CHAPTER ONE —
( Sounds like the band's back together. )

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Evelyn Parrish was compromised.

More than a year had passed since the extensive repairs on Stark Tower began, and just a couple of months later, Tony Stark's name was once again a gleaming beacon within New York City. Soon after, Bruce Banner moved in with Tony Stark, and a couple of weeks later, Eliza Jones joined the scientists. Dr Bruce Banner was the first to take up residence, returning from his lengthy self-imposed exile (thanks to the Other Guy) with little more than a duffle bag and eyes heavy from too many sleepless nights.

Meanwhile, Eliza Jones, weary and disappointed by the corruption of S.H.I.E.L.D., sought refuge from the chaos of her previous life. She arrived with nothing but a bag carrying her laptop and a vintage Game Boy. She longed for the freedom to indulge in her passions again, living life on her terms and relishing each moment without the restrictions of her former job. Stark Tower offered her what she craved: freedom, comfort, and unrestricted access to technology that would make most labs weep with envy (being Tony Stark's best friend had its perks).

On a cold, rain-soaked night, the remaining Avengers finally made their way to Stark Tower. However, their arrival unfolded as no one could have anticipated.

Hawkeye arrived first. Pepper was out of town for a conference, leaving Tony, Bruce, and Eliza lounging in the common room with a muted football game on TV. Tony, bored, was on his tablet; Bruce nursed tea like it was scotch; Eliza hogged the popcorn with her legs tucked under her in an oversized hoodie. As they watched the players scramble for the ball, Bruce furrowed his brow and voiced a lingering concern: "Still no news from Hill about the others?"

"Radio silence," Tony muttered, watching the football game disinterested. "You'd think with all that padding, they'd at least manage to hold onto the damn ball."

"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s dead, and everyone's scattered," Eliza popped a kernel in her mouth. "They're spies. Being hard to find is literally in the job description. I haven't been able to find them, and if I can't find them..." she trailed off with a shrug.

Tony shot her a sidelong glance. "Don't inflate your ego just because your firewall traps caught one hacker from Wakanda of all places."

Bruce leaned forward, the weight of worry etched on his face. "We should at least keep trying to find them. What if they need help?"

Just then, J.A.R.V.I.S.'s voice sliced through the room. "Sir, Agent Barton is requesting access at the main entrance."

Bruce blinked. "Clint Barton? What's he doing here?"

"Let's find out," Tony said.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, revealing Hawkeye: soaked to the bone, jaw clenched, eyes darting around like a man being hunted.

Tony took one look and headed straight for the bar. "Jesus, Barton, did you swim here? Scotch or bourbon?"

Clint stepped inside, dragging wet footprints in his wake. "Bourbon. Neat."

Bruce grabbed a towel and tossed it to him while Eliza raised an eyebrow from the couch. "Long time no see. You look like you wrestled a thunderstorm and lost."

"I need your help," Clint said, accepting the drink from Tony and taking a long, steadying sip. Once he swallowed, he continued. "It's Nat and Eve."

Tony's head lifted. Bruce froze. Even Eliza paused.

"They're off the grid," Clint continued, gripping the glass as if it anchored him to the floor. "I've tried everything. Everyone. I've got nothing. I need help."

Both Tony and Eliza exchanged concerned glances, aware of the futility of their attempts to track them down; they had already tried and come up empty-handed.

"First, take a deep breath and dry off," Bruce urged, a calming presence in the storm of Clint's anxiety.

"You don't think we've already tried?" Tony replied, his voice edged in steel beneath his casual tone.

Clint set the glass down hard on the counter. "They're in danger."

Before anyone could respond, J.A.R.V.I.S. cut in again, more urgently this time. "Security breach on the private elevator."

Tony's brow furrowed. "Tell me you just glitched, J.A.R.V.I.S."

"Negative, sir. Someone's bypassed the system. Elevation confirmed."

The room tensed. Eliza reached for the tablet on the coffee table, fingers flying. "I'm locking internal doors."

But when the elevator doors opened again, it wasn't an enemy—it was the Black Widow.

Natasha Romanoff was soaked, eyeliner smudged, red hair clinging to her neck in damp waves. Clint was across the room instantly, wrapping her in a wordless hug that said everything.

The hug lingered too long—not for comfort, but for what it meant. Natasha didn't do desperate. She didn't do relieved. But here, now, she clung to Clint like he was the last piece of solid ground in a sinking world.

"Every identity I've ever had is now exposed," she told him, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability as Bruce returned with a towel. "My enemies are ruthless. I barely escaped with my life this time. I was nearby; this was the only sanctuary I could think of. It's not easy for me to come here," she confessed, locking eyes with Tony. "But I promise, I won't overstay my welcome—"

"You can't go back out there," Clint interrupted, his voice rising in alarm. "Not with those people hunting you!" They exchanged glances, aware that the final decision rested on Tony's shoulders.

"Um," Tony hesitated, glancing between them, then broke into a slight grin. "You know what? Both of you stay here for as long as you need. I don't mind at all. Right, Banner? Eli?"

"Not at all," Bruce replied

"Little Red can stay. She's awesome."

