Chapter Text
A few years had passed since the events of Tony's death and the defeat of Thanos, and the team had split to regain their lives for a while. Stephen Strange and Wanda both had students of their own; Thor and Valkyrie reigned over Asgard; Peter Parker was still Spiderman; and finally, Clint Barton had taken Kate Bishop under his wing to be the next Hawkeye as he was planning to retire. However, despite their separate paths, the bond between the original Avengers remained strong. They would occasionally come together for special missions or to simply catch up and reminisce about their past adventures. Deep down, they knew that if a new threat were to arise, they would once again unite as Earth's mightiest heroes.
Since Clint took in Kate and welcomed her as one of his own, he pulled her aside one afternoon as the family was having a BBQ. Kate wondered what was happening; they only had one-on-one talks when it was important.
"What's going on?" Kate asked as they walked across the field on the Barton's farm. Clint looked at Kate with a serious expression and said, "There's something I need to discuss with you. It's about our legacy as Avengers and the responsibility that comes with it." Kate's curiosity grew, sensing the weight of the conversation. She knew that whatever Clint was about to say would have a profound impact on their lives as heroes. "As of now, you're Hawkeye."
"No, no, no… I can't! You're Hawkeye… THE Hawkeye! Original archer to the Avengers, I—..."
Clint interrupted her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You've proven yourself time and time again, Kate. It's time for you to step up and take on this role," he said firmly. Kate felt a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and determination—as she realised the weight of the responsibility being passed down to her.
"but-"
Clint cut her off, giving her a reassuring smile. "Trust me, you're ready for this," he said confidently. Kate took a deep breath, nodding in agreement as she accepted the mantle of Hawkeye. "Okay… okay." With a newfound sense of purpose, Kate squared her shoulders and prepared to embrace her new identity as Hawkeye. She knew that she had big shoes to fill, but with Clint's guidance and support, she was ready to rise to the challenge. Out of nowhere, she gave Clint a quick hug. He hugged her back tightly, whispering, "I believe in you, Kate. And I love you, kid. You're part of the family; don't forget that."
As they pulled away, Kate spoke, barely calm, "I won't let you down." Clint smiled reassuringly, his eyes filled with pride. "I know you won't," he said softly, before turning to face the new adventure that awaited them both. As they walked back to Laura and the family, they heard her call, "Hey guys, what do you want on your hot dogs? Mayo or mustard?"
"Wha… who puts mayo on hot dogs?" Kate whispered to Clint, shaking her head in disbelief. Clint chuckled and replied, "Definitely mustard for me." They both laughed as they continued on their journey back to the family gathering. Clint held Kate close as they headed towards Laura and the rest of their loved ones, grateful for the bond they shared and the memories they were creating together. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the scene as they approached, ready to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and great company. Later that night, Clint found Kate sitting outside on the steps of the house. She was staring up at the stars, lost in thought.
"How are you holding up?… Hawkeye"
Kate gave a faint smirk as he called her that. "I'm doing okay, just needed some fresh air," Kate replied, her gaze still fixed on the twinkling night sky. Clint sat down beside her, silently offering his support as they both found solace in the quiet moment together. "Do you really think I'm ready to take over the Hawkeye role..."
"You've looked up to me for who knows how long, right?"
"yea"
"Then trust me when I say you're ready." Kate's heart swelled with gratitude at Clint's words of encouragement. She knew she had big shoes to fill, but with his guidance, she felt more confident than ever in her ability to take on the Hawkeye role.
"So you're officially retired?" Clint nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Officially retired," he confirmed, feeling a sense of peace knowing that Kate was ready to carry on the legacy. Kate felt a mix of emotions, but deep down she knew she was prepared for this new chapter in her life.
"What would you do if I had no other choice but to call you to come get me… would you?" Clint's smile widened, his eyes showing a glimmer of pride. "I'd drop everything and come get you, no questions asked," he replied, his voice filled with unwavering certainty. Kate felt a surge of gratitude towards her mentor, knowing that she could always count on him no matter what.
"That's what I did when Tony Stark and Steve Rogers were at each other's throats…. Wanda needed my help. I went running to help." Kate admired Clint even more for his loyalty and dedication to his friends, feeling fortunate to have him in her corner during this new journey. She knew that with Clint by her side, she could overcome any obstacle that came her way.
