Part 32: The Avengers Initiative
A/N: blah blah blah proper name place name backstory stuff
You hold a funeral alone.
The small cemetery in the backyard of the manor is quiet, empty. The graves are empty. The house is empty.
Your heart feels just as hollow.
“…and I’m sorry.” You duck your head as you speak, sitting beside your father’s headstone. “It should’ve been me.”
Rain starts to fall as you sit there in your guilt, shame running ragged through your chest.
“That was the one line you wouldn’t cross—killing someone. But I did. I thought I had to at the time, but what difference does it make? You’re still gone and now I’m a murderer.”
Inhaling slowly, you drop your head against his gravestone. “I’m so sorry.”
The kitchen is quiet, empty. Much too big for just you.
The fridge is full of expired food, so you had to throw it all out. Your dinner consists of black beans and canned peaches.
If you don’t look at it as you eat, it’s easier to stomach.
The news plays on the television you dragged in from the living room, volume muted.
Flashes of pictures from Arkham Asylum’s most recent outbreak appear on the screen, followed by a terrified looking newscaster listing their most recent spotting.
You watch for another minute before deciding you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if you let anyone else get hurt.
The rest of your life will be spent making retributions and that still won’t be enough.
You leave the manor quickly, snagging the suit your father took from you months ago.
It’s going to be a long night.
You go to the store alone, stopping for coffee along the way.
The coffee shop is busy, bustling with customers that finally seem to have adjusted to this new lifestyle. At least, as much as they can.
“Name for the order?” The barista asks, staring at you blankly.
You respond with your name, scanning the board before landing on one of the themed drinks.
Your stomach flips as you order it.
The crowd doesn’t lessen as you move to the side, instead it nearly doubles. That’s what you get for waking up on time.
Every person that passes feels like a threat. Every second feels like a countdown on a timer, counting down to doomsday.
But the worst has already happened, so why are you so afraid? Everything after this is the fallout.
Your eyes well up with unshed tears before you blink them away. You don’t have time to feel guilty.
The manor is cold and lifeless, almost literally so. You’re the only one left and yet you only feel half alive. You barely even feel human these days.
There’s a knock on the door, slow but firm. Insistent in it’s repetition.
You approach it slowly, not sensing any danger, but this wouldn’t be the first time it didn’t work.
For all you know, Venom could be on the other side of the door. Even Thanos himself could be.
You wouldn’t put it past him.
Coming back from the dead just to haunt you? He already haunts your dreams.
“Coming!” You finally speak as the knocking increases it’s pace.
Pulling the door open quickly, you prepare for the worst.
Instead, you find two men standing on your porch.
One of them smiles while the other looks at you as if he hasn’t smiled since he got the eyepatch that covers his eye.
“Ms. Parker? Or is it Wayne?” The happier one asks.
“Either is fine. Parker, preferably. Who are you?”
“My name is Phil Coulson, I’m an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. Have you heard of us?”
You blink. Everyone knows S.H.I.E.L.D.
He doesn’t falter at your short response. “Could we come in? This conversation would be better had inside.”
“Who is he?” You nod towards the man with the eyepatch who hadn’t taken his eye off of you since you opened the door. “You guys have got a real good cop, bad cop thing going.”
The second man smiles wryly, “Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Now, may we come in?”
“Mr. Stark would want me to say no.”
He sends you an unimpressed look before you step aside, gesturing for them to enter.
“I thought it was funny.” Phil Coulson whispers as he passes.
“Are you serious?” Fury asks.
“Rarely.” You pause before adding, “Just don’t get mud on the carpet.”
The two men follow you to the kitchen, scanning each room they pass for any hidden threats.
“There’s no one else here, trust me.”
Fury grunts, not accepting your words as true, if his continued inspection is anything to go off of.
“Coffee?” You ask, knowing Alfred would kill you if you were a bad host. Aunt May too.
“Please.” Coulson sinks into a table at the chair, dropping his briefcase beside him.
“So?” You prompt when nobody speaks after several moments. You slide a mug in front of Coulson, which he accepts readily.
“I’m here to talk to you about the Avengers Initiative.”
