I don't own Avengers or its characters. I only own Riley Stark and other OCs that appear in the story.
Take on the World
Chapter 24: Complex Transactions
(2014)
Inside her bedroom within Avengers Tower, Riley was finishing off her Physics Assignment while the song 'Kiss (When The Sun Don't Shine)' by Vengaboys played in the pair of magenta pink headphones that was wearing on her head.
The Stark heiress wore a red strapless jumpsuit with a soft blue t-shirt and denim vest. Her chestnut brown hair was tied in a ponytail.
Acting as the world's youngest Avenger, Riley never knew what it was like to have a normal childhood.
When most kids are 11 years old, they're playing with their friends and going to the park until sunset.
When Riley was 11, she witnessed (and helped) a group of super heroes called the Avengers fight off Chitauri aliens and defending the Earth against a Norse God named Loki.
Sometimes, Riley wondered what it was like to be a normal teenager.
She'd turn on a movie and daydream being the main character in one, but at the end of the day, her place was with the Avengers.
It's where she belonged, forever and always.
There would never be a second chance for her, and now that she was thirteen, she was okay with that.
Honestly, Riley liked her life.
She liked being a hero which she was damn good at, even for a kid.
She was helping people every day, making the world a safer place.
Even though she didn't have her own armour suit yet, the young brunette was getting training by Clint and Natasha to become a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
Her father, Tony Stark aka Iron Man, refused at first.
But after hearing Pepper's advice, he realised that his only daughter needed to learn to defend herself in times of danger.
His little girl was growing up after all.
On the other hand, Riley had become a talented girl in music, science, geography and art which
The Stark heiress even learned how to speak several languages fluently beside English and Spanish such as French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch and Russian (because of Natasha).
As time went by, Riley became more confident and stronger as her late mother, Matilda 'Hattie' Valentini, told her she would someday.
Riley smiled as she finished her assignment before she paused the song on her iPhone to place her notebook away in her school bag.
The thirteen year old girl then heard her iPhone buzzing and saw she got a message from Amadeus Cho; the youngest yet most talented scientist at S.H.I.E.L.D.
Amadeus' message: Hey, Riley. What are you up to?
Riley smirked slightly as she picked her iPhone to message back to one of her many admirers.
Riley's message: Just finished my physic assignment based on 'Particles, Radiation and Quantum'. What are you up to?
In a few seconds, Amadeus responded back to her.
Amadeus' message: Heard that Director Fury sent Captain America to fight off a deadly assassin.
A glimpse of confusion appeared on Riley's face.
Riley's message: An assassin?
Amadeus' message: If you want to know more, you can meet me at the Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery.
Riley raised an eyebrow.
Riley's message: I don't know…
Amadeus' message: They've got churros.
Riley's mood immediately brightened up at the mention of her favourite treat.
Riley's message: See you in 10 minutes.
After placing her iPhone away, Riley placed on her backpack and left her bedroom to make her way outside.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., if my dad and Pepper come back, tell them I went out."Riley ordered as she headed into the elevator."I won't be long."
"As you wish, Miss Stark."J.A.R.V.I.S. answered.
The Stark heiress then took her scooter bike outside to go met up with her friend at the Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery.
After parking her scooter bike outside the bakery, Riley met up with Amadeus.
Riley nibbled on a chocolate filled churro as she sat next to Amadeus.
"Yummy."Riley murmured.
Amadeus smirked. "I knew you wouldn't resist."
Riley lowered her churro back on its plate.
"So are you now going to tel me about the assassin that Steve is going up against?"Riley questioned.
"Since you've come as promised, I'll tell you."Amadeus remarked smugly, making Riley playfully roll her eyes."His called the Winter Soldier. An assassin, fitted with a cybernetic arm and has remained active for decades by being cryogenically frozen."
"Is he connected to HYDRA?"Riley assumed.
Amadeus nodded at Riley.
"That's right."Amadeus responded."But not only that, Riley."
After turning his head to make sure no one was listening, Amadeus whispered in Riley's ear.
"The real identity of the Winter Soldier is James Buchanan Barnes."Amadeus whispered.
Riley's eyes widen in shock and quickly washed down the churro she was eating with her 7up soda.
"Bucky Barnes as in Steve Roger's best friend since childhood?"Riley questioned in disbelief."The one that fought with him and the Howling Commandos during World War 2? That Bucky?"
