Issue #6 by Dan Dolan
March 2018
March 2018
"The All-New, All-Different Young Avengers?"
The Hideout, NYC
The room had divided in halves: with the Young Avengers and Josiah on one side and Ant-Man, Hawkeye and the “Young Avengers: West” (as Will had comically christened the group of newcomers) on the other. Jocasta sat in the middle recording the audit, though no one was calling it that.
Often at odds since the reformation of the group; Eli, Chanté and Kate were now one in acrimony as they stared at the “newbies” Cassie Lang, Rocket Racer, Tom Foster and White Tiger.
The two unaffiliated had also chosen sides. Nico standing behind where Victor sat, standing the farthest away barely even in the room anymore: looking disapproving. On the other side America Chavez had wandered over and stood by the new group in order to make eyes at White Tiger, much to Tommy’s chagrin.
“So” Jocasta’s voice cut through the tension in the room, “it was three Skrulls that were allowed to vacate the quarantine setup up by SHIELD and the first formation of the Young Avengers then?” Jocasta asked pleasantly without the judgement that came from Clint’s eyes.
“Yes three.” Josiah said simply.
“No that was my call.” Chanté stood up but Josiah held his hand up.
“I had not properly explained the terms of the refugee Skrulls’ situation to them before sending them out to deal with it. The fault is mine.”
Jocasta nodded, soft melodic beeping sounds coming from her general area as this exchange recorded in her mind, quite literally.
“Since the group’s reformation one member has been killed by another, who in turn was vanquished by the late member’s resuscitated spirit?” Clint sighed, his tone was accusing not really asking.
“Accurate.” Josiah said meeting Clint’s glare.
“Clint.” Scott spoke at last, standing as far away from the group as possible, his daughter mirroring him on the room’s opposite side, “This is not an interrogation. Josiah asked us here.”
“I’m not interrogating anyone.” Clint sighed, “Look,” He gestured to White Tiger and Rocket Racer, “There’s more and more young people jumping into this “life”,” he threw up his hands, “And there’s only so many of us taking the time to make sure they do it right. I’m just…”
“Frustrated? Disappointed?” Josiah suggested, “I assure you, so am I.”
“Uncle…” Eli started but Josiah raised his hand to wordlessly silence him.
“I am saying it’s possible we should reconsider my position.”
“Uncle!” Eli cried.
“Not another word Eli.” Josiah said without turning towards the boy, “Eli here has let being my nephew go to his head but here’s the thing: I only got the job because I’m his Uncle. I was a superhuman with a familial connection to one these kids and nothing better to do. That’s not at all a winning endorsement. I’m not here to fight for this job: Clint can have it if he wants it, Scott could possibly take it back or Jocasta: you trained the Mancha boy did you not?”
Jocasta smiled at Victor.
“I was a port in the storm when his programming was accidentally awakened, years before it was meant to, by one of our shared father’s proxies. I had far less training with youngsters than you did Josiah, as you at least… were one.” She chimed melodically with a smirk.
“While it’s admirable that you are so forthright about any shortcomings you may have Josiah, no one has called for your dismissal.” Scott hummed.
“Save himself.” Clint interjected.
“You were there, were you not? When we were young. During the Master Pandemonium debacle?” Will said apropos of nothing, staring Hawkeye down. The archer for his part looked taken aback at this seeming challenge from one of the “young people” he thought himself to be defending.
“…Yes. Yes I was.” Clint nodded stiffly.
“So you were on board with the mental rape of our mother, the complete disregard of the lives of two infants informally in your care, in favor of the easy option of saying: Hey it was just all in this crazy bitch’s head, let’s go home?”
“Hey now…” Clint growled, “There is no need--“
“To what?” Will interrupted, “Jump to conclusions? Judge someone and their choices too harshly? Forget we’re all human and we make mistakes?” Will let the question hang in the air still not diverting his eyes from Clint’s own, daring him to blink, as the other Young Avengers looked at the acerbic young man in shock, mouths agape.
It was Scott Lang who broke the tension and stepped forward.
“Perhaps if the children should go for today and allow us adults to discuss?” He looked at his daughter pleadingly, imploring her to lead the way. She nodded and stood, “Make sure you all come back tomorrow, let’s say 10. We’ll want to talk with you.”
Cassie motioned to her small group: Tom, Racer and Tiger to join her. America who had been winking at the White Tiger all through the meeting followed shortly thereafter and slowly the Young Avengers did as well but it was of note that Will only allowed Tommy to drag him out of the room only after Hawkeye had turned away.
# # # # #
“Will… that was impressive.” Eli said as they emptied into the recreational area. As he bit back a sardonic reply, Will realized this might be the first time Eli had used his name when talking to him.
“It was nothing really: hypocrites give me acid reflux.” Will winked with a shrug.
Cassie rolled her eyes at this, Kate clocking this and narrowing hers.
“Care to introduce us to your friends there Cass?” The archer said loudly putting her estranged friend on the spot.
“Erm… of course: Tom Foster is the nephew of Bill Foster the Black Goliath, another Pym Particle user like my dad and me.” The lanky boy waved awkwardly, “This is Rob Farrell AKA Rocket Racer.” A messy salute from the armored hero who was watching Riri a bit oddly, “and Angela Del Toro, the White Tiger.”
“Grr grr baby.” America winked again to Angela’s bemusement.
“And you’re other friends?” Eli asked none too subtly.
“What does that mean?” Cassie asked getting a bit defensive.
“Your dad, the robot lady and Hawkeye.” Eli elaborated.
“Hey!” Victor snapped, “Her name is Jocasta.”
Nico seemed to appraise her boyfriend’s passionate defense of the robotic Avenger with mixed emotions.
“And Hawkeye’s name isn’t hypocrite.” White Tiger growled back.
“What do they want?” Eli pushed forward.
“Mister Bradley is the one that called for an “intervention”. Something about aliens on the loose and an inter-dimensional breach on his doorstep…” Cassie gesticulated as she spoke.
“Hey leave me out of this.” America sniped.
“Well let me ask you this.” Eli stepped forward, “En route… you didn’t happen to make contact with SHIELD at any point did you?”
