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DA Chapter 1

Masterlist

Clint arrived home in his S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform after having just returned from his latest mission. He entered the pitch-black house with his quiver on his back and bow in hand. As he crossed the threshold, he felt something was off. Someone was inside his home. He couldn’t see them or hear anything, but he knew they were there.

He stood stock-still for several seconds as he tried to figure out just where in the house the intruder may be. Clint didn’t appreciate feeling so vulnerable in his own home. He took a deep breath in through his nose, trying to clear his head and focus.

“I know you’re in here,” he called out to the darkness. Clint waited, listening intently for any sign of life, only to be met with silence. No footsteps, no breathing, nothing. As Clint slowly walked farther into the home, he caught a hint of movement out of his peripheral on his right side. Without hesitation, he reached back with his left hand, grabbed an arrow from his quiver, and fired into the shadows.

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DA Chapter 1

Masterlist

Clint arrived home in his S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform after having just returned from his latest mission. He entered the pitch-black house with his quiver on his back and bow in hand. As he crossed the threshold, he felt something was off. Someone was inside his home. He couldn't see them or hear anything, but he knew they were there.

He stood stock-still for several seconds as he tried to figure out just where in the house the intruder may be. Clint didn't appreciate feeling so vulnerable in his own home. He took a deep breath in through his nose, trying to clear his head and focus.

"I know you're in here," he called out to the darkness. Clint waited, listening intently for any sign of life, only to be met with silence. No footsteps, no breathing, nothing. As Clint slowly walked farther into the home, he caught a hint of movement out of his peripheral on his right side. Without hesitation, he reached back with his left hand, grabbed an arrow from his quiver, and fired into the shadows.

The stranger sidestepped the projectile with ease, causing it to lodge in the wall behind them. "You're losing your touch, Hawk."

"I missed? I never miss. I can’t miss," he mumbled to himself, though he never took his eyes from the direction the voice had come from.

"Well, you almost never miss," the stranger quipped.

"How... I... Who are you?" he asked, struggling to make sense of this situation.

"Who am I? The ‘archer who never misses’ can't even remember the one person that can avoid his arrow," the stranger said as they began to step further into the living room.

Clint could now see a faint outline of their form as the person moved into more light. He could make out that they were wearing a black cloak as the edges fluttered softly as the stranger continued to step closer to him. They lowered their hood, and Clint's eyes grew wide at what he saw. A mix of shock, disbelief, and horror flashed across his face before finally settling on apprehension and confusion.

She was beautiful. Her pale face was framed by flowing blonde hair that fell past her shoulders. Her green eyes looked deep into Clint's soul. She was dressed all in black with gold accents. She was gorgeous and yet, dangerous.

"It's been a while, Hawk," she stated, her voice echoing around the quiet room.

"How did you find me?" Clint asked, not moving his gaze from hers.

"All these years... and you're still as predictable as the moon," she said matter of factly.

Her comment caused Clint to scoff. He turned away from her and walked towards the kitchen, flipping the light switch on as he entered. He took the quiver from his back, placing it on a small table along with his bow. "What do you want, Harper Lee?"

She followed him, closing the distance between them. His senses still heightened as she drew closer, and his heart rate increased. He never knew what to expect from her.

"Is this really how it's going to be?” she questioned in the same monotone voice. “What is so wrong with a sister visiting her favorite brother?"

"I'm your only brother," Clint pointed out.

"Exactly," she stated with a smirk. "Which also makes you my favorite.”

"Harp-"

She cut him off. "Do you think that maybe…” she began as she leaned against the table, “After all this time, you could give me the benefit of the doubt?"

Clint rolled his eyes. "Don't get smart with me," he retorted, glaring at her. "We both know that this is a ruse."

"Maybe it is... Maybe it isn't," she shrugged.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. The two siblings stared at each other in silence for several minutes, the tension between them becoming unbearable. Eventually, Clint broke eye contact. "Fine," he conceded, turning on his heel to walk back into the living room.

Harper followed suit, taking off her cloak and draping it over the back of the couch before taking a seat. Clint sat down on a second sofa opposite his sister. They looked at each other for a few moments, silently debating what to say next. Finally, Harper cleared her throat. "So... How, uh, how's Natasha?"

"Really?" Clint asked sarcastically.

"What do you want from me, Hawk?" she snapped.

"I don't know! But some bullshit small talk isn't it!" he fired back. Harper rolled her eyes in response, causing the siblings to sit in silence once again.

Just as Clint was about to say something to break the awkwardness, his phone went off in his pocket. Pulling it out and seeing the name on the screen, he motioned for his sister to stay quiet.

"Hey," he answered.

"Hey, I know you left for the day, but I have some paperwork I need you to look over. Are you home yet?"

"Uh, now's not a good time, Nat. I have some... some unexpected company," he told her.

"Company? Are you okay?" Natasha asked, rightfully concerned.

"Yeah. It's fine. Just not a good time," Clint tried to assure her.

"Who's there?" Nat pressed.

"Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. I just have some company,” he repeated, trying to end the call quickly before Natasha could try to get anything from him. “I'll be at the compound tomorrow. We can talk then."

"Yeah, alright," she agreed.

Clint hung up his phone, setting it aside and turning his attention back to his sister. "So, are you going to tell me why you're here? Or am I just supposed to play into your game like always?"

"Why does it always have to be a fight when we see each other?"

"Because every time we see each other, you have some ulterior motive for being there," Clint complained. “Hell, you even managed to ruin my wedding day.”

"In my defense, she wasn’t right for you, Hawk. Besides, that's not even true," she replied defensively. "The last time we-"

"The last time we saw each other, you shot me, Harley!" he yelled, "Why do you think we haven't seen each other in years? Huh? And now you show up, unannounced, breaking into my house, and you can't even tell me why you're here.”

Harper stayed silent, his tone making it clear that it wasn’t worth her time to try to talk. She stood up, grabbed her cloak, and began walking toward the front door of the home. "You know, you're right, Clint. I shouldn't have come. I don't know what I was thinking or what I had hoped it would accomplish." Harper reached for the handle, turning it slightly and opening the door. "See you later, Hawk," she said quietly before leaving the house.

The events of the night before still played through Barton's mind as he arrived at the compound the following day. Why had his sister made an appearance? And why now?

Natasha had wasted no time tracking Clint down, finding him in one of the training rooms with his quiver and bow. "So... how was your company last night?" she inquired.

"What?" Clint asked in response, not catching onto Natasha's meaning.

"Your... ‘company’?" she clarified.

Clint glanced up at her as if she had just spoken in a foreign language. "Oh. That," Clint replied, finally realizing what she was hinting at. He shifted uncomfortably in his spot as he thought back to the incident. "Nothing too exciting." Natasha raised her eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He cleared his throat before continuing, "It was just an old friend, Nat. That's all."

Natasha looked confused by his statement. She tilted her head to the side, asking, "What do you mean an 'old friend'?"

"It's no one to worry about. I got it handled."

"If you have it handled, what's that?" she pointed to the target at the other end of the room.

Clint turned to glance at it momentarily. "Just shooting practice," he responded casually.

"Shooting practice?" Natasha repeated skeptically. "You don't miss, Clint. What do you need to practice for?"

"I appreciate the concern, Natasha, but you're not going to get what you're looking for," he scoffed.

"Whatever you say, Barton," Natasha muttered as she turned to leave. "By the way," she added, calling over her shoulder, "You missed the center." She smirked as she shut the door behind her.

Clint remained standing there until he heard the sound of the elevator across the hall opening. He walked over to the target to retrieve the arrows he had shot and noticed that he had indeed missed his mark. Just barely, but it was still off. He sighed deeply, running his hand down his face. I can’t miss. If I miss, it means I’m just another dude with a bow. It means I’ve been fooling myself this whole time. I can’t miss. Why do I let her get to me like this?

Chapter 2 – Masterlist – Taglist @lostinwonderland314​

Dark Angel Masterlist

Harper Lee “Harley” Barton had always been the hunter, but when the tables are turned on her, Harper must put aside her natural instinct of protecting her family through distance by coming out of the shadows and admitting the truth. Will she survive the challenges that lie ahead of her? Or will she fall prey to her own darkness once more?

