Chapter 12
The time had come for Clint and Harper to face their greatest personal adversaries. They had their quivers on their backs and bows in hand. Harper also had her knives in their places and her pistol in its holster on her hip. They had parked at the far end of what would become the makeshift parking lot for the show. As they approached the entrance, a slight sense of home filled the siblings as the sight in front of them drew closer.
Watching the performers running around, getting everything set up for the evening's show, was almost like going back in time to their childhood; bringing back memories that were hard to ignore. They had spent more time on the road than they had in a real home.
Harper stopped walking and just looked at the tents and the staff wandering about. She couldn't help but feel a sting in her eye from the bittersweet memories that came flooding into her brain. Her emotions started to get the best of her, and she let out a sigh as a single tear began to roll down her cheek. What the hell is wrong with me?
"Hey, you okay?" Clint asked, concerned. He saw his sister's expression change immediately when she noticed him beside her.
"I'm fine," Harper replied, quickly wiping away the stray tear. "It's just been a long time since we've been here."
"Yeah," Clint agreed with a slight nod. "But we need to do this, Harley."
"I know. I'm good," Harper said as she continued walking towards the tents. Clint didn't reply, only giving a sympathetic glance in his sister's direction before following after her.
They walked around the perimeter to the back yard where all the trailers were set up so they could avoid being seen easily. Most of the equipment, and even a lot of the staff, looked all too familiar to the sibling pair. "Bartons?" someone called out, causing both Clint and Harper to look around, searching for where the voice had come from. A woman approached, a look of bewilderment etched on her face. "Is it really you?" she questioned.
"Hi, Marcy," Harper greeted softly.
The look on the woman's face turned to one of shock, “It’s been ages. But it is so good to know that you two are still alive and doing well.” She embraced each of the siblings, though Clint was more welcoming of the gesture. “Don’t take this wrong, as I am so thrilled to see you both, but what are you doing here?" she questioned, looking between the two siblings.
"I'm sorry, Marcy, but we're here for Jacques and Buck. Are they here?" Clint spoke up.
Marcy looked down, as if she had been defeated. "I knew it would happen eventually," she muttered. "I think they are in the main tent. If not, they are at their trailers."
"Thank you, Marcy," Harper sympathetically placed a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"Just, please,” Marcy began, as the siblings started for the tent, “Fight away from the rest of the family? For me?" she pleaded.
Harper turned slightly to look at the old woman, "I promise," she assured her. Marcy nodded once and walked away, back the way she came.
When Harper and Clint entered the main tent, they saw several more familiar faces, but none were the men they were looking for. "What are the odds that Marcy tells them we're here?" Clint questioned.
"Nah," Harper replied, shaking her head. "She’s been expecting this for a long time. She's told them countless times that their bullshit side gigs would get them killed one day."
The siblings left the tent and walked back to the trailers. Harper looked over her surroundings as they made their way toward a trailer at the farthest end of the line. As they approached, they heard two familiar voices. Clint carefully stepped around the front of the RV and spotted the men talking a few feet back. He gestured to his sister, who walked around the back of the vehicle so they could limit the directions the men could run if they tried to escape.
"You know Hawkeye will come after us eventually, Jacques," Buck spoke in a harsh but quiet tone, tightening his quiver against his chest.
"It's been months. Who's to say he even knows she's dead yet?" Jacques countered, sliding his sword into its sheath on his hip. "Besides, he's one of the good guys, remember? He wouldn't risk that for Angel. She was on the losing side anyway."
Buck shook his head, "She was still his sister. That counts for something."
Jacques gave a scoff. "Don't be naive. Hawkeye doesn't care about her."
The siblings took that as their cue to step around the RV and face the two men arguing. "You know," Harper began as she slowly approached them, "For two blundering idiots, I'll give you guys credit for one thing. Your aim has never faltered." She rotated her right shoulder in a circle, “That shit hurt like hell.”
Jacques and Buck turned, eyes wide, as they both saw Harper and Clint walking toward them.
"Well, well," Buck commented with an eyebrow raised as he watched Harper closely. "Nice to see you standing here, little Angel."
"Cut the bullshit, Buck... Or should we skip the formalities? Save us all some pain. Huh, Trickshot?" Harper responded curtly.
Jacques laughed, "Oh, come on. Where's your sense of humor? Or was that the only thing we managed to kill?"
"Funny, Swordsman," Harper shot back sarcastically. "You've both been sent to kill both Bartons now and have succeeded how many times exactly?"
Jacques rolled his eyes, "Why prolong this, Angel? What are you waiting for?"
"I made a promise to someone that we would keep this away from the family," Harper responded honestly. She tried to keep her cool and remain calm, though her tone betrayed her feelings.
