Chapter 9
April 27th, 2014
Sara woke to the soft chime of JARVIS's morning alert, golden sunlight streaming through her windows as the AI adjusted the opacity of the glass.
"Good morning, Miss Raavi," JARVIS greeted, his programmed voice somehow conveying warmth despite its artificial nature. "And may I be the first to wish you a happy sixteenth birthday."
"Thanks, J," Sara replied, stretching lazily as she took a moment to appreciate the significance of the day. Sixteen. The age had loomed large in her imagination for months now, amplified by the mysterious preparations and veiled references that had surrounded it.
Whatever the Avengers had planned—whatever constituted the great secret that had generated so many closed-door meetings and hushed conversations—today would finally reveal it. The thought sent a flutter of both excitement and nervousness through her stomach.
"Your mother has requested your presence for breakfast in the family kitchen at 8:30," JARVIS informed her. "And Mr. Stark asked me to tell you, and I quote, 'No training today, firecracker. Birthday privilege. Though he expects you'll want to try out your present later.'"
Sara smiled at the cryptic message, another hint at whatever awaited her. "Tell them I'll be down in thirty minutes," she replied, already heading for the shower.
As the hot water cascaded over her shoulders, Sara reflected on the journey that had brought her to this moment. From the terrified ten-year-old who'd first discovered fire sprouting from her fingertips, to a trained fighter capable of precision flame control and complex combat maneuvers—the transformation seemed almost unbelievable in retrospect.
She had grown in other ways too—coming into her identity as a young lesbian woman, embracing her unique place within the unconventional Avengers family structure, finding balance between her extraordinary abilities and her ordinary teenage concerns. The girl who had hidden her powers in fear had become someone who wielded them with purpose and pride, even if still within the controlled environment of training.
After her shower, Sara dressed in comfortable clothes—her favorite jeans and a soft button-up shirt in deep blue that Zara had sent for her birthday, arriving yesterday with a note that read: "Something to match those gorgeous eyes before I see them in person this weekend." The thought of Zara's upcoming visit for her family celebration added another layer of anticipation to the day.
When Sara entered the family kitchen—smaller and more intimate than the main communal space—she found it transformed with streamers and balloons in her favorite colors. A handwritten banner declaring "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!" hung across one wall, the mixed handwriting styles revealing the collaborative effort behind it.
"Bangaaram!" Sandhya exclaimed, immediately pulling Sara into a warm embrace. "Happy birthday, my beautiful girl."
Sara returned the hug, inhaling the familiar scent of her mother's jasmine perfume mixed with the spices from whatever special breakfast she'd prepared. "Thanks, Amma."
"Sixteen," Sandhya sighed, holding Sara at arm's length to study her face. "I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday you were learning to walk, and now..." She trailed off, her eyes suddenly suspiciously bright.
"Now she's ready to run circles around all of us," Tony completed the thought, entering from the adjacent room with a dramatically large gift box in his arms. "Happy birthday, firecracker."
Sara accepted his one-armed hug, eyeing the box with curiosity. "Please tell me that's not something that explodes, catches fire, or otherwise violates Mom's 'no dangerous gifts before noon' rule."
"Your lack of faith wounds me," Tony declared, setting the box on the table. "It's perfectly safe. Mostly. Under controlled conditions."
"Aniruddh," Sandhya warned, though her tone held more affection than actual rebuke.
"Fine, fine," Tony held up his hands in surrender. "It's completely harmless. But," he added with a conspiratorial wink to Sara, "the real presents come later."
Sara nodded, understanding the implication—whatever the team had planned for her official "surprise" would happen tonight, after the family celebration.
Breakfast was a joyful affair, with Sandhya preparing all of Sara's favorites—dosas with various chutneys, fruit lassi, and a special birthday halwa that had been a tradition since childhood. They ate and talked, sharing memories and stories, deliberately keeping the conversation light and focused on family rather than Avengers business.
