Chapter Thirty Four

It was funny how an entire war between two worlds could bring a team together. Ada knew that things wouldn't have taken that turn if it wasn't for the sacrifices made before the battle. Her thoughts drifted back to when Tony had informed her that Coulson was dead. He had been killed by Loki, despite her efforts at preventing him from taking the blow. Her heart twisted with grief at the thought.

Coulson had been a good person. Someone who believed in heroes, second chances, and in second lives. She knew that she wouldn't have gotten as far as she did without his support. Knowing that he was gone left her feeling guiltier than ever. She wished that she could have gotten to know him better. Maybe than things would have changed. Anything was better than knowing that she was still responsible for what had happened to him.

The solemn silence that hung in the air was almost overwhelming. Everyone seemed wrapped in their own thoughts as they sat in a shawarma joint; one of the few buildings that hadn't been destroyed during the battle. Ada sat between Steve and Natasha, wishing a hole would open up and swallow her. She knew that she shouldn't blame herself for what happened. But, that didn't stop the guilt from nearly overwhelming her.

"You know it wasn't your fault," Banner said pointedly when he noticed how quiet she was.

Tony had tried enlightening everyone's moods with conversation, but even he was incapable of lifting her spirits. She didn't have much of a reason to feel happy. Though they managed to win the battle and put an end to Loki's war, that didn't mean there was anything worth celebrating.

"It still could have been avoided, entirely," she muttered, staring down at the table shamefully.

It wasn't until feeling a hand squeeze her shoulder that Ada looked up to see Steve watching her warily. Despite their arguments and the fact that they made each other's lives miserable aboard the Hellicarrier, Ada realized that she hadn't helped matters. If anything, she had only added to the stress on his shoulders and that of everyone she was close to. She suddenly felt as if there was something that could have been done to prevent the outcomes that followed.

"Some things just can't be avoided, no matter how hard we try and prevent it from happening," he reminded her.

For once, Ada didn't know what to say as their eyes met. She noticed with a start that he understood what she was going through. She couldn't hide the guilty smile that followed. Not for the first time, she wondered how Fury thought putting the two of them together in the same room would do anyone any good. The tension between them had finally simmered down. But she still wasn't sure what to make of him, and the feelings were entirely mutual. At least they could respect one another now that they had seen each other in action.

"By the way, when did you learn how to control the air around you?" Tony suddenly cut in, clearly miffed that they were having a civil conversation.

Ada nearly rolled her eyes at her father's accusing tone before lifting her hand and opening it. As if to prove her point, a tiny whirlwind of air appeared in the palm of her hand before dissipating. She frowned at the sight.

"I guess I've always been able to," she replied with a shrug, "The need to use it just didn't come until today."

She wasn't willing to admit out loud that having these powers terrified her. For the first time since discovering them, she was beginning to wonder why she had been born with such powers, in the first place. From what she had gathered in her dreams, the Aliquid were normally only born with one power.

"You do come from a long line of people who aren't even from this world," Natasha pointed out with a knowing look. Ada glanced at the redhead in surprise as she went on, "SHIELD's been trying to find whatever research it can on the Aliquid. You're the only one they've managed to get a hold of, alive."

That was enough for a shiver of unease to sweep through Ada. She remembered watching countless people die in her dreams. Then, she remembered Nathan and Emmett. Both had worked for an organization calling themselves the 'Black Knights'. Her stomach twisted with worry at the thought. If they did try and hunt her down like the rest of her people, she knew they wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

"Wait a minute, what do you mean 'alive'?" Tony asked warily.

Ada chewed the bottom of her lip. She'd only told him bits and pieces of her dreams. Even then, she kept out most of the details.

"There's an organization known as the Black Knights," she explained after taking a deep breath. Tony's eyes widened in disbelief as she shifted uneasily in her seat, "They've been hunting down the Aliquid since they were discovered."

Tony's mouth drew in a thin line when he realized what she meant by that. He recalled her mentioning that she'd seen people die in her dreams. For a while, he used to think it was nothing more than a nightmare. Now, he was beginning to realize they were so much more than that.

"So, that means those assholes could easily go after you then?" he guessed, and she simply nodded in response.