“SHIELD? Yeah, we went to the Freezer of course,” Which is exactly what Eli didn’t want to hear, “We talked to an Anne Weaver.”
“”We” as in you too?” Eli pressed.
“No of course not that’s all--“
“Grown up stuff…” Eli finished for her.
# # # # #
Now that the children were out of the room the mood became more informal but also more morose. Clint and Josiah each having a beer in hand, Josiah’s empty and hanging out of his hand mirroring the way his head hung low where he sat.
“Josiah.” Scott said with a sigh, “Why are we really here? There’s no cataclysm. Three Skrulls is a potential problem, not an actual one. The America girl can be reasoned with…”
“There is a problem. Me.” Josiah stood, “I was the wrong choice for this job and you know it.”
“How is that Josiah?” Jocasta said smoothly, smiling comfortingly.
“I never had a real childhood. I never had kids of my own. From day one, life threw as much crap at me as it could and it got harder and harder and… so did I. I don’t know how to talk to them, I don’t know how to teach them. I talk to them like I would my unit. Get ready and get it done. But that’s not what kids need…”
“They need what you didn’t have Josiah. Who’s more apt to give them those things then one who did not get them, and who was shaped by that absence?” Jocasta hummed.
“J’s right. The problem isn’t your lack of experience.” Scott said, brow furrowed, “The problem is you’re giving up.”
# # # # #
Cassie Lang was not in a good mood. All of this was pretty much the opposite of what she had intended and of what she wanted. She had this silly stupid reunion picture in her head and instead she was staring at the eyes of her former teammates glaring at her as if she was the enemy.
“You know Cass I must say I’m not impressed by our new “friends”.” Tom Foster sighed standing just behind the blonde young woman.
“Why are they acting like this?” Cassie though aloud, really not addressing Tom at all. She narrowed her eyes at Eli in particular.
The tension in the room was broken when Rocket Racer suddenly popped up, jumping on his board in one swift motion and taking to the air.
“Ha ha!” Do that with one of your little gizmos sister!” Rocket Racer laughed, pointing at Riri.
Riri scoffed, “What are you even talking about?”
“I know who you’re supposed to be. I’ve even seen your little bots you always got flying around. The way I see it? If we’re supposed to join up with you people. You only got room for one techie. I think it should be me.” He winked.
“Are you out of your flipping mind?” Eli snapped, “First off there is no way you’re joining this team and--“
“Why not?” Cassie interrupted the Patriot, “Who even says you get to decide that? This team is supposed to be about the younger generation coming together. I don’t know what’s happened to it since I’ve been away but it seems to have gone down the rails a bit!”
“Oh has it?” Kate said walking up to stand next to Eli.
“Well your standards are quite low sweetie.” America laughed eyeing the Maximoffs: Tommy looking sad and Will flipping her off.
“Listen let’s not stoop to their level.” Chanté said coolly crossing her arms.
“Chanté’s right.” Eli said with a smile.
“Wow they agreed on something.” Victor laughed to himself.
“Looks like the team is really bonding… over their hatred of other kids being used by adults.” Nico rolled her eyes.
“It’s not like that and don’t be jealous Nic… Did you ever think if you practiced your magic more, you could even apply for membership?” Victor said as casually as possible but the way his girlfriend’s head flipped up, her face aghast, he knew he’d made a mistake.
“What?! No! Gods listen to you! Jealous?!? …I don’t need to impress anybody. Least of all you!” Nico snapped storming out of the room Victor trailing after her after a moment’s hesitation, feeling whatever storm was brewing her may be preferably to talking to his own girlfriend.
# # # # #
“Okay say I take over.” Hawkeye grunted.
“Which no one is suggesting…” Scott added though it mostly fell on deaf ears.
“It would be a waste irregardless.”
“Not a word.” Jocasta hummed with a smile, “Sorry, go on Clint.” She laughed.
“Their loyalty is to Josiah. You saw the Maximoff boy… They already resent us: the “big bad authority” figures storming in to tell them how out of their depth they are.”
“Which apart from the big and bad part is admittedly pretty accurate.” Jocasta winked.
“Jocasta what are your thoughts?” Scott turned to her.
“I think you’re both right and you’re both wrong. Wonderfully flawed humanity continues to be wonderfully flawed but like a machine I think the parts work better as a whole.” The robotic woman said in her smooth voice, “Your doubt, your naysaying,” She turned to Josiah, “Is exactly why you’re needed. That’s what you bring to the table.”
“Thank you?” Josiah questioned with a bemused smile.
“Oh you’re quite welcome.” She beeped pleasantly.
Seeing Josiah smile for the first time since they’d arrived, his voice rising out of angst ridden self-doubt as well, Scott’s highbrows hitched up as an idea struck him…
# # # # #
Will watched the back and forth between the “original recipe” Young Avengers and the “new batch” with interest but at the same time he was aware that Teddy was attempting to catch his eye and once again found himself swallowing down his nastier side, as all he really wanted to do was tell the boy to back off.
Tommy nervously bit his lower lip as he played a similar game with America, trying to find a moment to talk to her but also seemingly afraid to do so.
Will took Tommy’s hand comfortingly, thinking no one saw but then wordlessly chastising himself for caring if someone saw because that was the “old Will”.
“Tommy are you okay?” Teddy said out of nowhere, causing both twins to look up quickly.
“Yeah… thanks… we were just really good friends and,”
“You were completely in love with her?” Teddy asked finishing Tommy’s thought, with a smile.
“I uh… yeah.” Tommy said sadly.
“Tough break man, another universe AND she plays for another team on top of that.” The Skrull chuckled slinging his arm around Will’s shoulders as he did so as if by habit. Will’s mouth literally dropped as this happened his brain trying to convince him NOT to increase the probability of Teddy suffering a fatal brain embolism. Instead he chose to glare at Teddy’s arm and nudge it with his shoulder.
Teddy, slowly, realized what he had done and removed his arm quickly, like he had been burned.
“Ah sorry…” He said breathless before the three of them devolved into an awkward silence. Tommy looking back and forth between them like he was walking a tennis match.
Teddy looked at Will expectantly, almost in mixed excitement and horror.
“…What’s up Ted?” Will said at last.
