Home

I stood in the living room with the others. We just stopped a new villain, Attuma, from flooding all of New York. I'm glad we stopped him but, seeing all the water really made me miss Clatoo, my home. I looked out the window at the body of water below. It was in vain because nothing could truly compare to the beauty of the ocean on the beach I'd sit on every morning to watch the sunset.

~~~~~Iron Man's POV~~~~~

Mari was really starting to worry me. She hadn't moved from the window since we sent Attuma back to the sea. Hopefully my surprise for her would make her happy. It always did. 'Now if Cap could only hurry up.'

"You okay, Tony?" Sam asked, taking me out of my thoughts.

"I'd feel better if Amara didn't look so…down." I answered, knowing he was just as worried about the girl.

"She's been like that for a while now. Any idea on why?"

"I have a hunch but, I'm already working on cheering her up. Just gotta wait on Steve."

"He's picking up lunch for six picky Avengers. It still might be a while."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

"Hey any idea what's keeping Cap?" Hawkeye called out.

"Aye. The Captain is taking a long time to return with our meal. Do you think he could be engaging in combat?" Thor responded.

"Nah he's probably just taking a while because he has to go all over town because no one could agree on one place." Sam stated.

"Not my fault I'm not into that fancy stuff Stark wanted. I'm more of a burger and fries kinda guy. At least I'm not making him go from the shwarma place to the pizzeria across town." The archer commented, earning glares from Hulk and Thor.

"You gotta problem with pizza?" Hulk asked, getting in the archer's face.

"No. Not at all. I love pizza wish I'd ordered it now." Hawkeye held his hands up defensively. Just in time to save the archer, the elevator opened, revealing the Super Soldier. The trio didn't need to be told twice as the Asgaurdian, green giant and archer all ran toward him.

Sam and I laughed at their antics. I peeked through the corner of my eye to notice Mari hadn't even moved. 'Normally, she'd try to keep the peace until the unlucky person walked in the room.'

"Remind me not to volunteer to get lunch when it's not a specified food day." Steve spoke as he was finally able to get free. Thankfully, the lunches belonging to Sam, Steve, Amara and me were unharmed. "I think these are yours and Amara's lunches. Where is she?" Sam pointed to the window. "She still hasn't moved?"

"Yeah but, you just brought in the trick that always seems to cheer her up." I spoke before snatching the box from his hands. I walked toward the blonde and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Lunch is served." She looked at me before grabbing the container.

"Oh. Nigiri. Thanks, Ton." She spoke sadly. 'Normally her eyes light up when she sees the platter. Especially the smelly saba sushi. Now I'm really worried.'

"I almost forgot. When I was walking back into the building, I grabbed the mail. Amara, there's a letter for you." Steve said as he walked up to us. The violet eyed girl took the small envelope from him. I gestured for him to leave with me.

"Now I'm really starting to worry. Sushi always cheers her up. I get her the freshest there is in all of New York." I stated once we were back with Sam.

"Sushi? That was your big idea."

"What? She loves it! When I first introduced it to her, she couldn't get enough. Said it reminded her of some of the dishes she would eat on the island."

~~~~~Ace's POV~~~~~

Seeing the sushi only made me miss home that much more. I would watch the fishermen while playing with my friends on the beach. Tai and Malina. My parents were friends with their parents so naturally we became friends.

I looked at the envelope in my hands. 'No return address? Strange.' Despite this thought I opened it anyway. There was a small piece of paper inside. My eyes widened once I saw the handwriting it was written in. 'No way!'

"I can't believe it!" I spoke aloud once I was done reading it. Everyone turned toward me.

"What's so unbelievable, Mari?" Tony asked, his voice seemed more curious than usual.

"This is a letter from my friend, Tai! We grew up together before I was taken on Clatoo!"

"Don't just leave us hanging. What's it say?" Sam asked, just as curious as Tony.

"It says

Dear Amara,

Or should I call you Ace? Anyway. I was so glad to hear you were alive. When you were taken, Malina and I were so scared. I never thought I would ever see you again.

I wish I were contacting you on better terms. The war has gotten worse. It has become a civil war. Our home is the only place that hasn't taken a side in the war. There are more conquerors that have come and changed the minds of people. I do not wish for you to get yourself involved but, I wish to see you.

Our home is the only safe haven left. My family would like to see you again as well. It is Ali's birthday soon and she wishes to see you. Please say you will come. I would like to catch up with you, as would Malina.

Your friend,

Taiyari.

I can't believe this guys! I thought he would have forgotten about me. Him and Malina I mean."

"What are you saying, Amara?" Steve asked. 'Why doesn't he sound happy. More like…um…I'll think of the word eventually.'

"I want to go visit. Just for a day. Please?" I turned my question to Tony. He thought about it for a moment.

"Tony, you can't really think about letting her go? The civil war in Clatoo is a territorial issue between Latveria and HYDRA. There's no guarantee her home is safe."

"Cap, you really think I'm gonna let Amara go into that mess…without anyone going with her?" my surrogate brother responded.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" I asked, hoping I was right.

