TC Stark: Alright, alright – hello, all! So, I know I have other projects to work on and I have certainly written my fair share of Marvel stories, but I had to write this. I've had this idea for about a year now and I had to get it out. I want this to be a serious story – drama, heart wrenching shit, mystery, some humor, adventure, lust, love, pain – just write a well rounded story. The main story line will be between Steve Rogers and my OC – which is the first time I've really written an OC who has powers, so let me know if I'm doing something wrong. The secondary will be between Natasha/Loki. I love that pairing – it's so dark and sensual and it gives me another chance to write them, though; it's definitely a different story line than Prisoner of War. Anyways, please enjoy my story. All opinions are welcomed.
Disclaimer: I only own my OC and my ideas. I do not make any money off this. My only reward is providing a good story for the readers.
Chapter One
Looking back on the events of the recent past, it almost seemed ludicrous that the Avengers Initiative had originally been deactivated. Funny even. Humorous that the higher council of SHIELD could deem a team of superheros dedicated to protect the world not needed. That they wouldn't want a group of extraordinary people to call upon when the world was in danger and no one of ordinary human capacity could defeat.
That kind of thinking had almost been the downfall of Earth. Suddenly, they were needed. A certain God of Mischief decided to make the planet humans called home his playing ground. What would have happened if those extraordinary people hadn't originally been roped in? If they hadn't even been called upon by SHIELD? Would the world be in a much different place; astray from the normal day to day lives they were living thanks to the Avengers.
After the god Loki was defeated, Nick Fury had allowed the members of the Avengers to go their separate ways. They had deserved it after all. The battle against Thor's adoptive brother and the Chitari had been exhausting. Grander and more dangerous than any other battle that anyone had ever seen before. They had all come extremely close to losing their lives. To becoming slaves to Loki's rule – the one eyed director figured they earned the time off.
Loki had been taken back to Asgard – to receive his punishment from his peers. From his father, who had held the most life changing secret from him his whole life. Nick Fury figured that Thor had taken care of it – the God of Thunder still loved his brother. It was evident from the way he had even defended him to Natasha, despite the fact that his sibling was looking to destroy the world. The director suspected because of the love the family had for Loki that even though the punishment would be severe – it wouldn't be death.
The world wasn't in danger. None that could be easily seen at least. Fury had been in the business long enough to know that the world was always in trouble. It was just the level of what that danger was – then they would figure if action needed to be taken. So far, nothing had reeled its ugly head. With Loki away and no other world threat – everything seemed fine.
Still, Fury wanted to assemble the team. Have them be aware of each other – talk about what was happening with the world. Touch upon a few subjects – how to improve their strategies. While they had all worked well together the first time – after their initial disputes – there really wasn't much structure. It was a group full of strong personalities and because the initiative had been deactivated before, none of them had a chance to truly been briefed.
Only Barton and Natasha had been keeping up with their training. They may have taken some time off, but they were still agents of SHIELD and spent their time working for the director. That's what it meant to dedicate yourself to your life's work. And even thought hey had all gotten over the first hurtle – there would be more battles. Victory could only last for so long.
On a particular day that they were all set to meet; Captain Steve Rogers was first. Always the punctual one. That kind of behavior would never leave the American hero. Besides, SHIELD took great care of him. They were basically responsible for his well being – making sure he was well adjusted to a world he had no idea about. The man had sacrificed a lot for his country, the least they could do was provide him with an apartment, monthly funds, and whatever else he needed to survive.
"Captain." Director Fury nodded his head, his hands behind his back as the all American boy walked through the door.
Steve Rogers – fresh faced as always – smiled while giving the one eyed man a strong handshake. His hand gripped Fury's tight; the true handshake of a soldier. Of a captain - "Good to see you again, Fury."
Finally, their hands released as the small talk began, "All is well I hope?"
"It's getting better. More volunteers are coming by to help every day."
After the attack on New York City, the island was a mess. Despite being the ones responsible for their safety, the people also partially blamed the Avengers for the wreckage. It was hard for the people to get back on their feet – many businesses were ruined. Homes destroyed. Loved ones killed as a result of Loki's attempt to conquer the human race.
Tony Stark had done his job in offering money to help rebuild many of said destroyed buildings. Steve, though; was more of a hands on person. He felt much more comfortable stepping out and physically helping the people of Manhattan. SHIELD viewed this as a good thing – it offered good press for the Avengers and besides, the kids loved seeing Captain America.
"As long as you're keeping yourself busy."
The small talk had ended once the doors opened and Agent Natasha Romanoff walked in, followed by Dr. Bruce Banner. While the redhead continued her work for the agency, the doctor had gone back to India to continue his charity work there. It seemed like he had gone back with a better spirit than before – at least knowing and being familiar with people similar to him. Knowing he had allies, rather than those out to get him.