“Teddy.” He corrected lightly, still smiling goofily, “I…” The Skrull started before his voice faded, he seemed to almost form several sentences but was mentally stuck on a bit of a loop.
“You know…” Will said cutting any potential conversation off, “I think I’m going to go check on Victor…” He said turning and walking into the hall as quickly as he could, leaving his brother to smile awkwardly.
# # # # #
“Here we are now, entertain us.” Will laughed as stepped into the hall to where Victor now sat. Victor tried to fake a smile at first by then sighed. Recognizing the android boy’s face as an echo of Teddy’s own, will paused; hearing the young Skrull’s voice in his head: “Can you even grasp when someone else is in pain?”
“What’s wrong?” Will asked suddenly, his usually sarcastic voice shaping itself oddly around the unfamiliar show of concern.
Victor began to form his default answer “it’s nothing” but that question of how much of his instincts were real and how much was by design lingered, so for once he went the other way.
“I don’t want to be like Eli. Denying anything’s wrong. Pretending everything’s fine. Never getting answers. I want to know who I am, even if that scares others.”
Will’s mind involuntarily produced at least five sarcastic barbs to retort this raw statement but Will too was trying to fight his instinct and try to approach life differently.
“I’m pretty new… to this entire universe. I’ve spent so long trying to get my “place” back I don’t even know what that is. The problem with the much touted “Legacy Program” is that it puts everyone into little boxes of who they are and who they should be… and you should question the hell out of that.”
Victor laughed.
“Look at me,” Will continued, “All my life I’ve pushed people away because I knew they’d be gone soon anyways. Everything and everyone was temporary and now? Now I’m “home” whatever that means and I’ve got to start trying to make connections. Trying to be “nice” and I have no idea what I’m doing…”
“Jocasta… when she found me during my first “episode”. She helped me and after; she told me that what would save me from being that thing, from being “Ultron”, was friendship. That that was the difference between us and him. What kept her and Vision from being like him. It’s why ultimately why I joined the team, despite every instinct in my body telling me not to. So let me tell you it may take some getting used to but it’s worth it.”
“It better be. As it stands I’m off to a pretty rough start at this friendship thing, as my first attempt I’ve agreed to a date with the boyfriend of the demon who ruined my life… for no other reason than for a moment: I felt bad for him.”
“Wow… that’s…”
“Probably going to end in tears I know… but it’s my first attempt at this nice thing… I’m expecting I’ll get better at it with each whack.” Will shrugged.
Victor smiled, seeing through the probability manipulator’s humor to the worry in his eyes, “You know Will for a guy who loves to be mean, I do think you just might pick up being nice like a natural.”
Hearing a commotion from the inner hall they both rose but Will turned back to Victor before they headed back; offering the artificial teen a rare genuine smile:
“If you ever need to talk, I promise to take the sarcasm down to at least 75%.” Will laughed.
“You sir are too kind.” Victor laughed back as walked back in.
# # # # #
“I notice you haven’t answered me!” Rocket Racer teased Riri as he zipped around the ceiling.
“Yeah I try not to feed the trolls.” Riri sighed.
“Rob come down, this is silly.” Cassie opined.
“Yeah get your friend under control Lang.” Kate snapped.
“Yeah, right on it Bishop.” Cassie snapped back exasperated.
Rocket Racer zoomed back and forth, getting ever closer to where Riri (and Kate) stood. Finally on one daring dive he flicked her hair, causing her to recoil and Kate to fume.
“That’s it.” Kate hissed, and before anyone realized what was happening she had extended her collapsible emergency crossbow and launched a bolt right into Rocket Racer’s board, causing a blue spark to flash and the boy to fall to the floor with a thud.
“Christ!” He yelped, having landed roughly on his butt.
“Kate!” Cassie admonished rushing over to Rocket Racer but White Tiger made a different move, she leapfrogged the incredibly tall Tom Foster in one fluid motion and soon had Kate in a headlock.
“What the hell?!” Eli shouted.
“You saw what she did! She can’t go around attacking people with lethal weapons like it’s a squirt gun.” White Tiger admonished.
Teddy looked unsure of what to do but he stepped forward, turning green and larger, nonetheless. In response Tom also grew, coming to stand behind Cassie protectively: standing as tall as the roof would allow.
“Let her go!” Riri shrieked, signaling her floating gadgets to orbit White Tiger’s head threateningly.
“I knew exactly what I was doing, if I wanted to hit him I would have. He was in no danger!” Kate wheezed, trying desperately to free herself from the other young woman’s grasp.
“Let’s all just calm down…” Cassie said apprehensively as she stepped into the middle of the room, Tom following close behind her; still in his large form.
Eli and Chanté locked eyes and for once they seemed to simpatico.
“I hate to give into “chick fight” stereotypes.” Chanté said patiently as she approached White Tiger and Kate from behind, still looking at Eli, “But I’d be remiss if I didn’t show you why all the other White Tiger’s were better off with their full face masks.”
Her docile tone was quicly contrasted by her roughly and suddenly grabbing a fistful of Angela’s hair and pulling backwards with all her force. Angela managed to keep ahold of Kate but just barely as she went back and in one fluid motion, Eli had lunged forward and ripped her medallion from around her neck before anyone could stop him.
Her strength now reduced to human levels, Kate easily released herself and Angela fell fully back: Chanté only releasing her once her butt hit the ground making her the second new arrival to do so in the last few minutes.
Riri ran to Kate and inspected her neck as the archer assured her she was fine, still scowling at the shocked white garbed woman.
“Hey lay off the hottie!” America called out, rising into the air only for Teddy to sprout wings and do so himself.
“Woah what’s going on here?” Victor said as he and Will reentered the room, notably causing the new kids (whose powers compared somewhat less potently to their own) to seem less sure as they did so.
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to be the leaders and you’re escalating the friction here.” Cassie sniped, waving her hands as she spoke.
Eli and Chanté looked at her coolly.
“We are being the leaders. A member of our team was under attack by an outside agent, we stepped in.” Chanté said, Eli nodding: both moving to stand in between “their” group and the new arrivals.
“Doing so without serious harm to the aggressor,” Eli continued motioning to Angela, “While negating the threat they posed.” He said waving the medallion in his hand.