"Anyone up for an island vacation?" I smiled.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Just for twenty-four hours, then we come home. Go pack we leave in a few hours. This isn't a mandatory trip so everyone going meet at the Aveng-Jet at 1600 hours."

~~~~~Iron Man's POV~~~~~

I went to prep the Aveng-Jet for the trip when I heard footsteps behind me. 'Pretty sure I know who this is.'

"If you wanted to chat with me. All you had to do was ask." I said as I came face to face with Captain America.

"Tony, are you really going through with this?" the Super Soldier asked.

"I'm about to go prep the Aveng-Jet as we speak. So yeah. Pretty sure I am."

"Amara spent years imprisoned by HYDRA and you want to let her go back into a place that could be crawling with HYDRA agents."

"Mari's a big girl, Cap. She can take care of herself. Plus, I'll be there."

"Even in that guy's letter he said that people were picking sides. How do we know he hasn't and this isn't some trap to get her back for HYDRA?"

"Is that what this is about?" I laughed.

"Why are you laughing? This is serious Tony! He could be a HYDRA spy!"

"It's normal to be jealous. Am I thrilled about it? Not particularly but, you're a little rusty when it comes to these things so I'll let it slide. Just let Mari have this, okay?" I patted a stunned Super Soldier on the shoulder before walking off. 'If he likes Amara, he better be glad I'm more concerned about her. Otherwise he'd wish he still had some of the ice he was frozen in.'

~~~~~Captain America's POV~~~~~

"What are you talking about? I'm not jealous!" I responded, feeling my face go hot.

"Sure you're not Cap. Don't worry we all get jealous when our crushes start talking about other guys. Love to stay and talk more about my surrogate sister but, it's really weird and I've got work to do." Tony replied before rounding the corner.

I started walking back in the other direction. 'Jealous? Why would I be jealous? Amara is my teammate and friend. Her life was stolen from her and now she wants to go back just because some guy sent her a letter.'

"I do not like Amara like that!"

"Keep telling yourself that Cap." Hawkeye said as he came into view. I just now realized I said that last part aloud. "Relax. There's no way Amara could have heard you. She's busy packing in her room."

"What did you mean by 'keep telling yourself that'" I asked the archer.

"If you wanna keep denying it. Go ahead I won't judge you either way."

"Why are you and Tony so convinced I like Amara? He even thinks I'm jealous of this Tad guy."

"Well judging by the fact you just called him Tad instead of Tai. It's a safe bet." I sighed in exasperation. 'I can't believe these guys.' "Look you don't have any reason to be jealous. This guy could look like a total dork. You still have a chance my man."

"Really? Thanks." Hawkeye patted me on the shoulder and continued on this way. I realized what I just said. "Not that I care or anything!"

"Sure you don't!" I sighed again. 'I just can't win today.'

~~~~~Ace's POV~~~~~

I hummed as I grabbed a few things. I wanted to take a camera with me to take pictures. This way I could bring back some part of my home. The last place I was ever normal. It was going to be…different. Maybe I could even find some of my belongings that stayed behind when I was kidnapped. I turned once I heard a knock on the door.

"Oh! Hi Steve." I greeted before returning to grabbing a few things. I wanted to take something to give as a gift to my friends. Especially since it was Ali's birthday.

"I'm gonna cut to the chase, Amara. Are you sure it's a good idea to go to Clatoo?" the Super Soldier asked. I frowned.

"Yeah. Why wouldn't it be? I'm not the same scared little girl who couldn't defend herself. I'm an Avenger now."

"Even Avengers aren't invincible. You haven't heard from those people in years. They could be setting a trap to get you back for HYDRA."

"Those people were the only ones who took care of me after my parents were killed. I grew up with them." 'Why is he getting so worked up over this?'

"I just don't want you to get caught up in the moment. Take it from me, it's easy to get caught up in the past."

"I know what I'm doing. Besides, I really need this. Ever since we fought Attuma, I've missed my home. I guess seeing all that water made me want to go back to a time when I was normal."

"What makes you think that's the only place you can feel normal? Those people might have been able to do so then but, haven't we been doing that now."

"I want to go see my home. See Tai and Malina again. I'm going! You can stay if you want. Now If you'll excuse me, I need to finish packing." He didn't seem happy as he walked out of my room. 'Why does he care so much?' I shook away the thoughts. I wasn't going to let him ruin my good mood.


I sat in my seat on the Aveng-Jet. Tony and I were ready to go but, there was still a little time let before we officially said we'd leave. I gave him the coordinates to the actual location of my home. Sam sat next to me. He claimed he wanted to see the island I grew up on. I knew that he also wanted to meet Tai and Malina. As my current best friend he felt he need to know my childhood friends, especially Tai. He was my best friend back then.

Clint and Hulk were also there. The duo might have just wanted to go for the promise of an island escape and probably the food. Whatever their reason for being there, I was glad to have more people coming with me. I was nervous to see my home again.