"I left for five minutes, and everything went to crap," Clint joked. He and Natasha were basically the glue to the original six. Their bond was unbreakable, and Kate felt grateful to be a part of their team. Clint's humour and Natasha's strength were the perfect combination to keep everyone together, no matter what challenges they faced.
"Come on, you should get to sleep. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow. I'll give you some last-minute training, but after that… It's all over to you, kid."
Kate smiled gratefully at Clint, knowing that she was in good hands with him by her side. As she headed off to bed, she felt confident that she was ready to take on whatever challenges awaited her the next day. Kate went to bed that night and lay there awake for a few moments. She was now Hawkeye… she was no longer the student of Clint Barton. She felt a sense of pride and determination wash over her as she thought about the journey ahead. With Clint's guidance and her own newfound skills, she was ready to embrace her new identity as Hawkeye and prove herself in the field.
Kate knew that she had big shoes to fill, but she was determined to make Clint proud and show the world what she was capable of. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, ready to face the challenges that awaited her as the new Hawkeye. The next morning, Kate woke up to the smell of pancakes. She smiled, feeling grateful for Clint's support and excited for the adventures that lay ahead. As she sat down to breakfast, she knew that she was ready to take on whatever challenges came her way as Hawkeye.
Kate joined Clint and Laura in the kitchen, feeling like she was finally part of a family. The sense of belonging gave her the confidence she needed to embrace her new role as Hawkeye with determination and courage. She sat beside Laura as Clint immediately went over the new training that came with her new title. Kate listened intently, eager to learn and improve her skills as Hawkeye. With each passing moment, she felt more confident in her abilities and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference alongside her new teammates.
"Okay, so I made some mistakes during the blip, okay?" Clint began, "But I'm here now and ready to make up for lost time. Kate, I believe in you, and I know you have what it takes to be a great Hawkeye." Kate smiled, feeling supported and encouraged by Clint's words.
"I've got some big boots to fill, huh?" Clint chuckled, "You'll make your own mark, Kate. Just keep honing your skills and trust yourself." Kate nodded, feeling determined to prove herself and carve out her own path as Hawkeye. "There are people who won't know there's a new Hawkeye in town… some really bad people. Bigger threats than Thanos ever were. And that's saying something."
"Really? Like who?" Clint's expression turned serious. "Trust me, you'll find out soon enough. Just be ready when the time comes." Kate's curiosity piqued, wondering what challenges lay ahead as she prepared to step into her new role as Hawkeye. Kate nodded. "I'll be ready, I promise."
Clint gave her a reassuring smile, "I know you will be. Just remember, I'll always have your back." With that, Kate felt a surge of confidence as she embraced the journey ahead with determination and excitement. "Hopefully you won't have to fight anyone the first day by yourself, but you know where I am if you need me! Give me a call, and I'll be there faster than Thanos could snap!"
"Thanks, Clint," Kate said with a soft smile as they finished breakfast. As they parted ways, Kate couldn't help but feel grateful for Clint's support and encouragement. She knew that with him by her side, she could take on anything that came her way as the new Hawkeye. Later that day, Kate said goodbye to Clint and Laura until she returned that night. Clint was retired. Kate was by herself. Feeling both nervous and excited for the challenges ahead.
"Ooh, okay, first day going solo... no pressure." Kate took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was capable of handling whatever came her way. She walked out the door with determination, ready to prove herself as the new Hawkeye. With one step, she was out the door. Kate soon made her way to the city of New York. Where the original 6 Avengers defeated Loki and his alien army in the Battle of New York. The place where she met Clint felt like not long ago. As she walked through the bustling streets, Kate couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and responsibility at being part of such a legendary team. She knew that she had big shoes to fill, but she was determined to make her mark as the new Hawkeye.
