Chapter One: Late to the Party
The week feels so long, even though the days feel short. Does that even make any sense? Barton, you must be losing it.
Ever since SHIELD had been compromised by HYDRA, everything felt so disorientated. I guess I can be an assassin for hire on the side. But that sounds tiresome, I can simply snipe the target with an arrow in no time. I do need the money though… I'm bored to death.
"Gah, Tasha what are you doing?" I start to polish my arrows out of monotony. Man, do I love arrows.
Natasha sighs in detest, putting her binoculars away, "We're looking for someone." She rises from the ground and strides towards the car, as I stand in astonishment. Natasha Romanov, convoluted as always. Being partners for eons; you would think she would comprehend the fact I'm not a mind-reader.
"Okay, who is this someone?"
"You know the Winter Soldier?"
"The guy that has a thing for eyeliner? The HYDRA guy?"
"Bingo." Did she just say 'Bingo'? Out of all the words, she chose 'Bingo'.
"Bingo? What a diminutive vocabulary Tasha, for shame." All of a sudden, a flash of black blocks my field of vision and I'm instantly on the ground. She just threw my duffle bag at me. I look up to realize Natasha is furious; meaning a completely nonchalant expression. When you know Romanov for an elongated period of time, you can instantaneously read her emotions. It's all in the eyes.
"Walking home starts now Barton."
"Come on Tasha, it was a joke!" She starts to rev the car just before I could pull myself off the terrain.
"A three hour stroll to the Avenger stronghold doesn't sound consequently agonizing, may you have an engaging time." I can hear the venom leaking with every single word. As I hoist myself up, the vehicle is far from my grasp. I had no chance for catching up in time. Only the sounds of a car engine could be heard. Damn you Romanov, why must you be pissy at the end of every month.
As I begin my way back home, my phone rings.
'When Hawkeye throws his mighty arrow, all those who chose to oppose his mighty arrow-…'
I remove my cellular device from my pocket. It was none other than the billionaire play boy himself. I'm certainly not in the mood for chatting. Although I haven't spoken to Tony for a while. I might as well answer the call.
"This is Hawkeye, agent of nothing. How may I be of service?" Chortles can be heard from the other end of the line.
"Raccoon Eyes is out on the streets. Cap requires the Avengers assemble."
"Oh? Why didn't he just call me himself?"
"He was all angsty when Romanov believed to have spotted him."
"Okay, I'll be there. Give me three hours."
"Cap ordered me to retrieve you, wait there. And Birdie, question. Why did Nat abandon you?"
"I sort of made fun of her vocabulary."
"You know, it is the last week of April."
"I couldn't resist. At least she did not stab me and leave me for dead."
"I'm sure if I pulled that stunt, I would've departed this world in a heartbeat. Clint, you are one lucky bastard." An uproar of gun shots resounds through the receiver. Not to mention Captain hollering commands.
"Tony, go help."
"Dude, I can't leave you-"
"Just go Stark. They need Iron Man."
"Humph, if you say so. When Spangles starts yelling at me, you're taking the blame."
"Sure, whatever. Cheerio FeMale."
Arriving fashionably late can be tolerable now and then. It's not too premature, or awfully tardy. On the other hand, arriving late to combat is a different array of distress. There is minor destruction in the city, nothing major. Simply, insufficient damaged cars, and fractured infrastructures, nothing Stark's coinage can't fix. However, something peculiar was midst the streets of New York; absolute stillness.
"Guys?" I advance to a dented car, supposing one of my teammates to scare the living crap out of me. There was no response. If this was a hoax, it's not funny.
Sighing in hindrance, I assume that the mission had been accomplished and my chums are already returning to Avengers Tower. The second I turn around, a figure stands before me. The Winter Soldier.
I unfasten my duffle bag, and equip my bow and arrow. I go into an attack stance; pointing an arrow at his masked face.
"Where are the Avengers?" The man paces towards my general area, "Nuh-uh, you stand back. Do not come any closer." He submits and walks backwards with caution.
"Good, now answer the questi-" The Winter Soldier vanishes. Oh no. Last time I heard, the soldier had no magical properties. Please do not tell me who I think it is.
"Up to more mischief, Loki?" I tense up as I feel the sharp edge of a blade on my neck, I dare not move a single muscle.
"Quite the contrary," He presses the blade closer to my skin, "The mischief has already been managed."
I ease as the knife lowers. He appears once again, and I fire an arrow for his face. Which in turn, he disappears. Loki reemerges, giving off his infamous laugh.
"You mortals are so predictable, have you not learned in our last battle?"
"Shut up," I shoot a new arrow, which was off aim. Shit, calm down Barton. You cannot think straight when you panic. Keep calm, "Why are you here?"
"Claiming what is rightfully mine. Although, I would fear more about your companions."
I'm becoming anxious with every second that pass. They can't be dead, my colleagues were too persistent to die. Even more so by the hand of Loki.
"Rather cute, despite being monstrosities."
"Wait, what?"
"Fair well Barton, till we meet again."
Loki leaves in a wisp of azure mist. I can deal with the god of mischief later. Seeking my friends comes first.
I fretfully search around the debris. Not a single sign of the team can be found. Until a shrill cry abruptly resonates from behind a tossed minivan. I sprint in that direction to discover my teammates settled on the road, all huddling together.
The previously mighty Avengers are now vulnerable children.
So, I haven't watched Thor: The Dark World yet. I don't know if Loki's presence here negates the ending, and all I know is that he was pretending to be Odin or something like that. A shame, I know.
Here is a link to Hawkeye's ringtone. It is amazing. watch?v=8SA_PTP_Sgw
Anyways, thanks Icecap for beta'ing my fic. You hella blessed.
Mini Avengers will officially make an appearance next chapter.