These will be ongoing for the entire story -

Characters - Clint Barton, Harper Lee Barton (OC), James Barnes, Nick Fury, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Tony Stark, Laura Barton, Barton kids

Pairing - None through most, but eventual Bucky x Harley OC

Word Count - TOTAL ~40,034

Warnings - Angst, Fight Scenes (nothing too graphic), Mentions of killings  (If you spot any other warnings I should add, please let me know so I can edit this post to include them!)

Read here too!: AO3 - Wattpad - Quotev

Chapter 1  Chapter 2 Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6  Chapter 7 Chapter 8  Chapter 9  Chapter 10  Chapter 11  Chapter 12  Chapter 13  Chapter 14  Chapter 15  Chapter 16 Chapter 17  Chapter 18  Chapter 19  Chapter 20

JUST ABOUT DONE!!! Should begin positing by next week! 💜💛💜💛

COMING SOON!!!

Summary: Harper Lee “Harley” Barton had always been the hunter, but when the tables are turned on her, Harper must put aside her natural instinct of protecting her family through distance by coming out of the shadows and admitting the truth. Will she survive the challenges that lie ahead of her? Or will she fall prey to her own darkness once more?

Pairing - Bucky X Harper (OC)

Epilogue

Chapter 15

Five years ago, Maura walked away from Hydra for good. She never imagined that, after everything, the Avengers would welcome her back as one of their own. But here she was.

She worked hard to rebuild a friendship with everyone on the team. She enjoyed spending time with Nat and Wanda when they were off duty, thanks to their shared histories with Hydra; she had even grown fond of Steve and Sam. The two had taken her under their wings like an older brother would a younger sister, despite her being a few years older than Sam. Her work in the lab provided plenty of opportunities to spend time with Tony and Bruce, too.

Maura’s relationship with Morgan grew as well. She watched her niece grow from a small girl into a teenager. They shared a lot of the same interests, both having similar personalities. It was easy for them to talk for hours, and sometimes they didn’t need words at all. When they needed it most, they could just hear each other speak.

Nothing could have prepared her, though, for the relationship she formed with James Barnes. Their connection was more profound than any she shared with the others. He was the only one who truly understood what she had gone through. As the weeks, months, even years went on, she and James grew closer each day.

Their relationship eventually took on an intimate nature, something Maura had not experienced before with anyone else. Sure, she had flings in the past, but they were never like this. There was never love involved, no romance, no feelings of passion, attraction, or anything. With Bucky, however, Maura found all those feelings and more. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. She felt loved. She felt wanted.

Sitting on the couch, the main room of the penthouse of the Avenger’s Tower aglow from the holiday decorations, surrounded by friends and family, Maura knew there was no place she’d rather be. Everything in her life, she now knew, had happened for a reason. It had happened to lead her to who she had become and to where she was now. To a place where she finally felt whole, complete, and free. Where she finally felt content.

Resting a hand on her growing belly, Maura looked around at everyone as they opened gifts, laughing and having fun together. This is where she belonged. This is where she is supposed to be. And she couldn’t be happier.

Masterlist

Ch. 15

Chapter 14

Maura sat at the conference table with Clint, Steve, Natasha, and Bucky. Tony stood at the head of the table in front of a large screen. The image shown was one Maura knew well.

“This is our next mission,” Tony stated. “Hydra seems to have acquired some information and is trying to replicate my technology.”

“What do we know about the location?” Nat asked.

“From what we can tell, it should be a fairly easy job. There are a few scientists and only about four guards protecting the entire location. Now, that doesn’t -”

“Your intel is wrong,” Maura cut in.

Tony looked over at her. “What?”

“Your intel is wrong,” she repeated.

“How do you know?” Steve questioned her.

“Because… I spent a fair share of my time there.” She glanced down for a moment, then up again. “I know the place inside and out. There are about half a dozen scientists at any given time, usually all working on the same project, but not always. The main lab alone has at least two guards. The small lab on the west side will typically only have one guard when it’s actually in use. You’ll find another dozen agents spread around the grounds and watching the main gate.” Maura looked around the table, meeting each of their gazes before continuing. “It’s not the most heavily guarded facility on Hydra’s roster, but it’s not as empty as your intel would lead you to believe.”

Keep reading

Epilogue

Chapter 15

Five years ago, Maura walked away from Hydra for good. She never imagined that, after everything, the Avengers would welcome her back as one of their own. But here she was.

She worked hard to rebuild a friendship with everyone on the team. She enjoyed spending time with Nat and Wanda when they were off duty, thanks to their shared histories with Hydra; she had even grown fond of Steve and Sam. The two had taken her under their wings like an older brother would a younger sister, despite her being a few years older than Sam. Her work in the lab provided plenty of opportunities to spend time with Tony and Bruce, too.

Maura’s relationship with Morgan grew as well. She watched her niece grow from a small girl into a teenager. They shared a lot of the same interests, both having similar personalities. It was easy for them to talk for hours, and sometimes they didn’t need words at all. When they needed it most, they could just hear each other speak.

Nothing could have prepared her, though, for the relationship she formed with James Barnes. Their connection was more profound than any she shared with the others. He was the only one who truly understood what she had gone through. As the weeks, months, even years went on, she and James grew closer each day.

Their relationship eventually took on an intimate nature, something Maura had not experienced before with anyone else. Sure, she had flings in the past, but they were never like this. There was never love involved, no romance, no feelings of passion, attraction, or anything. With Bucky, however, Maura found all those feelings and more. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. She felt loved. She felt wanted.

Sitting on the couch, the main room of the penthouse of the Avenger’s Tower aglow from the holiday decorations, surrounded by friends and family, Maura knew there was no place she’d rather be. Everything in her life, she now knew, had happened for a reason. It had happened to lead her to who she had become and to where she was now. To a place where she finally felt whole, complete, and free. Where she finally felt content.

Resting a hand on her growing belly, Maura looked around at everyone as they opened gifts, laughing and having fun together. This is where she belonged. This is where she is supposed to be. And she couldn’t be happier.

Masterlist

Ch. 15

Chapter 14

Maura sat at the conference table with Clint, Steve, Natasha, and Bucky. Tony stood at the head of the table in front of a large screen. The image shown was one Maura knew well.

“This is our next mission,” Tony stated. “Hydra seems to have acquired some information and is trying to replicate my technology.”

“What do we know about the location?” Nat asked.

“From what we can tell, it should be a fairly easy job. There are a few scientists and only about four guards protecting the entire location. Now, that doesn’t -”

“Your intel is wrong,” Maura cut in.

Tony looked over at her. “What?”

“Your intel is wrong,” she repeated.

“How do you know?” Steve questioned her.

“Because… I spent a fair share of my time there.” She glanced down for a moment, then up again. “I know the place inside and out. There are about half a dozen scientists at any given time, usually all working on the same project, but not always. The main lab alone has at least two guards. The small lab on the west side will typically only have one guard when it’s actually in use. You’ll find another dozen agents spread around the grounds and watching the main gate.” Maura looked around the table, meeting each of their gazes before continuing. “It’s not the most heavily guarded facility on Hydra’s roster, but it’s not as empty as your intel would lead you to believe.”

Keep reading

Epilogue

Chapter 15

Five years ago, Maura walked away from Hydra for good. She never imagined that, after everything, the Avengers would welcome her back as one of their own. But here she was.

She worked hard to rebuild a friendship with everyone on the team. She enjoyed spending time with Nat and Wanda when they were off duty, thanks to their shared histories with Hydra; she had even grown fond of Steve and Sam. The two had taken her under their wings like an older brother would a younger sister, despite her being a few years older than Sam. Her work in the lab provided plenty of opportunities to spend time with Tony and Bruce, too.

Maura's relationship with Morgan grew as well. She watched her niece grow from a small girl into a teenager. They shared a lot of the same interests, both having similar personalities. It was easy for them to talk for hours, and sometimes they didn't need words at all. When they needed it most, they could just hear each other speak.

Nothing could have prepared her, though, for the relationship she formed with James Barnes. Their connection was more profound than any she shared with the others. He was the only one who truly understood what she had gone through. As the weeks, months, even years went on, she and James grew closer each day.