Luckily for Kate, everything was quiet at the moment. No fights are happening. Nothing. She was just an archer undercover. But she couldn't shake the feeling that trouble was never too far away in a city like New York. As she continued on her mission, Kate remained vigilant and ready for whatever challenges may come her way. She knew that being a superhero meant constantly being on guard and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Despite the calm facade of the city, Kate was prepared for the unexpected and determined to prove herself as a worthy successor to the Hawkeye mantle. Kate's mind kept drifting to a different place as she watched kids in the park. What if she took on a student like Clint did with her? That way she would have someone to pass the Hawkeye torch to if ever needed. With her keen eye for detail and sharpshooting skills, Kate felt confident in her ability to train a protégé who could one day take up the Hawkeye mantle. She knew that having a successor would ensure that the legacy of Hawkeye would continue to thrive, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Kate decided to set up her archery things in the park. Was she laying low? Possibly not. Was she bringing future archers to try their luck at going under her wing? Yes. Clint would never have let her find a student this way. He would've gone to Shield and asked Fury to pick some random kid and have to put up with them. Although that's how Clint ended up with Kate, more or less. But Kate was determined to find her own successor in a more organic way, passing on the skills and values she had learnt from Clint in a more personal manner. She believed that this approach would ensure a stronger bond and better chance of success for her future protege.
An hour passed, and Kate had properly set up her practise range on multiple trees; she had her practise arrows, aka not Clint's trick arrows. She watched as a young girl, about twelve years old, approached tentatively. Kate smiled, knowing that this could be the beginning of a beautiful mentorship. She handed the girl a bow and arrow, ready to begin their training session together. The girl's name was Erica; she had brown hair and light blue eyes. She pulled the bow back with ease. Then let the arrow fly once she knew her aim was true. Kate watched in awe as Erica's arrow hit the target dead centre, a natural talent shining through. Impressed by Erica's potential, Kate knew that with her guidance, this young girl could become a skilled archer in no time.
"That… that wasn't bad, kid, not bad at all." Kate smiled, proud of Erica's progress in just one session. She knew their mentorship was off to a great start. Despite her skill, Erica missed the targets a few times. But for a 12-year-old, her aim was pretty good. Kate decided to focus on improving Erica's consistency and precision, confident that with practice, she would become a formidable archer. With determination in her eyes, Erica eagerly listened to Kate's advice, ready to hone her skills and become a true archery prodigy.
After a few hours of training, it had started to get dark. Clint expected her to be home soon and was impressed by the dedication Erica showed towards her training. He knew that with her passion and commitment, she would surely achieve great success in the sport of archery. Once the sun had finally set, Kate got a weird feeling that she was being watched. She knew how bad the streets could be at night; she now had a 12-year-old by her side as a possible future student to continue the Hawkeye legacy. She couldn't let anything happen to this kid if she could help it!
Erica walked beside Kate as they trekked down the streets of New York, now silent. Everyone was either at home or asleep. The eerie feeling of being watched lingered, causing Kate to quicken her pace. She kept a close eye on Erica, determined to protect her from any potential danger lurking in the shadows. The girls were getting to a more dangerous part of the city; Kate didn't know this area very well.
"We must've taken a wrong turn back there!..." Kate muttered as she looked at her surroundings. The air was eerie, and she didn't like it. Erica clutched Kate's arm tighter, sensing her friend's unease. They needed to find their way out of this unfamiliar territory quickly before anything happened. Kate's instincts told her to call Clint, but there was no signal here. As they walked briskly, Kate tried to remain calm and focused on finding a way back to safety. She knew they needed to stick together and stay vigilant in order to navigate through the unknown streets.
"Uh... Kate I don't like this!… Where are we?" Kate turned to Erica with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, we'll figure it out together. Let's keep moving and stay alert."
An hour passed, and the girls still hadn't found their way out of the maze of alleyways. It was now late. Very late. Kate had no other choice. Once Kate got a signal bar, she called Clint. He picked up, but his voice was crackly with the bad signal.
"Kate, where are you?" Kate quickly explained their situation to Clint, who immediately offered to come find them. With a sense of relief, Kate and Erica stayed put and waited for Clint to arrive, grateful for his help in their time of need. They waited and waited for what felt like an hour. Nothing. Kate started to worry; their signal had been bad during their call. Clint most likely missed half of their message. Kate decided to try calling Clint again, hoping for a better signal this time. As they waited anxiously, Kate reassured Erica that Clint would eventually find them, no matter what.
"Clint, come on, come on, come on…Where are you?" Kate muttered under her breath, her anxiety growing with each passing minute. Erica squeezed her hand in silent support, both of them hoping for the sound of Clint's voice to break the tension.