“I’m already an Avenger.”
“Barely. But I need you to be. With the rest of the Avengers and the Justice League gone, we’re at a complete loss in the defense department. If anyone else like Thanos shows up again, we’ll lose.”
“We already lost.” You scoff.
“A little under half of Earth’s population still exists. And as long as we’re alive, I have a job to do.”
“Look, I don’t know what you want me to do. I failed at being an Avenger. I lost, regardless of what you think. Dr. Strange saw no reality where we would win. Not even one! You don’t want me as an Avenger."
“It will have to be.” He snaps, quickly growing frustrated with your pessimism.
Coulson interrupts, hands coming up in defense. “You’ve been through a lot. We wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t necessary. Earth is completely defenseless right now, and besides Hawkeye, you’re the only Avenger left.”
He’s quiet for a moment, considering his words before his face softens. “Your aunt has already approved of this plan. In case something were to happen to her—”
“She sold me to the government?!”
“No, of course not. You are free to leave whenever you want. There are plenty of other options, like foster homes and boarding schools. Barton has also agreed to take you in.”
“Barton? Like Clint Barton? Like the Hawkeye?”
“Really? I didn’t think he liked me that much.”
His lips quirk up, “Maybe not. But contrary to what he wants everyone to believe, Agent Barton is a sucker for a charity case.”
“I found it a little hard to believe myself, but the man is a humanitarian.”
“Why doesn’t he lead your team then?”
You scoff, shaking your head. “Of course he did.”
Coulson stares for a moment, eyeing your tearful expression. “Maybe it would be beneficial for the two of you to talk. About what happened, or…”
“No.” You wipe your tears away aggressively, training your eyes on the man in front of you. “Its time for you to leave.”
He stands immediately, joining Fury who never sat down.
“Take this. Consider our offer. You could help a lot of people.” Fury hands you a manila folder with Avenger’s Initiative printed across the front in black ink.
You don’t answer as they walk towards the door, you follow them out.
Fury turns at the doorway, meeting your gaze with a serious look. “I’ll be in touch.”
He heads towards the car, leaving Phil Coulson behind. He lowers his voice, “You know, Tony Stark has made many bad choices in the past, but I don’t believe you were one of them.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Be sure. Ms. Potts agreed to lease the tower to S.H.I.E.L.D. But only if you join the team.”
“I don’t know what you want me to say.”
He breathes out slowly, glancing at the car before looking back at you.
“She lost her fiancé,” his face turns more serious, eyebrows pinching together as he speaks, “but she still believes in what he was fighting for.”
The Tower is louder this time, filled with various S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents wandering the corridors.
It feels almost normal. It’s unnerving.
“Spider-Woman.” Coulson greets you, smiling widely. “I see you’ve accepted our offer.”
“Not yet.” You push the folder into his chest as you step into the elevator. “Let me meet the team first.”
He nods, smile faltering.
“Anything I should know? Aside from what’s in the folder.”
“They’ve been trained, but only that. They have no real experience fighting outside of the training centers.”
“That’s not cryptic at all.”
“Not at all.” He grins, nodding towards the glass pane behind you. “Do you know how much it costs for a view like this?”
“How much?” You play along, not actually having any idea.
“I have no clue, I was asking you.”
The elevator arrives at the training level. He gestures for you to exit first, ever the gentleman.
“Thanks.” You mumble, wandering down the familiar hallway.
Last time you were here, Black Widow threw you into the wall. You glance towards the patch that’s been filled in. “You’re doing renovations?”
You don’t like that answer, but you nod anyways.
It’s like they’re covering up any sign of the team.
“They’re right through there.” He stops at the doors leading to the gymnasium and you inhale sharply.
You’re not sure who is more nervous, you or Coulson. You, because this determines your future, whether you join the team or not. And Coulson, because it’s his job to convince you.
“After you.” He says, backing up.
“Absolutely not.” You push him forward. “I am not initiating introductions.”
“Fine.” He mumbles, tugging at the elbow of his suit jacket anxiously. “Ready?”
“I’m going to go home in five seconds.”
“Right.” He pushes through the doors, flooding the hallway with light.
