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RECOVERING, BECOMING
FRIENDS, AND NIGHTMARES?

"Your worst battle is between what you
know and what you feel."  —Unknown
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Avengers Tower

Location: New York City, New York

May 9, 2015

THE young Stark vaguely remembered what happened after the collapse of Sokovia. She did recall being on someone's arms since she felt the warmth and comfort from them, a cloak wrapped around her. Her sore aching body didn't help with the constant throbbing coming from her head, groaning softly as she felt the SHIELD quinjet soar through the air. Although she was in and out of consciousness, Aurora saw someone lying down beside Clint who was silently staring at nothing. This confused her for a moment, wondering what happened when she blanked out.

Aurora slowly ignored the pain as she struggled to walk towards the archer. Clint didn't expect the girl to be awake, much less use her strength as her feet shuffled and staggered beneath her. He caught her before she fell completely to the ground, she smiled softly but her worried stare said otherwise. Pietro's body... Aurora felt her lips tighten, her throat restrained as she twitched at the sight of the bullet wounds lodged in his body. Aurora was never one to feel sympathy, knowing that death is just the beginning.

Nonetheless, the young Stark outstretched her hands above Pietro, fluttering her eyes closed as she channeled her energy. Blue mists swirled around her body, hoping that she might save him. Aurora inhaled deeply, glancing down as she concentrated the flow of her energy. Slowly his body glowed faintly from the mist, seeing how the bullets fell off his chest. Clint didn't know how to react... he knew Aurora was powerful but if she was able to save Pietro. There was no telling how powerful she actually is. The young brunette held a faint grin until the energy retracted from his body as it returned to hers. Immediately she became confused, looking for any sign that he might be awake.

Unfortunately, his bullet wounds had black spots around... she examined closely until she realized what it was. Lead poisoning. It was so severe that Aurora knew that she couldn't save him. She could only imagine how Wanda felt when she lost her brother. Aurora's headaches continued to worsen, groaning at the moment. She tried to stand up but before she blacked out, the teenager saw Wanda glanced at her curiously. Clint called out to Tony, who got Aurora in his arms within seconds, cradling her as he placed her on his lap.

Tony hated seeing his daughter put herself in danger multiple times and having to suffer severely. Aurora was known to be a risk-taker— but what if she would one day risk too much? Tony wasn't prepared at the thought that they might use her against him, his past finally catching up to him. He ignored his thoughts, brushing her messy braided hair away, observing her calm face as she placed her head against his shoulder. The billionaire wrapped his arms around her body, not wanting to let go until they arrived home safely.

The other Avengers shared the same worry about the young girl they have come to adore. Even if she was sometimes a pain in the ass, Aurora did prove herself in changing for the better. The Asgardian silently crosses his arms tightly, wondering if it was the time to tell her the truth. But what if she didn't believe him? That her lost step-uncle knew all along who she was and never mentioned to tell her?

The confession itself will most likely kill her.

Meanwhile, Wanda sat by herself near the back of the quinjet. Her eyes glued at the girl that tried to save her brother. Wondering why she was helping when all they've done was supposed to make her hate them, not save them. Yet she recalled about Aurora's past, that she went from a sweet child to a merciless machine. And after being rescued by the Avengers, it was clear that her views of HYDRA had changed. It didn't take long until they arrived at the Avengers tower. Tony immediately got some doctors to watch over Aurora while he had to decide what to do with Vision and Wanda.

Aurora took a few days to recover from her large wound on the shoulder and abdomen, forced to stay in bed with nothing to distract herself. To make matters worse... she finally started with her menstruation, so she was now bleeding out in two different directions. What a fucking horrible way to start off her day. Steve was kind enough to give her some books, recommending some ideas and even offering to draw a sketch of herself. Which she loved once she received the sketch, asking him to sign since it's from Captain America himself.

The drawing was Aurora reading a book, yet what intrigued her most was the facial expression she held. A soft, sincere smile that was quite rare since most times she wore a permanent resting face or smirk. Her brunette hair framed her features nicely, praising Steve for the kind gift. To her, the Avengers were her extended chaotic family. And she loved them dearly for that. At times when Steve was busy, Natasha would visit. Checking up on the young Stark, talking with her for as long as she could.