Their relationship eventually took on an intimate nature, something Maura had not experienced before with anyone else. Sure, she had flings in the past, but they were never like this. There was never love involved, no romance, no feelings of passion, attraction, or anything. With Bucky, however, Maura found all those feelings and more. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. She felt loved. She felt wanted.

Sitting on the couch, the main room of the penthouse of the Avenger's Tower aglow from the holiday decorations, surrounded by friends and family, Maura knew there was no place she'd rather be. Everything in her life, she now knew, had happened for a reason. It had happened to lead her to who she had become and to where she was now. To a place where she finally felt whole, complete, and free. Where she finally felt content.

Resting a hand on her growing belly, Maura looked around at everyone as they opened gifts, laughing and having fun together. This is where she belonged. This is where she is supposed to be. And she couldn't be happier.

Masterlist

Ch. 15

Chapter 14

Maura sat at the conference table with Clint, Steve, Natasha, and Bucky. Tony stood at the head of the table in front of a large screen. The image shown was one Maura knew well.

"This is our next mission," Tony stated. "Hydra seems to have acquired some information and is trying to replicate my technology."

"What do we know about the location?" Nat asked.

"From what we can tell, it should be a fairly easy job. There are a few scientists and only about four guards protecting the entire location. Now, that doesn't -"

"Your intel is wrong," Maura cut in.

Tony looked over at her. "What?"

"Your intel is wrong," she repeated.

"How do you know?" Steve questioned her.

"Because... I spent a fair share of my time there." She glanced down for a moment, then up again. "I know the place inside and out. There are about half a dozen scientists at any given time, usually all working on the same project, but not always. The main lab alone has at least two guards. The small lab on the west side will typically only have one guard when it's actually in use. You'll find another dozen agents spread around the grounds and watching the main gate." Maura looked around the table, meeting each of their gazes before continuing. "It's not the most heavily guarded facility on Hydra's roster, but it's not as empty as your intel would lead you to believe."

"I don't understand. Why would our information be so far off?" Steve questioned.

"Well, whether you like this news or not, you have several Hydra agents working within S.H.I.E.L.D.. Some of which work rather closely with your team on occasion," Maura shrugged. "It wouldn't surprise me if one of them was the one putting the information together for this little mission and was trying to send you into an ambush."

"What do you suggest then?" Tony asked, taking a seat at the table.

Maura took a deep breath, not wanting to screw up this chance her brother was giving her. "I'd say you're better off being safe than sorry. Take more team members than you think you might need. Or at least take the right ones."

"Who do you suggest then?" Natasha pressed.

"Honest opinion?" Maura asked, watching as each person at the table nodded for her to continue. "If you want to use the smallest number of teammates, I'd send Barnes in to start. With his marksmanship skills, he can easily take out most of the guards on the outside. However, it couldn't hurt to have Romanoff as a backup. She could take out a couple of them close up while Barnes picks off the rest from a distance. As for the two at the door, if Barnes is positioned right, he could take care of them too. Otherwise, they should be easy enough for anyone to take care of, really."

Maura sat back in her chair, secretly enjoying having them all pay such close attention to what she had to say. "Once inside, Steve, Tony, and Nat should have no problem taking out the remaining agents."

"What about the scientists?" Tony questioned.

"They shouldn't give you too much trouble. Most of them don't like confrontation. But if you want security, I can tag along and keep them contained while the rest of you do what you need to do." Maura offered.

"Are you sure, though?" Steve asked cautiously.

"Yeah," Bucky agreed. "It still sounds pretty risky."

"Maura," Tony stood from his chair, "I'm taking your lead on this. If anything goes wrong, I trust you to fix it." The room grew silent, everyone looking between the two and waiting for a response. A nod was all Tony needed. "Good," he turned to walk away. "Everyone suit up," he called over his shoulder as the door closed behind him.

Natasha, Clint, and Bucky made quick work of the Hydra agents patrolling the base's perimeter. There were far more than just the four guards they had been led to believe would be there. So far, Maura was right in what she told them.

Maura proved to be helpful getting into the building as well. It seems they hadn't removed her from their systems, so she was able to get the doors open with a simple hand scan. Once inside, she led Tony and Steve to the central lab, where Steve quickly subdued the two guards at the door. As they entered the room, the scientists looked up in surprise. Before any could say anything, however, Maura gave them all a stern look. "Leave," she demanded.

Tony and Steve watched as the six men scurried out of the lab, leaving the trio alone, save for one other person. Someone Maura had not expected to see at the facility.

“Scientists are making their way out. You three contain them. We’ve got company to deal with in here,” Tony spoke through the comms to the team outside.

"Ah, Raven. So nice of you to join us," the lone Hydra agent smiled at her.

"Malick," Maura replied coldly. "What are you doing here?"

"I have been overseeing this project personally, as you well know. And unfortunately, after your little escape, you left me in a rather tight predicament. I could no longer send you here to work on things and bring me updates, so I had to start coming by myself. Lucky me, I just happened to be here on the day you decided to visit as well." He smirked.

"Who is he?" Steve asked quietly, stepping up to Maura's right side.

"He was, essentially, my boss. The Malick family ties run deep in Hydra. There always seems to be one lurking around," she explained.

"Is he going to try anything?" Tony asked quietly, also keeping his voice down.

"No," Maura shook her head. "And he won't make any moves against me." She looked at Malick. "So, what's the real reason you are here, Malick? You didn't come here just to check on the project."

"Not entirely true," Malick said. "You see, Raven, this project was far more than just a suit. I had received some interesting reports regarding your whereabouts, and I knew you wouldn't miss the opportunity to return here when given the chance."

Maura stared daggers at Malick. "You're right. I didn't miss my chance to destroy the place that made me." She took a few steps toward the center of the room where the man stood, "And I don't have time for your games. I know you're trying to stall, and it won't work." Maura lifted her left hand, and a purple glow sparked around her fingertips. "Steve, stand behind me and put your shield up," she instructed. Once he was in place, Maura stepped in a small circle where she stood. In seconds, a giant blast of purple energy shot out in a wave around the entire room. The computers shut down as smoke rose from the back of each monitor, and Malick found himself thrown back against the wall.

Lifting her right hand, her palm facing her former boss, a blue ball of smoke encompassed the man and lifted him off the floor. "I think you forget just how strong Hydra made me, Malick," she growled, "I am always going to be miles ahead of your games. But I do love a challenge, sir," she mocked him.

"You know if you kill me, there will be more to take my place, Raven," Malick tried to reason.

"I am well aware of how Hydra works," she lowered the man back to the floor. Closing her hand into a fist, the cloud around him disappeared, "That's why I'm not going to kill you. But take this as a warning, Malick." Maura looked to her left and right as Steve and Tony stepped up next to her, "If you come for my family again, it will end bloody."

Epilogue – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 14

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

COMING SOON!!!

Summary: Harper Lee "Harley" Barton had always been the hunter, but when the tables are turned on her, Harper must put aside her natural instinct of protecting her family through distance by coming out of the shadows and admitting the truth. Will she survive the challenges that lie ahead of her? Or will she fall prey to her own darkness once more?

Pairing - hinting/eventual Bucky X Harper (OC)

Ch. 14

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

Ch. 14

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."

"And Morgan forgives her. I know it's not easy for you, and I don't expect you to forgive her until you are ready, Tony. But don't take her away from Morgan again." She rested her hand on his as the two of them watched Morgan and Maura on the monitor.

Tony sighed in defeat at Pepper's persistence and finally agreed. He still didn't like it, but he let it go for now. Maura sat on the main room floor with her niece, surrounded by coloring books, papers of varying sizes, and enough colored pencils to keep a small army busy for hours. Morgan scribbled away at her drawing, coloring the figures she had outlined. They had been sitting in silence together for a while when she finally spoke up. "Maura, why did you leave us?" Morgan questioned, never looking up from her picture.

"Well, um," she tried to think of the best way to answer the young girl. "I guess... I guess I was scared," Maura admitted.

Morgan looked up at her aunt curiously. "Scared of what?" Morgan inquired, putting down her pencil for the moment as she tilted her head, trying to understand.

"I was a part of the bad guy's team for a really long time, Morgan. I wasn't a good person while I was there," Maura explained.

