7


Months had gone by since the little spectacle with Superadopted. You had settled into a comfortable rhythm within the team, finding your place as both a protector of your newfound pack and a crucial asset in their battles. But on this night, you were blissfully shutting your eyes, letting the fatigue wash over you after a successful hunt.

Then, the sounds of panic erupted outside. Your head jerked up, instincts kicking in as adrenaline surged through your veins. Claws digging into the blanket underneath you, you ripped a small piece away, the soft fabric tearing easily under your grip. You could feel your heart racing, your senses on high alert.

"Come on then, princess, we better get our asses out there," Tony said, already suiting up in his armor. His voice carried that familiar mix of humor and urgency, a reminder that there was always chaos waiting just outside the gates of their lives.

You had carved out a little nest in the lab—a cozy spot filled with the comfort of your belongings, a place close enough to the team that you felt safe. But now, that safety seemed threatened, and your instincts told you to act.

You sprang to your feet, adrenaline flooding your system. "What's happening?" you asked, your voice steady but laced with concern.

"Don't know yet, but it sounds like something big," Tony replied, his helmet sliding into place with a hiss. "Get your gear on; I'll scout ahead."

You had your gear tucked in a corner, always ready for moments like this. You quickly pulled on your combat outfit, feeling the familiar weight settle around you. As you finished, you glanced back at the lab, grateful for the nesting spot you'd claimed but knowing you wouldn't be able to relax until you were sure everyone was safe.

With a final nod to Tony, you followed him out of the lab, your senses heightened. Your heart was pounding, every sound sharpening as you stepped into the chaos beyond the doors. Shadows danced in the dim light, and your sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.

The voices of your teammates could be heard, urgency in their tones. "Whatever it is, we need to contain it," Steve's commanding voice echoed,, contrasting with the chaotic sounds of panic that surrounded you.

"Let's show them they picked the wrong place to mess with," Sam added, his resolve clear. You could feel the collective tension in the air as you formed ranks with your team.

You stepped forward, determination blazing within you. "What do we know?" you asked, ready to jump into action.

"Just the usual disturbances," Clint replied, glancing toward the noise. "But whatever it is, it's causing a disturbance. We need to figure out if it's a threat or just a false alarm."

"Let's move out then," Tony said, already taking point. "Stick together and don't get separated. And remember, we all have each other's backs."

As you pressed forward into the night, your heart thrummed in sync with the bonds of your pack. Whatever was out there, you would face it together—no doubts, no fears. You were ready for anything that came your way.

 you emerged into the open night, the starlight was partially obscured by massive stones that had crashed to the earth, creating a rough landscape of debris and chaos around you. The sight sent a low growl rumbling deep within your chest, instincts flaring. "Big stones from the sky?" you asked, your voice laced with confusion and concern.

Tony chuckled softly, giving you a quick pat on the head, a gesture that made you feel oddly reassured amid the brewing storm. "You could say that, princess," he said, his tone light but focused. "But let's find out exactly what we're dealing with." He launched himself off the helipad, armor gleaming in the dim light as he activated his repulsors, propelling himself into the air.

With a burst of adrenaline, you leaped after him, bounding from building to building, the cityscape below a blur. The thrill of movement coursed through you, your heightened senses attuned to every sound and scent of the night. You could feel the rush of the wind against your face, the pulse of energy thrumming through your body as you navigated the rooftops.

"Keep your eyes peeled!" Tony called out, his voice echoing through the night. "We don't know if there's someone or something else out here!"

As you leaped gracefully from one rooftop to another, the remains of the stones glinted ominously, still smoldering in places where they had impacted the ground. With each landing, you scanned the horizon, intent on discerning any signs of movement or potential danger.

Suddenly, you spotted something darting between the remnants of the fallen stones—shadows shifting and swirling, almost as if they had a life of their own. "Over there!" you shouted, pointing toward the dark shapes. "I see movement!"

Tony narrowed his eyes in that direction. "Let's check it out! Stay close, and remember to stay low," he instructed, already angling himself to descend from the rooftop toward the ground below.

You followed closely behind, feeling the thrill of the chase. As you landed softly on the ground, the eerie silence of the night wrapped around you like a thick blanket. The shadows loomed larger, the shapes now becoming clearer—figures moving among the ruins.

"Looks like we've got company," you muttered, your eyes narrowing as you sized up the new arrivals. They didn't appear friendly.