"Yep."Amadeus agreed.
"How is that possible?"Riley asked, getting over her shock."He was presumed dead after being knocked through a hole in the side of a train while battling HYDRA soldiers."
A scoff escaped from Amadeus' mouth.
"Apparently, not."Amadeus answered while holding his bottle of grape juice."Bucky Barnes was placed in the hands of Arnim Zola. Zola put him through the Winter Soldier Program which used brainwashing techniques, physiological enhancements and intense training to turn him into one of HYDRA's greatest weapons."
"That's awful."Riley retorted with a hint of disgust."So clearly Bucky was kidnapped and held against his will to be used as a weapon by a group of fascist totalitarian terrorists that attempted to spread Nazism and world domination."
Amadeus nodded in agreement.
"That's all I know so far."Amadeus commented."But if anything comes up, I'll let you know."
Riley gave Amadeus a smile of approval.
"Thanks, Amadeus."Riley thanked.
"Again!"Clint demanded.
Riley sent a round of punches at the bag in front of her.
Clint walked around her with a sigh, placing his hands on Riley's shoulders to push her body in the correct stance.
"If you correct this now, you'll do more damage."Clint instructed before dropping his hands from Riley's waist."Understand?"
Riley focused on where he moved her body in order to find the right rhythm to punch.
There were a few agents around, but no one paid Riley any mind.
"You need to put more weight on the back of your foot. Keep yourself as light as possible but also balanced."Clint ordered before stepping into his own stance."Turn and send a punch."
Riley eyed him before doing what he asked.
She sent a punch, but he managed to grab her arm without much difficulty to send her flipping to the ground much like he did the first time they fought.
"It was too easy to do that."Clint stated, roughly helping her up."Try again. Deflect my counter moves."
Clint sent the first punch, but she avoided it easily.
Riley landed two punches on his side before he twisted her arm back.
"New move."Clint declared."Do you see where I grabbed in order to twist your arm?"
"Yeah."Riley panted.
"Try me."Clint said with a smirk.
The first week for Riley training to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent was exhausting.
Clint had her waking at five to be in front of the compound for six.
They ran laps that had her lungs screaming, but she pushed on.
After, he would make her a quick breakfast as they cooled down before they made it to the training room for hand to hand combat.
He was hers until one.
After that, she would go to the labs where she was put to the test—her brain was tested.
She enjoyed those nights because she felt closer to what she was used to.
Tony had called her five times in the first week, but Pepper said he was hardly leaving his lab when she would call daily.
The second week, Riley's test was weapon training.
She would be with Clint all day.
He smirked at her because he knew she was going to hate him by the end of it, but she needed to learn.
The first weapon he gave her was a knife.
He noticed how she kept one in her boot, but when he asked her if she knew how to use it, she shrugged.
He shook his head with a laugh, moving to teach her different techniques of using it.
That did not take too much, but when he added the knife in a hand to hand situation, it was almost rhythmic and beautiful how easily Clint flowed with the weapon.
They spent less time with the knife and more with different guns.
He was surprised how natural the young brunette looked holding the weapon.
Her fingers curled over the trigger seemed as though it was as simple as breathing. She was damn good with it as well.
On the eleventh day, Clint surprised her by bringing out the bow he loved so much.
He pointed at her with a mock-stern expression.
"You can't tell anyone about this."Clint instructed."Because this is my pride and joy."
Riley wiped her forehead with a towel before placing it down and grabbing the bow gently.
Clint first placed her hands where they were supposed to be on the bow, fixing her stance until she was able to get to the stance from a relaxed position.
"I'm going to give you a regular arrow-"Clint started.
"Holy cow."Riley blurted out, watching his lips twitch into a sheepish smile."Sorry."
Clint shook his head in amusement.
"My arrows range from explosives to grappling hooks embedded in them."Clint exclaimed."They don't call me Hawkeye for nothing, Riley."
"Prove it."Riley sneered.
Clint smirked at the challenge, grabbing the bow from Riley's hand and getting an arrove from the quiver in less than two seconds.
He sent the arrow flying without even watching and Riley's jaw dropped as it landed perfectly centred.
"Dios mío."Riley muttered.
Clint chuckled lowly, handing her the bow and an arrow.
He made the Stark heiress get into position before standing behind her to place the arrow and explain exactly where to look.
Riley closed one eye in preparation.
"When I say let go, you do, okay?"Clint instructed.