There was clearing of the throat and all turned to see the adults had rejoined them.
“Why does this happen every single time a few too many Avengers are in the same room…?” Hawkeye laughed to himself.
“We have an announcement…” Scott said speaking over Clint.
“Before we get to that,” Josiah sighed walking over to White Tiger and helping her to her feet, “Give that back.” The older man said looking at his nephew. Eli’s face was steely but he acquiesced and crossed the room to where his uncle and Angela stood, held up the amulet, nodding at her before tossing it into her waiting hands. Her face a mask of anger still, “And you two get down.” He said to Teddy and America who slowly descended to the ground, “We’re all on the same side.”
Eli didn’t seem too sure about that as he walked past his uncle and rejoined the group.
“We? So you’re not leaving?” Riri asked quietly.
“No.” Josiah said after a brief hesitation.
“Then what’s the announcement?” Kate asked.
At that Jocasta stepped forward.
“I will be staying.” She smiled, “Serving as Josiah’s co-leader.”
Victor smiled at this, the others seemed mixed primarily Kate and Eli.
“We’ve all talked and with the rate the team is growing. It makes sense to expand the hands on presence of experienced heroes in house.” Scott said.
“At a growing rate? Does that refer to us?” Angela growled, “Because after this…”
“That is an option.” Hawkeyes said raising his hand calmingly, “but alternatively: I was thinking of putting a new spin on an old idea. Young Avengers West… maybe?” He smirked to Will, who seemed amused if surprised by the shout out, “Has an interesting ring to it.”
Angela, Rocket Racer, Tom and Cassie all looked quite relieved at this but Cassie also looked a little sad.
“And you?” Hawkeye asked turning to America.
“Like hell.” She said plainly, “This was fun and all but nah! I’m in a brand new world, literally, and for once I how nobody, nothing! Peace out.” She said throwing up a sloppy peace sign, “Tiger give me a call sometime maybe.” She said with a wink before unceremoniously kicking the door open and walking out much to the consternation and alternatively amusement of those in the room.
With such an exit it seemed to take the weight out of the air and as conversation began the room once again split. Jocasta introducing herself to the Young Avengers and the “newbies” gravitating towards Hawkeye. Scott stood in the center of the room and Cassie hugged him sadly before walking over to Kate.
“Can I talk to you?” Cassie asked, “For just a second I swear.” The size changing girl added as her estranged friend’s face blanched at the request.
“I suppose you’re going with the newbies?” Kate rolled her eyes but seemed to be genuinely interested in the answer underneath all her bluster.
“No actually.” Cassie said simply much to the archer’s shock, “They already have Tom for the growing and shrinking anyways.” She laughed referring to the lanky boy, who Kate noticed had been looking at Cassie intermittently… with longing.
“So you’re…”
“No,” Cassie said softly, “I’m not rejoining you all either. Kate: I messed up. I handled this all wrong. I… took the easy way out but this isn’t the place for me right now.”
Kate said nothing, her face revealing no emotion.
“I,” Cassie continued, “I may not be the best team member, or even the best superhero but there is something I am going to do. I’ve been looking for Bill.”
“Young Avenger?” Kate asked.
“Yes. He’s out there somewhere Kate. He saved me once, swooping into my room like Peter Pan.” Cassie waxed poetically, “He’s out there chasing his shadows and wherever he is… I intend to help him in any way I can.”
Kate pitied the would-be junior Black Goliath hearing the way her friend spoke of Young Avenger.
“We… we could help you.” It was the first thing since reuniting Kate had said to Cassie without an air of bitterness to it.
“I know you could, I know you’d always be there when I needed you: all of you but this is something I want to do myself. My quest, as quixotic as it may be… but before I left this time I wanted. This time I needed to properly say…”
“Goodbye.” Kate finished for her sadly, both girls now tearing up.
“Promise not to hate me too much.” Cassie said pulling the brunette in for a tight embrace.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Kate said after a beat, hugging her back with all her might.
# # # # #
Teddy walked home as slowly as possible, trying to think of anything but where he was headed. He focused on his “big date” with Will. Truthfully a part of him may have at least started to realize that his desire to date the young man had more to do with denial than with a real attraction but that was a part that was small and easily ignored at the moment.
Among the things in his life that he was ignoring was the very act at which he now took part in. Not only where he was headed but what he was doing on the way, changing his shape.
As he arrived “home” he smiled as he was greeted but that same small part, that was growing larger, noticed the looks on the faces of his “family” as they began to question him. Their eyes telling a different story from their welcoming faces or was that just his own paranoia?
As he entered his room, that small part of him was now raging in his mind coming to a head when he looked up into the mirror on the wall to see his demonic ex-boyfriend’s face.
His own family having abandoned him during the Skrull invasion and Billy soon too vanished from his life under entirely different circumstances he had no one. The Kaplan’s however had a vacancy which he filled with not a small amount revulsion.
The spell however was wearing off… and when the Kaplans no longer believed they had a son named Billy? What then?
So he’d plan a date… maybe build something new? It was that small glimmer of hope that allowed sleep to calm the voice in the back of his head.
# # # # #
America was frowning as she zipped from store to store, the late hour had seriously cut off her shopping opportunities. Not only did she simply enjoy it, she literally need to get new clothes seeing as how she literally only had the ones on her back. The fact that she only had what little money in her pockets hadn’t quite set in yet.
“Problem?” A voice said, calling out to her from an alley nearby.
“I’ve got no problems,” She said in her typical defensive tone, “You might though if you’re trying to start something.”
The voice, now clearly female… and british, laughed.
“Oh something has already started my dear and you are part of it.” The mysterious woman said, slowly coming into view: revealing herself to be Agent Anne Weaver, the SHIELD agent charged with managing the Freezer.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” America snapped taking to the air, her hands becoming fists but they quickly unclenched as a dart struck her forcefully in the neck a second figure coming into view: a man, a very handsome man also in SHIELD clothes.
“Well done Agent Ward.” Anne smiled, “Is her pod ready?”
“Yes ma’am.” Agent Grant Ward said hoisting the Latina girl over his shoulder as she fully passed out.