Aurora appreciated her aunt— yes, Aunt Nat when she came to see her. Both women had a connection when they first met, recognizing that their paths paved by others were similar to themselves. Nat informed Aurora about Tony having a last-minute business meeting, however, mentioning that Pepper would be coming shortly after dealing with the company's market share. Wanda and Vision were staying at the level below hers until the new Avengers facility was almost finished with the renovations.

Avengers... why did she always think that she wasn't worthy of that title? Perhaps that she was always set on becoming HYDRA's ultimate weapon used against the world. Aurora calmly waited for her aunt to finish, since her mind was clearly thinking about it.

"Nat... do you think I'm actually ready to be an Avenger?" Aurora interrupted her, glancing at the redhead who silently stared back. Natasha's lips curved into a small genuine smile, gently reaching for the girl's hand as she firmly clasped them together.

"I do... we all do. You remind me of myself once... when I was rescued by Clint... he gave me another chance. A chance to prove myself. I'll always be grateful for what he did." Natasha explained, knowing well what happened in Budapest. Nonetheless, she continued upon seeing Aurora smiling softly, "So I'm giving you your chance."

"I didn't think of it like that... thanks, Nat." Aurora answered, wanting to hug her aunt but her body was still aching.

"No problem, Rory. Now get some rest... or else I'll send Tony." The redhead Avenger joked playfully, noticing Aurora's smile slowly turned into a disappointing frown. A groan echoed through the room, knowing well that the young Stark has enough being stuck in bed.

"Like if he could scare me. But I will, Nat. I promise," She reassures her, watching the female Avenger leave without another word. Back to reading books, listening to music, or inventing something with whatever was around her. Sleeping was another option she gratefully took, knowing it's been weeks since she had a good amount of rest. The nightmares never seemed to go away no matter how hard she tried. It was always different each time that Aurora didn't know if it was a vision from the past or not.

The following day started dreadfully horrible when the young Stark was awoken from another dream. Trying her best to avoid it, Aurora grabbed her mother's journal, placed on the desk beside the bed, and continued reading. Hours felt like mere minutes, with flipping the pages every few seconds. It was probably the millionth time reading it, but it always fascinated her with how much she read about her mother's life. Seeking to meet her mother if she could. To ask her many questions and get some answers, wondering why she had to leave home.

Precisely when she finished reading that a knock was heard against the doorframe. Slowly swung open to discover it was a worried-looking Pepper entering with a few bags in her hand. Happy Hogan followed behind with a bag of Burger King and a drink in his that Aurora quickly snatched from him. Eating oatmeal and yogurt every day was another thing she hated while being stuck in bed. Without a second thought, she hungrily ate her food as she thanked her father's bodyguard. "Mmm, thank you, Happy. I was going to die if I didn't get normal food."

"No need to thank me, Rory. I'll be back later, Pep," Happy insisted as he hurried left. Pepper quietly sat on a nearby chair, grabbing the gifts she purchased for her. Aurora continued on eating, savoring the flavors while drinking her soda like if there was no tomorrow.

"Oh my, are you alright honey?" Pepper asked frantically once she saw the young Stark in large gauze bandages. The teenager finished her burger as she glanced down at her abdomen. She's been through worse... but of course, she wouldn't tell her that.

"I'm fine... my ribs just hurt for a bit. But I'll be back to normal in a few hours," Aurora answered sincerely, biting her lips for a moment since the pain was still there. Having fractured ribs was no fun.

"Did your father take you with him when I specifically told him not to. I swear to god, Tony will—." Pepper sharply declared, recalling telling him that Aurora wasn't ready yet to help the Avengers.

"It's okay, Pep. It was my fault too." The teenager persisted, fiddling with the necklace nervously. It was a forced habit when she knew she did something wrong. She hated seeing the closest thing to having a mom getting aggravated by her.

"Even if it was, he knew better than to go against my word. I have to go talk to him—." The older woman insisted, standing up swiftly as she was already heading for the door to scowl at Tony.