Erica clung onto Kate's arm; she was a 12-year-old kid in a place filled with creepy alleyways, not exactly kid-friendly. Kate could feel Erica's fear radiating off of her, and she knew she had to stay strong for the both of them until Clint arrived. She whispered words of comfort to Erica, promising to protect her no matter what. "Kid, listen to me, stay close. I'm going to try and call Clint again, okay? Use your arrows if you need to!"
Kate's heart raced as she dialled Clint's number once more, praying for him to answer. The darkness of the alley seemed to close in around them, but Kate knew they had to hold on just a little longer. "Clint—ugh, no signal still? Are you kidding me!? Erica I think we're on our own, kiddo…" Kate's voice trembled as she spoke, trying to sound confident for Erica's sake. She knew they had to stay strong and rely on each other until help arrived. If help arrived.
"Kate, I'm hungry..." Kate took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she reassured Erica, "I know, sweetie. We'll find something to eat soon, I promise." Despite the fear gnawing at her insides, Kate knew she had to keep a brave face for Erica's sake. Kate tried Clint one final time. There was still no answer. She knew they were truly on their own now. Kate prayed for a miracle as she held Erica close, hoping they would make it out of this situation alive. Kate looked at the buildings; they saw a figure at the top, and her eyes narrowed. "Erica, when I say run… you get out of these alleyways and don't look back, okay?"
"but"
"Trust me." Kate's heart raced as she prepared to make a run for it with Erica. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. Kate and Erica shared a look of determination before nodding at each other, ready to face whatever danger lay ahead. With one last glance at the figure in the distance, Kate whispered, "Now, Erica. Run." Erica soon burst off as fast as her little legs would carry her; Kate used a trick arrow and blasted it at the figure as a diversion and then instantly followed Erica.
"Kate!" Erica called halfway as she stopped and looked behind her. She heard Kate's voice: "Don't wait for me! Keep running!" Erica hesitated for a moment, torn between following Kate's orders and staying by her side. But she knew she had to trust Kate's plan and continued running towards safety, hoping that Kate would catch up soon. Whilst on the move, Kate tried her phone again. "Clint, for the love of Thor, if this gets through, please ring me back!! We're in deep trouble; I don't know where we are, and there's someone watching us!" As Kate desperately tried to get a signal on her phone, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She quickened her pace, determined to find safety before it was too late.
Eventually, her phone rang once the girls were away from the main alleyway, buildings, and the figure. It was Clint on the other end, asking for their exact location. Kate quickly described their surroundings as best as she could, feeling a sense of relief that help was on the way. "Is there anyone with you, Kate?"
"a young girl who came over to me whilst training earlier. She's a pretty good shot, but she's now terrified and hungry."
Kate's heart raced as she realized the danger they were in. She reassured Clint that they were not alone and anxiously awaited his arrival. Kate paced around their hiding spot as they waited; soon a car pulled up, and Clint and Laura exited the vehicle. Clint ran over to Kate and gave her a tight hug. As did Laura. The two had been worried sick. Kate was practically like their adopted child. Kate felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw Clint and Laura. She knew they would do whatever it took to protect her, just like she was their own family.
"Let's get you two home."
"There's someone in there, Clint... There's something that was stopping my calls from getting to you."
"Kate, Kate, calm down. You're tired, hungry, and cold; it's possible you're not thinking straight."
"I know what I saw… and that wasn't normal!"
Clint thought for a moment and then looked towards Erica, who was exhausted despite forcing herself to stay awake. "Kate, this kid is exhausted, cold, and hungry. Let's get her home, and then we can figure out what's going on." Laura nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency of the situation. Reluctantly, Kate agreed. She was tired herself.
"Guess my first-day going solo wasn't the best, huh?" Clint chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "We all have our rough days, Kate. You did the best you could." Kate managed a small smile before they all headed back to the car, eager to get warm and safe.
Clint looked at the alleyway as he stood beside Kate; he saw the figure on one of the rooftops. Despite being retired, he knew he had to step in at this point. As they drove away, Clint made a mental note to keep an eye on the situation. He couldn't shake the feeling that trouble was brewing in the city. He turned to Kate as she and Erica sat in the back of the truck.