"Doesn't look like anyone else is coming along for the ride. Let's get ready to take off." Tony stated.

"Wait! Look!" After Sam said those words, I turned to see Steve running to get on board. I smiled. 'Maybe he changed his mind.'

"Room for one more?" He asked, looking at me.

"Of course." I said with a smile.

"We're losing daylight people. Buckle up! Next stop, Clatoo." My surrogate brother announced.


The trip wasn't too long. I was so happy that we'd be arriving a little after sunrise. Just watching the water below was making me excited. A piece of land started to appear below.

"There it is! It's Clatoo!" I exclaimed, waking up Clint. "I'm home." Everyone started to look out below and see what I was so happy about. Within a few minutes, Tony landed the ship on the beach. Luckily, we didn't come across enemy fire along the way.

"Wow this view is really something. No wonder you missed it, Mara." Sam stated as we walked off the ramp.

"So where's the party with all the food we were promised." Hulk asked. Just as those words were out of his mouth, people came out of the bushes, guns pointed at us. We put our hands up in defense.

"Not the kind of party we were looking for." Clint commented.

"Who are you?" one of the men asked. I stepped forward.

"We mean you no harm. We were invited here by Taiyari Sekibo to celebrate Citlali's birthday with the Sekibo family." I stated. They seemed to ease up a bit.

"How do we know we can trust what you say?"

"Take us to the Elders if you don't believe us. Tell them it is Amara Castile, daughter of Jackson and Allison Castile." At those words, the men lowered their guns slightly with wide eyes.

"Follow us." My team and I exchanged looks before following the locals.


We were led into a large building and into a room filled with three men. I was surprised I recognized each of them. They were considered the Elders even when I was a kid.

"Why have you brought outsiders into our domain, Necali?" the man on the left with a bald head asked.

"They claim to have been invited by the Sekibo family for Citlali's birthday. The girl claims to be the daughter of Jackson and Allison Castile." The man now known as Necali answered.

"Bring one of them from their home to verify this. We do not need spies and traitors entering these grounds." The man with a beard on the right ordered. Necali bowed before leaving the room. I noticed the man in the middle staring at me.

"Are you really Jackson and Allison's daughter?" the long haired middle man asked me. I nodded.

"Yes sir. My name is Amara Chloe Castile. My parents were doctors that wanted to help the people of Clatoo." I answered.

"I never thought we'd see you again child."

"Achcauhtli, you do not actually believe she is that girl? She was taken by the conquerors years ago." The bearded man spoke.

"It's very unlikely she's the same girl." The bald man added.

"I can prove it." I spoke. I walked forward to them. Once I was in front, I opened the locket from around my neck, revealing the picture of my parents and I. Their eyes widened at the picture.

"Amara?" We all turned at the sound of the voice. In the doorway stood a tall man with sun kissed skin, brown hair and light brown eyes. "It's me. Taiyari."

"Tai?" I spoke. He nodded. "Tai!" I ran toward my childhood friend and hugged him. He kissed me on both cheeks before releasing me.

"It is good to see you again, Amara." I giggled slightly. "I sent a letter to Amara and invited her to celebrate with my family." He looked around at the other Avengers. "I see you brought your new friends. Elders, these are the Avengers. Earth's Mightiest Heroes."

"It is an honor to meet such heroes of legend." The bearded man stated.

"Iktan is right. You Avengers are welcome here as long as you do not cause any trouble." Achcauhtli stated. The Elders, Tai and the rest of the Avengers and I looked at Hulk.

"What?" the green giant asked.

"Are you sure we should allow these outsiders to stay?" the bald man questioned.

"Surem, I am sure they would not stay long. Right?" Iktan asked.

"We were only planning to stay for a day." Tony assured them.

"And not a moment later." Surem barked. 'I forgot he was just as bad as Fury.'

"Come, the festivities are about to start." Tai spoke, breaking the building tension between the Elders and my team. We followed the native out of the room.

"Man I was way off." Clint whispered. 'I wonder what he means by that?'


I looked around at the town around us as we walked. It looked so different from when I was a kid. The streets that used to be filled with children playing and adults conducting business, were empty.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked as we followed Tai.

"Yeah, it's just that, there used to be so much life to these streets. Now everything is so…different." I answered.

"Things are not as you left them but, those that are left have found a way to try to maintain our way of life." Tai answered.

"Is all this silence due to the war?" Steve asked. I frowned. 'Of all the things to ask.' I knew the Super Soldier must be used to seeing places like this after his time during World War II.

"We used to be able to find a way to endure when it was just HYDRA. However, the conquerors are very persuasive and have managed to turn people to their side." I grabbed Tai's hand and began to hurry along, I really didn't want to make him sad before we arrived on what should be a happy day.

