the young avengers
The Avengers compound hummed with activity as the next gen heroes settled into their new home. The spacious living room served as a gathering spot for the young heroes, who lounged on the sofas and makeshift seating arrangements. Kamala, Ms. Marvel, couldn't contain her excitement.
"Alright, team! We need a name that screams 'We're here to save the day!' Any suggestions?" Kamala asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Eli leaned back, pondering, "What about 'The Heroic Vanguard'?"
America Chavez chimed in, "No offense, Eli, but that sounds like a team of space fighting demons. We need something cool."
"What about 'Web Warriors'? You know, because I swing from webs?" Peter suggested.
Kamala grinned, "Not bad, Spider-Man. But we need a name that represents all of us, not just one."
Kate Bishop, lounging in the corner with a hint of amusement on her face, couldn't resist interjecting, "How about 'The Extraordinary Bunch of Kids Trying to Save the World'? Rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it?"
The group laughed, and Kamala shot Kate a playful glare. "Very funny, Kate. We need something cool!"
Kate winked, "I'm full of cool suggestions, just ask Clint."
Kamala sighed dramatically, "Alright, let's take this seriously. We need a name that captures our spirit, our energy. Something that says 'We're not your average heroes.'"
Cassie, who had been quietly observing the banter, finally spoke up, "We need something similar to Avengers."
Kate scoffed, "Like what? Young Avengers?" She joked.
Kamala's eyes lit up at Cassie's suggestion. "That's not a bad idea! Young Avengers has a nice ring to it."
Kate, couldn't resist a sarcastic comment, "Wow, groundbreaking. I was joking, but if you all are into it..."
Cassie chuckled, "Come on, Kate. It's classic, and it works. Young Avengers it is!"
The others nodded in agreement, and Kamala clapped her hands, "Great! Young Avengers it is. Now that we have a name, let's focus on proving that we're more than just a younger version of the old gang."
As the team embraced their new identity, Kate couldn't help but roll her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. The name might be a bit on the nose for her taste, but she was willing to play along. She needed to try and get along with them.
"Sure thing, Young Avengers," Kate said with mock enthusiasm.
Clint and Natasha walked in. Clint cleared his throat, catching the attention of the young heroes.
"Alright, kiddos," Clint announced with a grin, "Nat and I are going to give you a tour of the new training center. Time to see where the magic happens."
The Young Avengers exchanged excited glances and promptly got up, ready to follow their mentors. Clint led the way, and Natasha, with her usual air of mystery, followed suit. The group made their way through the Avengers compound, heading towards the new training facility that had been set up for their use.
As they walked, Clint pointed out various features of the compound, sharing stories about the Avengers' past missions. Natasha listened and observed the team as they made their way through the new area.
The Young Avengers listened intently, a mix of awe and determination on their faces.
Finally, they reached the entrance of the new training center. The doors slid open, revealing a high-tech facility with holographic training simulations, advanced combat equipment, and everything a new generation of heroes could need.
"Welcome to your playground," Clint announced, gesturing towards the impressive facility.
"This is where you'll show your skills, train as a team, and become the best versions of yourselves. Now, suit up and let's get started." Natasha announced from behind them.
The Young Avengers exchanged excited glances, their eagerness showing. As they dispersed to get ready, Kate lingered for a moment, exchanging a knowing look with Clint and Natasha. With a nod, Kate joined the others.
As the Young Avengers returned, suited up and ready for their training, the energy in the room was charged with anticipation. Kate, still adjusting her bow, crossed paths with Yelena near the entrance. Their eyes met, and a silent tension lingered between them.
Kate couldn't resist breaking the silence, her tone laced with a mix of nonchalance and curiosity. "So, Yelena, what brings you back to the Avengers? Missed the thrill of babysitting?"
Yelena smirked, her response equally sardonic, "I'm here to make sure you don't screw things up too much, Kate Bishop."
Kate raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, I'm sure I can handle it. The question is, can you?" She glanced over at the blonde.
The banter was interrupted when Kate's curiosity got the better of her. "By the way," she continued with a smirk, "why didn't you show up that night? Thought you wanted more of me?"