"You always were a stubborn, sentimental little bitch," Buck remarked. "Never going back on your word, even as a kid. But then, your word is all you got, isn't it, Angel."
"Are we going to reminisce? Or are we going to settle this? Cause I got shit to do..." Harper snapped, her tone starting to edge out of control.
Clint finally stepped forward, "We all know how this is going to go. So why not cut the crap and get right to business?"
"Fine," Jacques spat. "As long as you can keep from shooting us in our backs like the coward we all know you really are, Angel."
Harper rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Trust me, Jacques, I look forward to watching you die up close and personal," she replied coldly.
"Just move," Clint demanded, gesturing to the vast field behind them.
Jacques and Buck glared at each other for a minute before nodding. They turned and began walking out into the field. Harper and Clint followed, but back far enough that she knew the men couldn't hear her talking. She pulled a blade from her waistband and held it out to Clint.
"Take it," she insisted quietly. "I’m sure this is going to stay fairly close in combat, and they both have blades. You can't use your arrows up close, so you need something in case."
Her brother reluctantly took the knife, tucking it into the waistband of his suit. As the four of them reached the middle of the field, far enough away from the tents that they wouldn’t risk drawing any attention, they stopped, and all looked at one another. The three archers removed their quivers, setting them aside with their bows. Jacques removed the long sword and sheath from around his waist and set it aside as well.
All four of them readied themselves, taking positions, ready for battle. "I knew this day would come eventually," Jacques said, "But I never imagined you two would be working together when it did."
"Yeah, well," Harper began, noticing Jacques' right hand moving to the belt around his jacket, "No one ever said you were smart." She quickly grabbed a dagger from her belt and threw it straight at him.
The blade went through the back of his hand and embedded itself into his hip. Blood spilled out onto the grass below him as the man groaned in pain and instinctively pulled the knife, dropping it to the ground. Harper smirked darkly, taking steps towards him slowly as he doubled over.
"Damn," Clint whispered under his breath.
"You little -" Jacques spat furiously, reaching his left hand to his side. "How dare -"
However, before he could finish speaking, Harper had already reached him. She kicked him in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground on his back. Standing over him, she brought her foot down on his neck, applying just enough pressure to restrict his breathing. His hands flew out in front of his body as he struggled, clawing at her boot. She stood cold, glaring down at him.
Clint had never seen this side of his sister before, but he couldn’t let himself lose focus. Buck charged toward his friend, a knife of his own raised and ready to strike. Clint immediately stepped to the side and picked up his bow, nocking an arrow in the bowstring. "Don't do it, Buck!" he called out.
Harper looked over her shoulder just in time to take a step back and avoid being stabbed in the back by a blade. Jacques let out a strangled gasp as he struggled to catch his breath. "Go ahead," Harper challenged. "You failed once already; what's one more?"
Buck didn't hesitate. His eyes widened, and he quickly moved in for the attack. Clint released his arrow as Harper blocked Buck's knife. She grunted slightly as Buck's blade cut into her arm. The arrow her brother had used lodged into the man's lower back just as Harper spun around and kicked out as Buck still tried to stab her. Between the projectile in his back, and her foot connecting with his midsection, Buck grimaced as pain rushed through him, and he stumbled forward.
Harper took advantage of Buck's momentary weakness and kicked him across the face, sending him sprawling onto the grass. He fell heavily forward with a thud. Harper wasted no time as she swiftly knelt beside him and gripped the shaft of the arrow in his back tightly. She yanked the arrow out harshly and tossed it aside, the damage having already been done.
Jacques got up slowly, stumbling as he tried to regain his footing. "Something... Something is... Different..." he stammered as he finally stood straight.
"Yeah," Harper agreed with a smirk. "What? Did you think I survived on sheer willpower? Guess again, asshole."
Jacques lunged forward with his knife, aiming for Harper's side. She easily sidestepped his blade and jabbed him in the gut with her elbow. The two clashed violently, each fighting to get the upper hand on the other. Harper punched Jacques' jaw repeatedly while he attempted to kick her knees out from under her. In retaliation, Harper kicked him directly in the stomach and sent him flying backward. He doubled over, and Harper kicked him in the ribs, knocking him to the ground once again.
Clint saw Buck begin to stir and took it upon himself to stop his former mentor. He dropped his bow and sprinted forward as Buck regained his balance. Clint knocked Buck back with a kick to his ribs, causing him to fall back to the ground. Buck let out a grunt of pain when he tried to get up but found his legs shaking uncontrollably. Between the pain in his side and the wound to his spine, Buck was barely able to stand, but his determination, and adrenaline, won out.
