╔═══ · 。ﾟ🕸: *.🕷 .* :🕸ﾟ. ═══╗
THE YOUNGEST AVENGER

"You've outgrown the old you. You're uncomfortable because your old life
doesn't fit anymore." —Leighann Heil
╚═══ · 。ﾟ🕸: *.🕷 .* :🕸ﾟ. ═══╝

Pantheon Hall Of Gods

Location: City Of Olympus, Olympian Realm

July 8, 2015

"SHE needs to know," Hermes insisted as he voiced his concern at the royal library, staring directly at his siblings. The remaining Olympians were gathered to discuss the young girl's future, knowing that it'll be a matter of time before Aurora will inherit the throne. But Athena couldn't concentrate as she knew the days were counted before sending her back to Earth, where she truly belonged. While she dreamed the day her lost daughter would return... and there she was. A young spirit that was unfortunately broken by the harshness of her heritage, yet both knew it wasn't going to be easy. The rest of the Olympians noted her sudden silence, making her snap out of her thoughts.

"Athena... it's best if she knows her responsibilities." Artemis stated with a neutral tone, pressing further the decision of the teenager's fate. Immediately, their Queen steadily shook her head as she already reached a conclusion, standing up from the high throne, and shortly after the others mimicked her actions. Walking along towards the marble table, fingers grazing at the parchment that held all the decrees from their ancestors.

"I will not make her take a rash decision. You must understand she's only a child." She declared firmly, gesturing how it was unfit to force her after just realizing her heritage. The others simultaneously sighed for different reasons, unaware that the said girl would be trying to listen in on the conversation. It wasn't exactly her fault, Aurora defended herself as she was just trying to find the kitchen and stumbled across a hidden door that led to a secret space.

"A royal child that'll inherit the kingdom." Aphrodite chimed calmly, usually silent when it didn't involve her but this was their niece. The other gods agreed to her statement, defending their ancestors' beliefs. The Goddess of Wisdom once believed in following the rules too, but they were heading towards a modern age.

"Who will be the future ruler once you step down as Queen? It's in the ancient scriptures—," The Messenger god persisted, earning an eye roll from his siblings. It was a sensitive topic as Athena tried to have heirs in the past... and after the passing of their father. The goddess always held her head high in an effort to composure herself. 

"I know what it states!" Her voice raised slightly higher, alerting the others at the sudden expression. Even Aurora felt chills trickling down the spine, not once did she hear her mother with an authoritative voice. The girl understood that she had to bring order but there was more to that— much more.

"Please understand that you must maintain order and peace throughout the galaxies. At the time, we expect nothing from you after how much you grieved for your lover and unborn child the past year," Hermes blurted out without much thought, immediately Athena turned her glaze over him. It struck a deep nerve, seemingly the last straw that would almost make the goddess lose her temper. Aurora briefly gasped at the unexpected news, she was almost going to be an older sister? That would explain the part about finally having an heir to the throne.

"What he means Thea is you must think for the interest of our people and kingdom." Apollo intervened, glaring at his older brother as his remorseless statement. His twin sister stood beside Athena as she tried to calm her, but took no heed of the tender action. Instead, she approached him silently and placed a delicate hand on the shoulder, everyone staring nervously at her.

"No it's alright, it's my responsibility after all," Their Queen spoke diligently, it became unnerving not knowing what she was thinking. Her hand squeezed the shoulder as she smiled softly, "Hermes... I'd like to make a new decree. From this day forward, when my daughter Aurora reaches her 21st birthday; she'll serve and rule alongside me until I abdicate as Queen. During every Summer Solstice til the Autumn Equinox, Artemis you'll be her Regent to guide her. And if, only if she decides to not inherit the throne... you'll be crowned Queen."

"Athena you honestly can't—." The Goddess of Hunt rejected the proposition, rising to her feet to respectfully decline the decree. But it was no use as their Queen always finalized her decisions. The young girl finally thought she had enough of listening to the private conversation as she tried to return towards the corridors. It was eerily silent... She had to tell her mother it was time to return to Earth. Nervously playing with the necklace, she continued forward without any clue where to go.

"Are you looking for something?" The Asgardian god questioned her puzzled mood, nearly scaring the hell out of her. Aurora almost landed a punch directly at his chest yet he easily dodged it with his hand. Immediately looking up to see Thor standing there with a small smile, it caught her off guard which was something that never happens.

"Thor! You scared me!" The teenager whispered harshly, retracting her hand to gently rub it after landing with his large fist. He merely chuckled at her childish behavior, remembering briefly the same interaction he once had with her mother. Aurora grumbled something inaudible before seeing Thor gesturing her to walk alongside him.

