Chapter 40: The Dawn of the Avengers
The atmosphere in the Helicarrier's conference room was heavy with anticipation. Gathered around the sleek, high-tech table were some of the most formidable individuals Earth had ever seen.
Superman. Iron Man. Spider-Man. Black Widow. Hawkeye. Hulk. Captain America.
And, standing off to the side with her arms crossed, Laura Kinney.
Nick Fury stood at the head of the room, his single eye scanning the group. "I won't waste your time with pleasantries. The world is changing, and we need to be ready for what's coming. That's why I brought you all here."
Tony Stark leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Let me guess, you're putting together a team?"
Fury didn't even flinch. "Damn right I am."
Steve Rogers nodded. "What's the objective?"
Fury pressed a button on the table, causing a holographic display to appear in the center. It showed classified reports, satellite images, and recordings of recent threats—aliens, rogue superhumans, unknown cosmic forces.
"We've been lucky so far," Fury said. "But luck doesn't last forever. We need a strike force. A team that can handle things no single hero can. That's why I'm assembling the Avengers."
A silence fell over the room as they processed the weight of his words.
Peter Parker, sitting beside Tony, broke the silence. "Whoa, wait. We're actually calling ourselves the Avengers?"
Fury shot him a look. "Got a problem with that?"
Peter held up his hands. "Nope. Sounds awesome."
Bruce Banner sighed, rubbing his forehead. "And you really think I should be part of this?"
Ethan, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "You're one of the smartest people on the planet, Dr. Banner. And when the time comes, we'll need you in ways no one else can replace."
Bruce let out a dry chuckle. "You mean you'll need him."
Ethan didn't deny it. "Yes."
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The Disagreement
As Fury continued assigning roles, he turned his gaze to Laura.
"And you," he said. "I want you on the team."
Laura raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"
Fury didn't blink. "You've got skills. You're a survivor. And from what I've heard, you've already fought alongside Ethan. I want you on the Avengers."
But before she could answer, Ethan spoke.
"No."
Everyone turned to look at him. Fury narrowed his eye. "Excuse me?"
Ethan's expression was firm. "She's not joining."
Laura frowned. "Hey—"
"She's not ready," Ethan continued. "You're talking about sending her into battles that could end the world. She's been through enough."
Fury crossed his arms. "That's her choice to make."
Ethan stepped forward slightly, voice calm but unyielding. "She's still figuring things out. I won't let you throw her into this war just because you need another fighter."
For a moment, the tension in the room was thick.
Laura's hands clenched at her sides. She wasn't sure what annoyed her more—Fury assuming she'd join, or Ethan deciding for her.
"I can speak for myself," she muttered.
Ethan met her eyes. "I know you can."
Something about his tone softened her frustration. She wasn't used to people looking out for her. Not like this.
"I'll think about it," she finally said, glancing back at Fury.
Fury exhaled. "Fine. But when she changes her mind, the offer's still open."
Ethan didn't respond.
The conversation shifted back to planning, but the weight of what had just happened lingered between them.
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Unfinished Business
As the meeting wrapped up, Ethan's thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Thor.
The Asgardian had been unconscious for two days, still resting at his parents' home. Jane Foster had been tending to him, worried but determined. She had contacted Ethan once, telling him Thor's condition hadn't changed.
Ethan didn't like it. Thor was a god—he wasn't supposed to be this vulnerable. Something was wrong.
He didn't like leaving Thor behind, but for now, there were bigger things to deal with.
As the others filed out of the room, Laura walked up beside him.
"You really think I'm not ready?" she asked quietly.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not about being ready. It's about what you want. If you join this team, there's no turning back. I just don't want you to be pushed into something you don't choose for yourself."
Laura studied him for a long moment.
"…Thanks," she muttered.
Ethan smiled slightly. "Anytime."
And as they walked out of the room together, neither of them noticed Fury watching them, an unreadable expression on his face.
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