"We're coming back tomorrow. Okay?" Kate nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knew they couldn't just walk away from whatever was happening in that alleyway. He turned towards the wheel. "So much for full retirement." Clint sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility settling back on his shoulders. The city needed him, retired or not, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Later that night, Laura had gotten Erica to bed and then went to bed herself; Clint and Kate stayed up talking about what had happened. The gears in Clint's brain were turning, and Kate could see it. "I think I know who it is..." Kate's eyes widened in anticipation as Clint leaned in to share his suspicions. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, and they both knew they had a long night ahead of them to figure it out.
"Did you see if the figure had any arrows on them... So did you see the colours of the arrowheads?
"Uh... red, I think." Clint's eyes narrowed as he processed Kate's question, a new sense of urgency in his expression. "Red arrowheads... that changes everything," he muttered, his mind racing with new possibilities. The two of them exchanged a knowing look, understanding that they were onto something big and potentially dangerous. As they talked, they heard small footsteps coming into the kitchen. Clint looked over and saw Erica clinging to a teddy. "Hey, squirt, what are you doing up?"
"I couldn't sleep," Erica replied softly, her eyes wide with innocence. Clint and Kate exchanged a worried glance, wondering how much she had overheard of their conversation. Clint approached the young girl and knelt to her level, gently asking if she needed anything to help her sleep. Erica shook her head, but Clint could see the fear in her eyes. He knew they would have to be extra careful with what they said from now on, especially with Erica around. He turned to Kate.
"This is the kid you said had a good shot?" Kate nodded, her expression grave. "Yes, but we need to tread lightly and make sure she feels safe with us," she whispered, glancing back at Erica before continuing their conversation in a more guarded manner. Clint turned to Erica with a soft expression. "Erica, we're here to help you and keep you safe," he reassured her gently. "You can trust us, okay?" Erica nodded slightly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she began to open up to them.
"How old are you, kiddo?"
Erica hesitated for a moment before quietly replying, "I'm twelve." Clint smiled warmly. "Well, Erica, we're going to do everything we can to make sure you're taken care of… Do you have anyone who you can call to make sure they know you're okay?
"Uh, uh, not really." Clint's smile faltered slightly before he gently asked, "Is there anyone else you feel comfortable talking to about what's been going on?" Erica hesitated once more before shaking her head. Erica climbed onto the chair beside Clint so she could join the conversation despite them not wanting her to. As she sat down, Clint reached out to gently pat her hand in reassurance. "You're not alone, Erica. We're here to help you through this," he said softly.
"Who do you think was after us?" Erica asked Clint and Kate; this kid may be young, but they could tell she wanted to fight. Clint exchanged a knowing glance with Kate before responding, "We're not sure yet, but we'll do everything we can to keep you safe." Erica nodded, determination shining in her eyes as she made up her mind to face whatever was coming their way.
An hour later Clint carried Erica back to bed as she had passed out at the table. Kate stayed up most of the night trying to figure out who the figure they saw was. She also wondered who they could be working with, as Hawkeye had made a few enemies during the blip. As had she when she teamed up with Clint the first time. It couldn't be Kingpin or the Trackers, aka the mob that tried to kill her when she wore the Ronin costume. Kate had to be extra careful with whom she talked to now. She had a kid to watch! Kate knew she had to keep her investigation discreet to protect her loved ones. With Hawkeye's enemies potentially involved, she couldn't afford to take any risks.
The next day, whilst Erica was at school, Kate went on a patrol around the city, obviously undercover as herself. She had to be careful. If her enemies knew there was a new Hawkeye in town, she'd be screwed! Kate made sure to stay vigilant and keep her identity hidden while patrolling the city. She couldn't let anyone discover her secret or put her family in danger. Kate's heart raced as she scanned the streets for any signs of trouble, her bow and arrows ready at a moment's notice. She knew that being Hawkeye meant constantly watching her back and staying one step ahead of those who wished her harm. Clint said this job came with risks. He was right. Kate knew that taking on the mantle of Hawkeye meant accepting the dangers that came with it. Despite the risks, she was determined to protect her city and carry on the legacy of her mentor, Clint Barton.
Every hour or so, Clint would ring her just to make sure she was okay or if she had any clues on the figure they saw the other night, but so far Kate had no leads. She knew she had to stay focused and vigilant, always ready for whatever threats may come her way. With each passing day, Kate honed her skills and sharpened her instincts, determined to prove herself as a worthy successor to the Hawkeye name. One night, Kate was on her final patrol of the night. She found herself back at the alleyway from before. Instantly she rang Clint.