The four fought back and forth; trading blows until the sun started to set. They were all tired and hurt; Jacques and Buck more so than the siblings. The three men were getting increasingly more fatigued as the minutes passed. Thanks partly to the serum flowing through her, Harper was hanging on just fine.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Clint and Harper stood over their former mentors. Their breathing heavy as their wounds bled through their clothes and they glared down at the men before them. Harper held her pistol in her hand pointed down at one of the men. "It's over," she stated simply. "We all knew this could only end one way."
Jacques narrowed his eyes at the young woman, fury, and frustration evident in every line of his face. "Then do it," he spat.
She grinned wickedly as she fired her pistol. There wasn't time to react as the bullet struck Jacques dead center in the forehead. His body went limp, lying motionless on the grass. Harper turned to Clint, "It has to be done, Hawk. You or me?" she asked him.
He knew exactly what she meant. "I need to do it," he told her sincerely. Harper held the pistol out for him. Clint glanced at Jacques' body for just a second before reaching out and grabbing the weapon.
Harper gave Jacques one last show of respect, reaching down and closing his eyes before she began walking back across the field toward the tents. She stopped to grab her bow and quiver, along with her knives, as she went. As she got to the trailers, she slumped to the ground next to one, leaning her head back against the side and closing her eyes. It wasn't much longer before she heard the shot.
She opened her eyes, looking out at the field, watching as Clint slowly made his way across toward her. When he finally reached her, he lowered himself to the ground next to her, handing her pistol back. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry," Harper offered quietly.
He shook his head, "Like you said, this only ended one way. It was them or us."
"I know, but still." She sighed and closed her eyes.
They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sounds from the show inside the multiple tents. It was comforting, somehow. Harper let out a long sigh as if releasing the mountain of tension she had been carrying for months. Finally, knowing that not only was she safe, but her family was as well. Harper felt a hand grasp her own and looked over to see Clint watching her. "What?" she asked quietly.
"Thank you," he replied simply.
"For?" she questioned, confused.
"Everything," he shrugged. "You took on so much through the years for my family and me. I can tell, with those two gone now," he gestured to the field where the two men's bodies remained, "That you feel like a weight has been lifted. I just want you to know I appreciate everything you did for me. And I'm sorry I was such a dick to you."
Harper snickered, "You were kind of a dick, huh?" The siblings laughed quietly together, for the first time in a very long time.
Hearing a lull in the excitement of the show, Harper and Clint finally decided it was time to go. They rose to their feet, grabbed their weapons, and made their way through the trailers. As they got close to the event entrance, they spotted Marcy standing there. She smiled lightly at them both as they approached. "Well?" she asked.
"They are in the field, Marcy. I'm sorry," Harper apologized.
Marcy nodded, "It's okay, my little Angel. Rather it be you two that did it than some low life that might come lookin’ for more from me." She stepped closer to the siblings, and the three embraced in a group hug.
"Thank you, Marcy," Harper said quietly. "We owe you so much more than we could ever repay."
"Think nothin' of it, baby girl." Marcy pulled away and gave them each a warm smile. "All I ever wanted was to see you two grow up and succeed in this life. And you've each done that and more."
"We owe it all to you, Marcy," Clint added softly. "Thank you."
"Oh, quit thankin’ me, sweet pea. You did it all on your own," Marcy insisted. "Now, you best get out of here. I doubt anyone heard the shots, but you never can tell."
The siblings nodded, each giving Marcy one final embrace before walking toward the makeshift parking lot. Harper turned back briefly, "They still have their weapons, Marcy. It didn't feel right to take them."
"Don't you worry," she assured, "We'll take care of all that."
Harper gave the older woman a final smile before jogging to catch up with her brother. Clint draped an arm around Harper's shoulders as they walked. Though it was a foreign gesture to her, Harper allowed it. They walked in comfortable silence together, content to just enjoy the sounds of the night as they made their way through the rows of parked cars to their vehicles.
Chapter 14 – Masterlist – Taglist
Chapter 4
A mere three weeks after her chance encounter with the men at the park, Maura managed to put a new routine in place for herself amongst the team.
Each morning she got up, packed a bag, and went for a run at a different location, never hitting the same place twice. Sometimes it was a park, a lake, a running track, or a densely wooded area; always something different. She claimed it was a way to keep her body guessing, different terrain, so her muscles never got used to one form of running.
The truth was, Maura was setting up a way for her to slip away without anyone questioning. She had an assignment from those men, and she needed to be there. Now she could make her appointment without the Avengers questioning anything.
Today was like all the rest, only this time, Maura added a few items to her bag. She still got her run in, but instead of going back to the Tower, Maura went to the location Sergeant Batrel had given her.
“It is good to see you made it,” Lieutenant Saltz greeted.
“Well, sir, Sergeant Batrel told me to be here. I had little choice in the matter.”
“Now, Raven, there is always a choice, and we have not yet ordered you to do anything.”
