It was early the next morning in Stark Tower and most of the team were up—all except Alanna who had a trying night. The night before ended with Loki attacking them and she had almost ended up his mind slave puppet. Natasha had stayed by her side to make sure she was still safe.

"Alanna, wake up." Alanna was not a morning person at all and groaned in protest which made Natasha laugh. "Come on, I have coffee."

Alanna opened her eyes to see her friend giving her an amused look and she sat up looking around. She still felt uneasy and when she saw her friends all laughing she picked up a pillow and threw it at the nearest person which happened to be Tony.

Tony rubbed his head, "Geez, you're cranky in the morning." Alanna rolled her eyes and as she got up from the couch she noticed Noel giving her a look.

"Hey, good morning. You look beautiful by the way." Alanna glanced down and realized she had been in her pajamas when they fought last night.

"Yeah, well you sure in hell didn't notice..."

Noel nodded, "It's fine, don't want to pick a fight but we are waiting to go to the Coney Island park."

Alanna turned to Natasha and nodded her thanks before leaving to go back to the girls dorm to change. Once she left the room, Natasha turned to the others

"Well, that went well. Don't get angry with her and give her time."

Noel turned to Clint, "Do you think Alanna will be ok?" He was concerned for her and second thinking on asking her out today.

Clint scratched the back of his head a little confused by Alanna's behavior but then figured she must just be nervous from what she had said the night before. "Yeah, she'll be fine after she starts enjoying herself today," he said.

Meanwhile while everyone was waiting for Alanna to come back, Evelyn gave Kole a hug.

"Are you sure you can't come today? It's going to be so much fun," she told Kole with a sad expression. Kole just smiled and patted her on the head.

"It's okay I'm sure there will be another time for us to go have fun, but I just can't leave knowing my father is here under Loki's spell," Kole said. Luke nodded from where they were all standing together.

"We'll bring you back a souvenir, don't worry," he told her leaning on Michael's shoulder. The blond quickly threw him off.

"Oh, one of those terrible snow globes with the confetti?" Kole asked with a smirk.

"The tackiest one, you can count on it," Hawke said and they all laughed.

"Well, kids you have fun," Tony said and then held out his arm for Kole, "Are you ready to see your father, Milady?" He asked and Kole smiled a bit nervous as she hooked her arm with his.

"I hope so," she said at last. They waved as the two left.

"Okay guys, let's get this show on the road," Clint said as Alanna came back and he herded everyone off towards the limo waiting outside.

Alanna sat next to Evelyn in the limo because she figured she needed some girl support. "Hey Evelyn, why don't you and I pick up something for Kole? I mean she is having a hard time also and we can cheer her up." She smiled at her bubbly friend. Sitting across from them were Noel and Luke in which Noel was pretty nervous and trying to make a bet with Hawke on which team member would get sick on the rides.

"I bet it would be Michael, he's seems all tough but deep down I bet he would be a scaredy cat."

Natasha raised an eyebrow at Clint, "Did you give them candy or something before we left? I mean they are ridiculously hyper for it being so early." Then she turned her attention back to Alanna who was in talks with Evelyn and she could tell that Evelyn was trying to cheer her up as much as possible.

"Yeah, I think we can pick something really nice from just the two of us along with the boys' gift," Evelyn said with a smile.

"Well, at least we'll have even partners for rides and stuff. I can't wait for the rollercoasters." Luke grinned just thinking about them. Clint perked up and turned to Natasha.

"Hey, we'll have to go on the rollercoasters to keep an eye on them." He grinned.

"Okay, everyone has to stay in pairs while we're there though," Michael told them while he and Luke exchanged glances. Both of them were thinking the same thing.

"How about, oh I don't know, Michael and I, Hawke and Evelyn and Noel and Alanna. This is totally random by the way." Luke quickly rambled off and Michael rolled his eyes at how blatant he was. They both knew this would be a perfect chance for Noel to get close to Alanna and maybe for Evelyn and Hawke to make up.

"Um, well," Hawke began sneaking a quick glance at Evelyn, "I don't think…"

"No, it's fine," Evelyn quickly cut him off and Hawke looked at her in surprise but nodded. Luke patted him on the back in a knowing way.