“Then let’s get going.” She smiled wickedly “Miles to go before we sleep.”
The room had divided in halves: with the Young Avengers and Josiah on one side and Ant-Man, Hawkeye and the “Young Avengers: West” (as Will had comically christened the group of newcomers) on the other. Jocasta sat in the middle recording the audit, though no one was calling it that.
Often at odds since the reformation of the group; Eli, Chanté and Kate were now one in acrimony as they stared at the “newbies” Cassie Lang, Rocket Racer, Tom Foster and White Tiger.
The two unaffiliated had also chosen sides. Nico standing behind where Victor sat, standing the farthest away barely even in the room anymore: looking disapproving. On the other side America Chavez had wandered over and stood by the new group in order to make eyes at White Tiger, much to Tommy’s chagrin.
“So” Jocasta’s voice cut through the tension in the room, “it was three Skrulls that were allowed to vacate the quarantine setup up by SHIELD and the first formation of the Young Avengers then?” Jocasta asked pleasantly without the judgement that came from Clint’s eyes.
“Yes three.” Josiah said simply.
“No that was my call.” Chanté stood up but Josiah held his hand up.
“I had not properly explained the terms of the refugee Skrulls’ situation to them before sending them out to deal with it. The fault is mine.”
Jocasta nodded, soft melodic beeping sounds coming from her general area as this exchange recorded in her mind, quite literally.
“Since the group’s reformation one member has been killed by another, who in turn was vanquished by the late member’s resuscitated spirit?” Clint sighed, his tone was accusing not really asking.
“Accurate.” Josiah said meeting Clint’s glare.
“Clint.” Scott spoke at last, standing as far away from the group as possible, his daughter mirroring him on the room’s opposite side, “This is not an interrogation. Josiah asked us here.”
“I’m not interrogating anyone.” Clint sighed, “Look,” He gestured to White Tiger and Rocket Racer, “There’s more and more young people jumping into this “life”,” he threw up his hands, “And there’s only so many of us taking the time to make sure they do it right. I’m just…”
“Frustrated? Disappointed?” Josiah suggested, “I assure you, so am I.”
“Uncle…” Eli started but Josiah raised his hand to wordlessly silence him.
“I am saying it’s possible we should reconsider my position.”
“Uncle!” Eli cried.
“Not another word Eli.” Josiah said without turning towards the boy, “Eli here has let being my nephew go to his head but here’s the thing: I only got the job because I’m his Uncle. I was a superhuman with a familial connection to one these kids and nothing better to do. That’s not at all a winning endorsement. I’m not here to fight for this job: Clint can have it if he wants it, Scott could possibly take it back or Jocasta: you trained the Mancha boy did you not?”
Jocasta smiled at Victor.
“I was a port in the storm when his programming was accidentally awakened, years before it was meant to, by one of our shared father’s proxies. I had far less training with youngsters than you did Josiah, as you at least… were one.” She chimed melodically with a smirk.
“While it’s admirable that you are so forthright about any shortcomings you may have Josiah, no one has called for your dismissal.” Scott hummed.
“Save himself.” Clint interjected.
“You were there, were you not? When we were young. During the Master Pandemonium debacle?” Will said apropos of nothing, staring Hawkeye down. The archer for his part looked taken aback at this seeming challenge from one of the “young people” he thought himself to be defending.
“…Yes. Yes I was.” Clint nodded stiffly.
“So you were on board with the mental rape of our mother, the complete disregard of the lives of two infants informally in your care, in favor of the easy option of saying: Hey it was just all in this crazy bitch’s head, let’s go home?”
“Hey now…” Clint growled, “There is no need--“
“To what?” Will interrupted, “Jump to conclusions? Judge someone and their choices too harshly? Forget we’re all human and we make mistakes?” Will let the question hang in the air still not diverting his eyes from Clint’s own, daring him to blink, as the other Young Avengers looked at the acerbic young man in shock, mouths agape.
It was Scott Lang who broke the tension and stepped forward.
“Perhaps if the children should go for today and allow us adults to discuss?” He looked at his daughter pleadingly, imploring her to lead the way. She nodded and stood, “Make sure you all come back tomorrow, let’s say 10. We’ll want to talk with you.”
Cassie motioned to her small group: Tom, Racer and Tiger to join her. America who had been winking at the White Tiger all through the meeting followed shortly thereafter and slowly the Young Avengers did as well but it was of note that Will only allowed Tommy to drag him out of the room only after Hawkeye had turned away.
# # # # #
“Will… that was impressive.” Eli said as they emptied into the recreational area. As he bit back a sardonic reply, Will realized this might be the first time Eli had used his name when talking to him.
“It was nothing really: hypocrites give me acid reflux.” Will winked with a shrug.
Cassie rolled her eyes at this, Kate clocking this and narrowing hers.
“Care to introduce us to your friends there Cass?” The archer said loudly putting her estranged friend on the spot.
“Erm… of course: Tom Foster is the nephew of Bill Foster the Black Goliath, another Pym Particle user like my dad and me.” The lanky boy waved awkwardly, “This is Rob Farrell AKA Rocket Racer.” A messy salute from the armored hero who was watching Riri a bit oddly, “and Angela Del Toro, the White Tiger.”
“Grr grr baby.” America winked again to Angela’s bemusement.
“And you’re other friends?” Eli asked none too subtly.
“What does that mean?” Cassie asked getting a bit defensive.
“Your dad, the robot lady and Hawkeye.” Eli elaborated.
“Hey!” Victor snapped, “Her name is Jocasta.”
Nico seemed to appraise her boyfriend’s passionate defense of the robotic Avenger with mixed emotions.
“And Hawkeye’s name isn’t hypocrite.” White Tiger growled back.
“What do they want?” Eli pushed forward.
“Mister Bradley is the one that called for an “intervention”. Something about aliens on the loose and an inter-dimensional breach on his doorstep…” Cassie gesticulated as she spoke.
“Hey leave me out of this.” America sniped.
“Well let me ask you this.” Eli stepped forward, “En route… you didn’t happen to make contact with SHIELD at any point did you?”
“SHIELD? Yeah, we went to the Freezer of course,” Which is exactly what Eli didn’t want to hear, “We talked to an Anne Weaver.”