"Harsha and Sesha both called earlier," Sandhya mentioned as they cleaned up after the meal. "They wanted to be the first to wish you happy birthday, but apparently they didn't account for the time difference correctly."
Sara laughed, picturing her siblings' competitive efforts to claim the "first birthday wish" title. "I'll call them back after breakfast. What time is everyone else coming over?"
"Natasha and Clint should be here around noon," Tony replied, helping himself to another serving of halwa despite Sandhya's pointed look at his already empty plate. "Bruce is finishing something in the lab but promised to surface by lunch. Thor's off-world, but he left a gift and his regrets. And Rogers is still in DC, but he sent something special via secure courier—very hush-hush, apparently."
Sara nodded, unsurprised by Steve's continued absence. His search for Bucky had intensified in recent weeks, especially after some incident in DC that had been classified above her clearance level. Their video training sessions had continued, but she could sense the strain and preoccupation in his demeanor.
"And of course, Pepper will be here for dinner," Tony added. "She's flying in from Malibu specifically for this. And she explicitly instructed me to tell you that her presence is, and I quote, 'a testament to how special you are, because I'm missing three critical meetings to be there.'"
"I'm honored," Sara said sincerely, touched by the effort so many were making to celebrate with her.
After breakfast, Sara opened the enormous gift box from Tony, revealing a custom motorcycle helmet with integrated heads-up display and communication system—clearly designed to match something not yet revealed. She raised an eyebrow at Tony, who merely grinned and said, "Complementary equipment. You'll understand tonight."
The rest of the morning passed in a pleasant blur of video calls with her siblings, opening cards and gifts that had arrived from extended family, and relaxing with her parents in a rare day without training or studies. Natasha and Clint arrived precisely at noon, bearing gifts and, in Clint's case, a truly terrible birthday song that he insisted on performing despite Natasha's visible embarrassment.
"Please tell me you're not planning to sing at dinner too," Sara begged as she unwrapped their gifts—a set of beautiful throwing knives from Natasha ("Practical and educational," she defended to Sandhya's raised eyebrow) and a custom compound bow from Clint.
"This is specialized for your capabilities," he explained as Sara examined the bow with admiration. "The grip is heat-resistant, and there's a small ignition point here," he indicated a notch near the arrow rest, "that will allow you to imbue arrows with, let's call it 'special effects' if you want."
"Fire arrows," Sara translated with a grin. "You're teaching me to shoot fire arrows."
"Only under adult supervision," Clint clarified quickly, glancing at Sandhya. "And in specially designated training areas. With fire extinguishers present. And possibly a hose."
Lunch was served on the common floor, the gathering expanding as Bruce joined them, followed by Pepper's arrival from the airport. The atmosphere was festive but oddly charged—an undercurrent of anticipation that Sara could feel from all the adult Avengers, subtle glances and half-hidden smiles whenever they thought she wasn't looking.
When the meal concluded, Tony leaned across the table with an exaggerated casual air that immediately alerted Sara to incoming information. "So, firecracker, we thought you might want a few hours to relax before dinner. Maybe catch a movie, take a nap, whatever birthday girls do these days. Then dinner at seven, followed by... well, a little surprise we've been working on."
"The mysterious birthday project finally revealed," Sara commented with a knowing smile. "You guys aren't as subtle as you think, you know. I've known something was up for months."
"Known something was up, yes," Natasha conceded with her characteristic directness. "But you don't know what, and that's the important part."
"Trust me," Clint added with unusual seriousness, "this is one surprise worth waiting for."
Sara spent the afternoon alternating between video calls with friends—including a lengthy conversation with Zara, who was practically vibrating with excitement about her upcoming visit that weekend—and quietly contemplating what the evening might bring. Despite months of hints and speculation, she still couldn't pinpoint exactly what the team had planned, though she had narrowed it down to some form of official recognition or role within the Avengers structure.
