Summary: After surviving a hit and run that should have killed her, Riley McLawson now has unusual powers from her near death experience. S.H.I.E.L.D sends the team to recruit her against a new enemy. Only along the way they learn that Riley isn't the enemy but someone else in the group is. Eventual Clint/OC, Steve/Darcy.

From The Shadows

Chapter 4

Song – The Vanishing Sky – By Evanescence

Its so cold outside
I see ghost around me
For some reason, people are running
I can't believe my eyes, I see the sky vanishing
I can't take this all in
And I can't, I just can't win

The sky is vanishing right before my eyes
People are running, fearing for their life
I know my life will end tonight
All for the vanishing sky

I don't know what to do, do I hide or die?
I don't know where to find
a light through the sky
I can't believe this is happening to me
I guess tonight's the night that I will die

"Don't talk to me like that!" She screamed in his face, hand going up for another slap. But before it could connect with his face, Clint caught her arm.

"What like how you've been treating everyone else in the whole goddamn helicarrier?" He yelled back, his hand clenching around Natasha's wrist, internally hoping it would bruise.

"It's all her fault; we should have killed her the minute we found out who she was. He messed with my damn fucking head, Clint and used you as a puppet and you're seriously telling me that you don't hate Riley?"

Clint then saw Riley standing right behind Natasha, her face white as a sheet.

"Wait!" Clint called, but it was too late, Riley had already run off, someplace, he didn't know.

"Dammit." He swore under his breath and was about to run after her, but was stopped once again by Natasha.

"Wait, you still have to talk to her whore of a mother." She sneered.

"Fuck that-"

"Fury ordered you. Your duty should come first." She snapped, and Clint couldn't help but agree with the reasoning. He sighed, rubbed his face, and obliged, but not without telling Natasha to bugger off.

"I will if you leave me alone." Was his answer, and he was gone, leaving the redhead to steam in his wake.

Clint walked towards the room where Lily Collins was sitting in, her hands were still handcuffed and her blonde curls looked dishevelled, her grey eyes were bloodshot while her skin had sweat over it.

Probably, from the drugs. Clint thought grim.

"What the fuck do you want? I want a lawyer NOW!" She snarled.

"No lawyer will be able to get you out." Clint told her calmly, taking the chair that was in front of her tied figure. "We can get you one? But we have evidence that will get your ass in jail long enough for three life sentences." She didn't respond, only continued to glare. So the blonde continued. "Why did you do all of it?" He started bluntly, eye to eye.

Lily looked at him with cold, calculating grey eyes as she answered "Because its fun and I liked it".

Disgust ran through his blood as he kept his face blank, "So you decided that beating and allowing your daughter to be abused was fun". Clint said disgusted.

Lilly laughed then "He's coming for her".

Clint was getting fucking tired of her shit. "Who?" He decided to play her little game.

"Oh, you know who." She responded slyly.

"Viktor." It wasn't a question, he knew the answer.

She laughed, but didn't respond.

"The man who used you as a puppet" She shrieked gleefully.

Clint decided to end the conversation there and left the room, his mind reeling.

Loki was coming.

Riley sat in her room, her mind whirling away while her emotions were fucked up.

Her father had brainwashed Clint into becoming his puppet, making him do god only knew what, killed innocent people, tried to kill Thor, Tony, Fury, Natasha and Steve.

She was a killer too; she had killed the men who had raped her with the acceptation of that bastard Viktor Kosovo who hadn't been there.

And Jamie, oh her beautiful baby boy, her little boy who had died too young.

Riley couldn't stay here anymore; Natasha had made it obvious how she felt about her.

She started packing her bag, haphazardly shoving clothes, shoes, toiletries and her underwear in the duffle bag. Riley frowned when she couldn't find Tom.

"Damn it Tom." She cursed just as there was a knock on the door.

"Riley? It's me, Clint"

Riley froze, what the hell did Clint want?

"Just, a minute". She called out trying to keep calm as she frantically began unpacking everything and putting it back in the original places.

Soon it looked like Riley had never been about to leave the room.

"You can come in now". Riley said and Clint opened the door and came in, he was wearing a grey t-shirt that showed off his incredible well muscled arms. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a pair, of black shoes probably combats boots.

"Not to be rude or anything, what do you want?" She asked trying to be polite and also looking at his face instead of his incredible body.

Clint looked at her then as he spoke "I wanted to see if you were ok after what Natasha said, she was out of line". He said firmly.

Riley sighed "I'm ok, really but why are you being so nice to me after what my… father did to you?" She asked.