~~~~~Falcon's POV~~~~

"So what do you think of this place so far? Pretty neat huh?" I asked the others.

"If by neat you mean a ghost town then yes." Steve answered. He was barely looking at me.

"Something bothering you, Steve?"

"I'll tell you what's wrong. Cap's just upset because his crush is all over her old friend." Clint answered.

"I told you I don't like her that way." The Super Soldier responded in exasperation.

"Look, Amara probably went ahead because she didn't like where the conversation was going. Bringing up war is not a good subject. They use these celebrations to try to forget the bad." I informed them. 'If Cap says he doesn't like her I'll believe him.'

"Their streets are empty and most of them have family that have chosen a side. That's not something anyone can forget easily."

"When she was a kid, the adults would try to make it as easy as possible for the kids to just be kids. Everyone would turn out for a birthday party. Just so they wouldn't worry so much about what's going on outside of the borders."

"Wow no wonder she jumped ship." The archer commented.

"Just try to have fun and let her enjoy the moment. She wants to walk down memory lane." The two nodded as we continued on. Tai led us into a medium sized house. There were maybe twenty people who were sitting at a table happily chatting. They all became quiet once they saw us.

"Today is a joyous day. Not just because it is Citlali's birthday. A very good friend of ours has return to help us celebrate along with friends of hers." Tai spoke before putting an arm around Amara. "Amara Castile, daughter of Jackson and Allison Castile, is back." The crowd erupted into cheers of joy as they descended on the pair. Tai guided Amara while the rest of us were being swarmed with people who had questions for us about our heroics.

~~~~~Ace's POV~~~~~

I was having a great time catching up with everyone. It felt almost like old times. Tai guided me through the sea of people around us. I felt a pang once I heard the fate of people I used to know. As with how it was when I was younger, we smiled and moved on.

"Amara?!" a female voice called out. I turned around and met a young woman with dark brown eyes and reddish brown hair. "Tai, release the poor girl so I can give her a hug." Tai did as she asked and I was engulfed in a hug.

"Malina?!" I spoke once she released me. The girl nodded and we hugged again. "How have you been? How's your family?" she frowned slightly.

"We have been trying to manage as best we can. Things have gotten a little bit worse for us. We still have our boat so we were able to bring in the seafood we will be eating."

"I remember we would all go out on the boat when we were kids."

"The meal is prepared and ready to be shared with all of you." A woman who I assumed was Tai's mother called.

"Come let us go to the dining room." Tai spoke holding a hand out to me. I smiled before taking it.

There was a variety of seafood on the table in front of us. Everyone grabbed a plate and took a seat at one of the various tables. Tai led me to a table with his immediate family, Malina and my team.

"This is arguably the best seafood I've ever had." Clint commented. The Sekibos, Malina and I laughed at his antics. The archer and Hulk were eating like it was about to jump off the plate.

"I'm glad you are enjoying it." Malina said with a smile.

"I just might have to order imported fish from this area." Tony stated.

"I told you this place has some of the best seafood in the world." I responded.

"As long as you keep it coming I'm happy." Hulk stated between bites. Suddenly, the ground started to shake.

"What's happening?" Steve asked. The people started running back into the house.

"Everyone get inside to shelter!" Tai shouted. I grabbed Tai's hand.

"What's going on here?" I asked.

"We are under attack. Both sides are searching for something that could win the war for them. Come let's go. It will stop after a while."

"We can't just let them keep doing this!" the Super Soldier exclaimed.

"No please. They will stop at night fall. If we engage them we will pay the price." The house began to shake violently. I activated my rocket boots.

"If we don't do something the building's going to collapse." I said before flying off. Not too far away there was a group of men around a cave with drilling equipment. One of them pointed at me and they pulled out guns and fired at me. I moved out of the way of the blasts as fast as I could.

"Keep drilling! We'll shoot this little runt out of the sky!" the man I assumed was the leader shouted. The rumbling of the ground got stronger.

I glared at them as they attempted to shoot me down. I created light in my hands and fired it at the machine and guns. I managed to disable each of the guns with little effort. I landed on the ground and charged at them, the machine was my goal. 'There's too many of them! I just need an opening.' I began charging my light to create a beam. Once I felt it was powered up enough, I looked for an opening. I jumped into the air and fired, destroying the machine.

"Stop this! You are endangering these people who want nothing to do with your war. If I find you out here again, I will not be so merciful." I spat at the fallen men. Judging by their outfits, they weren't HYDRA.

"Amara!" I turned around and saw my team, Tai and Malina running toward me.

"Looks like you got it handled here." The archer stated looking at the scene before him.

"I knew you had amazing powers but, I never knew just how powerful you were." Malina marvled.


"Let us celebrate our heroine: Ace!" Tai spoke raising a glass. Everyone sitting around us mimicked his gesture and cheered. I blushed from all the attention.

"Our celebration and home would have been ruined. Thank you for your help." Tai's sister Ali thanked me.

"Clatoo will always be my home. I'm not going to sit by and let it be destroyed by invaders." I answered, earning many cheers from the group around us.

"If only you were staying longer. The island would be a safe place once again."

"Amara, why do you not stay longer. With your help our safe haven would truly be safe." The girl looked away quickly, afraid she'd said something wrong. I wasn't sure how to respond because the rest of my team had uneasy looks. Tai grabbed my hand.

"You know? Ali is not wrong. If you were to stay, you could protect us. Maybe even be able to free our home. You could stay here with my family." I looked at Tai.

"Can I have some time to think about this?" I responded.

"Mari, are you serious?" Tony asked surprised. I nodded. Steve stood up and walked outside. 'What's got him so upset?'

"I'm gonna go see how he's doing" Sam stated before running outside.

"I know it might seem sudden but, this is the place my parents wanted to protect. It would make them proud to know I'm at least considering saving the place that was home to them in their final years." I answered my surrogate brother.

"It is getting late. Come let me show you to where you all will be staying." Tai said, hoping to ease the tension in the room.


"Pst. Mari." Tony called once we were in the Sekibo's guest room.

"Yeah, Ton?" I asked.

"I just want to let you know that no matter what you decide to do, I'll respect your choice." My eyes widened. 'I didn't expect that'

"Really?" he nodded. I looked into his eyes and could see the pain it was causing him to say this. After he rescued me, Tony always seemed to put me before himself. Everyone noticed that around me he wasn't he usual selfish self. This was one of those moments. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything. Just as long as it's a place you can call home." Our leader chose that moment to go to bed. I sat in silence, other than the snoring of the others. I sighed. 'I need some air' I got up and began walking out of the room.

~~~~~Falcon's POV~~~

"Cap!" I called out. Even though it was a small place, the Super Soldier managed to evade me. Eventually, I heard a noise. "Cap?" I continued on and saw Steve throwing his shield at a tree.

"Why am I getting so worked up about this?" he spoke as he walked to grab his shield.

"That's what I came to find out." The Super Soldier turned to look at me.

"The team send you out to look for me?"

"No. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm not so sure. Something about this whole thing seems off." I opened my mouth to say something. "And don't say it's because I'm jealous of Tai."

"I won't but, maybe this place hits a little too close to home for you."

"How so?"

"Well before you were frozen, there was a war going on, so maybe being back in a warzone is making you weary. Since this is Amara's home maybe it's making you feel worse because its where a friend of yours is from."

"I guess that makes sense. I just wish Amara wouldn't jump into this. I looked at the uniform the men were wearing, they weren't HYDRA. Plus, if there's another weapon out here we can't let her give them another."

"I hear you but, did you notice the look on her face?"

"No?"

"She was surprised and a little scared. She loves her life in New York with the Avengers but, she remembers her roots are here on Clatoo. Can you blame her for at least considering it?"

"No. I guess not." I started to walk back to Tai's.

"Are you coming?"