"Please... just stay..." Aurora called out, hoping she wouldn't be left alone again. Pepper saw the crestfallen expression coming from the teenager. Taking a small breath, she returned to her seat as Aurora thanked you. The redhead kindly asked, "...Alright. Is there anything you need?"

Aurora became silent after that, wondering how she was going to ask Pepper an important question. Continuing to fiddle with her necklace, she hesitantly questioned her while avoiding acknowledging Pepper, "Well... no. But can I ask you something? Something personal?"

"Oh..." Pepper responded at first, startled that Aurora wanted to ask her something. The teenager was never one to share her feelings or anything personal, but if she was going to let Pepper see her vulnerable... it meant that she desperately needed someone. "Of course you can."

"Well, it's just that... um, I know we're not family or anything. But... god, I don't know how to say it... I see you more than just my guardian. I never had the chance to meet my mom— and you helped me see that everything I have is right here. You guys are my family," The teenager fumbled over her words, observing Pepper once she finished. The older woman didn't react at first, wondering if what she said was true. But in her heart, she knew it was.

"Is it fine if I call you mom...? I-I mean... I was just wondering, but you don't have to." Aurora proposed but within a second she felt worried that Pepper wouldn't want her. Pepper stroked the girl's hand gently while giving her the gift. Curious about the gift, Aurora unwrapped the small box, observing a diamond bracelet. She slowly took it out, admiring the beautiful jewelry as she grinned widely.

"It's alright, honey. You can call me mom if you like. Remember that family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the one who accepts you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what." Pepper confesses happily, slowly wrapping her arm around the girl's shoulder. Aurora eased into the warm embrace, ignoring the pain and instead focusing finally on having a mother.

Even if it wasn't her blood mother, Aurora was grateful to have someone like Pepper. The two women stayed together for the evening, and Pepper swore she never saw the young Stark this happy... since forever. The only time she smiled and laughed with raw emotion was during Christmas. The first time she ever spent the holidays with her chaotic family. Apparently, the Avengers decided to do laser tag with Aurora so she became competitive. Although her team lost— horribly because Tony failed to recognize his own team— she felt like a kid again. And she'll never trade that day for anything else.

Eventually, some doctors came to do some final check-ups, deciding that she finally was well enough to heal on her own. They gave her some medication and loose clothes, which she wasn't complaining about since her period was irritating her mood. Grabbing her items, she strolls alone through the tower with her bare feet touching the cool wooden floor. Her earbuds in her ears, Aurora subconsciously danced along to the rhythm, not caring if anyone was watching. For damn sake, she was a Stark!

Before reaching the kitchen, her eyes spotted movement, seeing the Avengers returning with black attires. The peculiar thing was they all held a neutral expression, the only ones acknowledging her was Tony and Natasha. Except, Tony hurriedly left once Aurora mentioned Pepper wanting to see him, his eyes widened dramatically after that. Natasha explained that they just returned after attending a private funeral for Pietro... so that's the reason why they left in a hurry.

Clint, Steve, and Thor came shortly after, it was strange seeing the God of Thunder wearing a sleek black suit. Aurora did admit he looked handsome in Midgardian clothing but she noted that Wanda wasn't with them. She quietly asked her aunt Natasha if she could visit the older teenager, suggesting that maybe she just needed some company. Before leaving, she greeted her family with warm smiles to cheer them up. After that, Aurora went to the floor where Wanda would be staying. It didn't take long to find Maximoff's room slightly open.

"Hey... is it fine if I can come in?" Aurora whispered, her knuckles softly knocking on the door. Wanda was lying against the gray sofa, wrapping her arms around herself as a few tears slipped from her eyes. The older teenager made no effort to respond.

"...I know it's been a few days since your brother passed, but I was wondering if you need anything?" Aurora asked, leaning against the doorframe. Wanda momentarily looked up at the young Stark, her eyes were red and puffy from all the crying. Aurora hesitantly walked over since she never comforted someone before, being careful that she didn't want to upset her.

Wanda glanced back down as she hugged her knees tightly to her chest. Aurora decided to sit beside her, this was the first time getting to know her. The young teenager placed a gentle hand on Wanda's shoulder as she said, "It's going to be okay... I know it will."