"Now how about you don't hack my million-dollar door locks anymore, yeah? If we're all going to ignore my security protocols, then I'll go ahead and uninstall it," Tony warned. "Now, is anyone else planning to waltz in unannounced? Maybe Fury's ghost?"

"Sir, we have incoming. Three individuals approaching from the east balcony entrance."

Tony sighed. "Sounds right."

"Three?" Eliza asked.

The television screen changed to the outdoor security footage. Steve Rogers stood tall, his drenched clothes clinging to his muscles, while Evelyn Parrish, eyes wide with urgency, was at his side. Between them, they supported a third figure—an unconscious man, partly obscured by a heavy coat that was soaked through with rain.

"I know this guy," Natasha said, her gaze narrowing in familiarity at the man being hoisted between them. "That's Sam Wilson. He helped us with bringing down S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA."

Evelyn's voice crackled through the intercom, firm yet laced with panic. "Anthony! Open up! We need help!"

A press of a button was followed by a tense, seemingly eternal pause before the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime and for a moment, no one moved. They roughly knew the state Evelyn and Steve would be in, but seeing them—Captain America and the Gemini—soaked and breathless, flanking a barely-conscious Sam Wilson between them, was something else entirely.

"Anthony!" Evelyn shouted as they staggered inside. "He needs help—now!"

Bruce hurried forward and calmly led the way, gesturing toward the infirmary. "This way. We'll stabilise him."

Evelyn slowly began to hand Sam over to Bruce "What happened?" Natasha asked, alarm sparking in her voice.

"We found Bucky," Steve said quietly, his voice edged with exhaustion.

"HYDRA found him, too," Evelyn added. "We fought them to give him time to run."

Sam groaned faintly as Bruce and Steve maneuvered him toward the med bay. Evelyn remained in the centre of the common area, rain still dripping from her dark clothes. Her eyes were void of emotion, but her thoughts were all over the place. Did Bucky make it far enough? Did we leave anyone alive who might follow? What if Sam—

Clint's voice cut through the chaos. "Evelyn?"

She turned, and that's when her mask slipped for just a heartbeat.

Clint walked over, still soaked, stunned, and shaken. Natasha followed close behind.

"Where have you been? How did you just vanish?" Clint demanded, although there was a comforting feeling to his tone. He turned to Natasha. "And you. You too. No calls, no messages—"

Natasha pulled them both into a crushing three-way embrace.

"I thought you were both gone," Clint muttered into Evelyn's shoulder.

Natasha said nothing, just held tighter. Evelyn exhaled, forehead pressed to Natasha's, her grip tightening on Clint's jacket.

"I missed you both so much," she whispered, low enough that only they could hear.

When they pulled apart, Evelyn noticed Steve watching her. He didn't ask. He didn't need to. He stepped beside her, brushing a strand of wet hair from her cheek, his thumb grazing her temple before quietly taking her hand.

Bruce returned. Evelyn looked at him at once.

"He's sedated," Bruce said, "but stable. Nothing I can't fix."

Evelyn exhaled, her relief flooding over her, then she looked over towards Tony, a weary smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I'm sorry Tony, but we might be here for a while..."

"It doesn't matter," he shrugged, then looked her up and down. "No offence, Evie, but you look like hell."

"None taken. It's mutual." She nodded at his rumpled T-shirt and pyjama pants covered in photos of his face. "Nice pants, by the way."

"Custom made," Tony replied with pride. "Only the finest sleepwear for guests of Stark Tower."

Steve gave him a look, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Tony."

Tony gave a nod. "Captain."

Then, thunder shook the windows.

A bolt of lightning forked across the skyline—and with it, a boom of impact thundered across the balcony. Several throw pillows took flight. Someone's mug clattered off a table. And then, with another startling boom, something heavy landed on the balcony with enough force to make the glass tremble.

Tony didn't even flinch. He turned toward the glass doors and muttered, "Right on cue."

The balcony doors burst open and Thor strode in, soaked from the rain and exuding an unmistakable godly presence. His golden hair was slicked back by the storm, his red cape flying behind him, and Mjolnir hung heavily at his side with bits of lightning sparking off of it.

Thor's gaze swept the room and softened instantly when it landed on Evelyn. He stepped forward, voice bellowing with unmistakable joy and a touch of relief. "Evelyn!"

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Hey, Thor," she greeted, quieter but not without warmth.

Thor reached Evelyn, water pooling behind him with each heavy step, and pulled her into a crushing hug. She didn't resist and let herself be wrapped in the warmth of his embrace.

"You still breathe," he murmured, low enough for her alone and as if it were the only reassurance he needed. "Heimdall alerted me."

"My friend got hurt, but I'm good," she muttered. "I'm still here."

Thor pulled back and turned to the others, and Evelyn slid back to Steve's side and took his hand straight away.

"I apologise for my untimely arrival," Thor announced loudly, "But I have been living on Midgard for over two moons now and merely wished to check on my friends and dear niece."

Natasha gave a slight nod. Clint offered a half-smile. Bruce waved. Steve stood at Evelyn's side, his hand laced with hers.