Back at Stark Tower Tony punched in his code to his lab and allowed Kole to enter first.

"Here he is, we don't really have much to go on but I might of found someone who can help us Kole. I feel sorry for you and what had happened; wish I could do more to help." He sat down in the corner looking at his computers.

Kole walked over to her father and touched just above his eye where some bandages were. It was a mix of bitter happiness and sadness to see him again. She was happy to finally be able to talk to him after all these years, but regretted it had to be under these circumstances. Anyway, she would sit quietly while Tony did his thing and hope her father came out okay. It would take time.

Tony glanced over at Kole, "You alright? Need anything?" He despised Loki so much, not only did he hurt Kole but Alanna as well and he was ready to take him down once and for all. Well, after Fury since he had no excuse trying to take Alanna away for something that wasn't her fault.

"No, just work your magic so I can give Loki some payback." Kole told him. Tony nodded.

Meanwhile, Thor, Bruce, and Steve were just hanging out and Steve. "Any more news on Loki, Thor?" They were all wondering if something would happen again since the surprise attack last night.

"There has been tale of his exploits reaching the netherworld. All the more reason we need to seek this Doctor Strange." Thor said and Bruce nodded.

"Hopefully we'll get another lead today." He said.

Finally once they reached Coney Island there were people everywhere and a lot of couples. Along with inviting smells of junk food and brightly colored stands selling various merchandise. Not to mention the wailing from people zipping by on rollercoasters above them. All they had to do was decide what to do first. Clint looked at Natasha and raised an eyebrow.

Natasha grinned at Clint, "I'm not scared of anything, I bet though that you would scream like a girl." She always did enjoy challenging the famous Hawkeye in whatever competition. Alanna felt nervous but hey she could handle spending some time with the guy she liked and she did put him in an awkward situation this morning.

"So, Noel let's hit the rollercoaster unless you think I can handle it better than you?" Alanna asked. Noel smirked and ran ahead.

"I'll race you Alanna, last one there has to pay for the food."

She laughed and took off after him and of course he used his ninja ability to beat her to the gate and she groaned. "Cheater."

Natasha and Clint were a minute later and Natasha frowned, "Alanna, please be extra careful, we just want to make sure you are safe." Alanna understood then what Natasha was talking about and turned back to Noel.

"So, three bodyguards today, well this is not so weird I guess. Alright but you two better keep up," she said.

Everyone boarded the rollercoaster and Noel smiled to Alanna. "Ready?"

She laughed, "Yes, just can't wait to see you make a fool out of yourself." Noel shook his head and took her hand.

"We will see." Then he glanced back at Luke and Michael who were behind him and Alanna smiling.

Luke gave him a thumbs up and Michael just grinned. In the car behind them Hawke smiled at Evelyn shyly. He was happy she wasn't ignoring him at least for today. As soon as the rollercoaster began the climb up the first and tallest drop Clint grinned. He felt at home at high altitudes and so rollercoasters were nothing to him. Then suddenly they were falling fast. There were screams of horror and delight from all cars. Evelyn yelled and threw herself into Hawke's side in excitement. Hawke laughed and held her tight as she screamed her head off. Luke meanwhile made sure to do an awkward pose next to Michael at the point where the ride snapped a photo. Michael looked a little green, Hawke owed Noel $5.

"Oh man that was awesome." Luke said after they had gotten off the ride and decided to walk over to the photo booth to see what kind of pictures

"HEY." Michael made a scandalized face when he saw Luke's ridiculous pose in their picture giving Michael bunny ears. Clint laughed and gave Luke a low five.

"Not bad man," Clint grinned. Luke mock bowed.

"I do my best," he answered.

Other pictures had Hawke and Evelyn basically in his lap. Both of them turned a little red at that.

"So what's next?" Luke asked.

"More rides." Evelyn said, but Alanna looked like she didn't want to.

"Well, we can split up here if you guys want and meet up in an hour at the food stands." Clint told them and they nodded. It was decided he would accompany Alanna and Noel and Natasha would go ride hopping with the others. Clint was jealous but, it was probably better he focus on watching out for the kids anyway. He was actually supposed to be working after all.

"So where do you two want to go?" He asked Alanna and Noel.

