Chapter 8: identity
AN: Here's the next chapter! I have some ideas on Alex's destiny regarding which side she really belongs to, so review what you think should happen!
All the teens sat in the living room watching TV. It had been a week sense Astrid and Arthur left. Skye sat on the arm of the couch while Danny, Liz, and Nathan were sitting to her left. Kate walks over with a root beer and sat on the other arm. After the commercial, the movie they were watching came back on.
Skye sighed, and broke the silence. "Should we go somewhere or something?" She said. Liz looked up and nodded, then got off the couch.
'What did ya have in mind?" She asked. Kate spoke up.
"There's a new café that just opened!" Kate put in. Skye and Liz nod and head for the elevator.
AVENGERS
Skye, Liz, and Kate sat at a window table at the café. Skye spun her straw in her cocoa while Liz was doing something on her Stark phone. Kate took a sip of her coffee.
"So!" Kate begins. "This is boring." She stated. Liz doesn't look up. Skye sighed.
"Alright, what should we talk about then?" Skye said. Kate shrugged.
"I don't know. I just don't like the silence." She stated. People started running by the window, and gunshots ring out. Their heads snap up and see the commotion going on.
"What the-"Liz' trailed off. A few men in black uniforms started to chase pedestrians with guns, shouting something.
"We need to help." Skye said. She turned to Liz. "Assemble the others. Meet on 26th avenue." Liz nods and got back to her phone.
AVENGERS
Danny, Nathan, and Johnny meet up with the girls outside the café.
"Alright what's going on?" Nathan asked. Skye gestured to the commotion behind her.
"Oh, yeah that might be a problem." He said as the mask of his suit goes back on.
"You ready?" Kate said. They all nod and run toward the area. Skye engaged a guy with a pistol. She slid between his legs and tripped him, getting up she shot him in the chest before moving onto the next. Kate ran toward a guy with a grenade launcher. She pulled out her twin pistols like Skye's, and shot him down, the grenade he shot whizzed in her direction, but before it got to her a missile went by her head and hit the grenade. Kate looked to her left and saw Liz, now in her suit; nod to her before flying off.
Johnny threw a knife at one of them; hitting him square in the chest. He ran over; picking up the knife as he kept running. Nathan blasted two men as he flew by.
Pedestrians on the side lines had stopped to video the battle scene going on.
"Anyone see the leader?" Nathans voice came on the com.
"I think I do." Skye said. Skye ran around a car and saw a guy with a rifle in hand. She loaded her weapon and walked toward him.
"You shouldn't have intervened in this." The man said. Skye pointed the gun at him as she stopped.
"Drop the weapon and tell you men to stand down." She said. The man grinned.
"Not an option. Now, I'm going to tell you to stand down because I have someone that won't tolerate no for an answer." He says. Skye rolls her eyes.
"I'll believe it when I see it." Skye said back. The man smiles.
"Don't worry you will." A high pitched neigh shook the air as Skye turned to see a large black horse galloping at top speed down the street. A rider dressed in a black suit made of some kind of leather with a hood covering the figures eyes sat atop the horse. Skye gulped as the rider pulled the horse to a halt. She could now make out that the figure was a girl. "Meet our top assassin, agent." The man said. Skye turned to him then back to the girl. She couldn't make out if it was Alex or not. The girl dismounted and the horse reared and hit the ground; cracking the pavement. Skye stared at the cracked ground in shock. That's not right. She thought. The assassin pulled a bow off her back and got an arrow out of her quiver. "Stand down and we'll leave you unarmed." The man said. Johnny had walked up behind her along with the other teens.
"Not on your life." Skye spat.
"As you wish." The man said. He turned to the assassin. "Rider? Finish them off." He said. Skye gasped. That's the Dark Rider?! Skye thought. But the Rider just stood there, like she was debating on accepting the order. "Rider! I said finish them!" The man yelled. The Rider looked in his direction and reluctantly nodded. Nocking the arrow she pulled it back and aimed in their direction.
"A- Alex?" Skye said. The Rider stopped in her tracks. "Is that you?" The other teens; shocked; heads whipped toward Skye, then at the Rider. Skye put her gun on the ground slowly and put her hands up; slowly walking toward her. "If that is you, please, you know deep down, we're not the enemy." The Rider pulled the arrow all the way back but didn't release it.