"But then you came here and met my dad and all his friends. You were a good guy, like them. I saw you," Morgan said with certainty.

"Yeah, well, I guess the hold that the bad guys had on me was too strong. I tried, Morgan, really I did. I thought, if I stuck around your dad and his friends long enough, maybe I really could be one of the good guys," she responded sadly.

"You are one of the good guys, though, Maura," Morgan argued, defending Maura's character. "Just like Bucky." Maura looked at the young girl curiously, so she continued, "I know I'm not supposed to listen when they talk about work, but I've heard daddy and Steve talking about Bucky. They said he was a part of the bad guys too, and that Steve saved him. And now he's a good guy, just like all the others."

"It's not quite that simple, Morgan," Maura explained, trying to find the best way to describe it all to someone so young.

"Why? What makes him different?"

"Because Bucky didn't have a choice. The bad guys took him and made him stay with them," Maura replied simply.

Morgan watched her aunt, waiting for more explanation. When she got none, she decided to continue speaking for herself. "They took you, too, Maura. And they made you stay with them, just like Bucky."

"When I was a young girl, maybe, but I chose to leave your dad... and you," she sighed.

"But why?" Morgan asked, sounding truly confused. "Why would you do that? Why would you choose to leave me, daddy, and the others?" Morgan insisted.

"I'm sorry, Morgan. I am, but it's complicated," Maura replied, unsure how to explain it all without upsetting the girl even further. "I thought, at the time, I was doing the right thing. But I know now that I was wrong. I made a mistake, a really, really big mistake. Not just because I hurt your dad and his friends, but because..." she paused, looking down at the pictures the pair had drawn, collecting her thoughts before continuing, "...Because I hurt you too," she finished quietly, unable to meet her niece's gaze.

Maura felt tears prick her eyes as she looked back up at her niece, "Do you remember the first picture you drew for me?" she asked. At the girl's nod, she continued, "Well, it was that drawing that helped me. Every time I look at it, I remember what I taught you."

"That we aren't good or bad, but it's the choices we make," Morgan smiled at Maura as she nodded along.

"Exactly. See, Morgan, I am okay knowing your dad and his friends are mad at me. I'm even okay with knowing that they don't like me. But I knew I had to come back for you, sweetheart. You are my niece and the most important person in my life now. There is nothing, absolutely nothing else I want more than to make things right with you. And maybe one day, you can forgive me for leaving you like I did."

Morgan crawled into her aunt's lap, curling her little body against Maura and wrapping her arms around her midsection. "I already forgive you, Maura. I love you."

Maura pulled her in tight, leaning her cheek against the top of the little girl's head. "I love you too, kiddo," she whispered softly, smiling gently at the little girl who held onto her as if she might disappear again. "And I promise, I won't ever leave you again," she added.

It had been some time since Maura had returned to the Tower and S.H.I.E.L.D.. Though things weren't the same as before, she understood why. Maura wasn't sure that she would ever be accepted back in the way she had been before. Hell, she wasn't sure she deserved to be, honestly.

Standing on the balcony overlooking the city below, looking at the skyline as she sipped at her morning coffee, she found herself lost in her mind just as she did every morning. "Maura," Tony's voice breaking her thoughts caused her to turn around. "Can we talk?" he asked.

"Of course," she nodded.

Tony motioned to the small table and chairs set in the corner near the rail. "Please," he gestured.

As she walked the few paces to the chair and sat down, Tony took the seat opposite of her, leaning forward and placing his arms on the table before him with his hands clasped together, staring intently at the woman. "This kind of thing isn't easy for me, Maura. So I'm just going to get right to the point."

Maura set her cup on the table, raising an eyebrow questionably at Tony. "What do you mean?"

"I've seen you with Morgan. I even listened in once or twice when you two were talking. She loves you so much; you know that? I've seen how she looks at you and talks to you. How she adores you so much," he told her. "We need you, Maura. You're our family, and you belong here," he assured her. "But what you did is not something you can easily erase or put behind you."

"I know, Tony. I know," Maura sighed. "I should have never -"

"It's fine," he interrupted, "It's over with. What's done is done. You can't go back and change it, so we might as well try to move forward. It may take time to trust you again fully, but..."

"Tony," she started.

He cut her off again, "No, Maura. Let me finish. I went through a roller coaster of emotions after you left. I wanted to save you, and then I wanted to hate you," he explained. "I knew Hydra had a hold on you, but I didn't want to believe my own sister would give in to them. But when you didn't come back..."

"I'm sorry, Tony. For everything I put you through. I know I hurt you. I know I broke your trust," Maura reached across the small table and placed her hand on top of her brother's.

"What I'm trying to say, Maura is that..." Tony paused, taking a deep breath before speaking again, "What I'm trying to say is that I forgive you, Maura."

Chapter 15 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 13

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

Ch. 13

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

Ch. 13

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.

Maura patted her uniform, feeling the outline of the emblem on her waist and a small hidden knife she kept in the right side of her belt. Something about it all felt - wrong. She knew what she had to do.

Changing into regular clothing, she quickly packed a small duffel. Maura didn’t have much, she didn’t need much, but she knew she’d have to leave most of her treasured weapons behind if she was going to be able to take the essential things. So, she placed her daggers, small knife, and a couple of small guns, along with whatever clothing she could stuff inside the bag. Maura checked her desk drawers and grabbed her copy of the flash drive she had made from Tony’s computer. She opened the long center drawer and took out the only item inside; it was a small, five-by-eight-inch piece of paper with a drawing. Maura folded it in half and tucked it into the outer pocket of her bag.

Quickly making her way to the parking garage, Maura did her best to remain unnoticed. Maura hopped inside once she found her car, set her bag on the passenger seat, and turned the car on. She sat for a few minutes in silence, just listening to the engine, while she thought about what she was doing. This is for the best. This is the right choice. Maura backed the vehicle from its spot, threw it in drive, and drove away from the home she had known for so long.

After several hours of driving, Maura finally arrived back at the Tower. Getting out of her car and heading towards the main entrance, she could hear a few guards talking to each other as if she was not there. Hearing their warm tones, in contrast to the cold, odd ones many of her Hydra brothers and sisters spoke, made her feel welcome, even if they weren’t talking to her. With some smooth talking with the guard at the elevator, she made her way up to the top, where she knew the team would be.

Hearing the ding of the elevator, each of the Avengers stopped what they were doing and turned to see who had arrived. When Maura stepped out of the elevator, she put her hand up just in time to stop a knife that was soaring toward her neck, courtesy of Wanda. “I deserve that,” Maura muttered as she grabbed the knife out of the air.

“We have nothing to say to you, Maura. Just go.” Tony was cold, distant. He turned his back to his sister and walked toward the doors for the balcony. It may have been a front, but he had been hurt.

“There is a lot I need to explain,” she tried to reason. “To all of you.” Tony kept walking away and ignored her, having given up on her when she betrayed the team for Hydra.

“Tony, please - ?” Maura pushed, but he wasn’t giving up easily. “Damn it, Stark! Set the fucking attitude aside. Just hear me out.” At the last word, Tony turned to face her. “I’m not going to hurt you. I would never have come to see you if I had wanted to do that.”

He stopped just inches from the door but kept his guard, still trying to decide if he wanted to give her a chance.

“Tony, please. Just listen to me.” She knew her brother was upset, and he had every right to be. “I swear, I-”

“Don’t,” Tony cut her off. “You betrayed the team. You betrayed S.H.I.E.L.D. You played both sides, wove some bullshit tale, and destroyed what hope we had.” He had a point, she thought.

“Yes. I did,” she agreed. “And I’m sorry. But -”

“I don’t believe you!” He yelled, cutting her off again.

“Why? Why can’t you -” Maura tried.

“Because you’re a liar!” Tony yelled again, letting his emotions get the better of him. “You are the worst kind of liar because your lies sound so much like the truth I can’t tell the difference.”

“Why don’t we just hear her out, huh?” Natasha stepped up.