Four masked faces turn to look at the doorway, quickly surpassing Coulson and settling on you.
“Team, gather around.” Coulson’s demeanor changes as soon as he addresses them, an air of seriousness filling the room. This is nothing like the Phil Coulson you met at the manor last week.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” A boy wearing a golden helmet exclaims, “This is the new recruit?”
You narrow your eyes, lenses clicking as you look at Nova—if the picture from the file Coulson gave you is accurate. “So?”
“Come on, you’ve seen the news! Jameson says you’re a threat to the public.”
“Do you believe everything you see on tv?”
“Uh no—” He stammers, “But he seems trustworthy.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” You repeat his earlier sentiment, only with a lot less enthusiasm.
“Ignore him.” White Tiger interrupts. “He’s an idiot.”
You do as she says, sending her a tight smile. “White Tiger?”
She grins, “I see my reputation precedes me.”
“I read your file.” You glance back at Coulson who nods.
She deflates slightly but moves on.
“Luke Power Man?” You joke, biting back a smile.
He grimaces, crossing his arms. “Just Power Man.”
“And you would be Iron Fist then?”
“Namaste.” He bows his head.
Your shoulders relax slightly as you smile, a genuine smile this time. It disappears quickly when the helmeted boy opens his mouth again.
“Name’s Nova. The Human Rocket.”
“Is it said like that every time? Doesn’t it get a bit redundant?”
Coulson interferes before you can respond, stepping between the two of you. “It’s a training day. You’ve wasted enough time.”
Groans ring out across the room as they trudge back towards the sparring mat.
“I call first round with Spidey.” White Tiger announces, stepping onto the mat.
“You always go first.” Nova whines, hovering beside the others.
You follow Coulson to the mat, shrugging as you meet his gaze. “I can fight.”
“Let’s see what you’ve got.” He agrees, falling into line with the other three.
“My bet’s on Tiger.” Power Man mutters.
Nova laughs loudly, “I’m not taking that bet. She’ll sweep.”
Your face hardens beneath your mask, lips parting slightly as you take a deep breath, attempting not to let them get to you. But it’s hard, especially when he won’t shut up.
“No way she lasts more than a minute.”
“You can’t be serious.” Iron Fist frowns. “You said it yourself, you’ve seen the news. She’s strong.”
At least someone doesn’t think you’re completely useless.
You manage a small smile in his direction before focusing on your opponent.
She sweeps her leg behind her, crouching as she prepares to attack.
You mimic her movements, crouching too.
She lunges and you jump backwards, landing off the mat.
“You can’t do that!” Nova yells. “You’re out of bounds.”
“In a real fight, there is no being out of bounds.” You argue but step back onto the mat.
“This is training, not a real fight.” Coulson agrees with Nova. “But yes, you are correct.”
“See!” You both speak at the same time, only to glare at the other afterwards.
Huffing, you turn back to your opponent.
She swings, you duck. You kick, she jumps.
She’s fast, really fast. But not fast enough.
You shoot a web at the ground behind her.
“You missed!” She laughs, taunting you.
You shrug, “Happens to the best of us.”
When she lunges this time, you grab her arm. Using her momentum, you swing her over your head and slam her into the ground.
She tries to claw at you but her arm is stuck to the ground, encased in webbing.
You step back with a smile. “I guess cats don’t always land on their feet.”
You offer her a hand but she bats it away. “I don’t need your help.” She mutters, trying to stand but she’s stuck in your web.
You grab her arm and tug her up, grateful her suit was stronger than the webbing.
As soon as she’s upright, she pushes you away with a glare.
Great, you met them ten minutes ago and two of them already hate you.
Honestly, not too far off from they typical affect you have on people. Something about spiders must just be infuriating. Or maybe it’s you.
The Avengers Tower never ceases to amaze you. Every hallway is a feat of infrastructure and technological advancement.
Each room holds a multitude of furniture and machines piled up as S.H.I.E.L.D. moves in.
You’ve yet to talk to Pepper, but you plan to before accepting a spot on the team. She doesn’t hang around the tower often, so you’ll have to make a trip to her office to catch her.