Yelena nodded her head, "Figured it would be unprofessional, I'm training you now."
Kate chuckled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Unprofessional?"
Natasha, who had been observing the exchange between Kate and Yelena, interjected with a raised eyebrow. "Unprofessional? What's unprofessional?"
Yelena didn't miss a beat. She gave Kate a sly look before responding, "Oh, just discussing that it would be unprofessional to be late."
Natasha's expression remained the same but there was a glint of suspicion in her eyes. "Alright, let's keep it professional, then. We have a team to train."
And with that, the three of them headed towards the training center, getting ready to start a new beginning.
___
The training session left the Young Avengers sprawled across the room, catching their breath and nursing their various bruises and sore muscles. Kamala, with a groan, flopped down onto a nearby couch, her limbs splayed out in exhaustion.
"Man, that was rough. I can't believe I got hit by that holographic villain. Embarrassing," she muttered, rubbing her side.
Cassie, leaning against the wall, added, "Tell me about it. I thought I had my shrinking down, but that robot got me good. At least no one stood out as the worst."
America, still catching her breath, chuckled, "Speak for yourself. I think I face planted at least three times."
Kate leaned against a wall, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, well, aren't we a bunch of overachievers. I've seen worse, but hey, everyone's got room for improvement."
She's actually lying, that was probably the worst she's ever seen. Peter stood by her with an amused look.
"Kate's right there is definitely room for improvement. But hey, today is only the first day." Peter replied.
Eli, frustrated by the team, put his hands on his head. "I don't know about you guys, but I don't see how we're going to improve when we've got kids on the team."
Kamala, Cassie, and America exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of annoyance and determination. Kamala, not one to back down, stepped forward. "Hey, we might be younger, but that doesn't mean we can't handle ourselves. We're here to prove ourselves, just like you."
America, crossing her arms, chimed in, "Age doesn't determine capability. I've been through more dimensions than you can imagine, and I can still hold my own."
"Yea I literally got stuck in the quantum realm and made it out, can you say the same?" Cassie added.
Kate raised an eyebrow, shooting a glance at Peter. "Looks like the kids are standing up for themselves. Better watch out, Eli, or they might show you up."
Clint, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "Alright, alright. Let's not forget we're a team. We've all got something to bring to the table, and we can learn from each other. Give it time, and you'll see, age doesn't define skill."
Natasha, leaning against the wall, added with a smirk, "Besides, I've seen these 'kids' in action. Don't underestimate what they can do."
Eli, still frustrated, crossed his arms and grumbled, "Fine, but they better keep up."
As the rest of the team dispersed to get cleaned up, Kate remained in the room with Natasha and Clint. Natasha glanced at Kate, her gaze probing but unreadable.
"So, what do you think?" Natasha asked, her voice calm.
Kate leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "They're something, that's for sure. Some have potential, others... well, let's just say they've got a long way to go."
Clint chimed in, "They're a team in the making. We've seen worse, right?"
Natasha nodded, "True. But they need guidance. And that's where you come in, Kate. They need a leader who understands them, who's been through the struggles they're facing."
Kate sighed, "I get it, Natasha. But it's not like I asked for this. I'm no Captain America."
Natasha's expression softened, "You don't have to be. You just have to be Kate Bishop. That's enough."
Were they finally getting along?
Yelena entered the room, her presence immediately catching Natasha's attention. Kate's expression shifted subtly. Natasha, always perceptive, picked up on the tension in the air.
Yelena folded her arms, her gaze sweeping across the room. "I watched the training session, and I have to say, it was a bit of a disaster. However, Kate Bishop and Spider-Boy," she gestured towards the archer, "managed to hold their own."
Yelena continued, her tone turning more critical, "But the rest of them, there's a long way to go. And if they can't handle a holographic villain, they won't stand a chance against the real threats."
Natasha nodded, her gaze firm. "You're right. Which is why I am deciding to move Peter up to co-captain." She says, looking at Kate.
"Kate, you're good, but you need someone to watch your back, and the team needs more structure. So, I'm appointing Peter as the co-captain. Work together, and maybe you'll earn that spot as team leader."