Keep reading
Chapter 12
Maura looked at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t even been back a year yet, but each time she donned her Hydra uniform on, she felt a greater sense of discomfort than she had the time before. Hydra had been her home; she had worn the symbol proudly for so many years. She had been happy to do her part, fulfilling her duty to an organization that, in her mind, saved her life.
But now? Knowing what she now knew about her family, about S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra, she saw no reason at all to wear the symbol, nor to serve Hydra any longer. Maura had hoped that the feeling would fade the longer she spent back in the black, but it had grown stronger by the day. She now knew that to some extent, for better or worse, both Hydra and the Avengers had raised her. How could she help her friends if she failed to do what she felt was right?
She thought of her entry into Hydra after she was left in that hospice, alone, without any family to keep her grounded. They had taken her in, given her work and a sense of purpose. She had been a special ops agent, trained to a level only the best were allowed to reach. Intensive study under the likes of the Winter Soldier himself. She even taught young agents the ropes and how to be good spies. But that was all behind her now.
Keep reading
Chapter 3
Maura had been at the Tower with the Avengers for a total of three months. She was slowly but surely getting to know everyone and gaining the trust of each of the members. She was still struggling to crack the tough shell of others, but that was to be expected with some.
She had always been very interested in the people around her, even more so in those that stood alone. Being laid up in a hospital bed most of her life, she had little else in which she could excel.
Maura worked hard to learn as much as she could about each individual. Not only to build a relationship with each of them but to learn of each one’s weakness. For each one, there was a piece of information that she aimed to find out; the tiniest of details always saved to memory. She trained herself to pick out every little nuance, details about their past, present, and even what they wanted for their future.
Since the first Avenger started coming out of their shadows, Maura worked to get a clearer picture of their original personalities. Who they had been before Hydra or S.H.I.E.L.D., and who they were now; the traits that had molded them.
Keep reading
Chapter 1
Five Hydra agents sat around the large table. A lone female agent stood off in a corner, just watching and waiting. Hydra needed more intel on the Avengers, more than what was already public knowledge, and the men were trying to come to an agreement on the best course of action to obtain something useful. They needed a new approach.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was easy - but the Avengers proved to be more difficult. It was going to take someone special to get into their ranks.
“Raven is our best asset and the only one that can do the impossible,” Lieutenant Saltz spoke. “She can get past their security measures without a problem and get us what we need.”
“She’s reckless,” agent Dakini said. “We can’t trust her to -”
“She will be the best person to infiltrate the Avengers,” Sergeant Batrel interrupted. “No one else has the connection, yet disconnect, that she does to them.”
Dakini rolled his eyes. “We can’t just send her into them. They’ll -”
“Raven and Stark have a history,” Sanzetti finally spoke up. “She can get close to them - she can get in.”
Agent Dakini shook his head tightly. “It’s been decades! Who’s to say he’ll even remember her? Let alone trust her enough to allow her in.”
Sergeant Batrel glared at the agent before turning to Malick at the head of the table. “She’s our best option here, sir.”
“She’s not ready,” Dakini said adamantly, but the other three agents did not hear his words. They heard her.
“I will do whatever Hydra needs of me.”
“Raven,” Batrel looked up with a stoic expression.
Agent Dakini frowned and pressed his lips together. “She’s not ready,” he said quietly, “She’s unstable, sir. She went against orders last time she confronted them; how do we know she won’t do the same and betray Hydra when left on her own?”
The other three agents exchanged looks before the Lieutenant shook his head briefly. “She’s our best chance,” he said, “And if she proves she’s not ready, then I’ll deal with it.”
The four agents began to argue, but Malick did not say anything. He knew the potential of enlisting Raven to get the intel, and if that meant dealing with her if she tried to leave - then so be it.
They had lost The Soldier to the Avengers already, but they had to retake the risk. The only advantage they have with Raven is that her ties don’t run nearly as deep to her past as The Soldier's had.
“Get her ready,” Malick finally spoke.
“Sir?” Dakini spoke again, “We should at least send a second in with her to make sure nothing-?”
“She can take care of herself,” Malick spoke again. “Get her ready.”
Raven nodded at her superior before leaving the room.
Agent Dakini shook his head. “They’re going to kill her.”
Batrel looked up at him, “I don’t think so. I know she will succeed for Hydra.”
“It’s a suicide mission.”
Sanzetti stood and turned to Dakini. “Not if she’s on her own. We saw it with the Soldier; the Avengers won’t easily destroy one of their own.”
“She’s not one of theirs.”
“Not yet.”
Dakini could only shake his head, “Sir, I really must object to this.”
Sanzetti looked to his superior and waited for him to respond.
“You’ve already made your point clear - we’ll talk later.”
Agent Dakini started to speak again but sighed and shook his head.