Agent Barton soon followed, Thor in tow. Jane Foster had been working day and night ever since the god first left Earth. And once Loki came to Earth, her work had really gone into over drive. And after much research, SHIELD had actually found a successful way to contact the prince. Which, was very helpful in calling him in for a meeting.
Last time they had all seen each other, Thor was hauling Loki off in cuffs. Back to Asgard. That was a joyous time. They hadn't been able to meet under such light circumstances before. So, it was nice for them all to be together and there not to be an immediate threat. They could actually smile and laugh and small talk.
It was especially nice for Natasha, who had never had that before. Living and growing up as a trained assassin left little room for normal human contact. There had been no family bonding, no friends – nothing that almost ever person on the planet was able to have. No basic human rights. So, to actually feel like she wasn't a monster for once was nice. Everyone standing around – in civilian clothing – as if they were all long life friends.
The doors opened once again and Tony Stark waltzed in his usual fashion, "Mr. Stark, so glad you've finally made it." Fury announced upon seeing the billionaire walk in.
"Well, you know, I've got important things to do," Tony stuck his hands in his pockets, turning his head around – observing his surroundings – before pointing over towards the group, "Ah, the gang's all here. Cap, Thunder God – Dr. Banner, a pleasure as always. And look, our SHIELD children are here too." He referred to Natasha and Clint.
Eyes were rolled, before everyone took their places in seats surrounding a glass conference table. Director Nick Fury and Agent Maria Hill standing at the head, with a high tech projector screen behind them. He could imagine that everyone would be eager to go back to their day, so it most likely wasn't going to be a long meeting.
"So, um, big guy, little suggestion – if you're planning on taking your girlfriend out today, I'd suggest losing the cape." Tony Stark suggested towards Thor, while leaning towards him.
"What I do on Earth is none of your business." The Thunder God scolded the Iron Man.
Nodding his head, the billionaire leaned back into his chair before turning towards Bruce, "That means him and Foster are skipping dinner."
Before anything could break loose, Fury cleared his throat loudly, "We are waiting for one another person, if you all would just be patient and behave." He instructed pointedly.
Holding his hands up, Stark defended, "Yes, teacher. Um, by the way – who are we waiting for? I see everyone is accounted here."
"Someone who was unavailable before."
Just as Tony was about to object, the doors opened once more. Instantly, Natasha let out a soft chuckle – to which Tony spun his head quickly and looked at the Black widow - "Agent Stygar, never thought I'd see you again."
The agent addressed, casually stepped forward while her non accented voice spoke flatly, "It's been a long time."
Everyone – besides those who worked for SHIELD – watched this mystery woman shake the hands of both Natasha and Clint, before nodding over to Fury and sitting in the front. She seemed...not cold – aloof really. Her hands stuck in the pockets of her waist length leather jacket. Body seemed toned. Like all the agents. Thinner than Natasha, though; not tall like Hill. Feminine athletic shape. Average height. Perhaps 5'5". Wearing form fitting black jeans, black combat boots. A white shirt under her jacket. Peach skin. A freckle here and there on her cheeks. Green eyes. Bright orange hair that hung straight down in a long braid, a medium thick cloth headband holding her locks back. Seemed to be about in her mid-twenties. Twenty-six perhaps?
"Everyone, meet Agent Tilda Stygar." Director Fury introduced, though; the girl only sat forward, not really acknowledging anyone else.
"Ugh, and who is she?" Tony Stark asked, confused and not entirely convinced she should be there.
"You can find all of my information on the SHIELD database, Mr. Stark." Tilda's indifferent voice clipped.
There was a bit of a smirk on the other agents' faces, though; all turned stone faced once the director began talking again, "Alright, now that we are all acquainted. Thank you for making it here. As you know, one year ago the island of Manhattan was nearly leveled due to Loki's attack-"
"Yes, I believe we, ugh, stopped that." Tony interjected.
Rolling his eyes, Bruce insisted, "Can you let him finish?"
Once again Stark threw his hands up, as Fury went on irritably, "Yes, I am aware of that. Thor, what has happened to Loki since then?"
"He is imprisoned within the walls of the palace in Valhalla, until the Allfather deems him fit to be released." Thor responded.
"Should he ever?" Natasha scowled.
"He is my brother and of loyal blood – Odin is saddened deeply and hopes there will be a time when Loki is a changed man."
"Well, let's not hold our breath," Fury clipped, before continuing, "Now, just to go over a few things – Libya one year after the fall of it's leader, they still don't have any form of government and the country is slowly falling to the militia-"
A clearing of the throat interrupting the director's sentence. Of course it would be the billionaire philanthropist who did so, "Ehem, ugh, yes, question – what does this have to do with us? No offense, as much as I personally try to help the middle east, I don't see how this particularly has anything to do with... the Avengers."
Before Fury was able to say anything, Bruce Banner interjected, "I do have to agree. Shouldn't we be trying to not draw attention to ourselves? I mean, there are still a lot of people out there who really don't like us."