“”We” as in you too?” Eli pressed.
“No of course not that’s all--“
“Grown up stuff…” Eli finished for her.
# # # # #
Now that the children were out of the room the mood became more informal but also more morose. Clint and Josiah each having a beer in hand, Josiah’s empty and hanging out of his hand mirroring the way his head hung low where he sat.
“Josiah.” Scott said with a sigh, “Why are we really here? There’s no cataclysm. Three Skrulls is a potential problem, not an actual one. The America girl can be reasoned with…”
“There is a problem. Me.” Josiah stood, “I was the wrong choice for this job and you know it.”
“How is that Josiah?” Jocasta said smoothly, smiling comfortingly.
“I never had a real childhood. I never had kids of my own. From day one, life threw as much crap at me as it could and it got harder and harder and… so did I. I don’t know how to talk to them, I don’t know how to teach them. I talk to them like I would my unit. Get ready and get it done. But that’s not what kids need…”
“They need what you didn’t have Josiah. Who’s more apt to give them those things then one who did not get them, and who was shaped by that absence?” Jocasta hummed.
“J’s right. The problem isn’t your lack of experience.” Scott said, brow furrowed, “The problem is you’re giving up.”
# # # # #
Cassie Lang was not in a good mood. All of this was pretty much the opposite of what she had intended and of what she wanted. She had this silly stupid reunion picture in her head and instead she was staring at the eyes of her former teammates glaring at her as if she was the enemy.
“You know Cass I must say I’m not impressed by our new “friends”.” Tom Foster sighed standing just behind the blonde young woman.
“Why are they acting like this?” Cassie though aloud, really not addressing Tom at all. She narrowed her eyes at Eli in particular.
The tension in the room was broken when Rocket Racer suddenly popped up, jumping on his board in one swift motion and taking to the air.
“Ha ha!” Do that with one of your little gizmos sister!” Rocket Racer laughed, pointing at Riri.
Riri scoffed, “What are you even talking about?”
“I know who you’re supposed to be. I’ve even seen your little bots you always got flying around. The way I see it? If we’re supposed to join up with you people. You only got room for one techie. I think it should be me.” He winked.
“Are you out of your flipping mind?” Eli snapped, “First off there is no way you’re joining this team and--“
“Why not?” Cassie interrupted the Patriot, “Who even says you get to decide that? This team is supposed to be about the younger generation coming together. I don’t know what’s happened to it since I’ve been away but it seems to have gone down the rails a bit!”
“Oh has it?” Kate said walking up to stand next to Eli.
“Well your standards are quite low sweetie.” America laughed eyeing the Maximoffs: Tommy looking sad and Will flipping her off.
“Listen let’s not stoop to their level.” Chanté said coolly crossing her arms.
“Chanté’s right.” Eli said with a smile.
“Wow they agreed on something.” Victor laughed to himself.
“Looks like the team is really bonding… over their hatred of other kids being used by adults.” Nico rolled her eyes.
“It’s not like that and don’t be jealous Nic… Did you ever think if you practiced your magic more, you could even apply for membership?” Victor said as casually as possible but the way his girlfriend’s head flipped up, her face aghast, he knew he’d made a mistake.
“What?! No! Gods listen to you! Jealous?!? …I don’t need to impress anybody. Least of all you!” Nico snapped storming out of the room Victor trailing after her after a moment’s hesitation, feeling whatever storm was brewing her may be preferably to talking to his own girlfriend.
# # # # #
“Okay say I take over.” Hawkeye grunted.
“Which no one is suggesting…” Scott added though it mostly fell on deaf ears.
“It would be a waste irregardless.”
“Not a word.” Jocasta hummed with a smile, “Sorry, go on Clint.” She laughed.
“Their loyalty is to Josiah. You saw the Maximoff boy… They already resent us: the “big bad authority” figures storming in to tell them how out of their depth they are.”
“Which apart from the big and bad part is admittedly pretty accurate.” Jocasta winked.
“Jocasta what are your thoughts?” Scott turned to her.
“I think you’re both right and you’re both wrong. Wonderfully flawed humanity continues to be wonderfully flawed but like a machine I think the parts work better as a whole.” The robotic woman said in her smooth voice, “Your doubt, your naysaying,” She turned to Josiah, “Is exactly why you’re needed. That’s what you bring to the table.”
“Thank you?” Josiah questioned with a bemused smile.
“Oh you’re quite welcome.” She beeped pleasantly.
Seeing Josiah smile for the first time since they’d arrived, his voice rising out of angst ridden self-doubt as well, Scott’s highbrows hitched up as an idea struck him…
# # # # #
Will watched the back and forth between the “original recipe” Young Avengers and the “new batch” with interest but at the same time he was aware that Teddy was attempting to catch his eye and once again found himself swallowing down his nastier side, as all he really wanted to do was tell the boy to back off.
Tommy nervously bit his lower lip as he played a similar game with America, trying to find a moment to talk to her but also seemingly afraid to do so.
Will took Tommy’s hand comfortingly, thinking no one saw but then wordlessly chastising himself for caring if someone saw because that was the “old Will”.
“Tommy are you okay?” Teddy said out of nowhere, causing both twins to look up quickly.
“Yeah… thanks… we were just really good friends and,”
“You were completely in love with her?” Teddy asked finishing Tommy’s thought, with a smile.
“I uh… yeah.” Tommy said sadly.
“Tough break man, another universe AND she plays for another team on top of that.” The Skrull chuckled slinging his arm around Will’s shoulders as he did so as if by habit. Will’s mouth literally dropped as this happened his brain trying to convince him NOT to increase the probability of Teddy suffering a fatal brain embolism. Instead he chose to glare at Teddy’s arm and nudge it with his shoulder.
Teddy, slowly, realized what he had done and removed his arm quickly, like he had been burned.
“Ah sorry…” He said breathless before the three of them devolved into an awkward silence. Tommy looking back and forth between them like he was walking a tennis match.
Teddy looked at Will expectantly, almost in mixed excitement and horror.
“…What’s up Ted?” Will said at last.