Alanna yelled at Evelyn, "Be careful and if the boys give you a hard time, Natasha will handle them." She saw the look of horror on their faces and Natasha smiled at Alanna before leaving them. Noel turned to Alanna.

"Seriously, you would really like us guys to get beat up by the fearsome Black Widow?"

Alanna laughed, "Well, you know us girls gotta stick together in a tower filled with men. But don't worry I promise Clint here won't hurt you."

Noel shook his head, "Unbelievable, you have them wrapped around your finger, two of the most feared Avengers taken by you." Soon Noel felt Clint's gaze and smiled, "Of course, out of respect." Changing the topic Noel added. "So, an hour to kill, how about you and I go for a walk Alanna? I have something to ask you."

Alanna felt insecure at that moment, it seemed like her fears were starting to take control of her, but she tried her best to put a brave face on. "Sure..."

He took her hand and they started walking.

Clint took the cue from Noel that he was going to make his move on Alanna finally so he let them trail ahead as he dropped back a ways to give them some privacy. He saw things better at a distance anyway so he could better watch for anything suspicious this way.

Meanwhile, Natasha was admiring the friendship between the rest of the group and she asked "So, another rollercoaster boys and Evelyn? I bet it will be a lot of fun."

"Oh but your partner is gone, I can ride with you if you'd like," Luke said dropping to step beside Natasha.

"Drop it lover boy, do you want an arrow in your head?" Michael scoffed flicking Luke in the head. Luke groaned and rubbed the spot with a wince before trying to kick Michael in the shin. He missed.

"You and Hawkeye aren't dating, right? I still have a chance!" Luke protested and Evelyn giggled at him.

"Man, Luke's going delusional on us," Hawke said.

"Yeah, Clint and Natasha are totally an item you know! They're practically married! Right, Natasha?" Evelyn rattled off as if she was an expert on the subject.

Natasha turned and yelled, "Shut up, Clint and I are just partners and friends but I am a lot older than you Luke and if you don't stop flirting, I will shoot you in the leg and you will be in the medical ward for a week." She turned to Evelyn smiling, "As for you, please don't assume anymore. Anyway, I think you and Hawke are cute together, hey Hawke why don't you ask her out already?" She got her revenge alright.

Meanwhile, Alanna noticed that Hawkeye had dropped back some and was feeling real uneasy as Noel turned to her with a smile. "I think this area is perfect."

Alanna sighed, "Look Noel, I don't really know what to say..." Noel noticed how uncomfortable she was and he took her hand.

"Listen to me, I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you ok. I know you talk to Clint and Natasha because you are more comfortable with them. I want us to be like that, I want you to trust me with everything."

Alanna saw that look she saw a long time ago and said, "I do trust you, it's just everything is so messed up right now. I am broken Noel, you don't know what I had been through and I'm scared that you will become a target ok."

Noel shook his head, "I am not going to let anything happen to us, Alanna I would do anything in this world for you. I'm broken too, my past is filled with horrors but I can help you overcome yours."

Alanna was in shock thinking, 'Holy shit, Clint was right. He's the one I'm supposed to be with.' She answered, "I will do everything I can to help you too Noel. When I noticed you on that first day I fell for you, I know it's ridiculous but I love you."

Noel smiled, "You are so beautiful Alanna. I had loved you the moment I tried getting your attention." He leaned in and kissed her which she pulled him closer in returning that kiss.

Her heart had felt like it had been lifted from the shadows at last, she would fight through hell to protect him.

"Alanna, will you go out with me as my girlfriend?" Noel asked. Alanna smiled and kissed him again.

"Yes, now you have to pay for the food. Like a little good boyfriend."

Noel embraced her and he glanced up to notice Hawkeye standing there and he nodded. "We should be going Alanna, Clint is waiting and I'm sure he has something to tell us." Alanna pulled away but put her hand in his smiling.

"So, you two…get things worked out?" Clint ventured trying to look nonchalant, "Natasha just radioed me, time for food meet up," he told them.

A little while later Clint, Alanna and Noel came upon the other group seated in the eating area. Clint was surprised to see Natasha looking a little miffed and wondered what had happened while they were gone. He set with his burger across from Luke and took a bite.