Once again, Fury was stopped from responding by Tony who had another issue to address, "And also, no offense again, but...what is she doing here?" The Iron Man asked, referring to Tilda who had just been sitting there; "I mean, we have all earned our keep here. We have two star assassins here, a god, a genetically modified soldier, me of course, and a hulk. I haven't seen one reason why ugh, Agent Stygar should be here."
Seemingly satisfied with his argument, Tony Stark sat back in his chair and crossed his legs. Just as he was about to reach for his can of soda, it seemingly lifted up in the air. Everyone's attention now on the hovering can. Slowly, it began to move – until it headed towards Tilda's hand. Floating about a foot above the desk. Soon her fingers finally gripped onto it, before popping it open and taking a sip.
Tilda looked stone faced, resuming her attention towards Fury. As if asking him to continue. But, it was Tony who spoke up, "Great – a psychic."
"I'm not telepathic. I'm telekinetic. I move things with my minds – I can't read them," She then turned her head towards him and observed, "Though, I don't need to be able to read minds in order to know what you're always thinking."
There was an awkward pause in the room. The air – uneasy. Captain Steve Rogers shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearing his throat while looking around. Agents Romanoff and Barton didn't look fazed, but the rest of them were just as confused as he was. It was a very rare thing for the Tony Stark to be speechless after all.
Clearing his own throat – to get everyone's attention – Director Nick Fury interjected, "Agent Stygar fell into our hands about ten years ago when SHIELD found out there was a doctor doing experiments on his sixteen-year-old daughter. Trying to use the same techniques used to give Rogers his power. And-"
"Which failed with me." Dr. Bruce Banner finished.
"Hm, yes, it's all here," Stark recovered, flicking around his tablet, "Look at that – Dr. Stygar serving a life sentence for forcibly experimenting on his daughter with an irritated gamma radiated version of the Super Soldier Serum; used on Captain Steve Rogers aka Captain America. Also notably a version of the serum used on Dr. Bruce Banner because the actual serum died with Dr. Erskine. Hm."
Furrowing his eyebrows together, Steve interjected, "But, your father helped him with my process."
"Yea, well, he never spoke about it," Tony nonchalantly shrugged, before looking back at Tilda, "Hey, at least you don't turn into a huge green rage monster. You seem to look...well."
Bruce let out a deep groan, as Tilda pinched the bridge of her nose, "Now that the question and answer part of this segment is over – can we move on with what Fury had us all come out for?"
Before anyone was able to say another word, the billionaire interrupted, "One more – um, if you've been such a valuable asset of SHIELD's all these years – and you know apparently good buddies with Black Widow and Hawkeye – where were you when Thor's frosty brother decided to become overlord of the world?"
Tony always had such a way with words. Thor's gaze fixed on Stark as the agent sighed, "I was in the London SHIELD base when Loki made his attack – so...sorry I wasn't around; I think you did just fine."
Before anything else was said, Nick Fury harshly cleared his throat and aggravatingly spoke, "Are we done with this go around now?" Sighing, he looked over to Agent Hill who had been standing still the whole time, "I think we're about done here. Go about your...daily routines; I don't care." The director sighed, while turning around and clasping his hands behind his back.
Tilda was one of the first to leave, Natasha joining her. Tony Stark left in his usual fashion, leaving only Steve, Thor, and Bruce to say their goodbyes. Turning over to Hill, he nodded, "Thank you, agent, you're free to go now."
Maria nodded, while taking her leave; Bruce collecting his things soon after and heading out of the room, "Dr. Banner." Fury walked along the doctor through the hallway, verbally tugging his ear.
"Hey...Fury." Bruce nodded, holding his briefcase close to his chest.
"I'm in need of your expertize."
Bruce raised his eyebrow. The last time they had asked him for his research, they were really just trying to get the Hulk on board with the Avengers initiative. Still, the doctor sighed. He supposed he was indebted to them now. They had done so much for him and upon being around a group of those similar to himself – he supposed they were...his friends? Colleagues at least – so he supposed he owed it to Fury to listen.
"As you have just found out – Agent Stygar was experimented on with a similar serum to what was used on you. It wasn't just a one time dose like what was done on you or Rogers. It was done throughout a few years."
Clearing his throat, the doctor shrugged, "Yea, real tragic. But, you know...as Tony said...at least she doesn't turn into a monster."
The two of them continued walking, before Nick stopped. Causing Bruce to look at the director confused, but who also stopped. With their eyes locked, the darker skinned man explained, "I'd like for you to study her files. Not personally, she'd never allow it. But, she has regular doctor visits and they're all in the private SHIELD medical files. I'll give you access."
"Oh, okay," Bruce raised an eyebrow, "Is there any reason as to why?"
"I believe you'll find out once you begin your studies."
