hesitate. With a heavy swing, he clocked the gun-wielding gangster in the head, knocking him to the ground.

The distraction allowed for Knight Owl to dispatch the remaining gangsters, disabling them from causing further harm. Dusting off his gloved hands, the superhero turned to Francisco. "Not bad, kid. But don't try that again." Then glared at the gangsters, "As for you. There's a nice sturdy cell awaiting."

It didn't take long for the police to arrive and take their statements while arresting the gang members. It wasn't a surprise that all of them were wanted men already.

While Francisco finished talking to the officer, Elise took the opportunity to call her family. "Mom, it's ok don't worry. Mama Raquel I'm alright," she reiterated, trying to reassure them.

Mama Raquel's voice was still laced with concern, "I'm just glad you are alright."

Francisco couldn't help but study the handcuffed gang members who refused to look anywhere but straight ahead.

"They are pathetic you know," Knight Owl stated, breaking Francisco from his scrutiny.

"What?" Francisco asked as he turned his attention to the superhero.

Knight Owl pointed to the criminals. "They are pathetic. Don't be like them," he warned with his eyes narrowing within the mask. "Don't ever fall to their level. I don't think you will but you never know." Knight Owl looked over to Elise talking to her family on the phone. "Also, don't leave your girlfriend waiting."

Francisco spluttered, "She's not my girlfriend...and I won't be like them. I just...I don't know how to protect my new home."

"You're new here?" Knight Owl asked, raising a masked brow.

"Yes," Francisco answered while rubbing his nape, "…and let's just say I had to deal with this a lot of times. Believe me."

The superhero's gaze perused him sharply. "Well, what you did is kind of a start." Those eyes continued to dissect him, before adding, "I could use a temp."

Confusion knit Francisco's brow as he glanced up at the hero. "A temp? What do you mean?"

"The gangs and general scum are not getting any fewer in numbers, to the point they are becoming as dangerous as the lowlife super villains. I'm becoming more and more convinced that it is time that I trained someone to deal with this mess." That pointed gaze continued to bore into Francisco. "You stepped up and assisted me when many would freeze or run away. You acted with the integrity of a hero. The question is, are you up to the task?"

"Whoa, whoa," Francisco said with his hands raised, feeling completely bewildered. To clarify in his own mind, he repeated, "You want me -Mr. Bacon Dog Doughboy- to be a superhero?"

The idea was certainly appealing, but between his job and school, he was already struggling a little. But if it meant he could do good...

Francisco took a deep breath, "If you really believe in me, I'm in."

"Wise choice," Knight Owl beamed as he reached for his hand deeming Francisco

"I won't let you down, sir." Francisco assured as he shook his hand.

Dark Owl gave an approving nod. "Good, your training starts tomorrow"

Then as Knight Owl was about to walk away, Elise called out. "Hey Francisco, still want some tamales?" Come on there almost ready!"

"Yeah I'll be there…" Francisco started to reply until he looked over at Knight Owl.

"You sure about that kid?" The superhero asked as he crossed his arms. "A budding hero needs to be fit. Lay off the grease, it's not good for you. Sacrifices need to be made if you want to be able to chase down criminals and catch them." Knight Owl looked, and pointed at Francisco's soft middle. "I'd suggest losing about 40 pounds as a starting goal. Meet me at Central Park at 7am sharp. Alone."

"Hey Francisco, you want to eat?" Elise called with her hands clasped together and a look of hope on her face.

The boy being questioned blinked as he stared after Knight Owl, somewhat shocked at the superhero's bluntness. "Uh, after what happened today I might need to go home. I'll see you next week, Elise." He said with a sheepish wave to his friend.

There was a shard of disappointment in Elise's tone but she forced a smile as she replied. "Ok. I'll bring some for lunch next week!"

That smile dropped from her lips the moment he turned and walked away. With a despondent sigh, she returned home. Later that night her Grandmother found her, gently but firmly placing her hand on Elise's forearm as she said, "Mija we need to have a talk." Elsie was surprised at the tone from the eldest member of the family but immediately sat up, ready to listen.

Elsewhere, Francisco was lost in his own musings. A million thoughts raced through his head. He was going to be trained by a hero to become a protector of the people. But what did that entail exactly? He knew he had to ditch the greasy food that he was used to eating from the day he was born, and lose 40 pounds. Yet one dominant thought overshadowed them all: What had he gotten himself into?

Poor Francisco it's tough to make sacrifices for new opportunities.

Anyway please leave a comment or a suggestion. Don't be shy to PM me. Next chapter will be a bit off the rating in this story, but please let me know. If there is anyone offended or anything please let me of the criticism

Thank you for having a good day everyone!