Malick turned to the Sergeant and Lieutenant. “Good work with preparing her for this. But know, if she goes against her training, it is on you two as well.”
They nodded in understanding. Malick dismissed Sanzetti and Dakini, leaving just Saltz and Batrel with him in the room. They remained silent for a few moments before one finally spoke up.
“Are we sure this is the best course of action? Sending Raven, alone, into not only S.H.I.E.L.D. but the Avengers?” Saltz asked.
Malick shook his head. “She’s special.”
“She is damaged.”
Malick paused, “Is she?”
“Sir?” Saltz questioned.
“I think...” Malick began, “I think she has always been special, just in her own way. She doesn’t fit in the normal situations, like the X-Men or the Avengers. She was created, yes, but not by anything here. Her different fighting styles, her unusual tactics - I think that was always there. I think some, even in the laboratory, knew she was different. I think they tried to make her into a weapon like they had the others - but Raven was and always will be a thing of her own.”
“She functions and does what Hydra forces her to do. Like all the others,” Batrel reasoned.
“No.” Malick shook his head. “She will never be like the others, and even if she is, she may never be wholly Hydra. But I am willing to take that risk again.” He stood. “She is our last hope, and if she succeeds, she will be our first Avenger recruited.”
“But they’ll never trust her,” Saltz assured.
“She’s not looking for trust. She’s looking for a place to belong.” Malick smiled.
“But, sir.”
“It’s been decided. There will be no more talk on the matter. ” Malick turned on his heel.
“Sir?” The two men questioned in unison.
The officer stopped but did not turn. “I take full responsibility for anything she may do that is unexpected of her. Or anything unexpected that she may do that is expected of her. Do not question me again.”
“Sir,” The men acknowledged.
“Dismissed.”
The agents nodded before leaving the room.
Malick stood at the door, watching. If he was correct, and he knew he was, then Raven could change everything.
Raven stood at the desk inside the doors of the massive building.
“Can I help you?” The woman behind the desk asked, never looking up from her computer screen.
“I need to speak with Mr. Stark. Can you tell me whe-”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the receptionist cut off, “But no one sees Mr. Stark, or any of the Avengers, without prior approval.”
“I have prior approval. From a Mr. Stark himself.” She reaches into her small handbag and pulls out an ID, showing it to the woman.
“Well then,” the receptionist pauses, seeing the name on the card, “Oh, ma’am, I am so sorry. I-I didn’t know. Le-Let me just call up to his office and let them know you are here.”
“No, please, I’d much rather surprise him. I just need to know which way it is to his main office, please.”
“Of course. Just, uh, take that elevator there,” the receptionist pointed to a lone set of doors at the far side of the building entrance, with a guard standing next to them. “There’s only one button inside, ma’am, and it will take you directly to Mr. Stark and the Avengers’ main lobby upstairs.”
“Thank you so much for your help.” She smiled sweetly at the woman before turning and walking to the elevator. The guard had watched the interaction from afar and let her in immediately as she arrived.
Pressing the button, she held her breath as the elevator lifted her to the top floors.
Chapter 3 -- Masterlist -- Taglist
Chapter 13
A couple of months had passed since Maura made her return to the Tower. With the help of Natasha and Wanda, she had been able to begin slowly regaining the trust of those around her. After all that had happened, she knew it would take them some time to accept her again fully. That was okay, though; she could wait.
There was one person that welcomed her back with open arms, though as if she had never been gone a day. Morgan. Her niece stuck by her side every chance she could. Tony was, rightfully, reluctant about allowing his daughter to spend time with Maura, but Pepper convinced him to give it a chance.
“Maura has never done anything to Morgan that would give cause for concern, Tony. You can see how much she loves her aunt,” she tried to reason.
“She left her, Pepper. She gave no warning at all, just abandoned her.”
Keep reading
Chapter 6
The Avengers Compound had a lot of security. There were cameras, guards, alarms, and sensor systems around the perimeter to keep out intruders and any other threats. Maura got through it all and found a place to park. She pulled her hood over her head as she exited the car and made her way into the building. She wore her regular clothing since she wasn't instructed to arrive in anything else and was ready to show Fury everything she had to offer to S.H.I.E.L.D..
When Maura walked into the training room, she was a bit nervous. She had no idea what to expect, and she didn’t know what was in her file with S.H.I.E.L.D. to be able to judge just how much they knew about her gifts. She stood with her hood up and her hands behind her back, hiding her face in the shadows.
“Maura, please step forward,” Nick said as he entered the training room.
Maura walked to the center of the room, slowly lowering her hood as she went.
“I just need to see you prove to us that you can handle the gifts you have and can be a good addition to the team,” Fury explained.