"Let's get ready," Tony said, sliding into a combat stance, his repulsors glowing faintly. You mirrored him, crouching low, prepared to fight whatever threat had come crashing down from the sky.

With a fierce growl echoing from your throat, you felt an overwhelming urge to protect your pack, ready to defend your new family against whatever dangers awaited. The night was just beginning, and you would face it head-on, alongside your teammates. Together, you were stronger than any falling stone from the sky.

You stood, muscles taut and poised to spring, as a figure clad in brilliant red and gold armor soared down from the heavens. In an instant, the man landed with a grace that belied his imposing figure. With an effortless wave of his hand, he unleashed a powerful blast that sent the stones soaring back into the sky, breaking apart as they ascended and scattering harmlessly into the atmosphere.

A mix of awe and disbelief coursed through you, but it was quickly overshadowed by a protective instinct. "Oh gods, no!" you snarled, baring your claws as you spread them wide, ready to defend your pack at any cost. The air around you crackled with tension; this was not the peaceful arrival you expected.

The man turned to you, his expression shifting to a charming grin. "Don't worry too much, my dear raptor," he said smoothly, his voice calm and soothing. "I am Hyperion, and I come for peace."

The air around you felt charged, and you could sense the mixed emotions rippling through your teammates as they took in this unexpected newcomer. You weren't entirely convinced. "Peace?" you echoed, skepticism threading your tone. "After raining destruction from the sky?"

Hyperion held up his hands in a gesture of goodwill. "I understand your concern. I swear I meant no harm. Those stones were part of a malfunctioning satellite that threatened your world. I was here to neutralize the threat."

"Neutralize?" Tony interjected, stepping forward, his body still coiled for action. "It sure didn't look like that from our perspective."

"I know how it appears," Hyperion replied, his tone earnest. "But sometimes drastic measures are necessary to protect the greater good. I assure you, I have no intention of causing harm to anyone here. I only wish to help."

Your claws slowly retracted, though the tension in your stance remained. You exchanged glances with your teammates, gauging their thoughts. Trust wasn't something easily granted, especially not when so many unknowns hung in the air.

"Prove it," you finally said, your voice steady. "Demonstrate that you mean what you say. Show us you're not a threat."

Hyperion's expression softened. "Very well. I know it's difficult to trust a stranger," he said. "Give me the chance to prove myself."

With that, he lifted one arm, a shimmering shield of energy enveloping him protectively. "You see? I can defend against any threats as well. I am here to assist you, not to attack."

As the shimmering energy blazed around him, you felt a flicker of unease. While his power was impressive, it also made you wary. "Assisting isn't enough," you replied. "We need to know you're on our side."

"I'm prepared to prove it every step of the way," Hyperion said, unwavering. "Together, we can fend off any danger and ensure the safety of your city. I came here to rally allies, and if you'll allow me, we can work together to protect your home."

The air hung heavy with uncertainty, but amid it, you sensed the sincerity in his voice. You looked at your team, who shared hesitant expressions—trust was fragile. But amid the chaos surrounding the fallen stones and the unknowns ahead, you felt a glimmer of hope.

"Alright, Hyperion," you said, your voice firm but measured. "Show us your resolve. Help us find out just what kind of threat those stones have drawn here tonight, and if you do, we'll consider working together."

"Excellent!" he replied, enthusiasm lighting up his features. "Lead the way, and I'll follow."

With a cautious nod from your pack, you felt a flicker of excitement as you moved forward together. Night had fallen, but alongside this enigmatic ally, perhaps you could light the way through the darkness ahead.

You slipped back into the shadows, and before you knew it, your team had taken the quantum jet with Hiroshi, returning to Haven's Tower. But you lingered outside the doors, a gnawing sense of unease washing over you. There was something about the situation that troubled your instincts, a warning you couldn't shake.

Suddenly, you heard a rush of air. Tony descended from the sky, landing behind you with a grace that spoke of his experience in aerial maneuvers. "What's the problem, Scarlett?" he asked, his tone light and almost teasing. "You're always cautious around strangers, but he seems like a nice guy, doesn't he?"

You growled under your breath, turning away from him and shifting quickly into your human form. The warmth of the transformation coursed through you, but your concern remained unyielding. "He's an alien, Tony; I can feel it."

Tony furrowed his brow, his visor lifting as if he were trying to see something that wasn't there. "Okay, if you believe in aliens, I don't even know what to think," he said, a note of incredulity creeping into his voice.