Wanda whined softly for a moment, moving closer to Aurora as she sniffed. The young Stark slowly made her lean against her shoulders as she heard Wanda say, "...H-He was my twin...."

"I know... and I'm sorry that you have to endure that. But I'm sure he's proud of you right now," The brunette murmured, feeling her shirt wrinkled and wet from tears yet she didn't care.

"I-I'm sorry," Wanda apologizes but Aurora insisted it was alright to let go of the emotions. They were quiet for a few minutes, not uttering a sound as they somewhat enjoyed each other's company.

"You'll be okay... I promise." She reassured the Maximoff girl.

"H-How could you be so nice to me w-when I almost tried to k-kill you?" The older teenager questioned with her strong accent, noticing Aurora thinking to herself before her lips curved into a small smile.

"Well... I'm repaying a favor from someone that showed me kindness," Aurora confesses, recalling the day she arrived at the Avengers Tower. Chuckling softly to herself, "It was Steve if you were wondering."

Wanda reacted with a grin before laughing under her breath. Aurora reciprocated the action, seeing that she was getting in a better mood. It was strange how she acts mature and wise beyond her years that many overlook that she's still a child. The brunette suggested, "I thought I would never see you laugh. I know that we don't know each other well... but I would like to get to know you better if you like."

"I-I would like that..." The grieving girl admitted, toying with the red mist with her fingers. Rory watched with amazement to see Wanda's powers, similar to her own.

"I was thinking that maybe we could help each other out?" Aurora proposed as she took out her hand to show Wanda her powers. The azure mist appeared from her palm, circling the girls as they saw how their powers combined. Clashing with the other, creating a purple-colored mist that seemed to surprise them.

"M-Meaning?" Wanda asked unsure, continuing to be fascinated by their powers.

"How about teaching each other something new. Maybe I can help you with your powers, which might I add, are cool." Aurora ranted playfully, nudging Wanda's arm who just chuckled as she made her red mist disappear. Rory did the same, seeing how they're getting comfortable with each other.

"I appreciate that... but teach me how exactly?" Wanda expresses her confusion, seeing that Aurora was probably one or two years younger than her.

"Training. I'll be your training partner and teach you how to control your powers and even use it to your advantage." Aurora insisted, holding out her hand to shake it. The Maximoff girl observed the outstretched hand like it was a foreign gesture. A scar line appeared near Aurora's wrist, something she didn't notice before.

"But I don't know what I can help you with..." Wanda confessed with a frown.

"Well, what do you like to do? Besides being busy saving the world, of course," Aurora joked about it. The Maximoff girl thought about it for a moment, almost forgetting to continue grieving for her brother.

"I know how to cook... or maybe—." Wanda suggested, remembering the times where she would make different foods for her brother. The memory brought both the illusion of having what once was hers and the harsh truth that he was gone.

"Cooking would be fine. I'll basically eat anything, and I would love to taste it sometime. I'm assuming it'll be a Sokovian dish right?" The brunette asked, bringing Wanda back to her silent thoughts. nodding her head gently. They surprisingly had some things in common, like how they became experiments to HYDRA. Both working on a goal for world domination, except that Aurora was already set to breed the next generation of super-soldiers. She never was one to reveal her past to anyone, but with Wanda— she was the exception.

Everyone observed the teenagers' attitudes changing over the following weeks, seeing that they were both broken-hearted. Wanda would mostly be in the kitchen, teaching Aurora some new dishes from her native country. At times, Vision would randomly visit, Aurora noticing how her friend would be a bit flustered around the android. She never imagined that she would find a friend— even if Wanda was two years older than her. Aurora would tease her during training to motivate her, yet Wanda insisted that nothing was happening between them.

Aurora knew she was trying to change the conversation, revealing that she did have feelings for him. At one point, Wanda promised that if Aurora found someone she might like, she'll never let her forget to remind her. The young Stark insisted that she'll never be interested in finding someone to love, yet Wanda knew she was just trying to be tough. Everyone has to love someone at some point... it'll just be unexpected for her.

Many things changed for the better, but what never seemed to fade away was her nightmares. Aurora tried her best to hide the truth, seeing that seeking help was pointless. Without her knowing, Tony placed his A.I. F.R.I.D.A.Y. in her room, programmed to alert him of any significant change in her room. Most times, she slept through the dreams, sometimes seeing visions from her past. However, there was one night... the night that'll haunt her. It started as usual— yet this time this wasn't a nightmare. But a warning.

🕸

Darkness... figures moving... bodies falling all but one.... The last one standing screamed in pain, forced against his will by someone— his hands now smelting in metal. Distorted voices echoed yet fell to deaf ears, now the man— or giant dwarf cursed with leaving him unable to forge anything ever again. Darkness once again... only this time it appeared to be in a small containment.

Small grinding from what seemed like a vault could be heard that opened it, revealing a golden-looking gauntlet. The Infinity Gauntlet. A large figure appeared behind it, staring down at the gauntlet with a wicked grin. Shivers were sent down Aurora's spine, causing her body fidgeting— but it wasn't over yet. There were small circles along the golden gauntlet, assuming it was to place something on them.

The large figure— known as Thanos recognized that he'll have to find the Infinity Stones himself. After Loki, the God of Mischief was on Earth a few years ago, he failed to complete his task. Considering he was being tortured and mind-controlled to do Thanos' bidding, now vowing to get his revenge on the Asgardian. And now... he knows that the mind stone has fallen to the hands of an android who teamed up with the so-called Avengers.

Images flashed before her eyes, seeing the world turn dark... almost like if it was missing life. She saw herself in a strange environment, seeing unfamiliar people before her disappear— or dust away. Something inside awoke that she saw herself running after someone... hearing her voice echoed but couldn't make out the name she was calling. And darkness once again... this time it was back to the gauntlet.

"Fine, I'll do it myself." Thanos declared calmly, his hand on the gauntlet as he stared at the missing stones. He'll find them... and when he does... the universe would be grateful for all he's done once doing what's necessary. Unbeknownst to him, there was someone who could stop him... who wielded more power than she'll ever know. A girl that never knew her purpose in the world.

🕸

Aurora screamed upon waking up from her nightmare she just encountered. Beads of sweat caked her pale face, her breathing disheveled as she gasped and struggled for air. Feeling her rapid beating heart, triggered F.R.I.D.A.Y. to alert Tony immediately. Aurora's body shivered from still seeing the sinister grin from the purple being. The dream felt so real, she felt her powers surging with high energy that came from the gauntlet.

She felt a dark aura in her presence, having a lurking feeling of something evil is yet to come. The constant reminder that she was the spawn of evil created by HYDRA. Were they trying to somehow find her through her dreams? Unlikely since there's not another telepath except Wanda. A dream? No, it wasn't a dream at all... it was a warning to her that the future will fall into chaos if this man isn't stopped.

Loud footsteps were heard within seconds, Tony rushed inside her room, not caring that it was three in the morning. What mattered to him was his daughter. The other Avengers stood nearby with Wanda leaning against the door frame. Quietly glancing at the shivering girl that had tears streaming down her face.

"Hey... you're okay. You're okay. I'm here... you're safe now...." Tony whispered reassuringly, hugging her tightly as she cried in his shoulder. Everyone's heart broke from seeing her so fragile, even Thor wanted to comfort his niece. She reminded him so much of her mother, both appearing to be strong and independent that they still were trying to heal themselves.

"Will she be alright?" Wanda questioned Steve and Natasha, however, both had worried expressions plastered on their faces.

"It depends on her. Only she could control her dreams..." Natasha responds, slowly insisting that the Starks had the moment alone. Tony refused to leave her alone, comforting her that she's safe but Aurora knew something or someone was coming.

"Y-You don't understand... this was a warning. A w-warning that we'll be taken by surprise..." Aurora persisted with watery eyes. He didn't bother replying as he continued to hug her. Aurora calmed down from his embrace, feeling his hand stroking her hair gently. After a few hours, she slept in Tony's arms, hoping that she'll forget about the dream.

But the thing is... she knew it wasn't going to go away anytime soon.