The kitchen is empty, so you take the chance to pursue their food options. This might make or break your decision.
Fresh produce fills the shelves, all untouched.
There’s one drawer filled with what you assume were the less healthy options, but only a single Oreo yogurt remains.
The freezer is more promising, filled with frozen pizzas and tater tots. Icecream is stacked across the entire bottom shelf.
You snatch a carton, tossing it haphazardly onto the counter behind you before searching for a spoon and bowl.
Each Avenger had their own set of personal dishes, as well as a couple generic ones.
Settling on Natasha’s, you snag the mug with teddy bears printed across it before stuffing it full of ice cream.
Before you can put the carton away, you hear a soft clang in the room beside you.
Quickly making a second, much smaller bowl, you carry it over.
Iron Fist sits in the middle of what appears to be the makeshift living room. Boxes are stacked high along the walls, but there’s two couches facing a television in the center of the space.
You creep up behind him, debating how best not to scare him.
“Spider-Woman.” He greets without opening his eyes.
“How’d you know?” You smile softly, sinking onto the couch across from him.
“Your footsteps are unfamiliar. It’s either you, or an intruder. Which at that point, your name could be taken as a warning to them.”
You laugh loudly at that, quickly shutting your mouth when you remember the time. “Sorry.”
“Do not apologize for feeling happy.”
“Okay.” You set a bowl beside him, next to his burning incense.
He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t even open his eyes again.
“Can’t sleep?” You speak hesitantly, attempting to make conversation.
“I find it easier to mediate at night. Nobody else is around to distract me.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” You stand quickly, backtracking towards the door.
“I didn’t mean it like that. Sometimes the company is nice.” He smiles softly, remaining seated.
You move back across the room, sinking into your precious seat.
It’s quiet for a moment, the smell of incense clouding the room.
He must sense your nerves as he peers at you curiously. “Do you always eat ice cream this late?”
“I’ll eat it whenever it’s in front of me.”
He closes his eyes, attempting to return to his meditation, but ultimately unable to with your staring.
He grabs the half melted bowl of icecream off the floor and carries it onto the couch next to you, sinking into the cushions.
You both eat in silence, exchanging not-so-inconspicuous looks with one another before he speaks.
You shrug halfheartedly. “What happened at training? I don’t mind.”
“They’re not actually upset with you, their egos are just a little bruised. Power Man likes you.”
The door cracks open as White Tiger peeks through. “I was wondering what the noise was.” She glances at the bowls. “That better not be mint chocolate chip.”
You shrug, eating another spoonful.
She disappears, only to return a minute later with her own bowl.
“So…you two look awfully cozy.”
“I think this couch costs more than my annual rent, I better be cozy.” You huff, sinking further into the cushions.
“That’s not what I meant.” She sighs, sitting on the other couch.
“I don’t care.” You fire back, too tried to be embarrassed by her accusations.
She frowns at your dismissal. “So you have a lot of experience fighting crime? That’s what Fury told us.”
“High praise.” You snicker, curling your knees into your chest. “I suppose I do. What about you guys?”
“Just S.H.I.E.L.D. training. No actual field experience. Yet.” She amends quickly. “That’s what you’re here for, apparently.”
“Have you decided to join the team?”
They relax at that, exchanging a glance.
“Well, I hope I didn’t scare you off earlier. Frankly, we could use someone with your experience on the team.”
“We’ll see. I can’t make any decisions until I sleep for about a week.”
They exchange another glance. Iron Fist shakes his head, Tiger nods.
“You were there, right? When everyone disappeared?”
Your heart pounds, blood rushing through your ears as you meet her gaze.
“I…what? I mean, I was. But I didn’t…I’m sorry. I have to go.” You stand suddenly, ignoring their calls as you dart out the door.
Memories come flooding back, flashes of the battle on Titan, the ring hovering over New York. Your imagination runs wild as you think of your family and what they were doing when it happened.
Finding the nearest balcony, you shut the door behind you, webbing it shut so you won’t be disturbed.
The fresh air helps as it fills your lungs in short gasps.
Mr. Stark disappearing burns in your mind, Dr. Strange handing the stone over.