“You’re right,” Maura sat on an empty chair, slumping forward. The team never took their eyes off of her. “I am a liar, alright. I’m the black sheep, you know? The defective twin that nobody wanted.” She looked up at her brother, tears brimming her eyes, “It must feel real nice for you to stand here judging me. Surrounded by all the things that you got out of life while I spent decades as the family reject, not to mention the ten years I spent in isolation before Hydra took me.” Maura’s eyes turned cold and dark as she let out a low growl while continuing, “Well, let me tell you, every inch of me wants to kill you for that. Every part!” Her eyes began to glow a deep blue color as her anger stirred.

A small voice came from behind them, “Maura? Wh-what’s happening?”

Maura glanced over, seeing her beautiful niece standing by the island in the kitchen. The glow in her eyes faded, and her anger melted away, “But I can’t,” she finished softly.

“I mean, that’s a good thing, right?” Sam chimed in.

“Because I made a promise to someone special. Someone who never looked at me as anything more, or less, than a person she could look up to.”

“That’s right, daddy. Maura pinky promised!” Morgan exclaimed as she ran to Tony.

“You can’t break a pinky promise,” Maura’s voice was almost a whisper, the tears threatening her eyes once again. The team stood and watched, trying to see what the next move would be from either side. “Look, I left Hydra, and as soon as they realize that, I’m going to be in real danger. The only way that I am going to be able to survive is if you help me.” She says, looking up at her brother, almost pleading, “And, personally, I’d like to live. Because I didn’t get to do a whole lot of it before everyone else decided I wasn’t worth it.”

There was a long pause. Tony looked between Morgan and the team. “You’re right,” Tony finally spoke up again. “You didn’t get to do much of it before, being all alone with no one around. But that doesn’t excuse what you did to the team and to me. You lied to us. All of us,” he continued. “I won’t -”

“Please,” Maura begged. “Tony, I’m begging you. It’s just Hydra,” she breathed in, trying to keep herself together while she explained herself. “Hydra, they had such -”

“I don’t want to hear it!” He snapped.

“Fine!” She yelled, rising to her feet, balling her hands into fists at her sides. “I understand you feel pain and betrayal. I feel the same. I was naive. I fully admit that, but Hydra was the only family I knew. Then, I found you. My brother, my blood - I trusted you, I trusted the Avengers. I wanted -”  

“So what then?” Tony cut her off, his voice rising. “You come back here, knowing they will follow, putting all of us in danger, for what?”

“Because,” she continued, looking at him, “I’m… I’m sorry. Okay? I knew, even if you - all of you - couldn’t forgive me, I at least needed to say it to you all before disappearing.”

Morgan left the comfort of her father’s grasp and walked to her aunt. Reaching out, she took Maura’s hands and repeated the words she had shared months before, “Good isn’t a thing you are.”

Maura couldn’t help but feel the corners of her lips curl into the smallest of smiles, crouching down to be level with Morgan as she recited the words with her niece, “It’s the things you do and the choices you make.”

There was another long pause. The team looked between each other and at the duo in front of them. Tony continued to glare at his sister until she looked in his direction and his eyes finally locked onto hers. “Maura…I don’t know what to say.”

“Then say nothing,” Maura pleaded as she stood again. “Just please, don’t send me out that door.”

“Tony…” Natasha spoke up, her voice soft, “Barton and Fury gave me a chance when I sure as hell didn’t deserve one. We should give her a second chance. Besides, don’t we owe it to her?”

Tony sighed, letting out a long breath, and ran one hand over his face, “I guess we do.”

“Thank you,” Maura smiled.

“But,” Tony continued, pointing at her, “That doesn’t mean we’re going to just let you walk back in here and rejoin the team like nothing happened. You betrayed us during a mission; we can’t just let that slide.”

“I know, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust again. Start over at square one and work to be someone you can all count on.”

“I’m willing to work with her, Tony. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I’m willing to take her with me and take responsibility until she can get back in everyone’s good graces.” Natasha announced, “I’ve been there, Maura.”

“Fury?” Clint spoke up. “You’re the final say in all this.” Everyone turned to where he was looking, not realizing the director had arrived at the Tower.

Nick walked up to Tony. “What’s going on here?”

“Maura,” Tony started, “Wants to start over. She wants a second chance.”

“Is she telling you everything?” Fury pressed.

Tony looked at her, a silent look of confusion on his face. “It seems so anyway.”

“Is there anything else you’re not telling us, Maura?” Fury asked, ignoring the confusion from both of them.

“I swear to you, Nick. I am sorry for everything I caused. I’m done being Hydra’s pawn. I want my family back - my real family.” She looked around at the faces staring back at her.

Fury looked over to Tony, who shrugged. Turning to look back at Maura, Nick thought about what to say next. “We can’t trust you yet," he said coldly. "You’ll still need to prove yourself before we can allow you back into our ranks.”

Maura nodded silently, tears starting to build in her eyes again. She understood his reasoning and was glad he was at least giving her a chance.

As Fury turned to leave, Maura spoke up once more, “I have one last request, though, sir," her voice shaking slightly. He stopped at the edge of the room and glanced back at Maura. With a deep breath, she continued, “I need a different name."

"And why is that?" he questioned.

"I want some distance from my past. From Hydra. Some distance from the roles that I have been filling my whole life. I don’t want to be the Raven anymore; that was someone they created. I want... no, I need to be someone new. Someone that Hydra hasn't had a hand in.”

“I’m sure we can come up with something,” Fury offered, understanding her need to recreate herself.

Chapter 14 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 12

Chapter 11

*Chapter is in Tony’s POV*

It had only been a couple of weeks since Maura left. Tony was taking it harder than the others. He’d tried to keep up his act of normalcy, but he wasn’t fooling anyone. Every time he thought about the events that went down, he questioned what he missed.

How could she do something like this? We were family. We are family. We’re blood. I welcome her into my home and onto the team, and this is how she repays me?

“Tony?” Pepper called from the door.

“Yeah?”

“Are-are you okay?” she stepped into the lab, walking toward where he sat slumped over at a table.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” he looked up from his hands, locking eyes with his wife.

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Ch. 12

Chapter 11

*Chapter is in Tony’s POV*

It had only been a couple of weeks since Maura left. Tony was taking it harder than the others. He'd tried to keep up his act of normalcy, but he wasn't fooling anyone. Every time he thought about the events that went down, he questioned what he missed.

How could she do something like this? We were family. We are family. We're blood. I welcome her into my home and onto the team, and this is how she repays me?

"Tony?" Pepper called from the door.

"Yeah?"

"Are-are you okay?" she stepped into the lab, walking toward where he sat slumped over at a table.

"Why wouldn't I be?" he looked up from his hands, locking eyes with his wife.

"I just..." she sighed softly, taking in his disheveled appearance. "You know you can't blame yourself, right?"

"Then who do I blame, Pepper? Huh? Who? Tell me!" he snapped. He had been trying to keep it together all week, not wanting to show how upset he was. If she hadn't come in here, then maybe he would've kept his emotions at bay until he calmed down.

"I don't know, Tony. Your parents? Hydra? Regardless, it isn't your fault." She reached out, laying a hand on his shoulder.

He leaned into her touch. It felt good to have someone there, someone that cared enough to try and understand him. "Maybe before, I could have blamed them all. But she was here, Pepper. She spent two years in our home. I trusted her. I let her into the family; I let her onto the team... I let her meet our daughter. I did all that, no one else." He shook his head, running a hand through his hair, letting go of his anger.

"You're right. You did. But Maura made a choice to betray that trust. Nothing you did or didn't do could have stopped that." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a comforting squeeze before leaning forward, planting a kiss on his temple.

"It's been months, and we've done nothing to try to save her," Tony argued with the others, all sitting around the large conference table. "I have to do something. I can't just leave my sister with them."

"We can't risk it, Tony, you know that," Steve tried to reason.

"And why not?" he questioned. "You risked everything multiple times for Barnes," Tony countered. "This is my sister we're talking about here."

"It's different, Tony, and you know it."

"Steve's right, Tony," Bruce added, "Maura made a choice herself to go back to Hydra. No one forced her to leave."

"We all know how Hydra is. They brainwashed her for years! She -"

"Tony!" Natasha interrupted, her voice loud and commanding as she stared at him, "Maura was here for two years. She made the conscious choice to go back."

"What if she didn't, though? What if they sent her here? What if everything she told us at the start was a lie?"