"It was never my intention to frighten you, dear niece. But what seems to be troubling you?" He asked sincerely, placing his hands behind the back as he patiently waited for her response. Sighing through her nose, wondering if she could tell him what just happened. Her becoming the Queen of Olympus? And even if she did— everyone would eventually know about her dark past.

"I was— well actually... it's complicated." She rambled momentarily before deciding to not answer directly. Intentionally averting her eyes and pondering hard on what else to say, she thought of nothing. Taking note of her uneasy mood, he gave a sincere grin knowing what can help.

"I see, but I know what can cheer you up." The god stated in a gentle voice, placing his hand on the shoulder to capture her attention. It certainly did.

"You do?" Aurora wondered in a hopeful tone, not realizing what he was referring to. It was the day she would return to Earth with Tony.

"Come along, we'll meet your mother shortly," He insisted, guiding her back to the same place she once was. The teenager cursed herself mentally at why she always had to listen in on conversations... guess out of boredom. Seeing the other Olympians walking out of the library, Athena spotted her daughter and brother-in-law as she strutted forward with a gentle smile.

"Aurora dear, why don't you get ready before we take you home." The goddess stated with a hint of sadness in her eyes. Hearing those words, the girl remembered the promise she made to Tony.

"Does that mean you're coming with me?" She questioned her mother, to which she responded with a gentle nod. Smiling satisfied, Aurora went to her room to pack all the belongings and decided to give one last farewell to her family. Her aunts and uncles are already waiting for her, giving words of advice and last hugs before reassuring her they'll see each other again. Meanwhile, Athena was pacing back and forward at the rather irrational decision of facing her past lover.

"Thor I don't think I can do it," Athena revealed nervously, picking with her fingers and feeling her owl, Pallas nibbling some hair strands. She admired the magnificent bird before nuzzling it with her warm touch. It's been far too long since she last confronted him... how will she ever tell the truth? The goddess nodded as she asked her pet to stay, knowing it'll be for the best.

"Hey, you'll be alright. I'll always be here for you," He reached forward to comfort her, as she slowly nodded at his statement. Not long after, the small family traveled to the dimensional bridge that was broken off from the other end. It was a stark contrast with the Bifrost but Athena and Thor continued forward towards the tip. She stared at it strangely until they were transported with a light glow before being surrounded by a wide portal that showed the inside of the Avengers Tower.

A seamless transition from Olympus dazzling sunset to New York's first rays of daylight, Aurora decided to lead and walk around to find anybody. She guessed it was around six or seven in the morning since JARVIS hadn't alerted her yet, it was safe to say that everyone was sleeping. Well— almost. While Athena put on a brave face, she couldn't control the incoming guilt and pain at what to say to him. Not long after heading towards the Laboratory since he would spend every night there, he was cataloging something before hearing a gentle knock against the glass.

"Hey, kid. When did you get... here," The billionaire greeted nonchalantly as he grabbed his mug and took a sip out of it. He glanced over at Thor before staring at the tall figure behind him, nearly spilling the contents in shock. There was a long stare from both of them, unsure who would be the first to speak after fifteen years.

"Hello, Tony... it's-s been a while since I last saw you," The goddess greeted her ex-lover hesitantly, a coy smile speaking at her lips. There was no malice or remorse between them, not wanting the past to plague them. They both changed for the better, and it's all that matters. 

"Diana...? Is it really you?" Tony questioned almost if he saw a ghost. She came closer with the others behind her, wanting to witness the interaction. The goddess may have aged slightly but Tony was a different case, he matured and visibly had a few lines and wrinkles.

"It is," She responded sincerely until she decided to explain before anything else. Breathing in a short breath, Athena announced, "Before you say anything I want to let you know that I'm sorry for not telling you the truth. We were both young and didn't know what we're doing."

"...She's my kid too. I would have been there for her— for you." He blinked at the statement, his mind continued to process that she was here. If only he knew about them, Aurora wouldn't have been a HYDRA assassin and she would be safe.

"We both know that's not true. Your company was growing and I didn't want to burden you with my problems. We were fine by ourselves until we were attacked." She shook her head in disagreement, gripping her fist tightly around the scepter silently as the questions will soon be inevitable. Tony pondered a moment from what she said, wanting to know how exactly Thor found her.

"Wait.... Thor said you were an old friend. So you're from... where?" The billionaire questioned sincerely, suddenly the God of Thunder stepped forward but Athena stopped him as she had to.

"Olympus, close allies of Asgard for many centuries. And— my real name isn't Diana Hunter but Athena Parthenos." The goddess revealed her identity, waiting for some reaction but all she got was silence. Tony was stunned by all the lies he believed... he was beyond irritated but he pretended to stay calm.

"So what are you again?" Tony repeated what he had in mind, placing a hand over his mouth to avoid saying anything else.