Riley nodded as she tried to eyeball where it was to go.
"Now."Clint ordered.
Riley released it, and she watched in amazement as the arrow ripped through Clint's first one at the bullseye.
She let out a loud laugh, turning to see Clint's beaming grin as he backed away from her.
"That was awesome, Uncle Clint."Riley asked, excitement bubbling out of her."Can I try alone?"
Clint hardly remembered the excitement of becoming an agent after so many years.
He seemed to thrive off the excitement she was exerting.
Clint nodded, watching her grab another arrow and place it with an almost perfect stance.
He watched as Riley took a breath in and released just as the arrow left the bow.
He nodded in appreciation when the arrow landed close to the bullseye.
He was surprised it even got that close.
"Watch out, Hawkeye."Natasha chuckled in his comms."She may have you beat before long."
Clint grinned at the large smile still on Riley's face as she turned for feedback.
Inside the Midtown West Middle School, Peter was placing away his books in his locker while quietly glancing at Riley, who was a couple of inches from him and doing the same thing.
She was very beautiful.
So he thought just observing was enough.
Peter felt his heart stop when he saw Riley approach from where he was, a small smile was stamped on the young brunette's face when she stopped in front of him.
"Hey, Peter."Riley greeted and gave an apologetic smile."I'm sorry for hanging up on you. I've gotten busy."
Peter's cheeks slightly flushed, making a corner smile appear on Riley's lips.
"It's fine. No hard feelings."Peter assured."Still want help with your physics?"
"Nay, good sir."Riley replied with a smirk."To paraphrase an ancient playwright she who learns must study. So I did and I passed my test."
"Congratulations."Peter remarked.
"Thanks."Riley thanked."But, you know physics is a lot like theater. I get it now. It's all about making sense out of life. Once I realized that it was easy."
Riley smiled sweetly at Peter and leave going towards to the assembly room to take part of her Music Class.
When he started attending high school and it was time for the homecoming dance, he was definitely asking Riley to be his date for the dance.
"Hey, Tiger."
Peter turned his head, only to see Gwen approach him.
"Hey, Gwen."Peter answered.
"Did you hear?"Gwen asked."Everyone's going to Coney Island tomorrow. You know, to celebrate the win? Think maybe you'll come?"
"Wouldn't miss it."Peter answered and then became suspicious."What's the catch?"
A smug look appeared on Gwen's face.
"I heard about you and Flash's bet."Gwen admitted."If you don't get a date for the Coney Island event, you'll have to dress up as a cheerleader for Halloween."
Peter's cheeks turned red.
"R-Right."Peter answered, becoming embarrassed."Does Riley know?"
"Nope."Gwen replied."But I won't tell her."
Peter smiled. "Thanks."
Luna Park in Coney Island was the largest amusement park in New York City and its most famous playground with a heritage that stretches back more than 120 years.
It provided New Yorkers and tourists from around the world an unforgettable seaside experience with family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked boardwalk, thrill rides and special events.
In addition, the Luna Park in Coney Island lighted up the famous Coney Island skyline with its timeless charm, historic landmarks, and exciting novelties.
Adjacent to nearly three miles of sandy beaches, two and a half miles of boardwalk and other top attractions, Coney Island was a fun-filled world-class destination for all ages.
Peter munched on a taco while Gwen slurped on her gelato milkshake.
"Are you excited about the trip?"Peter asked.
"What trip?"Gwen questioned.
"The trip to the National History Museums."Peter remarked.
Gwen shrugged in respond.
"Not really. Museum are boring in my book."Gwen declared and smirked."What would really excite me is a real trip to space."
Peter raised an eyebrow.
"A trip to space, Gwen?"Peter complemented.
"Why not, Tiger?"Gwen sneered."It's obvious we're not alone since the Avengers saved New York from the alien army summoned by Thor's crazy brother."
A slight anxious chuckle escaped from Peter's mouth.
"I wouldn't find exciting meeting Loki in the future."Peter stated."Since his the one that nearly destroyed New York."
"That's true, Tiger."Gwen chuckled after taking a sip from her gelato milkshake."He'll also may turn you into a pig, if you get on his nerves."
Peter frowned at Gwen's declaration before taking another bite on his taco.
Gwen and Peter made their way to the Thunderbolt steel roller coaster, only to come across Flash and his goons.
Peter and Flash shared a glare with each other.