"Your girlfriend is mean, bro," Luke informed him right off the bat, "She totally denied you guys were going out and then bit my head off when I tried out some of my super smooth lines."

Clint choked and had to pound his chest to get the food to go down the right way.

"Then she threw Hawke and Evelyn under the bus," Michael whispered pointing at Hawke and Evelyn who had earlier been seeming to warm up to each other again, but now were on complete opposite ends of the table avoiding one another.

"And she like flat out said there was no chance of you two ever getting together, ever," Luke gave Clint a pitying look, "I feel bad for you man, I have a friend I can hook you up with if you want." He added in attempt to be helpful.

"What? No!" Clint hissed then more quietly said, "Of course we're not dating…it would get in the way of our work." Though he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with Natasha's reaction, but he knew he was barking up the wrong tree with his little crush anyway and it was nice to know how she actually felt.

"Hey what are you guys whispering about down there?" Evelyn asked craning her neck to try and hear, but Luke waved her off.

"Just talking about going to the gift shop to buy Kole's present next," he told her and Clint couldn't help but be impressed by his ability to lie so well. Not that it was a good thing. Michael noticed Noel and Alanna holding hands and grinned.

"Looks like you two are closer?" He asked.

Alanna turned to Michael and the others, "My friends, Noel had finally got the courage to tell me how he felt and so did I. He asked me to be his girlfriend and I accepted so how about we celebrate a little?"

Natasha smirked and she was finally happy to see Alanna happy, "Congrats, Alanna." She got up and hugged her than turned to Noel. "If you hurt her, your butt will be seeing Dr. Banner in a flash."

Alanna laughed at Noel's expression, "See Noel, I have great friends."

Noel stuck his tongue at her. "Well, Clint has my back anyway and so do the others."

Alanna threw an ice cube at him. "Yeah, Evelyn is a girl, she will be up there with me along with Kole." Her expression changed a little. "I wonder how Kole is?" Noel sighed and took her hand giving her the look of comfort and she smiled.

Natasha spoke up, "Hurry up guys, we only have a few more hours to go until it gets dark." The team ate up and soon the girls were making their way to the gift shops while Noel turned to the guys. "Alanna, see you in a few, I'm waiting here."

Alanna nodded and as she turned back to Natasha and Evelyn they were bombarding her with questions on how he had asked her.

Noel sat down next to Michael, "So, who wants to know how I got Alanna to be my girlfriend?"

"Oh do tell us, Valiant Conqueror," Luke said leaning in to hear this. It would be good he was sure.

"You better not say anything bad." Clint warned him, but then suddenly his cell rang and he answered it. It was Kole.

"Hey, Tony gave me your number…he's found a lead on Strange, says he wants you guys back for a meeting A.s.a.p." She told him.

"Right, we're on our way. How is your father doing?" Clint asked.

"He's awake now…and we talked a lot, but he was tired and is sleeping again." She said and then added, "Thanks for asking."

"I'm glad Kole. Well see you soon." He said and hung up to call Natasha and tell her the new plans.

Meanwhile at the gift shop Evelyn was looking around and spotted some really nice glass pieces. One was in the shape of a rollercoaster and another in the shape of a dragon.

"Hey what do you guys think of something like this?" Evelyn asked and snapped a picture of each with her phone and sent the pictures to Luke.

"Get the dragon." He texted back. She grabbed it off the shelf and went to pay. It would be a gift from all of them. Then when she got back she noticed Natasha just getting off the phone.

Natasha turned to the girls, "Mission time back to Stark Tower now." Alanna turned to Evelyn looking at the gift that they had just purchased for Kole.

"I think she is going to love it."

Once they all met up at the limo and made their way back to Stark Tower, Noel noticed Alanna drifting off on his shoulder and he moved a little so she was comfortable. Natasha rolled her eyes and had a smile on her face.

Once they arrived, Noel gently shook Alanna. "Alanna, we are here." She woke up and with Noel's help made her way out of the limo.

"So why did Tony bring us back?" She couldn't help but wonder if this had to do something with Loki. Natasha turned to her looking serious.

"It's about Dr. Strange and locating Loki."

Alanna froze for a minute trying to block the memories that were coming back.