Clint sighed as he sat down next to her on the bed, his right shoulder brushing against her as he got comfortable. Clint met her dark grey eyes with his dark blue ones as he spoke carefully.

"I'll be honest all right, I didn't want you here after I found out who you were and who your father was because I thought you would be exactly like him, but when I read your file, read what you went through, having the mother from hell, being adopted, getting powers after a hit and run. Then being raped by that bastard Russian gang in that warehouse, having a baby, then losing him, I realised you were nothing like him and I sure as hell wouldn't have blamed you for going nuts but you didn't. You stayed strong and I admire that." Clint said his voice sincere, honest.

Riley felt her eyes burn; Clint didn't hate her for being the daughter of a demigod who had used him as a puppet, didn't think she was a killer.

"Thanks". She said softly.

Clint smiled at her, "Anytime, c'mon we got go tell the others what I found out from Lily and… Loki's coming." He said grimly.

Riley froze, her father the God of Mischief was coming here, to the place that had defeated him.

Shit.

"Well, then let's go then." She said trying to keep calm as they left her room and went to find the others and warn them about Loki's arrival.

Loki had left with Thor after the battle with the Avengers. Thor had come back months later, new that his brother had escaped from the Asgard prison, and disappeared off the planet, leaving everyone confused of where he was. He hasn't bothered them, so didn't dwell on the problem to long, instead keeping their thoughts on more important things like the battles going on at that present time.

Now they had to wonder what Loki's plan was. Did he want to fight them again? Take his daughter back? Make an alliance with Viktor and Lily?

"Let me talk to Lily". Riley said after they had told the others about Loki.

Natasha looked at her wearily, "So that you can break her out? I don't think so". She scoffed.

Fury looked at her for a moment, "Let me discuss it with the others". He said quietly.

Riley nodded and walked out of the room as Fury looked at the others.

Fury stepped out of the room to give them some privacy. They didn't have to discuss long, everyone but Natasha had a grudge against Loki's daughter.

They returned and nodded for Riley to go. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and strolled down the hall with her head high. She didn't want to show weakness before her evil mother. She wanted her to know that she could not ruin her life anymore; they were going to stop her.

"Captain, do you think McLawson can do it?" He questioned the leader of the Avengers.

Steve looked thoughtful "I think she shows courage, loyalty and trust. And I think she's a brave soldier. He answered.

Fury nodded. "That's what I want to hear."

They stayed silent the whole time Riley was in the room. Worrying, circling their thumbs, and pacing.

Riley looked at Lily then, her mother's face was pale with sweat, her light blue eyes bloodshot and her blonde curls were dishevelled and limp.

"What the fuck do you want?" She snarled at her.

"Nice to meet you too mother". Riley said coldly.

"Don't' give me that bullshit." She seethed. "Tell me what your here for and get out. Actually, why don't you just leave!"?

"I've got a couple questions." Riley continued, pretending to not be affected by her mom's behaviour. "Listen up; I just want to know what was going through your head when you do all your shit?"

Lily stared at Riley as if she was stupid, "Alright you want to know what's going through my head?" She asked darkly.

Riley kept her face calm "Unfortunately yes". She said coldly.

She laughed "You'll regret it but ok."

"I want to see people hurt. Pain is like my ecstasy, closer to me the better." Riley felt bile in her stomach; however, she held her ground. "You are my favourite toy. You hurt so prettily." Her grin was all teeth, the sweat dripping down her face making her look possessed.

Riley kept her face blank "Did I really?" She asked trying to sound interested but really she felt sick.

"Yeah, whenever a guy came around I'd let them have a turn with you. Probably don't remember but that's how you got the scar on your right shoulder". Lily said nodding towards Riley's left shoulder.

"What about Franklin James De Roy?" She asked trying to stay calm in front of the evil woman.

"Oh he was lovely." She smiled wistfully. "Oh, don't I miss that lad, to bad I killed him." She mussed. "He so adored taking you. I would watch, take out a chair, and see to his demands. He was so brutal, it made it all the better."

From where he stood in the corridor, Clint felt his hands clench into fists.

Riley kept her face neutral, "So why did you kill him?" She asked sharply.

"I got bored and had bigger fish to fry." She said coldly.

"Alright, what about Linda Marie Evans, and Carter James Johnson?" Riley asked quietly.

"That bitch?"

"Yes, that, bitch as you so like to call her." Riley said sharply.