"Face it agent. The Dark Rider is on our side, we don't know of this Alex you speak of." The man said. But Skye didn't back down.
"Please." Skye was about seven feet away. The arrow flew from the nock and hit the ground in front of Skye's feet. She flinched but kept going. The Dark Rider put the bow on her back and pulled a gun from her holster, and aimed it at her. Skye took another step and the gun went to her feet, the bullet just missing the side of her shoe. Skye stopped and stared at the Dark Rider. All she could see was her mouth, and some of the two scars on her face. Then an explosion went off beside them and Skye flew through the air toward the teens. Nathan flew up in his suit and caught her; bringing her back down on the ground.
The Dark Rider turned tail and ran to the horse. Pulling herself up, the horse reared; with a low pitched neigh then they galloped off into the smoke.
The teens narrow their eyes; trying to make out where the Dark Rider went, but all they saw was smoke.
AVENGERS
The teens sat at the center table of the Helicarrier. Their parents were there too, along with Fury, Coulson, Steve, and Agent Hill.
"Ok, so where were you guys when this happened?" Coulson asked, looking down at a file.
"We were at a new café that just opened." Skye spoke up for the group. Coulson nodded.
"When did you realize something was going on?" Skye went into a thinking position.
"Well it sure wasn't when we heard gunshots and people running and screaming in panic! Skye said sarcastically. Coulson gives her a look before looking back down at the file.
"And was there anything else that we should know about?" Coulson added; not looking up.
"The Dark Rider was there." Skye says casually. Steve, Fury, and Coulson look at up at her.
"Wait how do you know about that?" Coulson said.
" control didn't get there in time." Skye says whipping her head around to Steve. He just shrugs.
"Do you all know of this person?" Fury turned to the other teens.
"Well I think I remember hearing about her on the news or something but other than that no." Nathan says.
"Same here/yep/me too." The other teens said. Fury nodded.
"We'll have to fill you in then." Fury said. "But first-"He turned to Skye. "What did this person do?" Skye hesitates before answering.
"Well, it was like she didn't want to hurt me. She hesitated an order from the leader and refused to shoot me or anyone else directly." Fury, Coulson, and Steve looked as though they were thinking. Skye narrowed her eyes. "Do you know something we don't know?" She asked. Fury pressed something on a screen and walls came down over the table, making a conference-like room. A screen comes down too. Several videos were on the screen. One got bigger and started playing. A black horse like the one earlier that day was galloping away from police cars; the Dark Rider on its back.
"What's happening here?" Danny asked.
"This person entered a restricted area and was per suited by P.D." Skye watched the video. The horse was sprinting at amazing speed.
"How fast are those cars going?" Kate spoke up. Fury watched the screen.
"We tested, about 70 mph." Everyone's head in the room shot in Fury's direction.
"So that horse-"Johnny said.
"Isn't ordinary, yes." Fury told him. Johnny nodded.
"Did they get away? The rider and horse that is." Pepper spoke up. The room goes silent before Fury's reply.
"Yes." He finally said. "They out ran the P.D. by two miles before they stopped the chase." He said. "Last time she was seen before your encounter today." They all nod. Coulson brings Fury a file.
"What's that?" Liz butted in. Fury looked up.
"We have acquired information on their next target." They nod. "We'll be sending in a team to track down this Dark Rider." Their faces brighten a bit; in hope of who'll be picked to go.
"Coulson-"Fury turns to him. "You'll be leading a team to the location." He turns to Steve, then Skye.
"You two." He begins." Are not going." He stated. Both of them stand.
"Wait/Sir" They both say.
"This mission already proves to be too personal for the both of you. Which is why for your own safety; I'm reliving you of this mission." He explained. "After that mission, we can't take any chances." He said referring to the island.
"Wait- Director, you can't expect us to drop this." She stated. "And it's personal for all of us! Alex or not." Everyone nodded, even Tony which was shocker. Fury sighed.
"You can come as backup, and only if we critically need it." He stated in a serious tone. They both nod. "We'll select the rest of the team then send you out, hopefully in a few hours. Everyone nodded as the wall came up; revealing the bridge again. They all leave the area and roam the Helicarrier.
AVENGERS
BONUS SCENE…
Alex sat in a chair in Morgan's office as she was being scolded for disobeying a direct order.