"Then that's on us. We opened ourselves up to that infiltration. But the bottom line in all of this is that Maura betrayed us, Tony. She lied, she manipulated, she took advantage of us. That's on her," Natasha said firmly. "Look, I get it. But she's been gone for four months. You need to come to terms with the truth, Stark. I'm sorry."

Maura had been gone for six months already. Morgan had slowed in her asking about her aunt, which meant she was doing much better. Tony had tried to make peace with Maura's betrayal, but every time he thought about it, he felt angry again. It didn't help that every time he saw Morgan, he couldn't help but feel guilty, too. Maura's betrayal of the team and of Tony was one thing. But for her to betray her niece? It was something else entirely. Tony could tell Morgan still missed her aunt, even if she didn't fully understand what was going on.

"Daddy?" Tony heard Morgan's soft voice, breaking his train of thought.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

She walked into his office. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," he answered as he lifted her into his lap.

"Is Aunt Maura a bad guy again?" she asked softly.

"I don't know how to answer that, kiddo. I don't know what your aunt is doing or planning," Tony said.

"Do you think she will ever come back?" Morgan asked innocently.

"I don't know, sweetheart," Tony responded truthfully.

"Daddy, if she does come back, you won't hurt her, will you?" Morgan looked up at him with big brown eyes full of fear.

"No, no, sweetie," he tried to assure her, though even he didn't know what would happen if Maura ever showed up at the Tower again.

"Good," Morgan nodded solemnly, settling into Tony's arms.

"No matter what happens," Tony began, causing Morgan to look up at him, "You still have all of us here."

"I know, daddy," Morgan smiled weakly, "I just miss Maura."

"I know, kiddo," Tony pulled his little girl closer and kissed the top of her head, "Hey, why don't we ask Nat and Wanda to take you to the park or something? Huh? Get you out of the Tower for a bit and have some fun?"

Morgan nodded eagerly and hugged her father tighter. The pair walked out of the office and went to find the two women. Tony gave Natasha a credit card to use and told her they could take Morgan anywhere she wanted to go.

Chapter 13 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 11

Chapter 10

Maura sat in the conference room of Hydra’s current headquarters, with three members of her command. It had been quite a while since she had sat around a Hydra table, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t feel right about it any longer.

They discussed her time with S.H.I.E.L.D. and with the Avengers. She gave them all the information she had about the team, what their next targets were, as well as giving them all the details she managed to gather about Tony’s latest project. She set a flash drive on the table, “This is everything I was able to extract from his system about the suit. He hasn’t perfected it yet, but he’s getting close.”

Malick nodded his head once. “Very well then, I believe we are done here. Raven, you may go.”

Keep reading

Ch. 11

Chapter 10

Maura sat in the conference room of Hydra’s current headquarters, with three members of her command. It had been quite a while since she had sat around a Hydra table, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t feel right about it any longer.

They discussed her time with S.H.I.E.L.D. and with the Avengers. She gave them all the information she had about the team, what their next targets were, as well as giving them all the details she managed to gather about Tony’s latest project. She set a flash drive on the table, “This is everything I was able to extract from his system about the suit. He hasn’t perfected it yet, but he’s getting close.”

Malick nodded his head once. “Very well then, I believe we are done here. Raven, you may go.”

Keep reading

Ch. 11

Chapter 10

Maura sat in the conference room of Hydra’s current headquarters, with three members of her command. It had been quite a while since she had sat around a Hydra table, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t feel right about it any longer.

They discussed her time with S.H.I.E.L.D. and with the Avengers. She gave them all the information she had about the team, what their next targets were, as well as giving them all the details she managed to gather about Tony’s latest project. She set a flash drive on the table, “This is everything I was able to extract from his system about the suit. He hasn’t perfected it yet, but he’s getting close.”

Malick nodded his head once. “Very well then, I believe we are done here. Raven, you may go.”

Keep reading

Ch. 11

Chapter 10

Maura sat in the conference room of Hydra’s current headquarters, with three members of her command. It had been quite a while since she had sat around a Hydra table, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something didn't feel right about it any longer.

They discussed her time with S.H.I.E.L.D. and with the Avengers. She gave them all the information she had about the team, what their next targets were, as well as giving them all the details she managed to gather about Tony's latest project. She set a flash drive on the table, "This is everything I was able to extract from his system about the suit. He hasn't perfected it yet, but he's getting close."

Malick nodded his head once. "Very well then, I believe we are done here. Raven, you may go."

Raven stood quickly and began heading for the door. After the door closed behind her, the room fell silent for a minute before Sergeant Batrel spoke. "Are we sure that we can trust her to take down her own brother?”

“Only time will tell. Even if Raven does betray us, it won't really matter any longer. We have what we need," Saltz assured the others.

It had only been a couple of weeks since she had returned to Hydra. Maura sat in her room in silence, like she had done any time she was free. Though she wasn't being sent out on any jobs yet, she still assisted in the lab when they needed her. Maura looked at the flash drive sitting on her dresser, having made a duplicate before giving one to her superiors. She had already memorized every detail on there, but still, she could not help but feel uneasy. What did Hydra want with the suit? What purpose would they use it for, and why would they attempt it now? Even Tony hadn't perfected it yet. There was no telling what could happen or the consequences if it failed. A knock on her door startled her.

"Raven," she heard called from the other side.

"Yes?"

Her door clicked open, and Malick stepped inside. "Sorry if I'm disturbing your evening. But I need to speak with you in private for a moment."

Maura nodded and got up from where she'd been sitting on her bed. "Of course, sir. What's going on?" She asked, following Malick out of her room.

"There has been some… development concerning the current project," Malick said as they made their way to his office.

"Is something wrong with the suit, sir?"

"The suit is working just as we had hoped, and the project is progressing smoothly. However," Malick paused and opened the door to his office for her to step inside, then followed after her. They both took seats at his desk, and he continued his thought. "The suit won't be ready before your next mission, and I need to know you will be able to do your job, Raven."

Maura looked up at him, "What do you mean by that, sir? You don't think I can handle myself in combat?"

"I know you can handle yourself. But we are trying to dismantle a team that you have spent the last two years getting rather close with. I am worried you won't be able to separate yourself. Not to mention that we don't know how they will react when they see you again."

"Sir-"

Malick held up his hand, silencing her. "It isn't a matter of not being able to put those feelings aside. It is a question of whether or not you want to. If you aren't ready, Raven, you aren't ready." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest.

"I understand the concern, sir. But I can do this." Maura tried to convince him as much as she wanted to convince herself.

"Very well. Your next assignment is in two days, and I expect you to be ready for it. Understood?"

She nodded, "Understood, sir."

"Good." Malick turned back to his work, "You're dismissed." She nodded and left Malick's office.

Maura had been back with Hydra for six short months, but it seemed like she had never left. She was back to doing missions, working in the lab, and training some recruits.

Malick was cautious. He still wasn't sure she was ready for the larger tasks, so he only sent her on small missions. She was taking out low-level S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, infiltrating locations, and recon missions. But never on anything that involved members of the Avengers specifically.

Though Maura kept busy with her tasks, she couldn't help but wonder what her family was doing. What her brother was working on, what Morgan was learning in school, what Banner was doing in the lab, or what mindless training everyone was going through. A part of her missed reading stories to her niece at bedtime, going for runs in the morning with Sam, teaming with Tony to take down their enemies.

A knock on her door drew her from her thoughts and brought her back to reality. Looking around her room, trying to remember what she had been doing before her mind had carelessly wandered elsewhere. "Yes?" she called out.

"We're ready to go, Raven," a deep voice responded.

"I'll be there shortly," she replied.

Maura stood from her chair at her small desk and walked to her closet. She grabbed a couple of daggers that hung on the wall and placed them in their proper places on her uniform. Reaching for the small pistol, she placed it into its holster on her thigh. Though she hated using the gun, she still brought one on each mission. Then she finished putting on her boots, picked up her mask off the desk, and walked out of the room.

Maura knew, though, that she couldn't continue to dwell in the past. She knew that she couldn't continue to care about the Avengers, nor her family back at the Tower. Maura was back with her rightful family. The family that didn't abandon her, that took care of her when she had nothing. Maura was home... and she was more determined than ever to prove herself to Hydra. Or so she hoped.