Kate and Clint exchanged a glance, silently agreeing to step outside for a moment. Once outside, Clint leaned against the wall, a silent invitation for Kate to speak her mind.
Kate sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Co-captain? Seriously? What is this, a high school project?"
Clint chuckled, "Kate, you know Natasha. She's just trying to make sure there's some structure. And Peter's a good kid. You can learn from each other."
"Yea Peter is cool, but I'm second guessing on this team now." She admitted.
Clint sighed, "Well just give Peter a chance and see how it goes."
Meanwhile Yelena and Natasha walk side by side through the compound. The blonde looks over at her sister and decides to speak up.
"What is up with Kate Bishop?" she asks curiously.
Natasha took a deep breath, her eyes focused ahead as she walked alongside Yelena. "Kate's been through a lot, especially during the blip. She lost her mom, and did things she now regrets."
Yelena glanced at Natasha, "What kind of things?"
Natasha hesitated for a moment, debating if she should tell her the truth about Kate. And all the things she had done. But she decided against it. It wasn't her place to say, everyone in the hero game had done bad things at one point.
"She worked for Wilson Fisk, well, was forced to work. Just things similar to us." She said, referring to what they had to deal with growing up.
Yelena nodded, absorbing the information. "Sounds like a rough time. And now?"
"Now, Kate's trying to find her way back. She's carrying the weight of her past, and training this new team is both a way of redemption and a chance to move forward. But it's not easy for her."
Little did Natasha know, her own sister, Yelena, was on a mission to apprehend the mysterious vigilante known as the Ronin.
Later that evening, Yelena found herself in a discreet location, dimly lit and far away from civilians. A sense of discomfort lingered as she awaited the arrival of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a woman whose motives and methods Yelena had learned to distrust.
Valentina strolled in with an air of confidence, her sharp heels clicking against the pavement. Dressed in an impeccable black suit. She wore a smirk that Yelena eyed her with suspicion.
"Yelena, darling," Valentina purred, adjusting her sunglasses. "Always a pleasure to see you."
Yelena responded with a curt nod, "Cut the pleasantries, Valentina. What's the job?"
Valentina grinned, unfazed by Yelena's attitude. "Straight to business, I see. I like that. There's a certain suit, that will be up for grabs at an underground black market auction during Eleanor Bishop's charity gala. The Ronin's suit."
Yelena raised an eyebrow, suspicion deepening. "Why would I be interested in the Ronin's suit?"
Valentina leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "Because, my dear, it holds the key to something big. Something that could change the game. I thought you might want to get your hands on it before anyone else does."
A sense of unease settled in Yelena's gut, but her curiosity got the better of her. "What's the catch?"
Valentina chuckled, a calculated glint in her eyes. "Oh, there's always a catch. But I'm sure someone with your skills can handle it. Just retrieve the suit, and the world could be your oyster, Belova."
Yelena crossed her arms, skepticism written across her face. "What's in it for you?"
Valentina's smirk widened. "Let's just say that the chaos this suit could unleash aligns with certain... interests of mine. You get the suit, and I get to enjoy the show."
As Valentina detailed the plan and handed Yelena a set of instructions, the uneasy alliance unfolded. Yelena couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into something bad but the allure of the Ronin's suit and the promises Valentina hinted at were too tempting to resist.
"You play a dangerous game, Valentina," Yelena warned.
"Darling, that's the only game worth playing," Valentina replied, her tone dripping with intrigue. "Enjoy the gala, Yelena. The real fun is just beginning."
"I forgot to mention," Valentina said casually, a sinister glint in her eyes. "The Ronin? The one who wore that suit? Killed your two best friends, Sonya and Ana."
Yelena's eyes narrowed, her expression turning from suspicion to a mix of anger and shock. The reveal hit her hard, and she clenched her fists, struggling to contain the surge of emotions.
"Now, I'm not saying it's personal, but I thought you should know," Valentina added, her smirk widening. "Consider it a little extra motivation. Enjoy the gala, Yelena."
And with that, Valentina walked into the dark shadows, leaving the blonde by herself. Now she just needed to find a way to get to the Bishop's gala without Kate Bishop being suspicious. She needs to find out who this Ronin person is, and make sure they are killed.