At 6:30, JARVIS announced that Tony requested her presence on the residential floor, dressed "however you feel most comfortable and confident." Sara chose her favorite outfit—dark jeans, boots, and a crisp button-down in deep red that complemented her coloring and made her feel both professional and true to herself.
When the elevator doors opened to the main living area, Sara gasped softly at the transformation. The space had been elegantly decorated—subtle gold and red accents (a nod to both Tony's Iron Man colors and her own fire abilities, she suspected), sophisticated lighting that cast a warm glow over the dining area, and a beautifully set table with what appeared to be artifacts from both American and Telugu traditions seamlessly integrated.
"This is... wow," she managed, taking it all in. "You guys went all out."
"Nothing but the best for our girl," Tony declared, emerging from the kitchen area in an actual suit rather than his usual casual attire. "Pepper supervised the decorations, which explains why they're tasteful instead of featuring my original concept of flames shooting from the ceiling."
"For which we're all grateful," Sandhya commented dryly, joining them in a beautiful emerald green saree. "Though I suspect you've incorporated pyrotechnics somewhere in tonight's agenda."
"A gentleman never reveals his surprises before their time," Tony replied with an innocent expression that fooled absolutely no one.
Dinner was a masterpiece of fusion cuisine—traditional Telugu dishes that Sandhya had taught the tower's chefs alongside American favorites, with a few innovative combinations that reflected Sara's dual heritage. The conversation flowed easily, familiar stories and shared jokes creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging that wrapped around Sara like a comfortable blanket.
As the meal concluded and the dessert plates were cleared away, a subtle shift occurred in the room's energy. The casual conversation faded, replaced by an air of anticipation as Tony caught Sandhya's eye and received a slight nod in return.
"Sara," he began, his tone shifting to something more formal than his usual banter, "sixteen years ago today, your mother made me the happiest man in the world by bringing you into it. Though circumstances meant I couldn't claim you publicly then, you have always been my daughter in all the ways that matter most."
Sara felt her throat tighten with emotion, unused to such direct sentiment from Tony despite knowing how deeply he cared.
"Your journey to this moment has been extraordinary," he continued. "Not just because of your remarkable abilities, but because of the person you've chosen to become—brave, compassionate, determined to use your gifts for something meaningful."
"We've watched you grow from a girl afraid of her own power into a young woman who controls it with precision and purpose," Natasha added, her expression uncharacteristically soft. "Your progress has been impressive by any standard, but especially considering your age and the complexity of your abilities."
"The training wheels have been coming off for a while now," Clint chimed in with a smile, "but tonight, it's official."
Tony stood, extending his hand to Sara. "If you'll follow us, it's time for the real celebration to begin."
Heart racing with anticipation, Sara took his hand and allowed herself to be led toward the elevator, the others following behind in a procession that felt simultaneously ceremonial and intimate. They descended to a level of the tower she recognized as one of the secure areas—requiring special clearance even for regular residents.
When the doors opened, they revealed a spacious room she'd never entered before, dominated by a circular platform in the center and surrounded by advanced technology that hummed with quiet energy. The Avengers spread out in a semicircle around the platform, with Tony guiding Sara to stand before it.
"Sara Raavi," he began, his voice carrying the weight of official declaration, "for the past three years, you have trained alongside Earth's mightiest heroes, developing skills and control that have exceeded our highest expectations. Today, on your sixteenth birthday, we offer you a choice—to join us officially, to step from the shadows of training into the light of active service."
Sara's breath caught in her throat as the magnitude of the moment hit her. This was it—the culmination of years of work, of struggle, of growth. The secret project revealed at last.
Tony gestured, and the circular platform illuminated, a holographic display springing to life above it. The image took shape, rotating slowly to show a sleek combat suit in deep crimson and black, with strategic armor plating and a design that cleverly concealed the wearer's identity while maintaining full visibility for the user.
"Customized to your abilities," Bruce explained as Sara stared in wonder at the design. "The material is a composite we developed specifically to withstand your maximum flame output while maintaining flexibility and protection. Integrated biometric monitoring, communications, tactical support systems."
