The Avengers Next

Chapter 4: Training

Emily got up bright and early, used to having to do this because her dad was in the army and woke up at 7:00 am sharp every day. Quite frankly, she was surprised he didn't make her say the pledge of allegiance. She pulled on a a mint green Nike T-shirt and tight black sweatpants, her usual attire for training. Her blond curls were up in a ponytail, and she was was ready to leave the house promptly at 7:30.

Upon arrival, she could already tell the diversity between her team. She stood in the center of a mat meant for sparring, and the seven other teens were lined in front of her. Edward Thorson dwarfed everyone else in the line by at least a few inches, and looked extremely determined and ready to fight. His sister stood beside him, also very tall, but less eager. She actually looked rather nervous. In fact, that's how they seemed to be divided, excited or nervous, with Emily a mix of the two, and Beth Stark an exception to both as she looked rather careless to the matter. The nervous ones looked to be Lucy Thordottir, Anya Barton, and Sam Banner. The excited one consisted of Edward Thorson, Luke Barton, and Zach Stark.

Emily looked them over, quite unsure of how to start. Eventually she concluded on mocking the Shield Academy training exercises, and give the group (including herself) a series of trials including tests of body and mind to see who's weaknesses and strengths were what and work from there.

The tests were rigorous and challenging, just the way Emily liked them. The rest of the group was quickly realizing what they were becoming; a real team with a real leader. It was terrifyingly exciting. Everyone had their times, scores, and statistics posted on the wall of the training room at the end of the day. Emily turned to her team and tried to speak authoritatively, "Okay, next training, you're going to beat these numbers, right?" Much to her surprise, there was a strong chorus of "Right!" from her colligues. A wide smile spread across Emily's face, so this would work out afterall.