You let out a short laugh, but it felt thinner than you wanted it to be. "I mean, he's not natural; he's a being I've never encountered before." You fidgeted, your hands twisting in the hem of your suit. "I don't trust him. He smells... off."

Tony stepped closer, a serious expression replacing his earlier levity. "Scarlett, we've been through so much together. What if he really wants to help? We can't dismiss him without at least giving him a chance."

You sighed, deeper than you intended. "And what if he has an agenda? This isn't a game, Tony. It's about protecting what we have, and I won't risk anything for a stranger," you said, your voice sharp as claws.

"So what do you want to do?" he asked, his tone now calm, as if he were waiting for your verdict.

"We can give him a chance, but on our terms," you finally replied, reluctantly. "We keep an eye on him. If he does anything suspicious, we're ready to act."

Tony nodded, relief evident on his face. "Okay. Let's take it step by step. But remember, sometimes we have to trust that people, no matter how strange they seem, might have good intentions."

You took a deep breath, trying to collect your thoughts. There was a pressing need for protection, for security in this chaotic world. But you couldn't let prejudice guide you. "Let's see how this unfolds," you said reluctantly.

With that, you turned toward the doors of Haven's Tower, ready to confront the unknown and see where the path would lead you. It was clear that the night was still young, and the challenges waiting ahead would test not only your team but also the boundaries of what you thought you knew about allies and enemies.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

You stared hard at Hyperion, the intensity of your gaze piercing through the tension that hung in the air. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slit your throat right here and now," you demanded, taking a decisive step forward, your body coiling with the raw energy of potential violence.

"Okay, we need to calm down here, Scarlett. If Hyperion wants to help, then let him help," Steve interjected, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of urgency.

You shot a glance over your shoulder toward the blonde captain, the flicker of doubt in your eyes betraying your resolve. With a swift motion, you grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him into the shadowed corner of the room, away from prying eyes and ears. "I've already told Tony, but he's not to be trusted, Captain. You have to believe me on this."

A flicker of confusion crossed his features, but you pressed on, your voice low and forceful. "How many charming men have you encountered who are truly honest with what they say? None, I imagine. They wear smiles like masks, concealing their true intentions."

The captain's brow furrowed, a mix of skepticism and concern settling in. You could see him wrestling with your words, weighing the validity of your fears against the enigmatic presence of Hyperion, whose calm demeanor seemed almost disarming. But you were no fool; you had witnessed darkness hidden behind brilliant façades too often to dismiss your instincts now.

"Listen to me," you continued, urgency spilling into your tone as you leaned closer, your voice a whisper edged with a steel resolve. "Trust your instincts. Trust me. Hyperion may speak of goodwill, but I sense something else beneath that charm. You must be cautious."

As you stepped back, the weight of your words lingered between you. You could see the internal conflict playing out in the captain's eyes, the gravity of the situation dawning upon him. You knew he had a duty to uphold, but in this dance of deception and hidden agendas, it was survival that mattered most—yours and that of those you swore to protect.

"Just promise me you'll keep your guard up," you murmured, a plea wrapped in the urgency of the moment. And as you observed him nod slowly, accepting the tentative alliance forged in the shadows of uncertainty, you steeled yourself for whatever lay ahead, knowing that trust was a fragile thing in a world painted with shades of betrayal.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

You had been right about Hyperion; you knew he was a fraud. His behavior was too aggressive, clashing with your morals—well, the Avengers' morals, at least. You didn't care who you killed; at least you hadn't done it yet. You were Hydra's little assassin, and you should have their blood on your hands by now, but you didn't.

Now, you stood staring up at Hyperion as he hovered above you, anger and pain etched across his beautiful face. "Do you dare to oppose me?" he roared, his voice booming with an intensity that made the very ground beneath you tremble. You extended your claws, feeling the familiar rush of power surging through you. "We dare a lot, Hyperion; we are the Avengers," you snorted, your voice steady despite the looming threat.

Hyperion let out a contemptuous laugh, the sound reverberating in the stillness of the moment. "But that trash adds nothing good to this Earth; he is a stain that must be wiped away," he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at the villain known as Wrecker, the leader of the Wrecking Crew. This guy had supposedly been sent for rehabilitation, but evidently, he had failed spectacularly.