"I'll be there soon. I just need another minute." I nodded and began the walk back. 'Hopefully, he can accept whatever Mari decides to do.'

~~~~~Ace's POV~~~~~

'What am I going to do?' I thought as I walked across the beach. The sea air used to help me clear my head when I was younger. Especially, when my parents died. I looked ahead and saw a figure sitting at the water's edge. As my steps grew closer, I began to recognize the man. The light of the sunrise created a mesmerizing image of Steve.

"What are you doing up this early?" I asked, startling him.

"I never went to bed actually." He answered. I sat down next to him.

"That makes two of us. I've been up all night." I looked out at the ocean. "I have a lot to think about, ya know?"

"Yeah. A choice I'm sure you never thought you'd have to make."

"My life in New York is so good. I have good friends, Tony and I'm using my powers for good." I sighed before opening my locket. "My parents would be proud of me. But, would they want me to abandon my home? I could help rebuild it and make it safer just as they did." Steve placed an arm on my shoulder.

"Maybe you're hanging on to what you want to be true so hard that you can't see what's actually true. The truth might not be so bad once you accept it. It just takes time to realize what you actually need to do." I placed my hand on top of his and looked at him.

"Maybe you're right, Steve. But how to you know what's truth and what's a fantasy?" he smiled at me softly.

"You have to figure that out on your own. It might take time but, you'll realize the truth." He grabbed my hand and moved it onto the sand. "Especially when it's staring you in the face." I squeezed his hand.

"What do you think I should do?" Soon violet eyes met blue.

"I know what I want you to do but, you'll hate yourself if you don't do what's right for you."

"Amara?" a voice called out. Whatever trance the Super Soldier and I were in was broken. I stood up quickly and turned to find the source of the voice. Malina.

"Malina." I stated once she got closer.

"What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep so I came to the beach."

"Just like old times. I assume you are thinking about what Ali and Tai suggested."

"Yes but, I'm still unsure."

"Why don't you come for a ride on the boat? The sea air always used to help you think." I turned to the blonde haired man, then back to the woman.

"Can Steve come as well?"

"I suppose that would be alright." She turned and began walking away. "Are you two coming?" Steve stood up and held his hand out to me. I took it and we followed the brunet.


"The air feels so good this time of day." I spoke as I closed my eyes and let my heightened senses take over. 'It's just like when I was a child' I took a deep breath. 'I know what to do.' "Let's go back inside. I wanna tell Malina to take us back to shore. I've made a choice." We walked back inside the large boat. Steve looked like he was about to press the subject further. His eyes widened.

"Duck!" I barely processed the word before I felt my powers activate and teleport us across the room. I looked up to see that the Super Soldier shielded me with his body, knocking us both to the ground. "Are you okay, Amara?"

"I'm fine, Steve." We both stood up. "Wait. We've got to find Malina! Someone has taken over her boat. She's not safe." He nodded and we stealthily made our way to the hallway leading to the helm. Surprisingly, we made it without any trouble whatsoever. 'Something's not right' "Malina! The ship's being taken over. We've got to get you out of here."

"I'm right where I need to be." The woman stated. I started to walk toward her when she turned around and fired a weapon at me. There was a bright flash of light but, I didn't feel pain. 'What's happening?'

"Malinalxochitl. What are you doing?" Steve came to stand beside me and lifted his shield up in front of us. The woman gave us a grin that didn't seem at all like my childhood friend.

"Talk!" the Super Soldier ordered.

"With pleasure. Take them!" she responded. We turned and saw the two who had to have fired at us before. My eyes widened when I saw what they were wearing. 'HYDRA!'

"HYDRA." The men pointed their guns at us.

"Amara, do you ever wonder how HYDRA found you?" I nodded slowly. She smirked. "My family told them about you. We helped them find you that day in the forest." I was frozen on the spot. 'No….' The men fired at us. Cap threw me on the ground once he could tell I was still stunned.

"Amara!" I was still stunned. I felt so betrayed. Someone who was a friend to me when there were so few who would even talk to me. My parents took care of her when her parents were out at sea for extended periods of time. The Super Soldier threw his shield at the guards, knocking them over. I felt my body being lifted from the ground.

'My whole life was ruined…I lost my parents…I became a weapon…' I felt numb. My whole life felt like it was shattered. I could hear what might have been a voice but, I couldn't tell who it was.

'This shouldn't have happened to you.'

'Huh?'

'Someone with a heart like yours shouldn't have to suffer'

'What do you mean?'

'I want to fix your suffering. If you let me. You can't do this alone.'

'You're right. Please help me.'

~~~~~Captain America's POV~~~~~

"Ace! Amara! Please answer me!" I shouted lowly at the blonde. I found a place in the cargo hold for us to regroup. After Malina told Amara that she was responsible for ruining her life, she hasn't been the same. As much as I want to retaliate, I had to get her out of there.

As far as I could tell there were only two HYDRA agents on board the ship. It was just them and Malina. When we get back to the island we have to warn the Elders that their safe haven isn't so safe. I bent down and looked at Amara's violet eyes that had become glazed over. They slowly began to close. "Amara! Don't close your eyes. Please get up!"

She slowly started to stand up, fists clenched. 'Something doesn't seem right…' As her eyes opened, I thought I saw a flash of light come and go through her violet orbs. I shook my head 'Now I know I'm being paranoid.' "Are you okay, Amara?"

"She's fine. Let's go! We have some unfinished business to attend to." Before I could question her, she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of our hiding place.

"Wait! Amara, we need a plan."

"Okay. We find those people and make them pay for what they did."