"Hey, I'm about to go into the alleyway again…. Just giving you a heads up just in case the signal goes again…"
"What! No! Kate, you can't go there by yourself; we had a deal! I want you to get back home this instant!"
"but…-"
"Home! Now!"
"Okay, okay. I'll head back home now," Kate reluctantly agreed, knowing that Clint was only trying to protect her. As she turned to leave the alleyway, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, causing her heart to race with fear. It wasn't the figure from before. It was someone she recognized. Someone who despised the Hawkeye name! Kingpin. Kate hesitated. The last time she fought this guy, she had barely made it out alive. Kate took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead. She knew she had to face Kingpin head-on if she wanted to protect her family and friends. Luckily for Kate, Clint was still on call.
"Kate, what's happening?! Get out of there!!" Clint's voice crackled through her earpiece, urging her to retreat. But Kate knew she couldn't back down now. She had to stand her ground and face Kingpin once and for all. "Uh… been… been a while, huh?" Kingpin sneered, his eyes narrowing as he recognized Kate. "You think you can take me down again, little girl?" Kate's heart raced, but she refused to show any fear. She squared her shoulders and met his gaze with determination.
"Kate! What's happening?!"
"Uh… just an old enemy… No big, right?" Kate stuttered before finally admitting. "Clint, I need backup!" Clint's response was immediate, "On my way, just hold on!" Kate took a deep breath, knowing that with Clint by her side, they could take down Kingpin together. She just needed to buy some time until he arrived. She looked at Kingpin, who towered over her. "So...aha...how's it been?"
Kingpin chuckled, his menacing grin sending shivers down Kate's spine. "Oh, you know, business as usual," he replied casually. Kate kept her cool, knowing that Clint would be there soon to help her face this formidable foe. Kate laughed nervously, trying to buy Clint some time to get here. Kate tried to back away but backed away into another group of enemies she thought she had gotten rid of. The Trackers, or whatever they called themselves. They had Russian accents. "Aha...hi, guys." Kate's heart raced as she tried to think of a way out of the situation. She knew she had to stay calm and focused until Clint arrived to even the odds.
"You know, I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot last time…-" Kate stammered, trying to keep the situation light-hearted. The Trackers exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable as they assessed her words. Kate's mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the tension before things escalated further.
"Kate Bishop… You thought you could escape after the last time… when you and Barton killed half of our men!" The leader of the Trackers stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "You're not getting out of here alive this time, Bishop." Kate's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the gravity of the situation. Kate pulled the string of her bow back, pointing one of her trick arrows at them. "I don't want any trouble," Kate said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "But I won't hesitate to defend myself if I have to." The leader of the Trackers chuckled darkly, a menacing glint in his eyes as he took a step closer.
Before Kate could do anything, the leader of the Trackers was suddenly knocked to the ground. "Clint!" Kate exclaimed in relief as she saw Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, standing before her. Clint gave her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to the Trackers, ready to help Kate in any way he could. "I told you I'd get here as soon as you needed me, kid!"
"where's-"
"She's with Laura at home; don't worry, she's safe!"
Kate felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as Clint reassured her about her students' safety. With Hawkeye by her side, she knew they had a fighting chance against the Trackers. Together, they stood ready to take on whatever threats came their way, determined to protect those they cared about. Kate felt a surge of confidence knowing that Clint was there to watch her back. After what felt like hours of fighting, the two finally made it back to Clint's safe house. Erica sat on the porch waiting for them despite it being far past her bedtime. She heard about them leaving and wanted to know if they had come back safely or not. Soon she saw Clint's car pull up and instantly ran towards them.
"Kate!!" Erica ran into Kate's arms, relieved to see her friend safe and sound. Kate hugged Erica tightly, grateful for her unwavering support and friendship throughout their dangerous mission. Clint stood back, smiling at the heartwarming reunion between the two friends. As they walked into the safehouse together, Kate knew that with Erica by her side, she could conquer anything that came their way. Moments later Laura joined them, giving Clint a tight embrace. Just glad they had both come back safely.
Their family was safe for now, but their enemies were still out there. And they knew there was a new Hawkeye in town. They needed to be more careful than ever.