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 7

Song – Oceans – By Evanescence

Don't want to be the one to walk away
But I can't bear the thought of one more day
I think I finally understand what it means to be lost

Can't find the road to lead us out of this
A million miles from where we found the bridge
Can't keep pretending everything's going to be alright

With the whole world falling out on me

Cross the oceans in my mind
Find the strength to say goodbye
In the end you'll never get worst of love from your hands

For it's a fall from where we were before
You'll never find what you've been searching for
Something to fill the void and make up for all of those missing pieces of you

Soon everyone had gotten dry and was now discussing their next move.

"So, Riley what's your parents house like?" Steve asked her as Tony switched on his laptop.

"Well it's near the woods in Yukon, it's a ranch farm house with horses and a local diner and a supermarket". She said with a smile, thinking of her home.

Thor cheered then and shared a grin with Erik "Coffee".

A loud roaring sound was heard as a Leviathan busted out from the water.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Tony yelled getting on his suit as Riley lit up her hands with dark purple fireballs, while Clint raised his bow at the strange creature.

"Riley"

Riley frowned at the strange looking creature; its scales were silver while its skin was black. It wasn't attacking them though.

Yet.

"We're nearly at Yukon so what do we do?" Tony asked everyone.

Steve looked at the Leviathan then "Its just staring at us and no-". He was cut off as the Leviathan blasted at them.

The jet began to go down with all of them grabbing onto something, Riley grabbed onto a leather seat fear running through her.

"CLINT NOW MAY BE A GOOD TIME TO DO A CRASH LANDING!" Tony yelled holding onto Pepper tightly.

As Clint did just that. The other's tried to get the creature off their tails, all together, they were able to defeat it, but there was still the chance that there was more.

At that minute another blast hit the jet, causing them to fly around inside the jet.

"Oh shit, Riley. RILEY!" Darcy screamed seeing the young woman holding on for dear life.

The blast had made her stumble, and she was now hanging out of the open door, hands grasping any spot to save her from a deathly tumble.

"Grab my hand!" Darcy continued to cry out, presenting a shaking hand to the frightened girl.

Riley grabbed onto Darcy's hand, enabling the young woman to pull her in as they made a very, very rocky landing outside a southern style ranch.

"Well that was a new fun experience". Tony said breathless.

They all shakily got to their feet sporting cuts, bruises but no life threatening injuries.

"I swear to god mum, that was Aunt Riley"

"You're aunt is in America right now sweetheart." Riley's sister told her child calmly.

Everyone looked up at hearing their friend's name, and the woman in question shrieked in delight.

JENNEY, MARIA!" She called out running out of the wrecked jet and running towards her sister and niece.

"Riley! What! But- I don't know what's happening. Who are these people? Riley I missed you!" Jenney was babbling, confused, happy and all kinds of other emotions mixing in her speech.

"I told you mommy!" Her little daughter laughed, getting pulled into a hug by her aunt.

"I'll explain everything over coffee." Riley told her sister. "And don't worry, everyone's nice."

Jenney nodded in understanding and looked at Maria "Sweetie, why don't you tell grandma that Riley's home and has some friends with her ok?" She asked softly.

"Ok mommy" She said happily and ran off, glee on her face.

"Its lovely to meet you all, my name is Jenney Emily McLawson Anderson and I'm Riley's older sister". She introduced herself to the team warmly, her sky blue eyes warm and friendly.

Steve was the first to answer. "Steve Rogers, nice to meet you mam." He grasped her hand and bent down to kiss her knuckles. Jenney smiled and blushed, turning quickly to the others so they could introduce each other also.

Everyone else did the same, however not in a manner as old fashion as Steve, and they all shuffled into the house, where fresh cups of coffee were waiting for them.

A woman with dark blonde wavy hair matching Jenney's was cooking breakfast that could feed a whole army when they entered the warm inviting kitchen.

She turned around as they entered "Oh Jenney is that yo-" Her voice drifted off as she saw Riley standing in front of her.

"Riley?"

"Hey mom, sorry about worrying you". She said ashamed.

Helen ran over to her daughter in everything but blood and hugged her tightly, "Don't you be silly Ri, now who are these charming people and that strapping handsome young man who's keeping an eye on you?"

Another set of introductions was done, and finally, they all sat down Riley beginning to tell the story of how they got here.

She left most of the secret things out, simply saying they had to find something in Canada, and she was sure they would be okay with her and her friends staying with them for a little bit.

Helen had a fond smile on her face. "Of course deary any friend of yours is a plus in my book." She turned her smile to the others. "Now, we don't have enough rooms for everyone, so some will have to share and two can take the two couches."

"I'll take the couch". Bruce offered kindly.

Leaving Darcy to share a room with Steve, Jane to share a room with Thor along with Erik and Clint, Tony and Pepper was sharing.

Two men came in then "Helen, Jenney, and Maria we're home!" They called out.

"In the kitchen, Richard". Helen called out and she gave Clint a warm smile, "Riley dear, why don't you show everyone around while me, your father, Grant and Jenney talk to this young man?"