"I hated her! She deserved to die, painfully. I burned her, dug out her intestines and lit it like a fuse." She was laughing hysterically, and Riley held herself back from chocking out a sob. "Carter was easy, I made him watch, and he almost dies of heartbreak right there. Though I made sure he didn't. Every time he tried to close his eyes, an electric chock would flow through his veins, opening his eyes wide so he could see the girl suffer."

'Oh, god'. Riley thought, feeling nausea hit her.

"How did you and Loki meet?" She asked calmly.

Lily smirked "In the woods, I was high on E and drunk when that man appears out of no where". She said dreamily.

"He was beautiful you know. God like and all that. He sweet talked me, not that I needed much persuasion." She giggled, the sound was pure beastly. "He was rough, just how I like it. Strong knew how to take care of a true lady." 'You're no lady', Riley thought to herself, fingers twitching restlessly. "Left soon after, not that I was one for relationships. Thank god I remembered after, would have hated to loose that memory." She broke off, her eyes going dazed as if she was now remembering what had transpired so many years ago. "Unfortunately, I got pregnant with a stupid brat like you."

"Ya, I'm not so happy I'm your spawn too." Riley snapped back.

Lily looked at her then with narrowed, grey eyes "So what did you do? Fucking Hell did you kill someone or did your fucked up powers finally appear?" She asked coldly.

"What does it matter to you?" Riley asked icily.

"Nothing, just wondered if that ginger bitch I met three years ago told one of those FBI guys". She said cruelly.

Ginger bitch? A memory popped up in her mind, one when Tony called Natasha the exact same thing...

"Oh shit!" She yelled, briskly turning, and without a departing word, stalked out of the interrogation room, Clint quick on her heels.

"What is it?" He questioned, grabbing her wrist to make her turn around to look at him. "What did you find out?"

Riley stopped abruptly and stared at him, shock in her eyes. "Don't you know who 'Ginger Bitch' is? Use your brain Clint, fucking Romanoff!"

Clint blinked, trying to understand what Riley was saying, that Natasha had been in contact with Lily and that meant...

"Fuck, c'mon". He said running to where the others were, Riley right behind him.

"She can't know we found out." Clint kept on saying. "She's a spy, and agent, she can escape from anything. We're going to see Fury, alone." They arrived at his office and smashed the door open. Nick looked up from his paper work, a frown on his face that quickly changed into worry and curiosity at their expressions.

"What is it agents."

"We've got a mole in our team, director and its one of ours". Clint said firmly.

Fury sighed heavily "I was afraid this would happen". He said grimly.

"Who is it?" He asked wondering who would jeopardise their team.

"It's Romanoff".

"Natasha. How do you know?"

"Just walk the footage of me and my mother director. She may not say her name, but she's the one, I can feel it." Riley explained quickly, adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Let's do it." They al watched it, Riley fast-forwarding to the desired part of the interview. Once they watched it, Fury was silent, then a frustrated growl tumbled out of his mouth.

"That little fucking-"

"We don't have time to insult director. We need a plan to bring her down."

Fury sighed "We need to tell the others and then-".

A loud noise like the sound of a bomb exploded throughout the helicarrier, throwing them all over the room.

"FUCK!" Fury exclaimed annoyed.

Clint got to his feet as Riley pulled herself up as well.

"What the hell was that?"

"Oh don't tell me..." Riley moaned.

"Lily?"

"Lily." Fury's voice was flat, and he ran out of his office, yelling into his ear piece for all agents to gather and fucking get the woman back behind bars, no matter what it takes.

Riley had a hand over her mouth, eyes swimming with tears. Clint wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her after the director. He whispered soothing words to her, as well as motivational.

"We need to stop her, you can show everybody how powerful you are. Nobody would dare underestimate you anymore. Natasha will be given what she deserves. Wipe up those tears, and let's work together alright."

Riley nodded and grabbed the blonde's hand. They ran together, back to Lily's holding cell. The air was thick with smoke, debris and dust everywhere.

Riley lit up her hands and soon two dark purple flames were in her hands as they searched the cell.

"Lily?" She called out, nodding towards Clint.

A dark blur ran towards her then and Riley easily dodged her as did Clint, Lily looked at her then and smiled.

"I'm going to enjoy this". She said sadistically

"I'm going to enjoy this more." Riley hissed back and there was a flash of purple fire and smoke, covering all the surface air.

Lily dodged the fireball as Clint shot an arrow at her, it grazed her right cheek leaving a bloody cut on her face.

"SON OF A BITCH!" Lily shrieked charging at Clint but got hit by one of Riley's fireballs, causing Lily to hit the wall behind her and pass out.