“Director Fury, I know I can handle whatever you may have to throw at me,” Maura said, remaining calm and confident. She was ready for anything that she would face when she joined the Avengers.
“Maura, I have never met anyone that has not only an ability to manipulate energy but the ability to control each of the four main elements as well. Is there anything else you can do?” Fury asked.
“No, that’s all,” Maura answered calmly.
“Let’s start simple then, shall we?” He gestured to a table across the room, “Two of the four elements are on that table; show us what you can do.”
Maura glanced at Nick a moment before turning her attention back at the table.
“Water,” She said calmly, then extended her right hand. The water lifted slowly from the bowl. Bringing it to hover in front of her, she formed it into a sphere above her hand. The water seemed to bubble as she manipulated it.
Suddenly, the door behind the duo was flung open. In a matter of milliseconds, Maura had taken in her surroundings as she turned herself around to face the newcomer, noticing Fury never even flinched. Maura was sure this was part of her test and, as such, needed to keep herself under control.
This new stranger held what could only amount to a flamethrower, already lit with an intense flame. Maura lifted her left hand, causing the fire to shift toward the ceiling rather than toward herself and the director. With a wave of her right hand, the hovering water found and doused the flame altogether.
A second intruder came through a side door, firing a standard-issue semi-automatic weapon. Luckily for Maura, Hydra used the same gun, so she was very familiar with its workings. A flick of her left wrist had managed to trap the barrage of bullets into a small sphere hovering freely in the air. Once she was sure they had lost their trajectory, she allowed them to drop to the floor.
The first man ran toward Maura, causing her to smirk a little. She outstretched her right hand toward the table again; the dirt in the second bowl rose and floated quickly toward the center of the room. It halted directly in front of her, waiting for her command. She snapped her fingers, and the dirt formed into a fist. Maura brought it to a halt directly in front of the man’s face.
She turned her focus back on the man holding the gun. The water that had pooled on the floor had now formed into a bladed weapon of its own. Just like the fist, it came to a stop in front of her as if waiting for an order. She waved her fingers over the blade. A mist rose off the surface, gathering into a cloud. The water that had formed the knife became solid ice, yet the room's temperature remained the same.
Maura shook her finger toward the man and sent the blade flying toward the gunman. It embedded into the wall directly behind him, missing his body by mere centimeters. She knew he was no real danger to her, so she would not cause any actual harm.
“Enough,” Fury’s voice boomed through the room. “Excellent, Maura. I think you will be a great addition to the Avengers.”
“Thank you, sir. ” Maura said, turning to grin at the director. She was very proud of herself and everything she had shown Fury today. Indeed she could not be denied now.
“You’re welcome to explore the compound here as well; get used to your new surroundings. You are free to head back to the Tower any time,” he added as he strode away from her.
Maura turned, walked out of the training room, and headed straight back to her car. She was famished and needed to head back, making a quick stop at a small cafe in a small town between the compound and the city.
Sitting at the small table on their outdoor patio, snacking on a small bowl of fruit, and reading a magazine that someone had left behind, Maura seemed to be in her own little world. She didn’t react when someone sat across from her, never even looking up from the glossed papers in her hand.
“It’s done. I’m officially on the team.” She said coldly.
“Good.”
Maura knew immediately that it was her Sergeant that had joined her this time. “Yeah,” she said, continuing to read, never lifting her eyes to the man sitting opposite. “He seemed impressed enough. I’m sure he is calling them to give the good news now.”
“What do you know thus far? Anything that can help us prepare?” Batrel questioned.
“Not really,” Maura shrugged. “Most of the intelligence is common knowledge and Fury seems pretty good about keeping things out of the records. Their weaknesses, outside of physical anyway, are fairly predictable, mostly family-oriented. Banner is going to be the most difficult there, simply because his greatest weakness is, in a sense, himself. But outside of family ties, and big skeletons, there isn’t much yet, sir.”
“Skeletons?”
“Things like Fury’s death, missions that the Widow and Barton took part in that no one else seems to know about. None of it seems relevant enough for our task though, so I’ve shifted my focus solely to Stark. He knows more about projects his father worked on than what is accessible in files, not to mention a slew of his own projects that he has been working on. He has begun to show me some in his varying labs, but I haven’t managed to get him to allow me into the newest one. That is the one I feel could be the most beneficial to us.”
“Seems you have a solid plan in place then.” He spoke. “Do you feel you can do it quickly?”
“I don’t know; it’s going to take a little time to get in good enough with Stark to be able to truly learn anything about this new project. What is the timeline I have?” Maura asked, finally looking up from the magazine, giving her companion her full attention.
“Generally, this would need to happen much faster, but given your…” Batrel paused, “Your relationship, we’re willing to give the time needed. Provided we are kept up to date on it all.”