“Teddy.” He corrected lightly, still smiling goofily, “I…” The Skrull started before his voice faded, he seemed to almost form several sentences but was mentally stuck on a bit of a loop.
“You know…” Will said cutting any potential conversation off, “I think I’m going to go check on Victor…” He said turning and walking into the hall as quickly as he could, leaving his brother to smile awkwardly.
# # # # #
“Here we are now, entertain us.” Will laughed as stepped into the hall to where Victor now sat. Victor tried to fake a smile at first by then sighed. Recognizing the android boy’s face as an echo of Teddy’s own, will paused; hearing the young Skrull’s voice in his head: “Can you even grasp when someone else is in pain?”
“What’s wrong?” Will asked suddenly, his usually sarcastic voice shaping itself oddly around the unfamiliar show of concern.
Victor began to form his default answer “it’s nothing” but that question of how much of his instincts were real and how much was by design lingered, so for once he went the other way.
“I don’t want to be like Eli. Denying anything’s wrong. Pretending everything’s fine. Never getting answers. I want to know who I am, even if that scares others.”
Will’s mind involuntarily produced at least five sarcastic barbs to retort this raw statement but Will too was trying to fight his instinct and try to approach life differently.
“I’m pretty new… to this entire universe. I’ve spent so long trying to get my “place” back I don’t even know what that is. The problem with the much touted “Legacy Program” is that it puts everyone into little boxes of who they are and who they should be… and you should question the hell out of that.”
Victor laughed.
“Look at me,” Will continued, “All my life I’ve pushed people away because I knew they’d be gone soon anyways. Everything and everyone was temporary and now? Now I’m “home” whatever that means and I’ve got to start trying to make connections. Trying to be “nice” and I have no idea what I’m doing…”
“Jocasta… when she found me during my first “episode”. She helped me and after; she told me that what would save me from being that thing, from being “Ultron”, was friendship. That that was the difference between us and him. What kept her and Vision from being like him. It’s why ultimately why I joined the team, despite every instinct in my body telling me not to. So let me tell you it may take some getting used to but it’s worth it.”
“It better be. As it stands I’m off to a pretty rough start at this friendship thing, as my first attempt I’ve agreed to a date with the boyfriend of the demon who ruined my life… for no other reason than for a moment: I felt bad for him.”
“Wow… that’s…”
“Probably going to end in tears I know… but it’s my first attempt at this nice thing… I’m expecting I’ll get better at it with each whack.” Will shrugged.
Victor smiled, seeing through the probability manipulator’s humor to the worry in his eyes, “You know Will for a guy who loves to be mean, I do think you just might pick up being nice like a natural.”
Hearing a commotion from the inner hall they both rose but Will turned back to Victor before they headed back; offering the artificial teen a rare genuine smile:
“If you ever need to talk, I promise to take the sarcasm down to at least 75%.” Will laughed.
“You sir are too kind.” Victor laughed back as walked back in.
# # # # #
“I notice you haven’t answered me!” Rocket Racer teased Riri as he zipped around the ceiling.
“Yeah I try not to feed the trolls.” Riri sighed.
“Rob come down, this is silly.” Cassie opined.
“Yeah get your friend under control Lang.” Kate snapped.
“Yeah, right on it Bishop.” Cassie snapped back exasperated.
Rocket Racer zoomed back and forth, getting ever closer to where Riri (and Kate) stood. Finally on one daring dive he flicked her hair, causing her to recoil and Kate to fume.
“That’s it.” Kate hissed, and before anyone realized what was happening she had extended her collapsible emergency crossbow and launched a bolt right into Rocket Racer’s board, causing a blue spark to flash and the boy to fall to the floor with a thud.
“Christ!” He yelped, having landed roughly on his butt.
“Kate!” Cassie admonished rushing over to Rocket Racer but White Tiger made a different move, she leapfrogged the incredibly tall Tom Foster in one fluid motion and soon had Kate in a headlock.
“What the hell?!” Eli shouted.
“You saw what she did! She can’t go around attacking people with lethal weapons like it’s a squirt gun.” White Tiger admonished.
Teddy looked unsure of what to do but he stepped forward, turning green and larger, nonetheless. In response Tom also grew, coming to stand behind Cassie protectively: standing as tall as the roof would allow.
“Let her go!” Riri shrieked, signaling her floating gadgets to orbit White Tiger’s head threateningly.
“I knew exactly what I was doing, if I wanted to hit him I would have. He was in no danger!” Kate wheezed, trying desperately to free herself from the other young woman’s grasp.
“Let’s all just calm down…” Cassie said apprehensively as she stepped into the middle of the room, Tom following close behind her; still in his large form.
Eli and Chanté locked eyes and for once they seemed to simpatico.
“I hate to give into “chick fight” stereotypes.” Chanté said patiently as she approached White Tiger and Kate from behind, still looking at Eli, “But I’d be remiss if I didn’t show you why all the other White Tiger’s were better off with their full face masks.”
Her docile tone was quicly contrasted by her roughly and suddenly grabbing a fistful of Angela’s hair and pulling backwards with all her force. Angela managed to keep ahold of Kate but just barely as she went back and in one fluid motion, Eli had lunged forward and ripped her medallion from around her neck before anyone could stop him.
Her strength now reduced to human levels, Kate easily released herself and Angela fell fully back: Chanté only releasing her once her butt hit the ground making her the second new arrival to do so in the last few minutes.
Riri ran to Kate and inspected her neck as the archer assured her she was fine, still scowling at the shocked white garbed woman.
“Hey lay off the hottie!” America called out, rising into the air only for Teddy to sprout wings and do so himself.
“Woah what’s going on here?” Victor said as he and Will reentered the room, notably causing the new kids (whose powers compared somewhat less potently to their own) to seem less sure as they did so.
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to be the leaders and you’re escalating the friction here.” Cassie sniped, waving her hands as she spoke.
Eli and Chanté looked at her coolly.
“We are being the leaders. A member of our team was under attack by an outside agent, we stepped in.” Chanté said, Eli nodding: both moving to stand in between “their” group and the new arrivals.
“Doing so without serious harm to the aggressor,” Eli continued motioning to Angela, “While negating the threat they posed.” He said waving the medallion in his hand.