Thanos lying dead beneath you, blood soaking your hands.
You lie flat on the balcony floor, attempting to search for constellations, but you can’t find any. Instead, you watch the clouds.
A bunny, a car, a sword. The shapes float past, barely visible beneath the night sky.
You’re not sure how much time passes as you stay there, back presses flat against the ground, but it’s long enough for your breathing to settle.
Your senses go off, not alerting you to danger, just a presence.
You follow the feeling, eyes landing on Nova as he floats down beside you.
“Tiger said you ran away. Didn’t take you for the running type.”
“I’m really not in the mood.” You mutter, pulling your knees to your chest as you back up against the wall.
“That’s too bad.” He lowers down slowly, sitting beside you. “I’ve got plenty of quips.”
He’s quiet for a minute, probably the longest he’s ever kept his mouth shut, before he turns to stare at you with curious eyes.
“What do you want?” You snap tiredly.
“Is this a trick question? Tiger gets mad when I say stuff like that. Last time she tore my pillow into pieces and I had to steal PM’s.”
You blink at him, somehow too appalled by his words to even think about Thanos anymore.
“Are you joining the team?” He asks, barely pausing to breathe.
“I don’t know yet. Do you want me to?”
“Well, I don’t know if I want to be responsible for leading you during missions.” He starts before you hold up a hand.
“Woah, woah, woah. Who said you’re in charge?”
“Uh, me?” He points at himself, looking shocked that you’d even question that.
A laugh escapes you as you toss your head back, stomach aching from the action. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Obviously not.” He scowls. “What? You think you’d be in charge?”
“Yeah, obviously. At least, according to Fury I would be.”
“That’s just unfair.” He moans, “We just met you today!”
“And you're making a great impression.” You drawl, wrinkling your nose. “Plus, I’m an Avenger.”
“I totally am. Just ask Coulson.”
“Doesn’t make a difference to me.” You shoot back, grin widening.
He grimaces, shaking his head at your apparent glee. “Fine. I came out here for a reason, you know. It’s game night—team bonding. You should come, maybe we can convince you to join.”
“I don’t know.” You look away, glancing out at the city.
“Don’t be lame.” He stands up, offering you a hand before quickly pulling it away when you reach to accept it.
He snickers, walking toward the door to pull it open, only to find it webbed shut. He pulls his hand away, but doesn’t get more than a couple centimeters before he realizes it’s stuck in the web.
You double over laughing as you stand, shaking your head. “I can’t believe you did that.”
“Whatever.” He mutters, neck flushing. “Just let me out.”
You pretend to think about it, humming softly. “No, I don’t think I will.”
With that, you begin climbing up the wall to enter through the roof, ignoring his shouts from below.
Seconds later, you hear glass shattering as a light flashes. Then he appears at your side, flying beside you as you climb.
“If Fury asks, it was Iron Fist.”
By the time the two of you reach the livingroom, Power Man has joined the group as well.
“If we’re going to do this, maybe we should know each other’s names.” White Tiger suggests, staring at you.
You raise an eyebrow, “You guys don’t know each other's names?”
“No, we do. But usually when you meet someone new, you introduce yourself.”
Your eyes narrow. “I’m Spider-Woman.”
“Boo!” Nova shouts, slamming a pillow into your side. You scowl at him before relenting.
It’s not like they don’t already know, Coulson informed you that they’ve been briefed on your history.
“Luke Cage.” He crosses his arms again, staring at you curiously. They all do.
“Fine,” you relent, telling them your name. You don’t mention the Wayne part, not wanting to open that can of worms.
With introductions officially out of the way, Sam snatches a gaming controller from a box. “Fury doesn’t know we have these.” He says, tossing one to you. From what you know about Nick Fury, he most definitely does know.
“You can beat me in a fight, but let’s see about a race.” Ava taunts, sinking into the couch in front of the television.
You sit beside her, grinning widely. “You’re on.”
“My bet is still on Tiger.” Sam mutters, only to be elbowed away by Luke.
When you fall asleep that night, stuck between Ava and Sam on the couch while they continue their argument over who is better at Mario Kart, for the first time in a long time, you’re not alone.
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