"An Olympian but specifically the Goddess of Wisdom and War, yet I'm sure you've read Greek Mythology at some point." She announced before slightly humoring him, he simply hummed under his breath.

"Hold on a moment... Let me get this straight. You mean to tell me that you're not human?" Out of all the questions he had to ask about that, Aurora rolled her eyes as if he was indicating she was also an alien. Well— he isn't exactly incorrect, part of her heritage is from gods in outer space.

"Essentially we are since we have to die at some point in our lives. We're just enhanced with the abilities that represent us." Athena declared with a firm tone, feeling Aurora place a hand on the shoulder. Tony saw a great resemblance between them, almost as if she was her carbon copy.

"And did you ever get married?" The Stark spilled after seeing how close Thor was to her. Not that he was still in love with her... just curious if she was.

"...Yes I did. I'm married to—." She hesitated as she heard from Thor that the Avengers weren't on good terms with the God of Mischief. Athena herself struggled to comprehend why he wanted to desperately rule when she offered him a place in Olympus.

"My brother, Loki." Thor interrupted, a proud smile spreading on his face but the teenager wanted to facepalm at his gesture. Immediately his eyes widened at the mention of the god, staring around if they were pulling a prank on him.

"You mean to tell me you married Reindeer Games? The one who almost tried to rule Earth!" Tony nearly snapped while the women did hold a confused expression at first, however, Athena didn't like how rude he was behaving.

"I'd watch that tone if I were you, Tony. I respect you as much as you do to me but this is my husband you're talking about. You don't know him like I do." The Olympian firmly proclaimed as her lips fidgeted to a thin line.

"Please, he's not capable of loving someone." He scoffed at the thought of her being with... him. Aurora may not understand many things but one thing she's always learned is even if you prepare for the unexpected, destiny will always find a way.

"Look—! I'm not here to argue Tony. I just want to discuss with you about spending some time with my daughter." She raised her voice before lowering it as it was not her intention to bicker even if he was stubborn. The teenager felt some tension rising and even Thor was oddly silent which was unusual to witness.

"So you could just take her away from me? Sorry, gonna have to pass on that offer," Tony snapped snarkily, turning around to roll his eyes at the audacity Athena had. Deciding to return to his work, his daughter prevented him from moving before teleporting back to his original spot to which he glared at her.

"Mom, dad if I may—." Aurora decided to intervene as she stood between her parents... it was weird having them both here. He stared down with a sour expression and in return, she gave a bright smile but this time it wasn't working.

"Kid go to your room," The billionaire suggested seriously, only confusing her immensely at the tone. Immediately protesting since it was about her after all, however, he maintained being firm and declared boldly, "Wait until we're done, the adults are talking."

Looking between them, she grumbled under her breath with Thor following behind as it wasn't his place to decide. The teenager stomped towards the kitchen to grab a snack, the God of Thunder happily munching on the pop tarts. Time passed for hell knows how long, Aurora was pacing around feeling useless as she wished to listen to the conversation. She tried hacking into the feed but JARVIS managed to disable her ability to have access to the Avengers Tower. Her thoughts wandered at the sudden lack of the Avengers, brushing off that they were adults who can take care of themselves.

Time continued slowly and painfully, her fingers toying around the blue mist to relieve some boredom and listening to Thor's stories of himself and history. She got to admit that he had a way with words as Aurora was entertained in the meantime before seeing her parents appearing with Tony pathetically trying to hide a growing smirk. Standing up swiftly, the billionaire patted her head and announced the agreement they had prior, "Your mother and I decided that you'll stay with her during the summer. She thinks you belong here."

"Don't worry, you'll still be able to visit Olympus. I'll have to admit, he's still stubborn as when I first met him," Athena chimed with a faint smile, earning a chuckle from the girl. She wrapped her arms around the shoulders tightly and faintly whispered to her daughter that everything will be alright.

"I'll miss you," Aurora lightly grieved as she didn't want to let go just yet. Why did her life have to be so fucking complicated?

"Me too, my darling. And here...." The Olympian grabbed the necklace, cupping her hands as a light glow appeared before vanishing. "You just wrap your hand around it and a beacon will sound on mine. No matter where you are, you can always count on me."

Nodding her head violently, their embrace slipped away as Aurora had silent tears slipped from her eyes. Lips quivering as she could only watch her mother leave... feeling guilt rising from the chest. Thor stood beside the girl and reminded her that she'll see him soon before going alongside Athena and outstretched his arm. She took it kindly as she said once last goodbye, "I love you. Know that you're my greatest treasure and I'll always be proud of you."

And she meant it wholeheartedly.