"And the mask component is essential," Natasha added, zooming in on the cowl-like feature that would cover Sara's head and much of her face. "Identity protection is non-negotiable, especially since you're still a minor."
"Secret identity, just like the comics," Clint said with a grin. "You'll be operating more like Spider-Man than Captain America—heroics without the public spotlight."
"The role we're offering," Natasha continued, her tone professional but with an undercurrent of pride, "is initially supportive—controlled missions, specific applications of your abilities, always with senior team backup until you're eighteen. But it represents official recognition of your status and capabilities."
Sara stepped closer to the hologram, examining the details of the suit with growing amazement. It was perfect—practical yet distinctive, clearly marking her as part of the Avengers while establishing her own unique identity.
"There's more," Tony said, and with another gesture, the hologram shifted to display an official Avengers identification card. The name field caught Sara's eye immediately:
SARANIKA KUVIRA STARK-RAAVI.
She turned to Tony, questions in her eyes.
"If you'll accept it," he explained, a rare vulnerability in his expression, "we'd like to officially acknowledge you as a Stark—legally, in our internal records. Your mother and I have discussed it extensively, and while you'll continue to go by Sara Raavi publicly until you're 18, this ID card represents the truth of your heritage."
Sara looked to Sandhya, who nodded with tears in her eyes. "It's time, bangaaram. No more shadows, no more hiding. You are your father's daughter as well as mine, as well as Arun's in all the ways that matter. The world should know it."
"The enormity of the gesture overwhelmed Sara momentarily—not just the offer of an official Avengers role, but the acknowledgment of her full heritage after years of necessary secrecy. Even though she would continue to be known as Sara Raavi publicly until she turned 18, having her complete identity—Saranika Kuvira Stark-Raavi—officially recognized within the Avengers and her family represented a fundamental shift in how she understood herself and her place in the world.
"And finally," Natasha said, drawing Sara's attention back to the hologram as it shifted once more, displaying a single word in elegant, stylized lettering:
INFERNA.
"Your codename," Tony explained with undisguised pride. "Originally just the designation for your training protocol, but it fits too perfectly not to use. From the Latin 'inferna,' meaning 'of the flames' or 'from below'—symbolizing both your power source and your rise from training to official status."
"Inferna," Sara repeated softly, testing the feel of it on her tongue. It felt right—powerful but controlled, distinctive without being flamboyant.
"There's one important detail," Natasha interjected before Tony could continue. "While you'll be Sara Stark-Raavi officially within SHIELD and Avengers records, to the public, you'll only be known as Inferna. Your identity remains classified at the highest level."
"For your protection," Sandhya added firmly. "And for the rest of the family as well. Harsha and Sesha will know you've taken Tony's name, but not about..." she gestured to the suit and codename.
"A necessary compartmentalization," Tony agreed. "To the world, Sara Stark-Raavi is just a brilliant student who's publicly acknowledged as my daughter. Inferna is a separate entity entirely—a new hero whose personal details remain strictly confidential."
The hologram expanded to show all three elements together—the suit, the ID, the codename—with clear delineation between her public identity and her hero persona.
"So," Tony concluded, "what do you say, firecracker? Ready to make it official, secret identity and all?"
Sara took a deep breath, looking around at the assembled faces—Tony's hopeful excitement, Sandhya's proud tears, Natasha's quiet confidence, Clint's encouraging grin, Bruce's gentle approval, Pepper's warm support. These people who had guided her, challenged her, believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself.
"Yes," she said, her voice clear and certain despite the emotion tightening her throat. "Yes to all of it. The role, the name, everything."
The room erupted in applause and cheers, the formal atmosphere dissolving into celebration as Tony wrapped her in a fierce hug, followed quickly by Sandhya joining them in a family embrace that felt like coming home and setting out on a journey simultaneously.