Chapter 12 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 10

Chapter 9

Sat in the chair on the patio of the small cafe, Maura enjoyed the sounds of the small town around her as she read her book. Hearing the chair across the table from her move, she didn’t need to lift her eyes.

“I’m surprised it was you who made the trip, sir. But everything is ready. We will have the briefing later this morning, and then the five of us will be making our way to the location as planned.”

“Good. Everything is set, and everything is in place,” Malick replied. “Once you have neutralized the Avengers, and rejoined our ranks, we can move forward with our work.”

“Yes, sir, ” Maura acknowledged.

Nodding, Malick stood, and looked at her, trying to hide his concern, “Are you sure you can do this, Raven?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered, finally looking up from her book. “I will not let you down. You don’t have to worry about me,” she replied.

“I never have,” Malik said, then turned to walk down the sidewalk the same way he had appeared.

“There is one thing, though, sir,” she called after him, causing him to turn and face her again briefly. “I promised someone I would not hurt or kill any of the team; I need to know that promise will be kept.”

The man didn’t respond. Instead, he just turned to walk away.

“I gave my word, sir,” she called after him. “I gave my word. Please…make sure I can keep it. ”

Maura knew she wouldn’t get a straight answer; the best she could do was hope.

Maura picked up her things, paid her bill, and drove back to the tower. Once she was changed and ready, she met the rest of the team in the briefing room and they all went over the details one final time. Everyone had their jobs, so they loaded into the quinjet that was waiting, and took off.

It was supposed to be a simple job. Both the US government and Hydra had seemingly abandoned the base. All they needed to do was go in, pull the information from the systems, and destroy everything remaining. Since it was a quick task, but a large building, only five of the team members went along; Maura, Steve, Tony, Natasha, and Clint.

They quickly found their way to the main system room. Half an hour later, they were almost finished with the transfer of files. They were all focused on their tasks of setting up the explosives and the electronic transfers, that they didn't notice the doors behind them slide open, nor the men that were beginning to surround them. When the lights above them began to flicker, they turned around and were quickly greeted by a large group of Hydra agents.

Steve and Tony tried to fight the men off, but they were outnumbered. Clint and Natasha did their best to help out, but there were just too many of them.

Maura didn’t engage much. The men that came at her, she could neutralize easily enough, but she didn’t approach any of the agents. She just stood and watched as they went after the four Avenger team members, her back to the wall, and arms at her sides, giving her a clear view of all the commotion around her.

The agents quickly outnumbered the team. Clint was knocked to the ground and stabbed in the shoulder by an agent. He would be okay, but he wouldn’t be using his arrows any time soon. Natasha was next to go down. A Hydra agent approached her from behind, knocking her unconscious while she focused on the enemy in front of her.

Steve was simply outnumbered; even a super-soldier could only do so much with nothing more than a shield. He was knocked to the ground, visibly out of breath and exhausted, struggling to get back to his feet. Tony was the only one posing a real challenge, thanks to his suit.

“Right. Enough of this game.” Maura finally stepped in, putting an energy field around her brother and effectively stopping him from being able to fight back. “Listen, Tin Man. I don’t have time for these little games. Dorthy and Robin Hood are down for the count, and your ultimate frisbee airbender over there,” she nods towards Steve, who was still on the ground, “Seems awfully worn out himself. And I know you wouldn’t hurt your beloved sister after finally getting her back, now would you?”

“What-what are you doing?” Steve was visibly confused, looking up at her from his crouched position on the floor, trying to catch his breath after the battle that had just ensued.

“I’m doing what needs to be done. Nothing more, nothing less.” Standing mere feet from where he sat, her face finally visible.

“We trusted you…” his voice barely above a whisper.

“Don’t pull that righteous shit now, Rogers. You should know better than anyone that once Hydra has its claws into you, it’s not exactly a cakewalk to get free.” She lowered Tony to the ground and removed the field that had encased him. “Take the two of them, and go. Please.” She sighed as she turned her back to them and began walking out of the room. “I’m sorry,” she spoke over her shoulder.

“We thought you were one of us! One of the good guys.” Tony opened his mask, wanting to look his sister in the eye, “What about the family! Huh? What about all the shit you said about finally being home? What about Morgan?!” he yelled after her.

“Don’t.” Maura growled, spinning back around and flying to stand nose to nose with her brother, “Don’t you dare bring family into this. Where was our family when I needed them? Where were they when the enemy took me? Where were they when I was alone, scared, and dying?!”

“So, what? Becoming the villain of the Stark legacy was your brilliant idea to get back at us? At me?” Tony growled.

“No, Tony. Despite what you seem to think, I am not the bad guy in our family's story. I am the wronged; I am the forgotten; I am the one who paid the price for our father’s greed and stupidity. While you got everything you ever wanted out of life, I got a family who didn’t care if I survived or not. I am not an heir to a legacy; I’m the black mark of that legacy, one they tried to erase for good.”

Maura turned and walked toward the door yet again, stopping only long enough to leave her brother with one last piece of knowledge, "Just because I'm the current villain in your story, Tony, doesn't mean I'm the bad guy in the final picture."

Chapter 11 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 9

Chapter 8

Maura was sitting on the couch in the main living area at Avengers Tower, reading a book and just enjoying the quiet. She had solidified the trust of Fury and the team after the events that unfolded in the weeks prior. Maura had all but tuned out the world around her, until she heard a set of little steps approach. Not looking up, she said, “Hiya, kiddo.”

“Hi,” said the little girl with a broad smile on her face.

“What’s up?” Maura asked, putting a mark on her book’s page and closing it, looking at her young niece.

“I know it’s early in the morning. But, can I sit with you? No one else is awake yet.”

“Of course you can,” Maura said sweetly as she patted the seat next to her.

Morgan hopped up and sat right on the couch next to her aunt. They had only met a month prior since Tony felt the need to wait to introduce his sister to his daughter until he thought he could trust Maura enough. Since that first encounter, though, the two girls had become fast friends. Maura loved spending time with her niece, taking her out for lunch or milkshakes, and even playing dress-up around the Tower.

Morgan sat with her aunt and looked up at her with wondering eyes. “Can I ask you a question, Maura?”

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Ch. 9

Chapter 8

Maura was sitting on the couch in the main living area at Avengers Tower, reading a book and just enjoying the quiet. She had solidified the trust of Fury and the team after the events that unfolded in the weeks prior. Maura had all but tuned out the world around her, until she heard a set of little steps approach. Not looking up, she said, “Hiya, kiddo.”

“Hi,” said the little girl with a broad smile on her face.

“What’s up?” Maura asked, putting a mark on her book’s page and closing it, looking at her young niece.

“I know it’s early in the morning. But, can I sit with you? No one else is awake yet.”

“Of course you can,” Maura said sweetly as she patted the seat next to her.

Morgan hopped up and sat right on the couch next to her aunt. They had only met a month prior since Tony felt the need to wait to introduce his sister to his daughter until he thought he could trust Maura enough. Since that first encounter, though, the two girls had become fast friends. Maura loved spending time with her niece, taking her out for lunch or milkshakes, and even playing dress-up around the Tower.

Morgan sat with her aunt and looked up at her with wondering eyes. “Can I ask you a question, Maura?”

Keep reading

Ch. 9

Chapter 8

Maura was sitting on the couch in the main living area at Avengers Tower, reading a book and just enjoying the quiet. She had solidified the trust of Fury and the team after the events that unfolded in the weeks prior. Maura had all but tuned out the world around her, until she heard a set of little steps approach. Not looking up, she said, “Hiya, kiddo.”

“Hi,” said the little girl with a broad smile on her face.

“What’s up?” Maura asked, putting a mark on her book’s page and closing it, looking at her young niece.

“I know it’s early in the morning. But, can I sit with you? No one else is awake yet.”

“Of course you can,” Maura said sweetly as she patted the seat next to her.

Morgan hopped up and sat right on the couch next to her aunt. They had only met a month prior since Tony felt the need to wait to introduce his sister to his daughter until he thought he could trust Maura enough. Since that first encounter, though, the two girls had become fast friends. Maura loved spending time with her niece, taking her out for lunch or milkshakes, and even playing dress-up around the Tower.