🕸

AVENGERS COMPOUND

LOCATION: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

JULY 10, 2015

🕸

"DID you mean it about me being ready?" Aurora questions seriously, momentarily her eyes glanced at the side to observe Tony's expressions. Sitting at the passenger seat of his new electric Audi, driving through a scenic route to god-knows-where. The Starks were quiet during the trip here, feeling overwhelmed by his silence as she decided to speak up first. Tony merely grinned at her sudden doubt, only intriguing her more. Toying her fingers with the necklace, continuing to look at him before sensing his hand on the shoulder.

"Without a doubt, kid." He responded truthfully, ruffling her hair playfully that only made her annoyed. She placed her feet against the dashboard until feeling a smack that made her retract the legs. Rubbing against the tiny bruise to soothe it, an idea formed on her mind.

"Great... So when can I have a car?" The teenager continued, a coy smile on her lips. The billionaire rolled his eyes at the question, no way was he going to risk his daughter's life. He partially understood that she wasn't getting any younger and was going to be an adult eventually... but not on his watch.

"How about never?" Tony sarcastically remarks as he took a hard turn that made the girl smack herself against the window. Ever since coming home, she's prone to injuries related to being around Tony. Sure she learned to control the pain— however, she's not the person she was a year ago.

"This is why I'm asking. Fine, how about a motorbike for my birthday then?" Aurora insisted while groaning under her breath. Now it made her dad slightly panic at the suggestion.

"Nope, not happening." He declared firmly, shaking his head in disagreement.

"Come on, dad! I'm almost 16!" She retorted seriously, crossing her arms across the chest. This was the first time she was asking for something she really wanted, and hopefully, she'll get it with some motivation.

"And that still makes me responsible," Stark recalled, nearly ending the conversation. They stayed silent for the rest of the trip, both headstrong on their actions.

"Just think about it?" After some time, she gave him a delicate glance while trying to hide her growing smirk. He couldn't deny she was good at manipulating anything for her advantage but acknowledged the request.

"Alright, I will." He gave in as she grinned proudly to which Tony responded with a short sigh. Not long after, Aurora saw a clearing to the left as she witnessed the newly built Avengers facility. Her dad once explained it was an old building that held Cold War gadgets and machinery before being shut down to what it is now. Finally reaching the underground parking, she opened her door to observe the surroundings.

"I got a surprise for you inside, just remember to listen to Steve or Nat," Tony recalled with a pointed tone as she grabbed her backpack and placed it on the left shoulder. Walking around the corner, the Starks reached towards the elevator to meet the new team— or her family as she liked to call it.

"I know dad, I just don't understand why I'm staying and you leaving me," Aurora remarked playfully as she alright knew the answer until she saw Thor and ran up to him in a tight hug. The girl exclaimed happily, "Thor! When did you get here?"

"Prior to your arrival, Lady Stark. While I wish to stay I believe this is where I must depart." The Asgardian revealed as her smile suddenly turned to one of utter confusion and heartache.

"You're... leaving?" She hesitated briefly before disguising her voice to appear calm at the statement. He could see right through it but instead purposefully didn't mention anything about her current feelings.

"Only for a while, little one. No need to worry too much," Thor proclaimed as he cupped her chin to face him. His electric blue eyes staring at her hazel-green ones, a custom they do in Asgard and Olympus to signify trust.

"I know, it's just... you're my family." The young Stark stated, seeing that he was always her favorite uncle.

"I'll be back before you know it." He nodded in reassurance, Aurora felt a slight movement almost wanting to move along with the subject.

"I have to go, but please stay safe." She said swiftly, giving one last glance before embracing for a few seconds.

"You have my word," Thor answered, being satisfied with his response she let go, giving one last wave to him. Turning to give away the last goodbye to Tony she walked down a narrow hallway while searching for her new room. While she had to admit being the only kid here, she'll have to work harder so her peers would believe she belongs here. People were chatting around amid the chaos, she had help from an agent guiding her, a bright red box and a note sticking out was placed on the bed as she knew it was from Tony.

"Just a little upgrade I thought you needed. —Dad." The note read as she opened the box to find a sleek black and silver pattern suit with some thigh holsters for a weapon. The silver came from several pieces of the Iron suit, all along the shoulder pads, wrists, and chest. A nice pair of flexible wedges since last time the heels were a pain in the ass. Knowing that she'll have to join the group soon, she changed swiftly and fixed her hair to something simple and sleek.

"Are you ready to be part of something more?" Wanda greeted, taking note of the new upgrade they received. Aurora spun around to find her leaning against the doorframe with a gentle smile, unable to respond she nodded and followed the older teenager. Going through some halls, the remaining team stood as they watched the two girls arrive. Hearing a loud door being opened, everybody turned to find Natasha and Steve staring down at them. Aurora decided to cast a bright energy wave to compliment her determination as no one uttered a word.

Captain America briefly nodded as he affirmed, "Avengers...!"

The Avengers Will Return To
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR