┌─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐
Seated in the front of a van, strategically parked at Leipzig airport, Clint, Ava, and Wanda waited in anticipation for the arrival of Steve, Sam, and Bucky – the latter of whom Ava had just discovered the name of.
As they waited in their seats, Ava's curiosity got the best of her as she initiated a conversation with her uncle figure beside her. "So, how's Lila?"
Clint's affectionate smile appeared as he responded, sharing a snippet of their lives. "She's good. Still failing algebra, but not everyone's a genius." Ava's laughter resonated in response.
Ava's generous offer extended as she expressed her willingness to help. "I'm happy to tutor her if she wants to."
Clint's gratitude shone through his smile as he acknowledged her kindness. "Thanks, Stark. She'd like that."
Their exchange was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up, marking the imminent arrival of the rest of their team.
Once they parked, the three exited the Van. "Cap," Clint's voice cut through the air, drawing Steve's attention.
Steve's tone carried a mix of determination and honesty. "You know I wouldn't have called if I had any other choice."
Clint's words conveyed both appreciation and ease. "Hey, man, you're doing me a favour. Besides, I owe a debt." As his gaze shifted towards Wanda, Ava's memory resurfaced – the memory of Wanda telling her about her brother's sacrifice to save Clint.
Steve's gratitude was evident as he exchanged a smile with Wanda. "Thanks for having my back."
Wanda's response reflected her determination to take action. "It was time to get off my ass."
Ava's playful voice chimed in from beside Clint, adding a touch of lightness to the moment. "Don't forget me, Uncle S."
Steve's surprise was palpable as he turned his attention to Ava. "Ava? What are you doing here?"
Ava's shoulder lifted in a nonchalant shrug. "Got bored, took down a sentient synthezoid, got in a van?" Her words were infused with a hint of mischief, capturing the spontaneity of her presence.
A knowing remark came from Sam, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and warning. "Your dad isn't going to be happy, you know."
Ava's response was swift, her eyes rolling in exasperation as she retorted, "When is he?" Her stance held a confident defiance. "I know that Russian boy over there didn't mean to kick our asses, and if Dad had his way, he would be rotting in a cell. He doesn't deserve that." Her words carried a sense of empathy.
"How about our other recruit?" Steve inquired.
Clint's response carried a laid-back yet appreciative tone, "He's raring to go. Had to put a little coffee in him, but... he should be good." With these words, Clint walked over to the side of the van and slid the door open.
The abrupt motion of the door seemed to startle the man lying across the seats within the van. He stumbled out, his voice groggy, "What time zone is this?"
Without missing a beat, Clint nudged the man forward, guiding him towards the van, "Come on. Come on."
As Scott Lang extended his hand towards Steve with an expression of wonder, their handshake exuded energy. "Captain America."
Steve's response was composed and deferential, "Scott Lang."
Scott's excitement overflowed, his words tumbling in his enthusiasm, "It's an honour. I'm shaking your hand too long. Wow! This is awesome! Captain America." His gaze shifted to Wanda, recognizing her as well. "I know you, too. You're great!" Then his attention turned to Ava, and curiosity crept into his voice, "Uh, I don't know you—"
Ava's eyebrow raised, her reply carrying a hint of sarcasm, "I don't know you either."
Scott's attention swung back to Steve, his curiosity finding words again, "Jeez. Ah, look, I wanna say, I know you know a lot of super people, so... thanks for thanking of me." His familiarity with Sam led to a casual greeting, "Hey, man!"
Sam responded with ease, employing a playful nickname, "What's up, Tic Tac?"
Scott's eagerness didn't waver, "Uh, good to see you." Then, a playful tone entered his voice, mingled with humour, "Look, what happened last time when I..."
Sam's interruption was swift and definitive, "It was a great audition, but it'll... it'll never happen again."
Steve's voice turned solemn as he addressed the group, "They tell you what we're up against?"
Scott's response reflected his partial knowledge, "Something about some... psycho-assassins?"
Steve's explanation carried an edge of urgency, "We're outside the law on this one. So, if you come with us, you're a wanted man."
Scott's nonchalant rejoinder held a touch of sarcasm, "Yeah, well, what else is new?"
Bucky's pragmatic voice interjected, cutting through the conversation, "We should get moving."
Clint's efficiency shone as he shared their plan, "We got a chopper lined up."
Amidst the charged atmosphere, a voice over the area's PA system issued evacuation instructions in German, intensifying the sense of urgency. Bucky relayed the information succinctly, "They're evacuating the airport."
Sam's attention was drawn to a particular name, "Stark."
Scott's curiosity grew, "Stark?"
Ava's playful sarcasm couldn't be missed, "Daddy dearest," she smirked, casting a glance at Scott's startled expression.
Steve's command reverberated with authority, "Suit up."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
In the confined space of the van, Ava and Wanda discreetly changed into their respective outfits, ensuring they were prepared for the upcoming mission. As Ava donned her Aurum suit, a wave of relief washed over her – she was back in her element after her father's ban on her heroic activities. With practiced efficiency, she secured her custom-made smartwatch on her wrist, delicately positioned her domino mask on her face and conjured a soft, radiant glow in her hair and eyes, a signature look that set her apart as Aurum.
"Are you all set, little Stark?" Wanda grinned at her closest friend.
Her nod was accompanied by a confident smirk. "Let's give my dad a run for his money."
Ava positioned herself alongside Clint and Wanda, their presence marked on the parking deck as they observed Steve's purposeful stride toward Tony and Rhodey, who occupied the center of the expansive runway area. Clint gripped his bow, an arrow notched and ready, while Scott, now shrunken down, perched atop it.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, Ava's playful remark emerged, "Now I see why Sam calls you Tic-Tac."
Scott's response carried a playful tone, "Yeah, well, I see why they call you... Actually, I don't know what they call you." His words elicited laughter from both Ava and Wanda, lightening the tension even in the midst of their apprehension.
Tony's urgent shout drew their focus, "Underoos!" Ava's gaze followed the streak of red that leaped through the air, a blur of motion that shot a web to seize Steve's shield, ensnaring his hands in the process.
A hushed expletive slipped from Ava's lips, swiftly interrupted by Wanda's teasing tone, "That's your boyfriend? Huh?" Her smirk conveyed her amusement.
Ava's response filled with dry humour, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, this is just how I envisioned introducing him to the family."
Wanda's laughter chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glanced at Ava. "Well, at least it's memorable."
Clint's voice joined the banter with a self-assured smile, his arrow still positioned and poised. "Family gatherings are never dull, huh?"
Ava's attention shifted between her father and Peter as they engaged in conversation. She couldn't help but appreciate the sleek design of the suit she had crafted for Peter. The sunlight accentuated its features, prompting a subtle sense of pride within her.
Through the communication devices, Sam's voice broke in, relaying crucial information. "We found it. Their Quinjet's in hanger five, north runway." Ava observed Steve's slight turn of his head as he absorbed the information.
With a determined gesture, Steve raised his hands, prompting Clint to release the arrow that held Scott captive. The arrow severed Peter's webs, freeing Scott in the process. Ava watched the sequence unfold from a distance as Clint made a calculated move, landing on Steve's shield that Peter was holding. With a swift adjustment, Clint resized and knocked Peter backward.
Ava winced at the impact, her concern palpable. As Peter stumbled, she couldn't help but mutter softly to herself, "Sorry, Pete." The mix of worry and remorse lingered in her words.
Scott relinquished the shield back to Steve, and Ava's gaze tracked her father's movement. As Tony turned around, he seemed to lock onto her, using their distinct heat signatures to locate the group. With a determined purpose, he took to the air, soaring in their direction.
"Looks like it's showtime, folks." Ava's voice was firm as she exchanged glances with Clint and Wanda. The trio left the parking deck behind and sprinted down the runway toward the unfolding chaos. Their progress was quickly hindered as her father unleashed missiles in their direction.
"That's rude, Dad," Ava muttered to herself. Clint tried to shield both girls from the incoming debris, but Ava had another plan in mind. Swiftly, she generated a force field around the group, witnessing a piece of debris bounce harmlessly off its protective barrier, narrowly missing Clint's head.
Tony remained suspended above them, his blaster aimed and his tone laced with humour. "Wanda, I think you hurt Vision's feelings," he quipped, his amusement evident.
Wanda's response was swift, tinged with irony. "You locked me in my room," she retorted.
With a decisive gesture, Ava dissipated her force field, adapting to the evolving situation.
Tony promptly defended his actions, his words tinged with explanation. "Okay, first, that's an exaggeration. Second, I did it to protect you." His attention turned to Ava, his tone firm and parental. "And Ava, you are grounded for the rest of your life."
Ava's eyes rolled in response to the reprimand. Despite the seriousness of the upcoming conflict, she couldn't resist injecting a touch of sarcasm. "Oh great, family therapy with blasters."