Tony raised a glass. "Good to see you, Point Break."

Thor raised a brow at him. "I still do not know what that means."

"I'll watch the movie with you," Evelyn told him, earning a nod from the god.

Evelyn finally peeled off her wet jacket, Steve helping her out of it. They stood close, side by side, soaked to the bone but anchored in each other. She was still silent, still appearing composed. But her eyes flicked in Sam's direction, and Steve gently squeezed her hand again. It's okay, that small touch said. You don't have to hold all of it alone.

Thor's gaze returned to Evelyn's face, and he saw the storm behind her eyes and the heaviness in her shoulders that even her strength couldn't mask. He gripped Mjolnir tighter.

"Something's wrong," he said.

Evelyn didn't speak at first. Her jaw tensed, her eyes fixed on the rain-smeared windows, the weight of everything threatening to show. But Steve stood beside her, his presence quiet but grounding. She felt the warmth of his hand against hers and let it anchor her before she finally spoke.

"HYDRA's everywhere now," she said, voice low. "When S.H.I.E.L.D. fell, they didn't disappear—they scattered. Rebuilt. Went dark. And now they're slipping through cracks we didn't even know existed."

Eliza sat up straighter, the tablet still in her hands. "I haven't seen activity—"

"Because they've changed tactics," Evelyn interrupted, gently but firmly. "They're not operating out in the open. It's like they've... adapted."

Steve nodded, his grip on Evelyn's hand tightening slightly. "We've been tracking them across the U.S. It's not just weapons and data anymore—they're recruiting, expanding, and experimenting on people."

Evelyn hesitated. "They got their hands on Loki's sceptre."

Silence dropped like a hammer in the room.

"I don't know how," Steve said, voice tight. "But it's not a rumour. We confirmed it in Detroit. A contact said it was moved through HYDRA's old facilities—something about genetic testing and enhanced individuals."

Evelyn's heart hammered behind her ribs, but her face remained unreadable. She wouldn't let herself crumble. Not here. "Whatever they're planning," she said, "it's big. And that sceptre—it's not just a weapon. It's mind control and manipulation. We've seen what it does to people."

Thor's gaze dropped, his jaw tightening. "The sceptre should have been taken to Asgard."

Steve glanced at Evelyn. She was silent now, staring into the distance. He saw the flicker of fear she wouldn't voice, the worry she buried behind her strength.

Steve turned his back to the others, shielding their moment as he leaned in close, his hand gently holding hers. "Hey," he murmured, voice low and steady. "It's okay. We'll stop them. I promise—we've got this." Evelyn didn't speak but leaned into him just enough for him to feel the weight of her trust.

Thor looked between them, his expression unreadable. Then, he stepped forward, the storm in his eyes matching the one brooding in Evelyn's chest. "Then I shall help retrieve it," he said firmly. "This sceptre—it is not of your world. It was never meant to remain here. If HYDRA dares to wield its power, they have declared war not only on Midgard but also on Asgard itself."

Evelyn looked at her uncle, her expression still guarded but touched with a flicker of warmth. "Thank you," she said softly.

Thor placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "You are my kin, Evelyn, and second in line to the Asgardian throne—"

"What?"

"—and I do not take threats to my family lightly."

Tony, who had been listening quietly for once, set his drink down with a soft clink. "Well, if we're talking about glowing alien death sticks and secret Nazi science cults, you know I'm in. Sounds fun."

Eliza gave a short, dry laugh from her spot on the couch. "Guess I should start scanning for sceptre-like energy signatures again."

Bruce exhaled through his nose and nodded. "If they're using the sceptre for genetic modification, I want to know how. And I want to stop it."

Clint leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "If HYDRA's back in play, then they've got targets. And I'm not about to sit around while they pick them off one by one."

Natasha stood beside him, arms folded. "We all saw what that thing did to Barton. We're not letting them do it to anyone else."

All eyes slowly turned to Steve and Evelyn, the group's unspoken leaders. Evelyn's expression was unreadable, but her fingers tightened around Steve's hand, drawing calm from his steady presence.

"We're not going to wait for them to strike," Evelyn said, quiet but sharp as steel. "We go back out. We find where they've taken it, and we get it back."

Steve's voice followed, low but unwavering. "No more running. No more hiding. HYDRA has stolen lives, broken families, and killed anyone who has stood in their way. That ends now. This time, we finish them for good."
   
Thor rested Mjolnir on his shoulder with a solemn nod. "Then the battle is set."

Tony scanned the room, his usual smirk replaced by something steadier, something real. "Well... sounds like the band's back together."

Outside, the storm began to break. Inside, the team stood tall—not just as Avengers, but as something more. A family bound by the scars of their past, forged in battle, and ready to help save the world once again.

AUTHORS NOTE
My babies are all together under one roof once more :')
Like my first book, I'm hoping to slowly edit this book. However, I will be posting chapters before editing them just for the people who want to reread my old books. They will be marked as 'unedited' and written poorly, hence the revamp.
Don't forget to like and comment!!!
Love you all, Pheebs/-rosepetal