"We talked about this! You need to be prepared to do what is necessary!" Morgan yells. Alex only nodded. "You've been reckless the last few missions and next time you may not be so lucky that Bobby throws some grenades out to save your real identity." Morgan said.
"Well when we first met in that cave, You asked me what I wanted in return and I answered 'that they can't know about me.' And now something tells me the rules have changed." Alex told him. Morgan sighed; nodding.
"I'm sorry Alex; I just don't want to put this mission in jeopardy that's all." Alex nodded. "And I want to keep your name at the top of the list for missions, but with SHIELD interfering and them knowing our next location I just want to know you can do what is necessary." Alex looked up.
"Wait what?" She asked. "They know about the next location?" Morgan nodded.
"And I want you there. But I need to know you are fully capable of finishing the job." Alex sighed letting her head fall back. Taking a deep breath she nodded. "Alright. You leave in twenty." He said leaving the room.
AVENGERS
A few hours later…
Skye put her twin guns in their holsters and laced up her boots. Liz, Danny, Coulson, Cap, and Agent Hill were gearing up in the quinjet as well. Skye was slightly surprised at Fury for assigning Hill to this mission. She had her thoughts on why. Probably if no one there could do what was necessary to take care of the threat. She really hoped it was Alex, but a small part of her didn't want it to be. Knowing Alex was on the other side wasn't something Skye felt comforting.
"So where is this again?" Danny asked.
"At an abounded office building in New York." Coulson said. "Remember you too-"He turns to Skye and Cap. "You're back up. Only come in if I say to." They reluctantly nod. The quinjet lands and the ramp goes down. They walked out and into the building.
Skye and Cap sat in the chairs of the quinjet.
"So, guess you remember what if feels like being treated like a kid now." Skye said. Cap smirked and nodded.
"That stretched over many years." He said.
Meanwhile, in the building…
Kate held her gun up as they rounded corner after corner; searching the floor. She turns down a hallway; looking it over.
"Clear." She said and kept going.
"Hey! I got something!" Kate heard Danny. Everyone met up in a room. A few men were lying on the floor unconscious. Kate knelt down beside on and shook him.
"Hey." She said in a calm voice. The man moved and opened his eyes. He looked no more fifteen. She looked to the others and saw the same; they were pretty young. "Are you alright? What's your name?" She asked. The teen gulped and nodded; eyes wide with fear.
"I-Is she still here?" He asked, ignoring her question. Kate looked around.
"Who?"
"Th-The Dark Rider. She was here!" He stuttered. Kate's expression got serious she looked up at the others. Hill went back into the hall to patrol and Coulson stood at the door way.
"Why are you here? How long ago did you come here?" He gulped; she showed him the time, it read 7:34.
"My buds and I were just messin around, and we came here around 6:40. She jumped us and took my buds out with one punch!" Kate nodded.
"Let's get you out of the building." Kate wakes up his other friends and leads them to the quinjet.
In the quinjet…
Skye and Cap jump up ready to fight when the see the ramp go down. The stop short when they see Kate leading three teens into the quinjet.
"Whoa, whoa, they're not authorized to be in here." Skye said. Kate rolled her eyes.
"Dark Rider incident. Just make sure they don't leave." She leaves and Skye and Cap turn to them.
"Are you…?" The teen pointed to Cap.
"Captain America? Yes, yes that's him." Skye said going to the cock pit. The teens looked slightly intimidated but stood their ground. Cap just gave a nod before going over to a bag in a chair.
"You must be hungry-"He said getting some granola bars and holding them out. The teens took them and nibbled the ends. Skye brought over some water bottles handing them out.
"Were in a lot of trouble aren't we." One of them says. They both shrug.
"On normal circumstances you might get off with a warning by the P.D. but this is a lot more serious, and dangerous, than you think." Cap said. The teens nodded.
"Would you mind if I asked for an autograph?" One of them said. Skye smirked, turning to Cap who was smiling to.
"Sure, why not." Cap said, amused. The teen sifted through his pockets and pulled out a piece f paper and pen. Cap had his shield in his lap. He was about to hand it to Skye when he thought again. "Here." He tossed the shield at the two other teens. "Hold that for me." He said with a grin. The teens shocked; caught it clumsily and looked it over like a child with a piece of candy. He turned to Skye who had the biggest smirk on her face. He finished signing the paper and handed it to him.