Tony, however, shifted his attention, addressing Clint in a more casual manner. "Hey, Clint."
"Hey, man," Clint responded, his tone friendly.
"Clearly, retirement doesn't suit you," Tony continued with his characteristic banter. "You got tired of shooting golf?"
Clint's demeanour exuded nonchalance as he played along, injecting a touch of jest into his words. "Well, I played 18, I shot 18. Just can't seem to miss." As he spoke, he released an arrow with precise aim. However, Tony's quick reflexes allowed him to deflect the projectile effortlessly.
Tony's reply was a playful acknowledgment, "First time for everything."
Clint's smirk grew wider as he continued the playful banter, "Made you look."
Amidst the exchange, Ava's involvement escalated. She directed a focused beam of energy toward Tony, creating a dazzling display that temporarily obscured his vision. Meanwhile, Wanda's mastery of her powers came to the forefront. She manipulated the cars from the parking lot behind Tony, orchestrating their movement until they tumbled and crashed, creating an impromptu barrier that buried Iron Man beneath a mound of wreckage.
"Sorry Dad, gotta run!" Ava quipped, her confidence in her father's ability to handle the situation beneath the wreckage evident. Without further hesitation, the group surged forward, charging into the heart of the chaotic scene.
As they sprinted forward, their eyes locked onto the quinjet just a short distance away. Clint's statement brought their attention to their escape route, "There's our ride," he announced. Ava observed their teammates catching up with them, a unified group running side by side.
"Look at us," Ava couldn't resist a playful comment, eliciting a snort of amusement from Wanda beside her.
Their progress was abruptly halted by the appearance of Vision, his energy beam cutting off their path ahead.
"Captain Rogers. I know you believe what you're doing is right. But for the collective good, you must surrender now," Vision's voice resonated from above.
The rest of Tony's team gathered in front of them, including Peter, whose surprise at seeing Ava was evident. Ava greeted him with a smirk, waving gently as Peter hesitantly raised his hand in response.
Sam's question hung in the air, seeking guidance, "What do we do, Cap?"
Steve's resolve was unwavering, his response succinct, "We fight."
The two opposing groups surged towards each other, charging with determination. Ava and Wanda launched themselves into the air, leaving the ground behind. As they ascended, Wanda began manipulating debris, hurling fragments at Peter while Ava lent her assistance to Sam by unleashing energy blasts aimed at Rhodey.
Descending back to the ground, Ava strategically maneuvered to avoid Peter, her focus shifting to Bucky locked in combat with the Wakandan warrior. Ava directed a burst of energy towards the Wakandan, effectively displacing him from the fight.
In the midst of the intense battle, Natasha's watchful eye caught Ava's movements. She launched an electric widow's bite in Ava's direction, expecting it to incapacitate her. However, Ava absorbed the energy effortlessly, a wry smile crossing her face. "Thanks, Nat. That feels great," she quipped, redirecting her attention to their ongoing struggle. Blocking an incoming strike, Ava engaged in a hand-to-hand skirmish with Natasha, managing to hold her own.
Natasha's impressed tone broke through the exchange, "You're pretty good at this, kid."
Ava's response carried a touch of confidence, "I know, right?" She deftly evaded an attack, countering with an energy-charged kick that sent Natasha sprawling across the ground.
With a triumphant smirk, Ava formed a ball of energy in her hand and flung it at Natasha, propelling her into a nearby truck. As the clash continued, Ava called over her shoulder, "Talk later!" She left a trail of determination in her wake, fully immersed in the unfolding battle.
Bucky's voice came through the comms, urgency colouring his words, "We gotta go. That guy's probably in Siberia by now."
Steve's response was swift and focused, "We gotta draw out the flyers. I'll take Vision. You get to the jet."
Sam's voice chimed in, filled with determination, "No, you get to the jet! Both of you!" The sound of his flight was underscored by War Machine's pursuit.
Clint's voice carried a sobering realization, "As much as I hate to admit it, if we're gonna win this one, some of us might have to lose it."
Sam's words held a broader perspective, "This isn't the real fight, Steve."
"Alright, Sam, what's the play?" Steve asked,
Sam's suggestion held a hint of excitement, "We need a diversion, something big."
Scott's voice joined the conversation, a mix of determination and caution in his words, "I got something kind of big, but I can't hold it very long. On my signal, run like hell. And if I tear myself in half... don't come back for me."
Ava looked confused, "What the hell, Tic-Tac?!"
Bucky's incredulity was evident, "He's gonna tear himself in half?"
