Stark Reality (Avengers / Morgan Stark AU)

CHAPTER 3 (Age of Ultron)

Following the collapse of SHIELD, the Avengers became a private organisation, operating out of the Avengers Tower (previously called the Stark Tower). A few of the Avengers moved into their own suites in the tower including Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, and Natasha Romanoff. However, due to many tensions between them in their marriage, Tony and Pepper decided to separate. Tony went to live in New York in Avengers Tower, while Pepper went to California to work at the West coast Stark Industries office. Morgan stayed in LA with her Mom during most of the year, visiting her Dad in New York every now and then.

The soft hum of machinery filled the air in the Avengers Tower lab as Morgan Stark focused intently on the task at hand. The now 14-year-old had been helping Dr. Helen Cho set up the regeneration cradle, a piece of advanced medical technology capable of healing even the gravest of injuries.

Morgan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Her father and the Avengers had gone on another mission, this time to retrieve Loki's scepter from HYDRA. She knew what the scepter meant—its power, its danger—and couldn't wait to hear the full story when they returned.

Soon, the QuinJet's engines roared through the air, signaling the team's arrival. Morgan hurried to the landing bay alongside Dr. Cho and Maria Hill. Her heart pounded in anticipation as the jet door opened, revealing the familiar faces of the Avengers. Tony was the last to descend the ramp, his eyes immediately searching for her. Without hesitation, Morgan sprinted up the ramp and threw her arms around him.

"Missed me?" Tony asked with a smirk, hugging her tightly.

Morgan pulled back and rolled her eyes playfully. "Just a bit. So, did you find the scepter?"

Tony's expression shifted into a grin. "Oh, we found it all right. You won't believe what else."

As they walked inside, Morgan listened intently to Tony's recount of the mission while she filled him in on everything she had been up to in his absence. From fixing Steve's old motorbike, making more arrows for Clint, and repairing Natasha's damaged wrist tasers, Morgan had kept herself busy.

Back in the lab, the atmosphere was one of cautious celebration. Tony was granted permission to study the scepter for three days before Thor would take it back to Asgard. As he analyzed the scepter, Morgan busied herself making smoothies for the team. Carrying a tray filled with the drinks, she walked over to the regeneration cradle where Clint Barton lay, recuperating from his injuries.

"Drink up." she said, handing him a smoothie with a teasing grin.

Clint took a sip and then his face winced at the flavour. "What's in this?" He asked.

"Just drink." Morgan insisted.

For the next three days, the atmosphere in the tower was tense but productive. Tony and Bruce worked tirelessly in the lab, studying the scepter, their eyes glued to monitors and scanning for patterns. Morgan stayed close, eager to help wherever she could, though she knew when to give them space. She had seen that look on her father's face before—determination mixed with a hint of something more dangerous: obsession.

On the evening of the third day, the tower buzzed with excitement as they prepared for a party to celebrate their latest victory. The living area was filled with laughter and clinking glasses. Morgan stood near the bar, sipping on a mocktail Natasha had made for her. She watched the crowd with her usual curiosity, occasionally chatting with the Avengers.

After the guests left, the core group—Tony, Steve, Natasha, Bruce, Thor, Clint, Maria Hill, and Dr. Cho—gathered around the coffee table. Morgan, now wearing Steve's leather jacket draped over her shoulders, joined them. The atmosphere turned light-hearted as they discussed the legend of Thor's hammer and who might be worthy to lift it.