"Um, why Mom?" Riley said confused. Clint looked like a deer caught in headlights. And as Riley guided, the others out of the kitchen looking over her shoulder worriedly, Clint was sat at a kitchen table chair, everyone taking a seat beside him.

"Nothing, to worry about kitten". Richard assured his youngest daughter and Riley left the room, looking worriedly at Clint.

"So Agent Barton, what were your intentions towards my daughter when you visited her?" He asked his brown eyes looking at him intently.

"I-I don't understand." The usual cold and impassive Clint Barton was nervous.

"I'm sure you do." Richard raised an eyebrow.

"If you mean I was told to recruit her..."

The man sighed and tapped his fingers on the table. "She's a beautiful girl I'm sure you've noticed. Now, tell me truthfully, what she is to you."

Oh fucking hell Clint thought stunned Richard thought he was interested in Riley as a girlfriend or a lover.

"She's a beautiful, independent young woman Mr McLawson and what she is to me is a close friend, she understands me and I understand her". He said firmly.

Helen looked at him then "Then you know about Caleb? About Lily? About Riley being attacked?"

"Yes, I do." Clint said calmly.

"And you do not judge her for what happened?"

"No I do not." Helen smiled a gleam in her eyes.

"Okay then, which is all Mr. Barton."

Clint felt like he had been interrogated by the fucking SS when he looked at them "Did you know about what Lily did to her?" He asked.

Pain showed on Richard's face as he stood up "Let's take a walk son."

Clint felt like he had been interrogated by the fucking SS when he looked at them

"Did you know about what Lily did to her?" He asked.

Pain showed on Richard's face as he stood up "Let's take a walk son."

Clint nodded, knowing not to defy the man. The chair screeched against the floor as he stood, and he followed the older man out of the room.

They walked through the kitchen door and Clint saw large green fields with horses trotting about and Riley showing the others about, her red hair glowing in the distance.

"When Riley first came here, she would be in the stables feeding the horses and looking after the cows. Riley loved it here and it comforted her, healed her from what that bitch did to her. You know what she did?" He asked quietly.

Clint swallowed as images of Riley as a child came into his mind.

"Yes." He responded quietly, fidgeting with his pant pockets.

"We were nervous, and had no idea how to take care of her without... scaring her I guess." Richard's tone of voice was hesitant and Clint asked if he really wanted to tell him this. The older man nodded his head, and took a deep breath to steady himself.

"When we first saw her at the foster home, my heart broke for her. Riley was only nine years old and had been sexually abused, she was scared of everyone and was very shy but slowly we earned her trust and in time love. That bitch Lily though wanted Riley back though."

Richard shuddered then.

"What do you mean? I thought she never saw her again after she was given away." Clint said confused.

Richard shook his head in disgust "After social services took Riley into care and we were in the process of adopting her. Lily showed up with a lawyer, saying we had taken her away unlawfully and that she wanted her back."

Clint looked at the older intently "What about her grandparents?" He asked curious.

Richard sighed "They didn't want anything to do with a damaged young girl like her they said, they blamed Riley for what Lily had done. We won the case though and Riley was ours and she became a strong, beautiful young woman". He said proudly.

They continued on walking where they saw Riley, Jenney and Maria showing the others the horses, Clint saw a black mare standing next to Riley with grey eyes eating some hay calmly.

"That's Neave, she's Riley's horse and the chest nut one standing next to her is Aoife, Jenney's horse." He explained to the agent who stared in wonder.

"You have a beautiful home, Mr McLawson". Clint said impressed.

Richard laughed then "Call me Richard, son you're Riley's friend and so can I call you Clint instead of Agent Barton?"

Clint smiled "Nice to meet you, Richard". He said shaking the man's right hand.

Richard smiled back at him "Nice to meet you too, Clint" He said shaking his hand warmly.

They continued on with the tour as Richard pointed towards the woods, "That's the Black woods, strange things have happened in there along with people from town seeing strange lights". He said staring at the woods.

"We'll have to investigate it then si- uh Richard." Tony told him, puffing out his chest.

Richard laughed. "No need for you to get hurt for nothing boy. Now let's get away from here. Might, as well try not to get you hurt on your first day in the great Yukon!" He continued to chuckle on their way back into the house. Everyone else was seated at the enlarged table to fit everyone, waiting for supper.

Riley came in then just as two people came in "Ah Richard." The man said politely.

"Quinn what the hell do you want?" Richard snarled.

"To see our granddaughter". A male voice said calmly.

"How would you know she was here?" Helen sneered, grasping her daughters hand tightly.

"To answer your question Helen, a young woman called Miss Romanoff told us where Riley was. Now can we talk Riley and who are these... People you are with." Grace said eying Clint with disdain.

"I don't think that's a very good idea Quinn." Richard said lowly, standing up.

Quinn pushed his wife aside lightly to stand face to face with Richard. "I believe we have more rights than you to make decisions on our blood relations, don't you?"

Riley glared at Quinn and Grace, her so called grandparents with anger in her dark grey eyes. ""Funny, seeing as you didn't care about what happened to me twenty six years ago and blamed me for what happened to Lily." She said coldly.