"You're sure about this, Scott?" Steve asked
Scott's confidence persisted, tinged with bravery, "I do it all the time. I mean once... in a lab. Then I passed out. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the boss. I'm the BOSS!" The transmission ended with Scott's leap from the mobile stairs onto War Machine's back.
Ava's eyes remained fixed on the unfolding spectacle as Scott operated his suit's wrist device. With a resounding transformation, he shifted from his normal size to a colossal stature, his enormous hand seizing Rhodey. "What the—" Ava's voice faltered in astonishment.
Amid the tumult, Peter's voice carried a mixture of awe and disbelief, "Holy shit!"
Sam's encouraging voice reached Ava through the coms, his words laced with admiration, "Way to go, Tic-Tac!"
Ava's attention snapped back to her father, who was poised to intercept Rhodey's flight. Reacting swiftly, she unleashed a potent burst of energy, propelling her father backward and crashing into a nearby building. Meanwhile, Scott propelled Rhodey in the air, and Ava watched as Peter rushed to catch him.
Ava's focus shifted to the Wakandan warrior, who deftly evaded Scott's kick, regaining his footing and launching a fierce counterattack. Ava swiftly intervened, her energy blast halting his advance. Undeterred, the Wakandan redirected his attention toward Ava, charging at her with unyielding determination. The ensuing battle unfolded in a flurry of strikes and dodges, as Ava maneuvered to evade his attacks.
The Wakandan's relentless assault took its toll, landing a blow to Ava's face and two more to her ribs, which sent a jolt of pain through her healing body. Despite her own resilience, he managed to leave a scratch on her upper arm with his sharp claws. Ava retaliated, utilizing her energy manipulation to hurl him through the air, but her focus shifted as Clint joined the fray.
In a strategic move, Ava channelled a surge of electric energy into her attack, incapacitating the Wakandan temporarily. The electricity surged through him, causing his muscles to twitch and immobilizing him briefly. The confrontation hung in the air, a momentary respite amidst the chaos.
Ava's feet carried her swiftly toward the direction where Steve and Bucky were making their way. The distinct hum of Vision's energy beams sounded behind her, followed by the sharp zip of their discharge. Instinctively, Ava leaped, contorting her body in mid-air with an agile flip to evade the lethal trajectory. Vision's beams impacted the ground, a dangerous reminder of the peril she was in.
The focus of Vision's attack shifted abruptly as he unleashed his destructive energy towards a building, aiming to collapse it and seal off the entrance to the quinjet. However, Wanda's swift intervention halted the structure's descent, her powers holding it in place against the force of destruction. Ava dashed towards Wanda, reinforcing her efforts by generating a formidable forcefield, suspending the building in mid-air. Their combined strength created a passage for Steve and Bucky to sprint through, momentarily escaping the danger.
The fleeting sense of relief was promptly shattered by the approaching resonance of Rhodey's presence, his approach reverberating through the chaos. In a jarring crescendo, a deafening sonic wave erupted from him, a dissonant onslaught that surged over Ava and Wanda. The auditory assault was sheer agony, a mind-bending shriek that mercilessly assaulted their senses. Ava's hands instinctively shot up to cover her ears, her anguished scream merging with the cacophony as she crumbled to the ground alongside Wanda.
The soundless words of apology from Rhodey were lost in the overwhelming auditory torment as he retreated back towards the heart of the commotion, his silhouette blending into the chaos.
Ava lay on the unforgiving ground, her entire body throbbing with ache. Her upper arm seeped blood from the savage scratch inflicted by the Wakandan's claws. Slowly, the ringing in her ears began to ebb, and she emitted a pained groan, curling onto her side. Amidst the disarray, she spat out a mixture of saliva and blood, her chest heaving as she struggled to regain her bearings.
The colossal figure of Scott, still towering, descended with a controlled descent, the tremors of his landing echoing across the terrain. Ava winced at the vibrations coursing through the ground beneath her.
With a gritted determination, Ava clutched her bleeding arm, trying to staunch the flow of blood with her trembling fingers. Despite her efforts, the crimson stream persisted, slipping through her grasp in rivulets.
The urgent call of her father's voice cut through the aftermath, carrying a mix of concern and urgency. Ava strained to hear it over the residual ringing, and the tell-tale hum of his thrusters grew closer, drawing nearer to her injured form.
Struggling to push past the disorienting pain and the lingering echoes in her ears, Ava managed to lift her head, her gaze fixing on the approaching figure of her father, Tony Stark. His Iron Man suit landed with a controlled grace, the servos and mechanics whirring as he crouched down beside her.