Wrecker stood several feet away, swaggering with his usual arrogance, oblivious to the impending confrontation. His crew was scattered, caught off-guard by the confrontation between you and Hyperion. The tension crackled in the air, thick and electric, as you weighed the implications of Hyperion's declaration.

"Whether Wrecker belongs in prison or not isn't up for debate," you replied, taking a step forward, determination and defiance in your stance. "What matters is that we don't become judge and executioner, Hyperion. We have rules, a code."

Hyperion's expression twisted in irritation. "Rules? Codes? They only serve to unjustly prolong the existence of poison in this world!" His voice rose again, echoing off the surrounding buildings, igniting a raw, primal energy between you.

"Maybe you're right," you admitted, your eyes narrowing as you scrutinized his intentions. "But how many innocents do you think will suffer for your so-called 'justice' if we allow you to dictate who lives and dies? It's a slippery slope."

He stared down at you, and for a moment, you could see the flicker of something human beneath the anger—an internal conflict churning within him. But instead of reasoning, his eyes hardened. "In a world filled with outright chaos, sometimes you have to be the monster to protect the innocent!"

In that moment, you realized that appealing to Hyperion's humanity might be futile. You took a deep breath, preparing for the confrontation ahead. The crowd of heroes and villains alike held their breath, each person acutely aware that the next move could shift the balance of the entire situation.

"Then if you're willing to become the monster, you'll have to go through me first," you declared, your voice unwavering as you braced yourself for the impending clash. You would do whatever it took to protect your team, to uphold the principles of the Avengers, even if it meant standing alone against someone so powerful. The stakes had never been higher, and the outcome of this battle would echo far beyond the streets of New York.

Steve stepped forward, flanked by the rest of the Avengers, an undeniable unity emanating from their presence. "You're not facing him alone, Scarlett," he asserted with a firmness that steadied the chaotic atmosphere.

You managed to twist your lips into a grimace that you hoped resembled a smile, even under the dire circumstances. But the tension only thickened as Hyperion's eyes began to glow ominously, his expression a blend of anger and disbelief. "So, this is how it is, isn't it? You lure me in, allow me to step into your sanctuary, and then turn your backs on me?" His voice dripped with bitterness as he closed his eyes a moment, perhaps reflecting on past traumas. "Just like back on my planet. I tried to reach them from my wings, but they chose wrong."

"Being violent toward others isn't the way to go, Hyperion," you countered, your tone firm yet edged with a hint of empathy. You threw your head back and unleashed a sharp, echoing roar that resonated through the deserted street, reverberating against the buildings as if they trembled in response.

The others instinctively drew closer, bracing for what might come next, but Hyperion groaned, the power behind your voice scrambling his thoughts. He fell to his knees with a thud, confusion clouding his features.

"Why... what did you do?" Sam asked, clearly perplexed by the sudden turn of events.

You felt a rush of excitement mixed with satisfaction as you smiled, a primal glint in your eye. "I'm a raptor, remember?" you reminded them with a playful sharpness, embracing the fierce spirit of the creature you embodied.

Then, in a swift motion, you lunged, crashing into Hyperion and dragging him down into the shallow waters beneath the bridge. The cold water enveloped both of you, a sudden contrast to the heated confrontation above. You felt the muscles in your body working, your instincts sharp as you pulled him deeper, hoping to disorient him further.

Under the murky surface, the world shifted. You could feel the currents swirling around you, the tension of the battle siphoned into the depths. Hyperion struggled momentarily, realizing that he was far from the overpowering force he believed himself to be in this moment.

Fighting against the water, his bright eyes shone like lanterns in the dark, and you could see the determination and confusion battling within him as you both surfaced. Just above the water's edge, you caught a glimpse of Steve, Natasha, and Sam watching with a mix of concern and determination. Their solidarity gave you strength, reminding you that you weren't alone in this fight.

Hyperion's frustration bubbled over as he broke the surface, sputtering for breath. "You think this will change anything?" he growled, the anger pulsing in his veins like fire.

"No," you replied, treading water as you met his gaze head-on. "But maybe it will show you that there's another way to fight, one that doesn't lead to destruction."

The embers of conflict still crackled in the air, but the tide was turning. You swam in place, ready for whatever else he might throw at you, the support of your team bolstering your resolve. The fight was far from over, but for the first time, you felt a shift—an opportunity to reach through the darkness that encased Hyperion, to pull him back to the light.

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