Middle School Heroes

Chapter 17 - STRIKE vs SHIELD, Part II

They got to the field and the first thing that Skye saw was that Coach Garrett and the STRIKE team participants where already there, chatting with Mr. Sitwell and a tall black man with an eye patch. He looked even more intimidating than Mr. Castle, if that was possible.

Clint noticed her looking. "Haven't you met Principal Fury?"

"No. He wasn't here on my first day, and well, I haven't had any reason to meet him so far."

Clint smiled at her. "Of course you haven't."

Professor Coulson was waiting for them. "Is everybody ready for some fun?" He smiled at Skye. She tried to smile back, but she was pretty sure that the look she gave him was more of a pained look than a happy one.

"Come on, kiddos. Say goodbye to your teammates, and follow me."

Everyone gathered around them, and if Skye was overwhelmed before, it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. Everyone was shaking their hands or hugging them, and giving them last minute advice. Even Loki hugged her formally and reminded her not to pay attention to what the other team was doing, but focus on what she had to do.

Natasha punched Peter in the arm when he grabbed Skye and hugged her tightly before pretending to sob dramatically. "It was nice having a sort of not-really sister, even if it was for a very brief time, newbie."

"Ahhhh, the brother I never really wanted." She grinned at him, as Peter rubbed his sore arm.

The last person to hug her was Wanda. "Whatever happens, remember to relax and breathe. Don't let yourself get too stressed out because that's when mistakes happen."

Skye smiled at her roommate. "Thanks! I'll try to remember that, when I'm not feeling like I'm going to vomit." She giggled nervously and waved one last time before Clint grabbed her by the hand and started pulling her away.

"Sheesh!" he said, as all four of them walked away together. "You'd think we were all going off to war."

"Are you sure we're not, Clint?" Nat glanced over to their opponents.

"Principal Fury!" Professor Coulson called in greeting. "How are you, sir?"

"Doing well, yourself?" He and Mr. Sitwell joined them. "Ready for a day of safe fun and good sportsmanship. Right, Barton?" He trained his one eye on Clint, causing him to laugh.

"Of course, Sir. You know how good I am at following orders."

"Yes I do, and that's why I'm looking at you."

Skye leaned in closer to Clint, "Uhhh......I guess you get in trouble a lot?"

He shrugged. "Used to. Last year. Haven't seen the old pirate too much this year, though." He grinned at Skye's shocked expression.

Principal Fury seemed to finally notice Skye. "And this must be our new student. The fact that you've been here over a month and this is the first time I've met you means that you must be adjusting well, Ms. Johnson?"

"Skye, please. Just Skye." She smiled weakly at him.

"Well, Skye, good luck today." He walked away with Mr. Sitwell following behind him.

"Arrrrrrr! We be looking at smooth sailing today, me hearties!" Clint whispered to the others as they walked away.

"He's the Principal, Clint. Show a little respect," Skye chided him.

"Actually, I respect him very much. He's a great man. Won't stop me from making pirate jokes at his expense, though."

Natasha smirked. "Yeah, just not to his face!"