"Ava, are you okay?" His voice held a mixture of worry and relief as he surveyed her injuries.
Ava forced a weak smile, though it was marred by the discomfort she felt. "Just a scratch," she muttered, trying to downplay the severity of her condition.
Tony's gloved hands moved swiftly, assessing the wound on her upper arm. His brows furrowed as he examined the deep gash, his concern evident. "You need proper medical attention," he stated firmly.
Ava shook her head, "Where's Peter?" She groaned, looking around.
Tony looked at her with a mix of curiosity and realization. "You know him?" he inquired.
Ava nodded, groaning heavily as she pushed herself up, "He's my boyfriend," She stuttered out, still disorientated as she looked around to spot a red and blue figure.
Tony's eyes widened in genuine shock as the weight of Ava's words settled in. His usually composed demeanour cracked for a moment as he processed the revelation that his daughter was in a relationship with none other than Spider-Man. The surprise was evident on his face, and for a brief moment, he seemed lost for words.
"You... you're dating the Spider boy?" Tony's voice carried a mixture of disbelief and astonishment.
Ava managed a weak chuckle, wincing as the pain in her arm flared up. "Yeah, Dad. Surprise," she quipped, her attempt at humour a testament to her resilient spirit.
Tony's features shifted from surprise to a mix of concern and fatherly care, his initial shock replaced by a deep sense of responsibility. "Alright, we'll discuss this later," he stated, his voice a measured blend of sternness and affection. "But right now, you need medical attention."
Ava, determined as ever, shook her head, the pain evident in her grimace. "I'm fine," she groaned, her gritted teeth betraying the true extent of her discomfort. Slowly, she rose to her feet, dismissing her father's concern even as he protested.
As the quinjet's engines rumbled to life, Ava's father weighed his options, torn between attending to his injured daughter and pursuing the aircraft that was carrying away a significant portion of their team. His gaze flickered between Ava and the jet, a battle of priorities warring within him.
Then, with a determined glance back at Ava, Tony launched himself into the air, his Iron Man suit carrying him toward the rising quinjet. Ava watched her father go, her concern deepening as she witnessed his resolve to join the pursuit. She blinked away the blurriness in her vision, her injured arm throbbing as she scanned the chaotic scene for any signs of Peter. Amidst the tumult, her gaze landed on a crumpled figure lying on the ground beside a plane- Peter.
Pushing through the pain, Ava stumbled towards Peter's reclined form. His chest was still gently rising and falling, and he let out a groan as he lay on the ground.
Kneeling beside him, she placed a hand on his shoulder and called out, "Peter, are you okay?"
His eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Ava's concerned expression. He managed a weak smile and nodded, his voice a bit hoarse as he replied, "Yeah, I'm alright. Just a bit banged up."
Relief washed over Ava as she heard his response. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and said, "Thank goodness."
Peter's concern shifted from himself to Ava as he noticed her wincing slightly, her arm held against her side. "Hey, what about you? You look hurt."
Ava tried to brush it off, offering a small smile. "It's nothing, just a scratch. I've had worse."
Peter's gaze held a mixture of worry and scepticism. "You sure?"
Ava nodded, though the pain was becoming more noticeable. "Yeah, really. Let's just focus on getting out of here."
With Peter's support, Ava settled down beside him, her back against the plane's hull, seeking its stability for comfort. But the pain that had been lurking beneath the surface was becoming more insistent, evident in the way she winced, unable to conceal the discomfort that was growing more intense by the moment.
Peter's concern remained unwavering, his gaze fixed on her with a mix of worry and determination. "Ava, you're hurt. We need to get you medical attention."
Her weak chuckle held a touch of irony. "I appreciate the concern, really. But it's not as bad as it looks."
Peter's expression was sceptical. "You're trying to tough it out, aren't you?"
Ava's smile was faint but sincere. "Maybe a little."
He sighed, his voice carrying a note of gentle exasperation. "You don't have to be the superhero all the time, you know?"
Ava met his gaze, a mixture of gratitude and warmth in her eyes. "Well, it's a good thing I have a superhero boyfriend to keep me in line, then."
His lips curved into a tender smile. "Yeah, you're stuck with me."
As they waited for assistance, Ava's strength began to waver, the pain and exhaustion taking their toll. She struggled to keep her eyes open, her head resting against Peter's shoulder. Her breathing grew shallow, and her grip on consciousness slipped away, her body finally succumbing to the darkness as she passed out beside him.
└─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