The billionaire just stared at her for what felt like hours. She knew this wasn't the kind of news anyone wanted to hear. The nightmares she'd suffered from for years had felt too real for them not to be memories. How she was able to have such nightmares, she wasn't sure. She guessed that they came through Nadia's memories, through the necklace that she was connected to. What bothered her more than anything was the fact that these people had gone after her own at all.

"That's why SHIELD was so desperate to get their hands on you," Natasha admitted. "Once they were able to figure out what you were, they knew that you would be a sitting target."

Once again, Ada nodded in understanding. SHIELD may have had its own agenda when it came to taking an interest in her, but she understood that this was Fury's way of keeping her safe. She likely managed to stay undetected for so long because her powers hadn't developed until Tony adopted her. That in itself had always left her wondering why they never developed before. There were still endless questions that she had regarding her people's history and her powers.

"Man of Iron, your daughter is truly special, indeed," Thor finally declared after reaching his own conclusion.

I don't feel special, Ada thought, glancing at the Asgardian in surprise. She had to admit, she enjoyed Thor's innocence of the world and how he always seemed to think he was saying the right thing. She wouldn't hold that against him, especially since he was only just beginning to learn how the people of Earth lived.

"Yeah, she really is," Tony nodded in agreement.

Heat rose to her cheeks when Ada caught him watching her closely, as if he was expecting one of the Black Knights to come crashing through any moment. About the only thing she could do at that point was focus on anything but the conversation. She had enough things on her mind at the moment to make it any worse.

…

"Romanoff told the team," Fury told Coulson as he approached the Director.

Said agent had made a full recovery from his injuries on the Hellicarrier. It had taken a few hours for him to wake up after the surgery, but, when he did, he saw the full extent of what damage this battle had caused. Damage Control was going to have their hands full for the next few hours.

"So, they all know the truth, now," Coulson sighed after contemplating what that would mean. He turned to face Fury, not missing how exhausted the other man looked. After dealing with the Council for hours, it was a wonder he had any energy left. Yet, that hadn't stopped the worry from clouding his thoughts when he knew what she was capable of. "We both agreed that it was too risky to tell her the truth until she was ready," he added in an accusing tone.

"She has a right to know the truth, and so do the others, especially when her life is at stake," Fury reminded him with a pointed look. Coulson was ready to argue when he thought better of it. Even if he had survived Loki's attack, he was in no condition or position to argue with Fury. "I know you care about her, but, she has an entire team looking out for her, now."

Coulson drew in a sharp breath. On any normal circumstances, he wouldn't have dreamed of arguing with SHIELD. But, he was tired of dealing with the lies and deceit that seemed to spread from the bottom up. It was bad enough he couldn't tell the team that he was alive, and worse still that Ada blamed herself for what had happened. The only thing he could do was keep an eye on them from a distance, and hope they came to terms with the mistakes they'd made.

…

The crisp morning air of fall surrounded the city. It was a beautiful day, fitting for the fact that Thor was leaving with Loki to face the verdict. When Thor had declared that Loki would face justice on Asgard, the Council had been furious. Ada heard from Natasha that it had taken Fury hours to convince the Council that this was a matter simply out of their hands. Arguing with an Asgardian, one who wielded a magical hammer that shot lighting out of it, was out of the question.

Once it was decided that Thor would take Loki home to Asgard so that he would face justice, the team agreed to meet at Central Park where they could part ways. Hopefully they wouldn't run into the press during their departure. Ada had a feeling that the press would have had a field day trying to get information on the team, and on Loki and Thor before they left.

It was a bittersweet moment. Ada realized with a start that the team had finally become a team after the battle of Manhattan. Now that they finally became a team, they were all going their separate ways. Ada couldn't blame them for wanting to part ways, especially since they all had their own jobs and lives. Yet, it felt wrong leaving everyone.

She shook her head at the thought, recalling what Natasha had told her during their shawarma gig. The fact that her people were known as the Aliquid left her asking further questions. Such as where they came from, and why they left their planet in the first place. She knew the answers were never going to be handed to her with ease, even if she asked Nadia for advice.

It would be easier if I knew what I was looking for, she added silently.