"So Flash since I am Peter's date, I hope you got the legs for the skirt."Gwen stated smugly.
"Whatever, Warren."Flash retorted rudely."Typical Puny Parker and you are made for each other any way."
The bullies of Midtown West Middle School moved away from Peter and Gwen.
When the troublemakers were gone, Peter let out a small sigh of relief.
"For a moment, I thought I was going to get water balloons thrown on my face."Peter declared.
A small frown appeared on Gwen's face.
"Seriously, Tiger. You need to learn how to stand up against Flash."Gwen insisted."He may be the self proclaimed football hero of our school, but that doesn't he is allowed to pick on you."
Peter shook his head.
"I am not a fan of having my ass kicked by Flash either, Gwen. But honestly how I can stand up to that jerk?"Peter questioned."I am not a superhero with special powers. I am just a nerd."
Gwen held Peter's free hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
"You can be more than just that."Gwen stated honestly."I believe in you."
Peter stared at Gwen, surprised how nice she was being to him.
Usually she teases him or make fun of him.
Overall, Gwen was his friend since childhood.
Then why did he had a feeling that-
"Gwen!"Riley's voice called out."Petey!"
Both Peter and Gwen turned their heads to see Riley rushing over to them.
"Hey, Riles."Gwen greeted, secretly upset that her time alone with Peter had stopped."What are you doing here?"
"Happy dropped me here after I told my dad that you guys were at Coney Island."Riley admitted."So I'll have the time to spend the rest of the day with you guys."
Then Ned appeared while eating a corn dog.
"We're a foursome."Ned agreed."So why not enjoy Corny Island together?"
This caused Peter to brighten up even more.
"Hey."Peter chuckled."That's great."
"Perfect."Gwen murmured with a small smile.
The four friends then lined up to go the Spook-a-Rama; a dark ride haunted attraction.
"I hear this ride contains popping out skeletons."Ned murmured nervously.
"That reminds me the Day of the Dead."Riley remarked."Though unlike Halloween, the holiday is all about memories of loved ones."
"The ride doesn't look that scary."Peter replied."It looks harmless."
Gwen smirked. "Don't bet on that."
Soon, it was Peter, Gwen, Ned and Riley's turn to go on the barrel-like cars and head straight into the dark ride.
After a few minutes passed, the four friends returned back to the lobby area.
Gwen looked completely relaxed while Riley clenched onto her best friend's arm tightly with a shocked look on her face.
"Gwen, is it over?"Riley mumbled.
"Yes, Riley."Gwen answered and gently stroked Riley's forehead with her free hand."It's over."
"How come your equally calm even after witnessing a man in a straitjacket being electrically shocked?"Riley questioned.
"My older brother had let play Resident Evil with him for the last few months."Gwen declared proudly.
Gwen and Riley then turned their heads to look at Peter and Ned, only to see the two boys equally frozen with horrified looks on their faces.
"Peter? Ned?"Riley asked in confusion."Are you two okay?"
Ned slowly shook his head.
"No."Ned murmured."My life has flashed before my eyes from seeing the Grim Reaper."
Gwen and Riley went off their seats to help Ned out of the rider car before noticing Peter looking still frightened.
"Tiger?"Gwen questioned.
Peter then started screaming out in terror causing Riley to shake him.
"Hey, Peter! Snap out of it!"Riley protested."It's over!"
Peter started slowly panting to get over his shock.
"Goblins."Peter muttered.
"What?"Gwen asked.
"I hate goblins."Peter stated as Ned helped out of the rider car."Their heads were popping out of the barrels."
Gwen smiled and ruffled Peter's hair, making it look a bit messy.
"Still Tiger, you're able to be in one piece."Gwen praised."You should be proud of yourself."
Peter glared at Gwen while Riley simply chuckled in respond.
"Don't worry, Peter."Riley assured."Since goblins aren't real, I doubt you'll meet one in real life."
Riley and Gwen headed out of the lobby area as Ned glanced at Peter.
"Seriously, dude?"Ned questioned in disbelief."The goblins were scary? We just saw a demon slashing an axe toward us and the face of an ogre composed of light bulbs."
Peter looked at Ned with an outraged look.
"Hey, the goblins were scary."Peter stated."They're evil by definition."
Ned lightly tapped Peter's shoulder.
"Then let me tell you something, Peter."Ned commented with an apologetic expression."You don't know the meaning of the word, 'scary'."