Blade of the Avengers

Chapter 7 - Quake

AVENGERS HQ

UPSTATE NEW YORK

11:47 PM

Kate sat on the edge of her bed and stared into nothingness, her mind still trying to comprehend the sinister agenda of the Templars. When they arrived back at Avengers Headquarters, she immediately raced to the bathroom and vomited; sick knowing that her parents were complicit and a party to their diabolical plans. Never before had she felt such shame and she wished that she had never learned the truth. Yelena, Barnes, Peter Parker and even Nebula tried to assuage how she felt, but it did not help instead she isolated herself in her room. It is said that the stain of dishonor follows a family for three generations. With the crimes my family are guilty of, mine is certainly damned for eternity Kate thought to herself. Looking at herself in the mirror, despite the five thousand dollar dress she still wore, the face mocked her. Told her because of who her mother and father were that she was unworthy of becoming an Avenger. Clenching her fists she let out a silent scream barely noticing the woman who walked into her room. Kate closed her eyes and let out of slow breath relaxing and centering herself as if she were about to take a shot in an archery competition. Looking at the woman, Kate could see that her body was toned and she knew how to handle herself. Her soft brown eyes told the story of someone who was a veteran of hundreds of battles both won and lost. On her hands were a strange pair of black gloves and she was very beautiful.

"Everything okay? Seems like you are dealing with something. I could return at another time" the woman said to Kate.

"No. It's okay. I learned some things a few days ago that I'm still trying to wrap my head around. And tonight, there were more revelations that made my stomach churn" Kate answered.

"I've learned over the years that it is never smart to suppress trauma for it finds a way to boil and fester. Care to talk about it?"

"Short version – both of my parents were and still are high ranking leaders in a global cabal that plans to eliminate free will and make humanity their slaves" Kate told the woman careful to avoid the Templar name. "Little did I know that I was being groomed to take my place in their organization as their apparent heir."

"That's rough. I too know a thing about deceptive parents and betrayal. Both of my parents abandoned me when I was young. Later when I was older, I came into contact with someone who basically became like a father to me. He inspired me to become a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent only later to be betrayed by a fellow agent" she replied her eyes closing, voice revealing the pain she still felt. "Turned out he was one of HYDRAs top sleeper agents. However, I came out stronger for it. Don't let anger be drive you. It leads you down a very dark path that sometimes you cannot get out of. Trust me I know all too well. I became a vigilante after I left S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Wow. That's quite a story" Kate answered. "I'm sorry I did not introduce myself. I'm Kate Bishop" she added remembering her manners.

"I know. So, you are the new Hawkeye. Nice to meet you. I'm Daisy Johnson. Beautiful dress by the way" Daisy said extending her hand.

Kate's eyes flew wide in recognition. Standing before her was the legendary Inhuman S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent code named Quake. Her file was heavily redacted and full access was permitted to only a select few. Even her photograph was classified above Top Secret. But what was known was Quake was a powerful practitioner of telekinetic power. It was even rumored that in an alternate timeline Daisy had torn the planet in half with her power. Not even Steven Strange had that kind of ability.

"You're Quake" Kate blurted out "trained by Grant Ward and Melinda May! One of the best fighters in S.H.I.E.L.D.! Your power rivals that of Dr. Strange and some say even Captain Marvel! Never in a million years would I have thought I would meet you. Why are you at Avengers Headquarters? What brings you here?"