"You're up early." Ada glanced at Steve in surprise when he approached her. She chewed the bottom of her lip, suddenly aware that the tension between them had never really gone away. While he never treated her differently because of what Natasha and Clint had said, she still felt uneasy around him. "Early riser?"

"I've always had trouble sleeping in," she replied with a shrug, "Something my father seems incapable of doing, most of the time."

If she didn't know any better, she would have sworn Steve was trying to hide the smirk that followed.

"Have to admit, there's nothing like getting up in the morning for a run," he remarked after she gestured for him to join her on the park bench.

Since they were meeting later in the morning, she'd decided to leave what was left of Stark Tower and go for a morning jog. It gave her enough time to mull over the endless possibilities that Natasha had offered the other day. She wasn't quite sure what to make of that recent revelation. Her mother never once mentioned what they were because she hadn't been ready. At the time, she hadn't understood why Nadia was so reluctant to share that information. Now, she knew why.

"It's the best time to relax and enjoy the city before everyone else wakes up," she replied with a nod of agreement.

Not to mention, she didn't need to deal with the paparazzi. Though, anyone with a brain avoided the city after the destruction left by the Chitauri. Most of the city had been evacuated during the attack. When the team first arrived, they made it a point to make sure the city was cleared out to avoid most if not any casualties.

"That's not why you're out, though, is it?" His question caught her off guard, and Ada couldn't hide the frown that followed as she looked away.

"I've been wondering about what Natasha told me," she murmured. "Where I really come from, and why my people left the planet."

Steve gave a slight nod of his own after realizing just how much she had been thinking over what was said. There was a lot to consider, when she thought about it. Between not being human and finding out that a bunch of murderers were after her, she was feeling overwhelmed.

"That is a lot to think about," he agreed fullheartedly.

There was a moment's pause as awkward silence soon followed. Ada glanced at Steve self-consciously as she wondered what he thought of all of this. Knowing that so much had changed since he woke up from the ice must have been overwhelming for him.

"When you woke up from the ice, did you ever wish you could change back time?" she suddenly asked.

"More often than you realize," he chuckled in response. "Look, we can't change who we are, as much as we'd want to. Just because they say you aren't human doesn't mean you aren't you."

Ada couldn't hide the small smile that followed. She wasn't expecting that kind of response, especially from the same person who had compared her to Tony.

"Thank you," she murmured, suddenly feeling self-conscious once more. "Would you be opposed to going on a small trip?"

"Where to?" Steve rose an eyebrow in surprise.

"Xavier's School for the Gifted," she replied with a shrug, "It's in upper-state New York, and a bit of a drive, but, I feel like Professor Xavier might have some more information on the Aliquid."

For a moment, Steve was taken aback by her explanation. She knew the odds of getting answers were slim. But, it was better than nothing. Xavier was not only the founder of his school, but, the leading authority to mutants. As far as she was concerned, mutants had powers that were similar to the Aliquid.

"Your father isn't going to be happy with that idea," he pointed out knowingly.

Of course, he wouldn't be happy, she thought with a slight smirk. Anything to get under Tony's skin made it worth the risk.

"Believe me when I say, he has no say over what I should or shouldn't do," she retorted after crossing her arms defiantly, "Father or not, he can't control my actions."

Steve only laughed at that, suddenly aware that she was more defiant than he first thought. There wasn't anything wrong with that, but, it did come with risks. While Tony would more than likely freak after finding out they were spending time together, it wasn't anything she couldn't handle.

He was ready to say something when the others finally arrived. Ada narrowed her eyes when she spotted the scathing look Tony was giving them. Seeing them together only added the reminder that he wasn't happy seeing her with any guy.

"Why is it you're doing everything in your power to give me gray hair?" he muttered after she stood up and reached him, surprised to see Banner with him.

After the battle and their time at the shawarma joint, Tony had offered Banner a place to stay until he had things settled. Still, he looked uneasy being out in the public, and was doing his best to hide himself.

"Relax, dad," she rolled her eyes, "I just needed some air, and we met each other at the park."

"That's a convenient excuse," he snorted under his breath.