There was clearing of the throat and all turned to see the adults had rejoined them.
“Why does this happen every single time a few too many Avengers are in the same room…?” Hawkeye laughed to himself.
“We have an announcement…” Scott said speaking over Clint.
“Before we get to that,” Josiah sighed walking over to White Tiger and helping her to her feet, “Give that back.” The older man said looking at his nephew. Eli’s face was steely but he acquiesced and crossed the room to where his uncle and Angela stood, held up the amulet, nodding at her before tossing it into her waiting hands. Her face a mask of anger still, “And you two get down.” He said to Teddy and America who slowly descended to the ground, “We’re all on the same side.”
Eli didn’t seem too sure about that as he walked past his uncle and rejoined the group.
“We? So you’re not leaving?” Riri asked quietly.
“No.” Josiah said after a brief hesitation.
“Then what’s the announcement?” Kate asked.
At that Jocasta stepped forward.
“I will be staying.” She smiled, “Serving as Josiah’s co-leader.”
Victor smiled at this, the others seemed mixed primarily Kate and Eli.
“We’ve all talked and with the rate the team is growing. It makes sense to expand the hands on presence of experienced heroes in house.” Scott said.
“At a growing rate? Does that refer to us?” Angela growled, “Because after this…”
“That is an option.” Hawkeyes said raising his hand calmingly, “but alternatively: I was thinking of putting a new spin on an old idea. Young Avengers West… maybe?” He smirked to Will, who seemed amused if surprised by the shout out, “Has an interesting ring to it.”
Angela, Rocket Racer, Tom and Cassie all looked quite relieved at this but Cassie also looked a little sad.
“And you?” Hawkeye asked turning to America.
“Like hell.” She said plainly, “This was fun and all but nah! I’m in a brand new world, literally, and for once I how nobody, nothing! Peace out.” She said throwing up a sloppy peace sign, “Tiger give me a call sometime maybe.” She said with a wink before unceremoniously kicking the door open and walking out much to the consternation and alternatively amusement of those in the room.
With such an exit it seemed to take the weight out of the air and as conversation began the room once again split. Jocasta introducing herself to the Young Avengers and the “newbies” gravitating towards Hawkeye. Scott stood in the center of the room and Cassie hugged him sadly before walking over to Kate.
“Can I talk to you?” Cassie asked, “For just a second I swear.” The size changing girl added as her estranged friend’s face blanched at the request.
“I suppose you’re going with the newbies?” Kate rolled her eyes but seemed to be genuinely interested in the answer underneath all her bluster.
“No actually.” Cassie said simply much to the archer’s shock, “They already have Tom for the growing and shrinking anyways.” She laughed referring to the lanky boy, who Kate noticed had been looking at Cassie intermittently… with longing.
“So you’re…”
“No,” Cassie said softly, “I’m not rejoining you all either. Kate: I messed up. I handled this all wrong. I… took the easy way out but this isn’t the place for me right now.”
Kate said nothing, her face revealing no emotion.
“I,” Cassie continued, “I may not be the best team member, or even the best superhero but there is something I am going to do. I’ve been looking for Bill.”
“Young Avenger?” Kate asked.
“Yes. He’s out there somewhere Kate. He saved me once, swooping into my room like Peter Pan.” Cassie waxed poetically, “He’s out there chasing his shadows and wherever he is… I intend to help him in any way I can.”
Kate pitied the would-be junior Black Goliath hearing the way her friend spoke of Young Avenger.
“We… we could help you.” It was the first thing since reuniting Kate had said to Cassie without an air of bitterness to it.
“I know you could, I know you’d always be there when I needed you: all of you but this is something I want to do myself. My quest, as quixotic as it may be… but before I left this time I wanted. This time I needed to properly say…”
“Goodbye.” Kate finished for her sadly, both girls now tearing up.
“Promise not to hate me too much.” Cassie said pulling the brunette in for a tight embrace.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Kate said after a beat, hugging her back with all her might.
# # # # #
Teddy walked home as slowly as possible, trying to think of anything but where he was headed. He focused on his “big date” with Will. Truthfully a part of him may have at least started to realize that his desire to date the young man had more to do with denial than with a real attraction but that was a part that was small and easily ignored at the moment.
Among the things in his life that he was ignoring was the very act at which he now took part in. Not only where he was headed but what he was doing on the way, changing his shape.
As he arrived “home” he smiled as he was greeted but that same small part, that was growing larger, noticed the looks on the faces of his “family” as they began to question him. Their eyes telling a different story from their welcoming faces or was that just his own paranoia?
As he entered his room, that small part of him was now raging in his mind coming to a head when he looked up into the mirror on the wall to see his demonic ex-boyfriend’s face.
His own family having abandoned him during the Skrull invasion and Billy soon too vanished from his life under entirely different circumstances he had no one. The Kaplan’s however had a vacancy which he filled with not a small amount revulsion.
The spell however was wearing off… and when the Kaplans no longer believed they had a son named Billy? What then?
So he’d plan a date… maybe build something new? It was that small glimmer of hope that allowed sleep to calm the voice in the back of his head.
# # # # #
America was frowning as she zipped from store to store, the late hour had seriously cut off her shopping opportunities. Not only did she simply enjoy it, she literally need to get new clothes seeing as how she literally only had the ones on her back. The fact that she only had what little money in her pockets hadn’t quite set in yet.
“Problem?” A voice said, calling out to her from an alley nearby.
“I’ve got no problems,” She said in her typical defensive tone, “You might though if you’re trying to start something.”
The voice, now clearly female… and british, laughed.
“Oh something has already started my dear and you are part of it.” The mysterious woman said, slowly coming into view: revealing herself to be Agent Anne Weaver, the SHIELD agent charged with managing the Freezer.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” America snapped taking to the air, her hands becoming fists but they quickly unclenched as a dart struck her forcefully in the neck a second figure coming into view: a man, a very handsome man also in SHIELD clothes.
“Well done Agent Ward.” Anne smiled, “Is her pod ready?”
“Yes ma’am.” Agent Grant Ward said hoisting the Latina girl over his shoulder as she fully passed out.
“Then let’s get going.” She smiled wickedly “Miles to go before we sleep.”