"A-Awesome!" He said. Cap smiled and the teens handed back the shield. The teen looked at Skye. "Could you sign it too?" Skye was a little shocked but nodded. She set down her pistol in her holster and took the paper and pen. "So are you like partners?" One of them asked. They both look up.
"No, we're just assigned to certain missions at times." Skye said, and Cap nodded. The teen nodded. Skye handed back the paper.
"Are you part of that secret organization… what is it- SHIELD?" The other teen with the paper asked. Skye and Cap look at each other. He gave her a nod as to say its fine. Skye nodded.
"Yes, we are." Suddenly, the com buzzed.
"Rogers!? Skye?! We need you quickly!" Coulson's voice sounded. Cap picked up the com.
"Were on our way!" Cap said. He grabbed his shield and Skye got her pistol. The ramp came down and they turn back to the teens. "Stay here; Sitwell will be here if you need anything." He looked back at Sitwell; he nodded. They then headed toward the building; the ramp closing behind them.
AVENGERS
Cap and Skye entered the building. Skye held up her pistol as she took the rear, but making sure she didn't shoot Cap in the back. They make their way to the floor where the com signal was located. They turn the corner and see Coulson sitting on the floor, blood coming from his shoulder. He confidently held a gun in his other hand. Cap and Skye went down to his side.
"Coulson, what happened?" Cap said. Coulson gulped.
"A-Ambush. The others got away I think to the higher levels but Kate got knocked out by a Renegade officer." Coulson said. Coulson nodded. He then turned to Skye.
"Stay with him til I give the all clear." Skye nodded and pulled out a small first aid bag. Cap continued down the hallway of the building.
Cap came around the corner and looked in a room seeing nothing but an old desk and some paper scattered across the floor. He kept walking and saw a figure run across the hall. Cap broke into a run and entered another hall. Seeing it was empty.
Bang.
He whipped his head around and saw a smoke bomb was thrown in his direction. He put his shield up in front of his face, hearing the bomb bounce off his shield he put it back down looking around.
"Crap." He said, not being able to see where he was going. He backed up and listened for any sign of someone moving. All of a sudden someone ran past him and into a room. He ran after them and into the door way. It was a girl with mid length brown hair and an all-black suit, and hood. A bow and quiver sat on her back. He stopped in the door way.
The figure turned around with a gun pointed at him. Cap looked up and let out a breath he had been holding in. It was Alex. She looked a mixed of confused and scared. She cocked the gun and aimed it at him again.
"Easy-"Cap said; putting the shield on his back. "It's me, Alex. It's Steve." He said; taking off his helmet. Alex' hands were shaking, her figure uncomfortably on the trigger. He took a step forward and a bullet whizzed by his head. He stopped looking at her.
"J-just stop there. I don't want to hurt you." She said. He nodded. Alex began to turn and walk toward the door and they began to switch places.
"I-I'm sorry." Cap said. Alex stopped and narrowed her eyes trying to understand what he was taking about then she lowered her head.
"It wasn't your fault, and I don't hold it against you." Alex said. "I've just found where I belong." She said in a confident tone. He sighed.
"Please, just come back to SHIELD. Skye and your parents need y-." He tried to persuade her. Alex kept shaking her head.
"Don't try and explain to me, I know who needs me and who doesn't." Alex interrupted him. "Now, I'm leaving and you can't stop me." All of a sudden agent Hill came around the corner and into the room.
"He can't, but I can." She said. Alex sighed.
"Agent Hill…" She nodded.
''Alex…"Hill said back. "Just put the gun down." She said; holding her gun up. Alex just stood there.
"No." She said. She pulled the trigger and Alex jerked back from the impact. Her hand went up to her shoulder, blood coming from it. Cap whipped his head around to Hill; shocked. Then back to Alex. But she had turned. She shot the glass and jumped out the window.
"What the hell Hill." Cap said running to the window. "I think I was getting to her." He said. She rolled her eyes.
'She would have shot you ya know." She said. Cap shakes his head.
"No she wouldn't." They then turn and run back into the hallway.
I'm gonna stop it there everyone! :D Haha! Cliff hanger! Hope you enjoyed it, and check in for the next chapter soon!