The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 26

The next week Hawkeye brought Francis to the mansion. He had them all meet in the kitchen. Francis was a shy boy with bleach blonde hair and dark brooding eyes. He hid behind Hawkeye as he introduced him.

"Everyone, this is Francis," Hawkeye said, trying to push the boy in front of him.

The boy stayed clasped to his leg, "Oh, what? Come on, Kid," Hawkeye struggled with him.

The boy shook his head and cowered behind him, "These are the guys I was telling you about. You remember, the ones you see on TV, in your cartoons and stuff."

The boy looked at all the heroes with awe in his eyes, but still hid behind his father. Stella sat closest to them. She managed to roll up to them in her wheelchair.

"Hello, Francis," Stella bent in her wheelchair to get eye level with him.

The boy ducked behind his father. Stella smiled, "Surely you aren't scared of a cripple like me?"

He peeked around Hawkeye's leg, "I'm Nashira. The newest Avenger," Stella stuck out her hand.

"Come on, Son. Shake her hand," Hawkeye urged.

The boy came out from his hiding and took her hand, puffing his chest out proudly, "I'm Francis Barton. My parents are superheroes, but I just found that out."

"Pretty cool, isn't it?"

The boy nodded eagerly, "My daddy brought me here on his sky cycle!"

"That was supposed to be a secret, Francis!"

"Whoops."

Stella ruffled his hair, "It's okay. Your secret is safe with me. Maybe I can show you my bike later."

"You have a motorcycle?"

Stella nodded, "I haven't gotten to ride her in awhile, but she's still pretty to look at."

"Cool," Francis smiled.

"Do you want to meet my friends?" Stella asked.

Fear grew in his eyes again as he looked at the team. He shook his head, "Aw, come on. They aren't that scary," Stella assured.

She gestured for the boy to come to her and he crawled up into her lap. She managed to turn her wheelchair around then held him as she introduced him to the Avengers.

"That's my boyfriend, Vision," Stella said as she pointed to him.

Vision smiled, "Hello there," he said in Jake's voice.

The boy stared at him, bewildered, "There's Falcon, and Black Widow, and-"

"That's the Hulk," The boy answered.

Stella nodded, "Yes, and that's-"

"Captain America, and Iron Man!"

Tony gave the kid a charming smile, "See they aren't all that scary, are they?" Stella asked.

The boy shook his head, "I guess not."

Stella turned around and set him down in front of his father, "Come on, Kid. I'll show you all the cool video games we have," Hawkeye said to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"But I thought you were going to show me how to make arrows," the boy protested.

Hawkeye put a finger to his lips, "Shh, that's supposed to be a secret too."

"Oh, okay," The boy whispered.

Hawkeye took the boy by the shoulders and led him away to the lounge. Stella smiled as they walked away. He would turn out just like his father. Vision massaged her shoulders, bringing her back from her thoughts.