"We can't just go in without a solid plan. They know this ship better than we do." She stopped and put her hand over my mouth. Before I could prompt her, she rounded the corner. I hurried after her once I heard the sound of a fight.

"Her reflexes are faster than I thought." The HYDRA agent was on the ground and Amara was holding his gun. She tossed the gun aside and charged up light in her hand. "Let's make sure you stay put." A band of light appeared around him after the girl sent the light at the man. 'Since when has she been able to do that?'

The man struggled but couldn't break free. "How many others are on this ship?" he wouldn't look at her. She placed a hand on him and forced him to face her. "Talk"

"There's only three more agents and the captain of the ship!" he blurted out. The expression on his face showed his shock.

"How did you get him to tell you that?" I asked skeptically. 'Amara can't do any of what I've seen so far.'

"My time is limited, Captain. Now if your allies have hearts like yours or worse, they'll soon be joining you." She walked toward the corridor and shot off four balls of light. "You may wish to take a step away from the door, Captain." I did as she asked. And within minutes, three more HYDRA agents and Malina were dragged into the room by the light bands constricting them. Once their bands touched the first agent's, they combined together to form one big band that held them together.

"How did you…" before I could finish my thought, the blonde grabbed my hand and dragged me back to the deck of the boat.

"You two must flee. My task has been accomplished. Good luck." She closed her eyes and Amara's body went limp. I quickly caught the Avenger and held her in my arms.

~~~~~Ace's POV~~~~~

I slowly began to open my eyes. Soon I met the concerned gaze of Captain America. 'What happened?'

"Amara, are you okay?" he questioned.

"Yeah I think so. When did we get outside?" I responded as I looked around and saw the ocean all around us.

"You tell me. Once all the HYDRA agents and Malina were defeated you dragged me out here and said we had to leave." I shook my head and decided not to question it.

"Then what are we standing around for? Let's get out of here." I held my hand out to him. He looked at it a moment before taking it. I leapt into the air only to land back onto the ground. I tapped my glasses to get a read on my fuel levels. 'That crafty little…' "She hit me with an EMP which means all of my tech has been disabled. We're not getting off the S. anytime soon."

"We might be stuck but, we're not stranded. Come on. Let's get this boat back to the mainland." I nodded and followed him.


"I have to warn the Elders that their safe haven isn't as safe as they might think." I spoke as Steve and I walked on the docks.

"Who knows how many spies are in this town? The sooner we warn everyone, the sooner we can get these guys back to SHIELD. Or I'll make sure they get back to SHIELD. Depending on what choice you made." I looked away. 'Now's not the time.'

We made our way back to the mainland in silence. Before we could reach the Elders, Ali came running toward us.

"Amara! Something has happened." The girl exclaimed. Cap and I exchanged an uneasy look. 'Please don't have anything to do with HYDRA.'

"Ali, what's wrong?" I asked as I placed my hands on her shoulders.

"I awoke this morning to check on your friends. Everyone has disappeared including Tai."

"What could possibly take down four Avengers?" Cap interrupted.

"I do not know. I was running to find you. Is Tai going to be okay?"

"Why don't you come with us to speak with the Elders? I'm sure together we'll figure out what to do next." I suggested. Ali nodded and followed us. As we approached their compound, I spotted Necali. "Necali. It is urgent that we speak with the Elders."

"What is wrong?" the man asked.

"Amara and I were attacked by HYDRA agents under the command of Malina." Captain America clarified. He nodded in reply.

"Come. The Elders will want to discuss this with you. They are attending to other matters; I can lead you to them. Citlali, what are you doing here?"

"Taiyari and the rest of the heroes have gone missing."

"I see. Everyone follow me."

Necali led us to a part of my home that was very familiar. 'This is the path that leads to my childhood home.' I looked at the homes of my past neighbors. Where there was once life, now it was completely dead. The more we journeyed down this road, I felt uneasy. As if my fears manifested, my powers activated and created a barrier around Necali, Cap and myself. I turned around in shock to see Ali holding a weapon.

"Citlali, what is the meaning of this?" The Clatooan shouted.

"No…" I uttered in shock. 'What has been going on here while I was gone?'

"It was my job to distract you long enough for us to get the weapon." She responded. My barrier fell and Captain America threw his shield, knocking the device out of Ali's hand and grabbed her by the shirt.

"Are you working for HYDRA?" the super soldier questioned.

"No. HYDRA has made life for my family and I difficult. I would never work with them." Ali spat. 'Then why would she..'

"Ali, Latveria is not going to make things any better for you!" I exclaimed. Necali grabbed the girl and handcuffed her.

"I will watch her. Go. Warn the Elders and protect them." The man spoke. We nodded and continued on. I led Cap down the path that my gut was telling me to follow. I wasn't sure what we were going to find, but I knew whatever it was I couldn't risk it.

"Do you recognize this area?" Captain America asked.

"This is my old neighborhood." I answered.

"Why would he lead us here?"

"You'll see." Soon our path was blocked by a small house. 'I'm home'

"What is this place?"

"It's my childhood home." I took a deep breath in. "This isn't our destination. Come on." I rounded the corner and turned to see if he followed me.

"How do you know where they'll be?"

"Just a feeling I have." As we approached another building, a few of the men from yesterday outside of a building.

"State your business here." The man on the left stated.

"We need to speak to the Elders. The war has breached your borders." Cap answered.

"Not to mention I shouldn't need to have permission to enter land owned by my family." I added. The pair stepped aside. I looked at the Super Soldier and we both walked in the doorway.

"Amara!" A voice called out from behind us. We turned around and saw a frantic Tai. 'Wait where did he come from?'

"Tai?" Captain America and I stopped to let my friend catch up.

"How did you find us?" the Super Soldier asked.

"I escaped and your friends told me to find you. I saw you both enter this building so I followed you." He responded.

"Shouldn't you lead us to them so we can rescue them?" Cap took a step toward Tai.

"There's no time. I saw the men who took your friends. I need to tell the Elders who these traitors are." The man took a step toward the Super Soldier. I quickly got between the pair.

"Okay. Let's all just calm down." The men changed their stances. "We're already here so I say we talk to the Elders." I stepped forward and kept walking. After a few seconds, a heard two sets of footsteps behind me. 'Can't those two focus on the big picture.'

As I walked, I silenced my mind and focused my hearing to find the Elders. I took a deep breath in and closed my eyes. I let my senses take me through the rest of the building. I pushed back any emotions I felt about being back here. 'I have to focus' I released my breath and opened my eyes. 'Gotcha'

A second before my eyes opened I heard the sound of an object hitting the ground. I turned around to see Captain America gripping Tai's wrist, a weapon at the man's feet. 'Tai…'

"You too, Tai?" I uttered after a moment.

"I am sorry Amara. It is the only way to get rid of HYDRA once and for all. I have to do what's right for my family." Tai responded while fighting the Super Soldier's grip.

"What did you do to our friends?" Cap questioned.

"I will not say." The pain I felt from the betrayal was soon replaced with worry about my friends and surrogate brother along with anger at those who would hurt them. I took a step toward my childhood friend.

"Tai, tell me where they are." I spoke. He turned away from me. I placed my hand on his face and made him face me. "Tell me where my brother is or you won't have to worry about HYDRA because I will end you in the spot you stand." To illustrate my point, I slowly squeezed my hand. He grimaced slightly. I removed my hand.

"They are awaiting transport to Latveria."

"Where?"

"Eastern side of the beach. You will not make it there. There are more of us arriving to detain you both and the Elders."

"We'll see about that." I grabbed Cap's shield and knocked Tai over the head with it. I caught him as he fell. Tears were threatening to spill from my eyes.

"Why did you-" The Super Soldier began.

"Can't have him following us. Come on. We have to protect the elders." I walked forward toward the direction I sensed them in.

"Amara." He sped up to match my pace. He blocked my path and put his hands on my shoulders. "Amara, are you okay?"

"No, Steve, I'm not. My life is slowly unraveling but, I can't stop and think about that right now."

"I know but, you can't let everything stay bottled up."

"What am I supposed to do? Let it consume me. Do you wanna know how I survived all those years? I pushed past the pain. I used it to fuel me so I could survive."

"Then promise me one thing." I raised an eyebrow. "When all of this is over, please let yourself feel. You've gotten a second chance at life, you don't have to prove your strength." I nodded.

"Fine." He smiled. "But we've gotta keep moving."


"Elders!" I called out once we found the room they were in. The trio turned to look at Captain America and me.

"What is the meaning of this?" Surem barked.

"You're all in danger. The Latverian sympathists are on their way to seize you three." The Super Soldier informed.

"What? So soon?" Iktan exclaimed.

"Wait you knew there were spies in your domain?" I questioned.

"We weren't sure who they were but, nothing occurs here without the knowledge of the Clatooan loyalists."

"What were you doing in here anyway?" Cap asked.

"There are some important items here that cannot be found by either side."

"Such as?"

"We don't have to answer that question." Surem stated.

"Elder's this building and all of its contents belong to Jackson and Allison Castile. As long as a living member of a family exists, their property is not owned by Clatooans. You are trespassing on my property." I reprimanded.

"Anything in this lab. Your parents left behind several blueprints, prototypes and journals. If either side gets their hands on them, Clatoo and possibly the world is finished." Achcauhtli answered after a moment.

"What were you planning on doing with these items?"

"Gathering everything and hiding it elsewhere."

"They would see you leaving and know something was wrong." Steve responded.

"It's all we can do to keep people safe." Surem replied.

"You might unintentionally give them what they want most."

"Enough." I called out. Both men stopped and the whole room focused in on me. "I'll take everything with me back to New York. This way you all are safe and I get to keep a piece of my parents."

"Brilliant idea." Iktan exclaimed. I smiled before testing my tech.

"Looks like I'm back online." I pulled a small box from my belt. I walked around the room and picked up a small prototype. I held it up to the box and pushed a button. A bright light flashed and the object was gone. This gadget was a collaboration with Ant Man. He helped me figure out my portable storage box by adding Pym Particles to shrink the objects at the push of a button. The material on the box is able to contain just about any type of material. There are still a few kinks in it but for this task, it was perfect. I continued around until everything was inside the box.

"You truly are your parents' daughter." Achcauhtli marveled.

"Come on. We've got to save our friends."

"How do we get to the east side of the island before they're taken to Latveria?" Cap asked.

"You're right. We'll never make it in time."

"Allow me." Iktan stated. He nodded to Surem who helped him move a large desk. Behind it was a tunnel entrance. "Take this tunnel. At the divide take the left tunnel. You'll arrive at the east beach in no time."

"Thank you. Are you coming with us?"

"This is where we make our stand, child. We will hold them off so you may escape." Surem spoke. My eyes widened in shock. I nodded in understanding.

"I won't let your sacrifice be in vain. I'll do what I can from the outside to honor you." I bowed. I stood back up and turned to Steve. "Let's go." The Super Soldier and I walked through the tunnel. I turned back to the entrance just as it was covered back up. He grabbed my hand and led me through the passage.


"There's the ship!" Captain America exclaimed as we crouched behind some bushes.

"We've gotta get inside." I stated.

"Right." We turned to each other and nodded. We quietly and quickly moved toward the vessel. Once we were close enough, I picked up one of my flash bombs. I set a timer on it and tossed it in the opposite direction. In a few seconds, a bright blast of light filled the area. The guards rushed toward it, leaving the ship entrance unprotected. We quickly sprinted into the ship.


"Found them! They're over here." Captain America called out. I finished hacking the security cameras to loop the feed before joining him. Each of our friends were in a small chamber, unconscious. "What could they be using to knock out even Hulk?"

"Let's find out, shall we?" I began before tapping my tech. "JARVIS, are you seeing these scans?"

"Indeed. They appear to have ingested large amounts of a type of melatonin hybrid." The AI stated.

"They must have slipped it into our food at dinner."

"We ate the same food they did, why weren't we affected?" Cap asked.

"According to these scans the chemical is activated upon the subject entering R.E.M. cycle. We weren't affected because we didn't go to sleep at all last night." 'I gotta figure out how to counter act it, or at least move them.'

"Is there a way we can wake them up?"

"JARVIS? Any ideas on how to safely wake them?"

"My sensors indicate that the chambers are being filled with chemicals to keep them in R.E.M." JARVIS answered.

"So if we can disconnect the chambers they'll be able to wake up on their own. The problem is there's no clue as to just how long it'll take for them to wake up."

"We need a plan and fast. Those guards won't be gone for long." The Super Soldier remarked 'I got it!' I quickly walked over to the back of the chambers. I charged up a ball of light in my hand. 'That should be strong enough' I released the plasma blast and destroyed the connection to the ship.

"I'm going to put the chambers in my storage cube."

"Wait won't that be dangerous for them?"

"Not if I take them out as soon as we get back to the Aveng-Jet. Pym Particles are safe on people." I pulled out the box and set in front of each chamber one by one. "Let's get out of here." I placed the box back in its place.


"I think we finally lost them." I stated, catching my breath. I went to the back compartment of Aveng-Jet. I pushed in a combination of numbers and stepped back as each chamber reappeared at full size.

"I input the coordinates to get us home." Steve said as he approached me. "If you want to get a little rest I can set the auto pilot."

"Thanks Steve but, I'm okay to fly us back." I walked over to Tony's chamber and punched it open. 'That's for being betrayed by Malina when I was a child.' I stepped over to Sam's and repeated the process. 'That's for being betrayed by Malina today.' I punched open Clint's chamber. 'That's for Tai betraying me.' I punched Hulk's chamber once. 'That's for Iktan's sacrifice.' Twice. 'Achcauhtli's sacrifice.' Finally, on the third attempt it cracked open. 'Surem's sacrifice.'

"Are you sure you're fine, Amara?" he pressed placing his hands on my shoulders. I looked up and blue eyes met violet.

"I'm sure." I continued out of the room and to the front of the jet. I started up the jet and began our flight back to New York. I kept my eyes focused on the path in front of me, never looking back at what was once my home.


"Are you ready to do this, Mari?" Tony asked a few days later. I nodded my head before following him into the commons area.

"Hey guys! I've got an announcement to make." I called out causing everyone to look at me. "After everything that happened on Clatoo, I've decided to make a huge change. Everything I thought I knew came crashing down except for one thing, the fact that you guys are there for me. I can't get caught up in my past any more. I'm ready to move on. So I've decid—"

"Mara, you're monologuing." Sam stated making me sheepish.

"I changed my name from Amara Castile to Amara Stark."

"She's officially my little sister." Tony said before slinging an arm around me.

"But she has taken your name. Does that not make her your wife?" Thor questioned.

"No!" My brother and I shout at the same time. "No offense."

"It's not possible to adopt someone as your sibling." Clint commented.

"When you've got as much money and connections as I do, anything is possible." Our leader stated.

"So now we've got Stark and Starkette." I rolled my eyes at the new nickname. The boys started arguing over Tony adding a branch called 'Stark and Starkette.' I moved downstairs to the kitchen.


"So was this the decision you made on the island?" Steve asked curiously.

"That will forever be my little secret." I responded with a smirk. He raised an eyebrow. "I have however been thinking about changing my name for a while now. After everything I thought it was time."

"I'm happy for you, Starkette." He walked away with a chuckle while I rolled my eyes. 'This is the beginning of a new chapter for me. One that's been a long time coming. Even if I recieved a new nickname out of it.'


Hey guys! Sorry I've been MIA for a while. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this new chapter. This is the first of many original chapters that I'll be incorporating in this story. I hope you paid attention to some of the details because they will come back in a later chapter. Let me know how you liked this one so I can try to make my original chapters better. Just a reminder guys that if you have a favorite episode please let me know and I'll be sure not to skip it otherwise I make no promises that it'll be included. Shout out time!

Thank you to angel de acuario, Armorman 452 and IncorruptusUser for favoriting, matayin and Daughter of Ironman06 for following and JFR123, FireChild24 and Xshadowvninjax for favoriting and following!

Review time!

JFR123: Thank you! I'm glad you like hearing what she's thinking and her reactions to the Avenger's antics.

Jfr123: You actually guessed most of the ones I'm skipping. I won't say which ones. Glad you're liking the story.

His-Lady-Outlaw: When I saw that episode I started thinking about how Amara would react. Hopefully it will meet your expectations. Sorry about the delay. Original chapters tend to take longer for me to write. I should be back on track with a new chapter soon.

KaijudoFan101: You'll get the chance to see a little bit of just how the mentorship is going. Trust me when I say it'll make a certain episode more interesting.

Thank you all so much for the response to this story and all the kind words! You guys rock! Anyway please review (No flames please!), follow and favorite if you like. Have a great day/night!