“There are at least half a dozen Hydra agents inside the Tower; I’ve seen them. I can begin getting word through them the times I am unable to reach out myself. ” She said, a little smugly.
“Good,” Batrel said.
“When is he expecting another contact from me?” Maura asked, returning to her magazine.
“We will give you three months to get accustomed to your new role, but then we will need to have something substantial, or we will pull you out. It can be small, but it needs to show that you are getting the job done.” Sergeant Batrel stood from his chair.
“Three months will be plenty of time.” Maura shrugged. “You will have something by then.”
Batrel nodded and left. Maura waited another few minutes, finishing her food and paying her small bill before taking her leave and heading back to the Tower.
That evening, having celebrated her achievement and welcoming her to the team, everyone departed for their respective floors and rooms to get some much-needed sleep. She was just getting ready for bed when someone clicked on a small light in her room. A voice poked its head around the door. “Maura? Are you decent?”
“Yes, Tony, come in.”
Tony walked in with a flat box that he hid behind his back.
“Oh no, you didn’t just bring me something,” Maura could feel a look of apprehension come over her face as Tony laughed.
“It’s just a little welcome home gift.”
“Gift? What are you talking about?” Maura felt uneasy. She was not easily startled, but she was extremely wary.
“Just open it, Maura.” He said, handing her the neatly wrapped box.
She carefully removed the ribbon that held the two halves together. She set it on the bed in front of her and lifted the lid, setting it aside. Her eyes widened, seeing the deep red leather in front of her.
“Tony, what -”
“You’ve been working hard and showing some potential. I felt it only right that, joining the Avengers, you have a proper outfit to use on missions.”
Maura couldn’t help but be in awe. She lifted the suit from the box to admire it in its whole light. It was the same color as Tony’s armor with an Avenger ‘A’ at the center of the belt. “I - I don’t know what to say.” Maura looked at Tony with a grin on her face.
“Say thank you?” Tony said, his sarcastic charm ever-present.
“Thank you, brother. It’s perfect.” She stood from her spot, and they embraced in a quick show of gratitude.
“Well, Maura, get some rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” Tony said, smiling wide.
Maura sat on the bed and looked at the new suit once more. Then she closed the lid on the box and put it on the floor next to the bed. She didn’t sleep that night, pleasantly surprised with her new gift, and excited for the future.
Chapter 8 – Masterlist – Taglist
Chapter 3
The distinct click of the door draws my attention to the figures entering the room. Natasha, Steve, and Tony stand just inside the door, none of them daring to get too close.
“So, Marena, to what do we owe this surprise visit?” Tony is the first to speak.
Standing up from my spot on the floor, I brush myself off and rest my hands on my hips. “This doesn’t look like a visit to me, Stark.”
“Well, you did abandon us. You can’t tell me you expected us to welcome you with open arms, did you?” Steve tries to reply nicely, but I can hear the slight pain in his voice.
“I guess not. But I didn’t expect this either. I’ve given you no reason not to trust me.”
“You left with no warning. No one could find you, not even Fury. Why?” Nat takes a couple of steps toward me but still keeps her distance.
“Я думал, что достаточно ясно дал понять, что это произошло потому, что я не хотел, чтобы меня нашли. (I thought I had made it clear enough that this was because I didn't want to be found.)”
I can see Bucky tense up again in my peripheral sight. Now I know it is just because of the language; Russian still makes him uneasy.
I turn to look at Bucky briefly and offer a reassuring smile. “Sorry, Soldier. I forget, sometimes.”
Turning my attention back to the others, I reply in English this time. “I had my reasons. And I have no reason to tell them to any of you.”
Bucky can’t seem to take his eyes off of me now. I can tell he is still trying to figure me out. What our past might have been. Who I am exactly.
“Что он делает? (What is he doing?)” Nat whispers, nodding toward him.
“Он пытается понять, откуда он меня знает. Но он не может. Благодаря Ваканде некоторые воспоминания остались - (He's trying to figure out how he knows me. But he can't. Thanks to Wakanda, some memories remain -) ” I trail off as I look over and meet his eyes. I watch as his jaw tenses again.
“Sorry. I promise I’ll work on remembering,” sarcasm lacing my voice as I speak. “But if it’s any consolation, I know which words to avoid.” I wink at him.
The four of us just watch as Bucky lets out a sigh and walks out of the room.
As soon as the door clicks shut, Nat whips around and stares at me. Her hands on her hips.
“What was that about?”
“Nothing,” I reply coldly.
“You and Barnes have a history or something?” she inquires.
“You could say that.” I nodd.
“What kind of history exactly?”
“Забудь об этом, вдова, (Forget it Widow),” I answer sternly.
“Ohhh...? Must be something deep for you to be calling me that - Shadow.”