"There's one more thing," Tony said when they finally separated, wiping suspiciously at his eyes. "Computer, initiate final reveal."
A section of the wall slid open, revealing a mannequin bearing not the holographic design but the actual physical suit—sleek crimson and black in the room's light, every detail perfected from the reinforced joints to the subtle Avengers insignia hidden beneath a decorative element that only revealed itself under specific conditions.
"Want to try it on?" Tony asked, his expression somewhere between proud parent and excited child on Christmas morning.
Sara nodded wordlessly, too overwhelmed for speech. Natasha stepped forward, guiding her to a changing area while the others waited with barely contained anticipation.
The suit fit perfectly, the specialized material conforming to her movements as if it had been part of her all along. The mask settled over her features, advanced tech allowing her perfect visibility while completely concealing her identity from the outside world. As Sara examined herself in the mirror, the transformation took her breath away—no longer just Sara Raavi, gifted student and secret trainee, but Inferna, masked hero and Avenger-in-training, her true identity protected even as she prepared to step into a public role.
When she emerged, the reaction was immediate—expressions of approval and awe, even from the usually stoic Natasha. The suit wasn't just armor; it was a symbol, a declaration, a promise of who she was becoming.
"There's a training simulation programmed if you want to test the capabilities," Bruce offered, indicating a door that presumably led to one of the specialized training areas. "The full briefing on functions and features can wait until tomorrow, but a preliminary field test might be... satisfying."
Sara grinned, already feeling the familiar hum of her powers responding to her excitement, more eager than ever to be channeled and directed now that she had proper equipment designed specifically for them.
"Lead the way," she agreed, flexing her hands within the specially designed gloves that would focus and direct her flames with unprecedented precision.
The next hour passed in a blur of exhilaration as Sara put the suit through its paces, discovering new capabilities and enhancements that complemented her natural abilities perfectly. The integrated targeting systems, the thermal regulation, the reinforced protection—everything worked in harmony with her powers rather than restricting them, amplifying her effectiveness while maintaining safety parameters.
By the time they returned to the main room, Sara was flushed with excitement and brimming with questions about training schedules, mission parameters, and the countless details of her new official role. The adults answered patiently, explaining the careful progression they had mapped out—from limited support operations to increasingly independent functions as she gained experience and maturity.
"This has been in planning for nearly a year," Tony revealed as they gathered around a table covered with technical specifications and training protocols. "Every aspect of your development has been building toward this moment, preparing you for this transition."
"We had to be certain you were ready," Natasha added, her tone professional but with underlying warmth. "Not just in terms of power control or combat skills, but emotionally and ethically. The responsibility that comes with this role is significant."
"Which is why the gradual progression is non-negotiable," Sandhya interjected firmly, her expression making it clear this had been a point of discussion among the planning committee. "You're sixteen, not twenty-six. There will be appropriate boundaries and supervision, particularly in the beginning."
Sara nodded, understanding and appreciating the careful balance they had constructed—recognizing her abilities and readiness while acknowledging her youth and ongoing development. It felt like respect rather than restriction, a framework designed to support her growth rather than limit her potential.
As the evening wound down, the technical discussions giving way to more relaxed celebration, Sara found herself on the observation deck with her parents, gazing out at the New York skyline illuminated against the night sky. The city she had watched burn during the Battle, the city she had trained to protect, the city that would soon have a new defender watching over it—though the citizens would never know that defender was also Tony Stark's newly acknowledged daughter.
"Are you okay with all of this?" she asked Sandhya quietly as Tony momentarily stepped away to answer a call. "The public acknowledgment, the Avengers role, everything changing so fast?"
Sandhya's expression was complex—pride and concern, joy and apprehension all mingled together. "Am I worried? Of course. What mother wouldn't be? But am I okay with it?" She took Sara's hand, squeezing gently. "Yes, bangaaram. This is who you were meant to be. These gifts you have—they came to you for a reason. Using them to protect others, to make a difference in the world... that's something to be proud of, not hidden away."