"Hey, it's ok." Noel put his hand on her shoulder and helped her into the Tower.

Natasha walked ahead, "Come on guys."

Alanna made it to the main living area with Noel's guidance where Tony and the others were waiting. Tony smirked. "So, Dragon and Huntress had made it official." Alanna just sat down ignoring him and Noel smirked.

"Yep."

Natasha and the others were there a minute after and Natasha sighed. "So, what is the big news on Loki and Dr. Strange?"

Tony nodded, "Well, you see we might be onto Loki's big plan and I think we can stop it in time."

Alanna whispered, "What is it? Does it still involve me?" Tony heard her since he was closest and turned to the others.

"Actually, you were only a side plan to Loki's scheme, not to say you aren't important, but his focus is much bigger. He plans to use the undead to fill his army and overthrow the Earth. I found Doctor Strange through Kole, he sent us a message through her…he's actually living in a separate dimension and invited us to meet with him." Tony explained.

Everyone was surprised by this sending Kole questioning glances. She smiled.

"He sent a message through magic…and well I heard it in my mind. He will teleport us all as soon as you're all ready to meet him." She explained.

"Well, okay team get ready and meet up again in five." Clint said and everyone rushed to do so. Once they were all ready Kole messaged back to Strange with her mind and they all were dragged through some portal and found themselves in the most curious of old style mansions.

An older gentleman in a red cape greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome travelers, we have much to discuss, call me Doctor Strange." He told them. Clint was really getting the whole twilight zone vibe from him.

"Hello…Doctor. We hear you have some light to shed on Loki's plan?" Tony asked.

Dr. Strange glanced at the Avengers and the trainees in wonder. "I had studied your recent encounters with the Asguardian known as Loki and found that his plan is a lot bigger and darker than what he had planned in your last battle in New York."

Alanna spoke up, "So, why did Loki need demons and the undead which were just plain out weird and me?"

Dr. Strange nodded, "I too at first didn't understand but the Avengers had put him to a point of darkness when they had defeated him once before. But since the alien races of the universe all want his blood right now for betraying them, he had discovered an ancient book which is forbidden."

Noel snorted, "This is totally nonsense."

Alanna hit him in the arm and Dr. Strange continued, "So, he took the time to harness this power in which he could cross beings that require the strong magic to disturb the reality in which you all know. As for you Red Huntress, your past isn't as mysterious as you think. Your ancestry comes from a magic bloodline in Wales, your parents had it but it never showed in them unlike you. Loki tried to get you because you could become a portal of sorts if he had brainwashed you and then the whole Earth could be in total ruin. As for Dark Star's father, he was too part of the plan to open up the demonic realm for it requires less magic and was just used as a distraction."

Alanna couldn't believe this, "Wait, there is no way I am a powerful magic user, I have kinetic abilities."

Tony tilted his head, "She's right, so why?"

"Alanna must figure this out on her own, she can tap into her bloodline if she concentrates hard enough and you all better do your best to protect her. Loki is now on the move and he's coming for you Alanna."

Alanna turned to Kole, "Let's go." But before anything was done Doctor Strange turned to her again.

"Stay away from the Darkness Alanna, this is my warning. Give into it and you will lose the ones you care about." Dr. Strange warned her. Natasha was in shock.

"Don't worry, Loki won't succeed." She said.

Dr. Strange shook his head, "Also, I just saw something disturbing, Loki is a pawn there is a threat greater than him and it will challenge you all."

"Shit." Tony mumbled.

Steve frowned, "We will handle it."

"My friends, the fate of the world is in your hands. I will continue to monitor all Asguardian activity here. You must become one, young heroes." Doctor Strange told them.

Alanna couldn't believe this, she was completely happy and now her nightmares were coming alive.

Tony shook the good Doctor's hand, "Thanks Dr. Strange, we will be in touch. Dark Star take us home." A few minutes later everyone was there and Alanna left the room with tears in her eyes, she knew the perfect hiding spot. Noel wanted to go after her but Natasha shook her head.

"Let me Noel." She followed before nodding at Clint. Everyone else tried to make sense of everything and Steve motioned for them to be at ease.

"Alright, well get some rest."