When lightning always strikes, you know she's not far behind.
Kidnapped at a young age and recused seven years later, Avalyn Stark is forced to try to navigate a new world far from what she remembered. With threats around every corner, she was nev...
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2023 AVENGERS COMPOUND NEW YORK
Avalyn Stark had spent five years without worrying about Katarina Barnes for a single second. The girl had vanished off the face of the Earth to her, though Avalyn didn't doubt she was rocking havoc elsewhere.
In fact, she didn't even think about where she was when Avalyn entered the compound and the time they'd thought of the plans because she had no need to know. Katarina Barnes hated Avalyn Stark and Avalyn Stark hated her, no one was going to change that.
Having Katarina standing in front of her was not something Avalyn wanted a few hours before heading back in time to save everyone they lost.
"Where did you come from?" Avalyn questioned, tilting her head.
Katarina Barnes didn't feel fazed by the question. She'd spent the last five years between time with the Ronan (who was really Clint) and tearing through criminal gangs who she felt had wronged the world. Ironic when she was once considered one of the most dangerous criminals.
"A murder scene," Katarina replied bluntly. "I'm not expecting anything from you. I'm not looking for your forgiveness."
"I'd say I'm surprised but I'm not," Avalyn replied honestly. "It's not a great time for you to show up here, Barnes."
"I would have been here ages ago when Nat asked me but I didn't see the point in giving myself any hope before I knew for sure," Katarina stepped forward. "I know you hate me and I know your hated my Papa too."
"I didn't hate Bucky Barnes," Avalyn corrected. "I hated the Winter Solider, who took everything from me and proceeded to torment me and traumatise me for years. Not everyone is like you."
"You wouldn't have lasted a day in the place I was raised," Katarina spoke coldly.
"You're right, I didn't. The Avalyn Stark that was kidnapped died in Siberia."
"We don't need to be friends but I need to get my Papa back and I know you need that small spider-boy back too, and Wanda," Katarina gave a nod. "I promise not to try to kill you if you promise to not kill me."