"And Arun?" Sara asked softly, the question that had lingered beneath the surface of their family dynamic since his death. "What would he think of all this?"
Sandhya's eyes filled with tears, but her smile remained steady. "He would be so proud, Sara. Not because of the powers or the fancy suit or the Avengers connection—but because of the heart behind it all. The desire to help, to protect, to stand up for what's right. That came from him as much as your intelligence came from Aniruddh or your compassion came from me."
Sara nodded, finding comfort in this perspective. Though Arun hadn't been her biological father, his influence on her character and values remained profound—a legacy she could honor through how she used her abilities and position.
Tony rejoined them, his expression slightly apologetic. "That was Fury. He sends his congratulations and wants to schedule a preliminary briefing next week to discuss operational parameters."
"Already getting calls," Sara observed with a slight smile. "Does being an Avenger always mean your phone never stops ringing?"
"You have no idea," Tony grimaced, though his eyes sparkled with amusement. "But we've built in protections for you—school comes first, controlled mission selection, appropriate security measures. Your life won't be completely taken over by this, I promise."
"And the identity separation is absolute," Sandhya emphasized. "We've already prepared how we'll handle things with Harsha and Sesha this weekend. They'll know about your Stark heritage privately within the family, but you'll still be Sara Raavi publicly until you're 18. And of course, the Inferna identity remains completely separate—just like we've always kept your powers secret from them."
Sara nodded, understanding the necessary compartmentalization. "Three layers now—Sara Raavi to the public, Saranika Stark-Raavi within the family and Avengers records, and Inferna for missions. It's going to be complicated."
"But safer," Tony pointed out. "For everyone involved."
"Speaking of school," Sandhya interjected, "it's getting late, and birthday or not, you still have classes tomorrow."
Sara started to protest, then caught herself—the new role came with new responsibilities, including demonstrating that she could balance her Avengers duties with her ongoing education and development. "You're right," she conceded. "Though I'm not sure how I'm supposed to focus on calculus when all I'll be thinking about is this." She gestured to the suit she was still wearing, having been reluctant to change back into regular clothes.
"That's part of the challenge," Tony pointed out with a knowing smile. "Compartmentalization. Critical skill for anyone in our line of work."
As they headed back inside, Sara caught sight of her reflection in the glass doors—the crimson and gold of her Inferna suit gleaming in the low light, her posture straight and confident, her expression a mixture of excitement and determination. Sixteen years in the making, this moment felt like both an arrival and a departure—the culmination of one journey and the beginning of another.
Sara Raavi publicly, Saranika Kuvira Stark-Raavi privately, and Inferna in the field. Three identities, one person.
The multi-layered nature of her new life settled around her shoulders like a mantle she'd been preparing to wear her entire life, even before she knew what shape it would take. The secret identities added additional layers of complexity, more balances to maintain beyond just teenager and hero. There would be people in her life who knew her only as Sara Raavi, others who would encounter only Inferna, the family members who would know her Stark heritage but not her powers, and the precious few who understood all aspects of her existence. Whatever challenges lay ahead—whatever missions awaited, whatever threats emerged, whatever careful separation she would need to maintain between her various identities—she would face them with the training, support, and purpose that had brought her to this threshold.
"Happy birthday, firecracker," Tony said softly as they entered the elevator, his expression reflecting the same swirl of emotions Sara felt—pride and concern, excitement and responsibility. "Welcome to the team."
"Thanks... Dad," Sara replied, the term feeling perfectly natural in this moment of transition and acknowledgment.
As the elevator doors closed on her sixteenth birthday, Sara knew with absolute certainty that nothing would ever be the same again. And despite the weight of responsibility that came with her new role, despite the challenges of maintaining a secret identity and the dangers that inevitably awaited, she couldn't wait to discover what came next.
Inferna was rising, and the world would soon witness her flame—even if they would never know the face behind the mask.