Grace sighed "Riley, you're mother was only eighteen years old." She reasoned.

"And that's an excuse to let her abuse Riley? Er I don't think so." Jenney snapped.

"We know it's no excuse." Quinn snapped back. "That is why we are here, and came right away after the little dear told us Riley had come to visit. We want to say sorry."

"It's too late." Riley cut in, coldly. "You had years and years to do so. Why should I trust you after all that?"

Grace sighed "So that you can apologise to your mother for your appalling behaviour." She said primly.

Tony whistled "Uh, oh." He said looking at Riley's face.

"You have got to be fucking me?" Tony said stunned.

"Appalling, APPALING, are you guys fucked in the head! Don't answer that Tony."

"Your mother is innocent, and you are now going around spreading filthy rumours-"

"If another word comes out of your mouth I'm going to shoot an arrow through your skull." Clint said venomously from behind the duo, having snuck up when they were conversing.

Riley slowly pulled off her thin, black cardigan in front of everyone showing the painful scars from her abuse.

"This is what Lily and her sick boyfriends did to me. And there's a file as well, that enough?" She spat, trying to stay calm.

"Lily wouldn't do that, she loved you". Grace protested.

"If you had eyes, you would see how much she "loved me"." Riley did little bunny ears with her fingers to show the sarcasm. Grace looked hesitant for a second, not knowing what to believe.

Quinn shook his head in denial "How do we know, that you didn't cause them yourself?" He asked smugly.

Pepper stared in anger at the man "Riley wouldn't do that to herself." She said coldly.

Grace looked at Riley then "And what about your son? I'm sure you were a perfect mother after supposedly being raped."

Now THAT caused a pang inside Riley's heart. She couldn't talk, her breath leaving her. She didn't have to worry though, since Clint came to her rescue.

"Isn't that lovely, you just showed us how sadistic you are. Bringing up her SON! You should be fucking ashamed. Actually you should be fucking out of this house." He spat, stalking over to them, set on kicking them out.

"And who the hell are you to throw us out? You're just some good for noth" Quinn was cut off as Clint punched him on the face.

"OPEN YOU'RE DAMN FUCKING EYES!"

Quinn held onto his cheek, eyes wide in shock. He'd stumbled back a few steps. Grace screamed in horror, planning to lunge at the blonde, but Helen caught her, keeping her at bay.

"I think it's time for you to go." Richard said coldly. Everyone else in the room nodded in agreement, silent, letting the others talk.

"Expect to hear from our lawyer, Mr Barton". Quinn snarled as he and Grace left the house.

"Damn, I was hoping Clint was going to kill Mr. and Mrs. snobby". Tony said disappointed.

"Tony." Pepper reprimanded her boyfriend but she was smiling.

"Fucking, bitch." Riley said flatly.

"Next time they show up, go ahead Tony." She added, Tony grinned maliciously and nodded, rubbing his hands together.

"Let's get you to bed." Helen whispered softly to Riley. "It's been a long day, you need some rest. Clear your mind for the morning." Everyone else agreed, and Riley sighed but followed her mom out of the room.

Everyone waited until Helen and Riley were out of the room when Grant spoke "She's had rough ya know, losing Caleb after what those bastards did to her nearly killed her." He took a gulp of whisky.

Richard looked at all of them then with sad eyes, "What's this Lily like then Clint?"

"You've never met her?" He said surprised. He could have swore...

"Naw, resented the bitch."

"Umm, what can I say? She's the devil reborn!"

Tony snorted in derision "More like the whore of Babylon, she makes Loki look like a damn fucking kitten." He said with a wince.

Richard answered Clint's question "We've never met Lily, her parents we've met in court and now at this upcoming charity event. You're welcome to join us". He invited.

"I don't think I could deal with looking at their ugly faces again." Steve sneered; Tony's agreement was heard also.

"You guys may be able to control them." Helen told them, her eyes widening to puppy dog eyes.

"And I heard that they are showing this crystal at the event, some object from out of space." Jenney said helpfully, she then turned to look at Pepper, Jane and Darcy. "We need to get you formal dresses."

"Oh god..." Moaned Darcy while Jane cheered.

"Now you guys all go to bed so you can get up nice and refreshed to go out." Helen uttered, ushering them out of the kitchen.

Everyone said good night to their hosts and went to their rooms, Steve had offered to Bruce that they could share a room meaning that no one was sleeping on the couch.

Clint slipped into his room and pulled off his t-shirt and jeans, pulling on a pair of sweat pants leaving him shirtless and he realised that his room was next dorr to Riley.

He sagged under the bed sheets and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Or so he thought.

Like I could only dream to do

Cross the oceans in my mind
Find the strength to say goodbye
Everything that we believed in was a lie

Cross the oceans in your mind
Find a way to draw the line
In the end you'll never get worst of love from your hands

And we never learn
So we fall down again
Help me, help me find a way to dream within this nightmare

Cross the oceans in my mind
Find the strength to say good bye
Everything that we believed in was a lie

Cross the oceans in your mind
Find a way to draw the line
In the end you'll never get worst of love from your hands