I can’t help but smirk a little at her sarcasm. She always did prefer calling me that over anything else. Not to say she wouldn’t use my real name when around others, but she always used Shadow when she was, well, my sister and not the agents we were supposed to be.
“Shadow?” Tony’s voice brakes through our little argument.
It is kind of funny to me still, after all these years, to see Nat’s composure change when we are together in a relaxed environment.
She isn’t the always-ready weapon we were made to be. She is instead more of the child she suppressed for so long. Knowing she is one hundred percent safe with me around, she doesn’t have to be ready to fight.
“At least tell us what you did while you were gone, Marena?” Steve speaks as he makes his way to where I am standing — seemingly ignoring the conversation that had just taken place. “Did you work for the enemy? Did you share any of our secrets?”
Tony offers his input too. “Why should we trust you again? Especially since we’re missing some pieces about who you are.”
“I did freelance work. If someone was willing to pay enough, I didn’t care what side the client was on. I never took out any of your direct allies, though, if that’s what you’re asking. And no, I didn’t share any of your secrets. You should know me better than that, Steve.”
“I never know what to think with you, Petrova.”
“And as for you, Stark?” I look around Steve’s towering form. “I’ll gladly answer whatever questions you have, within reason.”
“Shadow?” he repeats, just staring at me.
“I was trained in the same facility as the Black Widows. Just under a different program. There’s no record of my training, missions, or life before I escaped from Hydra. Just rumors and ghost stories. A shadow. Just as they trained me to be.”
“That’s it?” he asks, shaking his head.
“That’s it… As far as the name goes anyway.” I smirk at him.
“What about before you left? You were on Cap’s team before disappearing; how can I know I can trust you?”
“I wasn’t on any damn team, Stark,” I snap, “I helped Steve because of Barnes. Unless you would have preferred, I let him destroy more than he did?”
“How exactly did you help? How do you seem to know so much about the Winter Soldier?”
“Research,” I say coldly, not willing to go into exact detail.
“Fine. I thought we destroyed everything about the soldier? So how would you know how to trigger him?”
I look around Tony to Steve. “You’re welcome for that, by the way.” He just smiles in response as I turn my attention back to answer Tony's question. “I knew how to activate the Winter Soldier long before any of you knew he was real.”
“And I’m just supposed to trust that you won’t activate him for the sheer enjoyment of it?”
“Tony, let me ask you something. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?”
“Well, no, but -”
“Then why would now be any different? You know me, Stark. Look me in the eyes and tell me you can’t trust me.”
“Fair enough.” Tony nods in understanding.
“Look, I may not be pleased about how I came back to the Tower. And I won’t say that I’m happy to be here at all with all this uncertainty surrounding me. But, if you’ll have me, I’d like to stay. For a little while, at least.”
I look at Tony for an answer.
“You know you always have a room here, no matter what. Just, please, don’t make me regret that. Deal?” He smirks a little.
“Deal, Stark,” I smirk back.
“Welcome home, Marena.” Steve wraps his arms around me and gives me a welcoming hug.
I stand watching as Tony makes his way out of the room, followed closely by Steve.
Chapter 5 - Masterlist - Tag List
Chapter 13
A couple of months had passed since Maura made her return to the Tower. With the help of Natasha and Wanda, she had been able to begin slowly regaining the trust of those around her. After all that had happened, she knew it would take them some time to accept her again fully. That was okay, though; she could wait.
There was one person that welcomed her back with open arms, though as if she had never been gone a day. Morgan. Her niece stuck by her side every chance she could. Tony was, rightfully, reluctant about allowing his daughter to spend time with Maura, but Pepper convinced him to give it a chance.
“Maura has never done anything to Morgan that would give cause for concern, Tony. You can see how much she loves her aunt,” she tried to reason.
“She left her, Pepper. She gave no warning at all, just abandoned her.”
Keep reading
Chapter 4
A mere three weeks after her chance encounter with the men at the park, Maura managed to put a new routine in place for herself amongst the team.
Each morning she got up, packed a bag, and went for a run at a different location, never hitting the same place twice. Sometimes it was a park, a lake, a running track, or a densely wooded area; always something different. She claimed it was a way to keep her body guessing, different terrain, so her muscles never got used to one form of running.
The truth was, Maura was setting up a way for her to slip away without anyone questioning. She had an assignment from those men, and she needed to be there. Now she could make her appointment without the Avengers questioning anything.
Today was like all the rest, only this time, Maura added a few items to her bag. She still got her run in, but instead of going back to the Tower, Maura went to the location Sergeant Batrel had given her.
“It is good to see you made it,” Lieutenant Saltz greeted.
“Well, sir, Sergeant Batrel told me to be here. I had little choice in the matter.”
“Now, Raven, there is always a choice, and we have not yet ordered you to do anything.”
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