Ada was ready to spit something in response when Natasha and Clint chose that moment to arrive, along with Thor and a cuff-bound Loki. Her eyes narrowed once more after spotting Loki. Cuff-bound or not, after everything he did, he deserved whatever punishment Odin decided upon him.

"My friends, I am grateful to have fought alongside such noble warriors," Thor started after everyone gathered in a semi-circle.

The Tesseract itself had been placed in a containment unit built by Tony and Banner. Despite SHIELD's best efforts at keeping the Tesseract, Thor made a stand against them and declared that it belonged on Asgard, where it would stay out of the hands of others. To which Ada fully agreed after seeing the damage it had caused.

"Take care of yourself, Thor," Ada said, offering a charming smile as the Asgardian looked at her with one of his own, "For all that it's worth, I'm glad that you came back and helped us."

"Just make sure that the Tesseract stays as far from Earth as possible," Steve added.

Thor nodded in agreement to that, knowing full-well the Tesseract rightfully belonged on Asgard, "This is where I say farewell. I hope the next time we meet, there are no threats to worry over."

That makes two of us, Ada silently agreed with him, sincerely hoping that he was right.

She watched as he and Loki worked together in starting up the Tesseract, which acted as a portal to lead them to Asgard. The same detail left behind that Jane had been studying in New Mexico was left on the pavement where they once stood after a brilliant flash of light nearly blinded everyone. Ada was thankful she brought sunglasses with her at that moment.

Once they were gone, Ada was left wondering what the others would do next. Clint had already talked about taking a short vacation after suffering from what he felt was a hangover from the mind control. Since Natasha was able to free him from Loki's control, Ada could only imagine what he was going through, now. She couldn't help but feel sympathetic, knowing that whatever it was like to go through something like that wasn't easy for anyone.

"Seems like we're all going our separate ways," Tony remarked once Natasha had wordlessly walked alongside Clint after giving both Ada and Steve a stiff nod to their car parked not far away, "What are you doing after this?"

"I have a bit of a side project I need to work on," she replied with a shrug, not missing the look of surprise that followed, "I figured the sooner I get it done and over with, the better."

Tony narrowed his eyes and looked at her thoughtfully. Ada knew what was on his mind before he even said it. For a moment, she was tempted to remind him that she was old enough to make her own choices. Yet, something held her back when she caught the look written across his face.

"I'm expecting you to take care of her, Rogers," he finally snapped after guessing what she was up to. Whatever it was, it involved a ride and someone familiar with the area, "She's still my baby girl, and nothing is ever going to change that."

Ada nearly rolled her eyes at his last remark, and almost said something in her defense when Steve intervened, "I will, but, something tells me she won't need me. She can handle herself, Tony."

She couldn't hide the triumphant smile that followed, especially as she noticed Tony's face falter slightly. Coulson had reminded Tony countless times that she was more than capable of taking care of herself. Even that wasn't enough to deter him from his overprotective nature.

"Just make sure you call when you're done," he let out an over dramatic sigh before wrapping his arms around her in a hug. She returned the gesture, knowing this was anything but easy for him to see her go off on her own path, "And kick his ass if he crosses the line."

"Deal," she whispered back.

Once they pulled apart, she gave Banner a parting hug before standing beside Steve. It wasn't easy, realizing that things would never be the same once this was over. Their lives were all connected, and yet, they all seemed so far apart. Ada could only hope that this journey had at least taught them that they shouldn't stay closed off to the world, forever. They all needed someone looking out for them, no matter how often they tried denying it.

AN: I'm sorry it's been such a long time since my last update; I've been trying to figure out how I'll transition this story into the sequel, and I've also been debating whether or not side-chapters (filler chapters, more specifically revolving around Ada and Steve) should be posted in a separate story. It'll be a series of one-shots, but, it will also hold some importance to this story, and the chapters might be shorter compared to these chapters (roughly between one-thousand to two-thousand words each chapter). If anyone thinks this is a good idea, please let me know! Otherwise, updates will remain slower than usual because I'm trying to figure out where to post those chapters in this story.

Also, huge thanks to Nogly and CrazyCrapInc for reviewing!

Nogly - I did change the chapter to your translation; thanks for letting me know!

CrazyCrapInc - Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed this so much, and hopefully you'll enjoy future chapters :)