"Damn" Clint said looking at the damaged aircraft.

Riley sighed as Lily began to wake up, her body twisting unnaturally in different positions.

"She won't be able to get away anytime soon." Clint nodded in agreement and walked over to the fallen convict. He pressed the com to his mouth and called for medical.

"What will happen to her?" Riley asked, showing up beside Clint.

"If she doesn't die, even if we didn't have enough evidence to put her in jail, we sure as hell have a reason now." He turned to stare at her, eyes betraying no emotion. "That escape attempt was one bad idea on her part. Lucky for us though."

Riley sighed heavily as an eerie voice called out to her.

"Hello, my daughter". A male voice spoke.

"For the love of-" Riley swore and spun around to glare at the figure that appeared behind her. "Lily, and now you?! What the hell does the world want with me." Clint had frozen beside her, mouth opening and closing in surprise.

"Now, now, sweet daughter. Don't talk like that." The smirk that came over Loki's face was everything but nice.

Riley stared in shock at the man in front of her. He was tall wearing dark green and black with gold armour with a gold staff, his hair matched her raven locks only while they were slicked back, Riley's were wavy.

This was her father. The God of Mischief, The Outsider.

"I see you have... found your mother. Lovely woman isn't she?" Clint was about to fucking snap at the man, but his voice was sarcastic, which stopped Clint from breaking into the conversation. "Now about your earlier question, I am here to talk to you. A father is allowed to talk to their kin, right?"

"Not if their kin hates them." Riley sneered, unconsciously grabbing Clint's hand for comfort. The blonde looked down at their intertwined appendages, amazed.

Loki narrowed his eyes at their intertwined hands "Is this love, Riley?" He asked calmly.

"No, it isn't love, it's called friendship Father". She said sarcasm lacing her voice.

A pang of pain travelled through the archer. He didn't like that answer. But, he didn't know why, he didn't understand the feelings that were manifesting in his body. He quickly let go of Riley's hand, as if burned, and crossed his arms over his chest. Riley flashed him a hurt glance from the corner of his eye, but was back to glaring at Loki when Clint tried to meet her gaze.

"Hmmm, whatever you say sweetling." Riley growled at the name, and Loki continued to smile in amusement. "Now!" He exclaimed in a flourish. "I am not here to hurt anyone, no evil intent." He suddenly sobered up, eyes displaying nothing and told them seriously. "I am here to help."

Clint narrowed his eyes at the demigod who had played with his mind; made him a fucking puppet for his own twisted gain. "Why should we trust you?" He asked harshly.

Loki looked at him for a moment "Because something evil is coming".

He didn't know whether to believe the black haired man. He had played jigsaw puzzles with them before. "What is this 'evil' you're talking about?" he snapped.

Loki looked at Riley for a moment before tossing something towards Clint who caught it in his left hand.

"Ask my brother, he'll know what I'm talking about." And with a final glance at Riley, he was gone.

"God dammit." Was the only thing Clint said, before spinning on his feet and stalking out of the room. Riley followed him worriedly. Since they were walking at such a fast pace, they managed to cross paths with Thor in no time.

In a fit of plain exhaustion from the situation transpiring around him, Clint grasped Thor's arm and dragged him to an empty meeting room. Even though Thor was a god, and could have very well thrown him off, he complied with the blonde's aggressiveness.

"What is wrong friend?" Thor asked trying to calm the archer down

Clint handed him the black coin "Loki said you would know what this is". He said harshly.

"What is it Thor?" Riley asked worried.

Thor examined the coin; it was black metal with a strange symbol on it.

Thor looked at it with a grim expression on his face "This is not good news, my friends".

"Why, what is it?" Riley asked worried.

"This is a Moon coin; you say Loki gave this to you." They both nodded at once, and for once, Thor lost his cheerful charm. "It allows one to travel through space."

Clint blinked at that, "Wait a sec that coin allows someone to go through space?" He asked stunned.

Riley looked at the coin in fascination, "Is it dangerous?" She asked quietly.

Thor looked at them both "If it falls into the wrong hands, then yes". He said sombrely.

The sky is vanishing right before my eyes
People are running, fearing for their life
I know my life will end tonight
All for the vanishing sky

This pain is to much for me
The winds have to much velocity
Today's the day of reckoning
Today's the day to say goodbye

The sky is vanishing right before my eyes
People are running, fearing for their life
I know my life will end tonight
But I will stand up and fight
All for the vanishing sky