Hacky Sack ~ An Avengers Story

Seventeen ~ Our Song

Morning came and Cedar was up at the crack of dawn with Maria. The agent skipped her morning run to make breakfast with her guest. As much as they both wanted it to last forever, Cedar knew she had to get going soon. The quicker she gets into hiding, the better.

Once dishes were done and the kitchen was restored to it's previous cleanliness, Cedar grabbed her borrowed backpack and stood by the door. Maria threw her arms around Cedar one last time before leading her to the garage. In there was Maria's slick black car, and a motorcycle with the SHIELD logo on it. The agent grabbed a can of black spray paint from one of the shelves and covered the logo on both sides.

"I contacted Fury last night. He promised to keep this all a secret, seeing he's supposed to be dead and all."

Cedar chuckled and hopped on the bike and starting it up. "Thanks again for everything."

"Anything for my rule-breaker." She rolled her eyes and leaned against the door, "And don't forget to call me, missy!"

"Yes mom." Cedar smiled, nudging the kickstand up with her foot and shifting into gear. With that, the enhanced girl rode off into the morning light and to Harford County, Maryland.

Cedar wondered what the safehouse would be like. Would it be more like a SHIELD base, or more like an actual house? It's probably nothing big, seeing it's most likely for temporary use. Maria didn't tell her much other than there's a closet full of women's clothes and one of mens with various sizes, a large cash stash, and food. There are weapons hidden throughout the house and a complex security system. Cedar is meant to feel safe there, as if anyone that stays there.

When she wasn't thinking of her new residence, she was thinkin about Tony and everyone else she's leaving behind. They've gone a month without her, they can deal a little longer. Besides, Cedar didn't plan to stay there forever. Eventually she plans to return, after she's satisfied with the work she's done. But she will miss the Avengers, they've been the closest thing to family she's had in a while.

Though Cedar's intentions are good, she doesn't - nor has she ever - seen herself as a hero. If anything, a vigilante. The hero life wasn't for her. She despised the thought of herself being world-known or even seeing herself on the television. The media portrays the Avengers to live this glorious life of fame and riches, when they live the opposite. It disgusts her, and she refused to let the media alter who she really is.

Before she knew it, she had made it to her destination. All the thinking she had been doing really took time away from the drive. She made it to Maryland, now to find the safehouse. On her left was acres upon acres of farmland, and on her right was... well, pretty much the same. The scenery started growing old seeing it didn't change much. She drove through a small suburban town which was only a couple of miles away from her place. Cedar made a mental note of this for when she'd have to go on supply runs. Eventually it turned back to farmland, but soon came up on a long driveway with a gated entrance. Because the trees stretched along the driveway an soon turned into a forest, you couldn't see the house itself.

Cedar drove up to the gate and read the code on the back of the key. She typed it into the keypad, which flashed green then slid down to surface a SHIELD identification screen, "Please state your name." The electronic voice demanded.

"Cedar Evans." She spoke into the mic. It scanned over her face, then responded.

"Cedar Evans, Andrews, Stark. Nova, Hacky Sack. Your entry has been accepted by Nicholas Fury. Welcome." It responded as the iron gates slowly screeched open.

She muttered an "Alright then," before pushing off and riding down the long driveway. It twisted and turned for about a quarter of a mile until she was completely in the woods. Another quarter mile later, she arrived at the safehouse. To say she was impressed would be an understatement.

This place was huge! Its exterior was all wood and glass, lit up by beautiful orange lanterns. There were grey trimmings around the roof and posts, adding to the color scheme. The driveway was lined with grey stones that led to a two car garage. Cedar stared in awe before walking the motorcycle into the garage. She typed in the code and watched it open. "Oh, hell yeah." She purred as the door lifted to show a matte black Audi r8 with windows so tinted they looked like they were covered in fresh asphalt.

"This is an actual dream." Stated a breathless Cedar. As she gawked at the garage, an idea popped in her head. 'If I think this is good, the inside must be ten times better.' So she listened to her head and unlocked the door with the key, then stated her name - the same procedure as at the gate.

As she stepped inside, she was greeted with a warm gust of air that contrasted nice against the cold winter climate of Maryland. The inside was indeed, even more gorgeous than the garage. It was wide open with a beautiful kitchen and living room as soon as you step inside. The floors were a darker grey tile that complimented the lighter wooden walls. A stone chimney climbed the furthest wall with matching furniture surrounding it.

Cedar immediately pulled out her phone gifted by Maria and called the second number programed. Two rings in and she got an answer, "So, do you like the house?"

"Maria... holy shit." She breathed, "I never wanna leave."

"I knew you'd say something like that." Hill chuckled from the other end of the line, "I hope you adjust well."

"Oh that shouldn't be a difficulty."

"This line will always be open if you need anything. Don't hesitate to send me a message if you get lonely."

Cedar smiled to herself, "I promise I'll give you updates. Send you a message before and after every mission in case you need to rescue me."

She groaned, "God you scare me."

"I'll talk to you soon, Hill."

"Till then, Evans." The line went silent as the two hung up and pocketed their phones. Cedar frowned at the ground. She really wishes she could call Tony to let him know that she was okay, and to stop looking for her. It broke her heart knowing that he was most likely fighting to find her. One day they'll reunite - but until then, she's on her own.

Cedar gave herself a house tour of the two-story house. There were four bedrooms and one master all on the second floor. There was a training room in the basement and a cozy lounge on the back porch. A study was located across the dining room on the first floor, as was a laundry room. Cedar really meant it when she said she'd have no trouble adjusting to the place.

After claiming the master bedroom, she began unpacking her bag from Maria. She emptied its contents onto the bed, and for the first time looked at everything packed. Inside there was two black long-sleeved shirts as well as a pair of jeans and sweatpants. A black hoodie came tumbling out next that had something wrapped inside of it. In the hoodie's pocket was a Smith and Wesson with an extra mag. Next in the bag was a dagger in it's holster. The next thing she pulled out was a few stacks of cash with a note tucked in it that read 'vault is behind the painting in the study. Passcode is 3857'.

Cedar made a mental note before pulling out the last item: her bottle of Jack Daniels. She grinned to herself as she took a quick swing from it before carrying it down to the kitchen island. Placing it against the backsplash of the counter, she looked around the room for a.... there it is!

A speaker control system sat in the living room, begging for Cedar to take control of it. And she did just that as she connected her phone through bluetooth to it. Seconds later, her and Tony's song started blaring,

"I am Iron man." She sang along in a robotic voice, "Has he lost his mind? Can he see or is he blind?"