Morgan sat with her aunt and looked up at her with wondering eyes. “Can I ask you a question, Maura?”

Keep reading

Ch. 9

Chapter 8

Maura was sitting on the couch in the main living area at Avengers Tower, reading a book and just enjoying the quiet. She had solidified the trust of Fury and the team after the events that unfolded in the weeks prior. Maura had all but tuned out the world around her, until she heard a set of little steps approach. Not looking up, she said, "Hiya, kiddo."

"Hi," said the little girl with a broad smile on her face.

"What's up?" Maura asked, putting a mark on her book's page and closing it, looking at her young niece.

"I know it's early in the morning. But, can I sit with you? No one else is awake yet.”

“Of course you can,” Maura said sweetly as she patted the seat next to her.

Morgan hopped up and sat right on the couch next to her aunt. They had only met a month prior since Tony felt the need to wait to introduce his sister to his daughter until he thought he could trust Maura enough. Since that first encounter, though, the two girls had become fast friends. Maura loved spending time with her niece, taking her out for lunch or milkshakes, and even playing dress-up around the Tower.

Morgan sat with her aunt and looked up at her with wondering eyes. “Can I ask you a question, Maura?”

“Sure you can,” she smiled down at the little girl.

“Are you a good guy? Or a bad guy?” Her tone was innocent enough, but the question stung a bit.

“What do you mean?” Maura responded, hoping it would help offer her time to find the correct answer.

“I heard you and dad talking about the bad guys, about Hydra, and how you worked for them.”

“Well, Morgan, it’s not a straightforward answer like you think. I used to work for the bad guys, but now I’m here.”

“So, you’re good now, right?” She pressed.

“Well, Morgan, good isn’t really a thing you are.” Maura paused, smiling down at the questioning brown eyes that stared back at her, “It’s the things you do. It’s the choices you make.”

“I don’t understand.” Morgan ran her little fingers through her hair, her brow furrowed as she thought about whether what Maura was saying was as confusing to herself as it was to Morgan.

“Try to look at it like this. We’re not good or bad; we just are.” Maura reached out a hand and touched her shoulder gently. “I know it’s a strange thing to think about. But what I’m trying to say, Morgan, is that there aren’t clear good or bad guys, and that’s why you always have to be careful. ” Maura’s voice was soft and gentle.

“It doesn’t make sense. People have to be good or bad. You have to be good, just like my dad is, and Uncle Steve. So, you are a good guy, right?” Morgan tried to reason.

“Sure, sweetie. I’m a good guy.” Maura smiled and kissed Morgan on the forehead.

The little girl smiled and sighed with relief. She knew Maura was a good person. “Promise you will always be a good guy? And never hurt my dad, or his friends?” Her voice was soft, but Maura could hear the tinge of concern.

“I promise, Morgan.”

“Pinky promise?” the little girl smiled, holding up her closed fist with just her pinky extended.

Maura couldn’t help but grin and chuckle. “Pinky promise,” she said, matching her niece’s action, entangling their pinkies together.

Just as Maura was about to look down at her book again, they started hearing low-toned, muffled noises coming from the room across the hall. “Sounds like the others are finally waking up. So what do you say we make everyone some breakfast, huh? Want to help?” Maura smiled and stood from her spot on the sofa.

“Yes!” Morgan hopped up beside her. They made their way to the kitchen, and Morgan hopped up onto the counter stool, while Maura began looking for some coffee and all the things needed to make some chocolate chip pancakes from scratch.

As the months went on, Maura and Tony seemed to spend most of their free time together. They would take walks at night, spend time outside with Morgan, spend countless hours in his lab, or just in the Tower talking.

Maura would often cook their meals, always taking the opportunity to show Morgan how to fix simple things like scrambled eggs, pancakes, or mac and cheese. The little girl was getting quite proficient in the kitchen, and Maura wasn’t complaining about the help.

As the days went by, it became clear that Maura was becoming a permanent fixture in the Tower. She had been there for well over a year now, knew everyone she came in contact with, was getting closer to each member and was finally feeling like she found where she belonged.

Hydra knew it would be an extended mission, and Maura still kept in contact with her superiors there, but she was beginning to have some small second thoughts about the end plan.

Tony had been working on a project for over a year now, and one night while in the lab, he finally decided to let his sister see his new armor. Maura loved getting to see the progress of his projects. As far as she was concerned, Tony ran an excellent lab and worked hard tirelessly at his craft. However, seeing his armor was something else.

It was beautiful. Its gray armor plates stood tall and proud. The metal glinted in the light, catching the shadows and life that Tony always strived for in his projects. Maura was fascinated by the technology just as Tony was, and he was very thankful for that. It was a small connection to her family that they could share.

This was precisely what Hydra had been looking for. The new Stark technology they had sent her to get information on. A project Tony hadn’t shared with anyone as of yet, not even Bruce.

Maura wasn't told exactly what Hydra’s plan was with the information, but she could certainly make a good guess. She was beginning to realize the snake-like organization was not to be trusted, but she had a job to do.

She looked at the armor thoughtfully, with her arms crossed over her chest and her back leaning up against the lab's white and gray full glass wall. Tony was in the center of the lab, his back to her, hands deep in some wires that were part of his project.

“So, what do you think?” Tony asked as he turned around to face Maura.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you. I know, I know. It’s not the most useful, combat-capable thing. It’s just a prototype for now,” Tony patted the armor on the chest, “But I’m sure it will be a success once I have all the kinks worked out.”

“A success?” Maura walked up behind her brother, “A success for who?” Her voice was calm and subtle, but the tone resonated with impatience.

“Well, me, of course.” Tony rubbed the back of his neck and began picking up random components that had fallen off the armor.

“Come on, Tony. What’s the real reason to make something like this?”

“Honestly? It started as a simple fix. Something to help me - stay alive. But once I realized it could be sentient? I figured, why not?!” Tony chuckled to himself as he put the components in their proper places.

“Have you taken into consideration that this could backfire on you?” Maura threw down her arms, and her tone became more serious, harsher.

“Of course I have!” Tony yelled back.

“You’ve rebuilt that Ultron disaster. How are you-“

“Maura. It’s not Ultron, okay? I took some precautions this time that I didn’t before. Besides, I’m still working on it. It’s not going to be put to use until I know it is ready.” Tony huffed.

“I hope you’re right, Tony. I mean, I have faith in you; I just worry. ”

“I know, I know.” Tony comically put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug, much to her surprise.

Chapter 10 – Masterlist – Taglist

Ch. 8

Chapter 7

It was hard to believe that Maura had been at the Tower for just over a year, even though she had only officially been a part of the team for a couple of months. She’d gotten used to working with the different team members and was comfortable enough around them that she didn’t feel like an outsider or anything any longer. Maura enjoyed the training sessions; they helped her keep a level head in battle and prevent things from going sideways. Which, given her assignment, was something she needed to keep from giving away anything more than what they already knew.

She had gone on a couple of brief missions sporting her new suit from Tony and looking the part of an Avenger. All the while, she kept a close eye on her teammates so that she could report back to her command with some sort of helpful information. That was put on hold for now, though. The team had a new mission that would need her full attention.

“Thor, what do you know about this Perrikus guy?” Fury questioned.

“Only that he is a god of power and an enemy of Asgard,” Thor answered.

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Ch. 8

Chapter 7

It was hard to believe that Maura had been at the Tower for just over a year, even though she had only officially been a part of the team for a couple of months. She’d gotten used to working with the different team members and was comfortable enough around them that she didn’t feel like an outsider or anything any longer. Maura enjoyed the training sessions; they helped her keep a level head in battle and prevent things from going sideways. Which, given her assignment, was something she needed to keep from giving away anything more than what they already knew.

She had gone on a couple of brief missions sporting her new suit from Tony and looking the part of an Avenger. All the while, she kept a close eye on her teammates so that she could report back to her command with some sort of helpful information. That was put on hold for now, though. The team had a new mission that would need her full attention.

“Thor, what do you know about this Perrikus guy?” Fury questioned.

“Only that he is a god of power and an enemy of Asgard,” Thor answered.

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