The Academy[A loki x OC fanfiction}

*6 years later*

The Academy was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, the air cool and crisp as the evening settled over the sprawling grounds. Ashlynn sat on the porch of her small cabin, her cane resting beside her, her gaze lost in the peaceful horizon. She had always loved this time of day, when the world seemed to pause, offering a moment of reflection. But tonight, her thoughts were heavier than usual, for she knew that her time was coming to an end.

Loki sat beside her, his presence a constant source of comfort as they watched the young heroes train below. It was a quiet evening, with the sounds of distant laughter and the occasional hum of energy blasts filling the air. But this wasn't the only reason Ashlynn felt at peace. That evening, she was meeting with a few of her oldest friends—the senior Avengers who had been there through thick and thin, through victories and losses, through battles that had shaped their very souls.

They had agreed to meet in the small clearing near the Academy, where the old oak tree stood—a silent witness to so many memories. Natasha, Clint, Wanda, and Bucky had all come, their presence a balm for Ashlynn's weary heart. The years had left their marks on all of them, but there was no mistaking the bond they shared.

As they gathered around the firepit, Ashlynn couldn't help but smile at each of them. Natasha, her expression unreadable but warm, had come bearing a bottle of wine. Clint, ever the quiet presence, sat on the far end, his bow resting by his side, his eyes watching the others as if guarding the moment. Wanda sat beside him, her usually intense demeanor softened, a smile tugging at her lips as she watched Ashlynn. And Bucky, with his deep-set eyes and that familiar stoic look, seemed like he could carry the weight of the world with just a glance.

"Feels like old times," Clint said quietly, his voice rough from years of fighting, but there was a lightness to it now.

Ashlynn chuckled softly, leaning back against the chair, her body aching but her heart full. "Old times, huh? I suppose it does. But we've earned this, haven't we?"

Wanda nodded, her hands folded in her lap. "We've seen so much, Ashlynn. And now we're here, watching the next generation take up the mantle."

"It's strange," Natasha murmured, a flicker of something in her eyes as she glanced at the younger Avengers training in the distance. "It feels like just yesterday that we were the ones trying to figure out how to keep the world from falling apart. Now, it's their turn."

Ashlynn's smile softened. "They're ready. I've seen it in them. And I'm proud of what we've built. It's their time now."

Clint raised his glass of wine, his expression solemn but filled with meaning. "To the next generation, then. And to all of us—who got them to this point."

"To us," Natasha echoed, her voice steady, though her eyes were shining with the weight of years spent fighting beside Ashlynn.

Ashlynn took a deep breath, letting the moment settle into her bones. "I couldn't have asked for better friends. You've all been with me through so much, through things no one else could ever understand. And now, as I come to the end of my journey... I just want you to know how much I appreciate each of you."

Bucky looked at her, his eyes softening for a moment before he spoke, his voice thick with emotion. "You've always been the heart of this team, Ash. The one who kept us grounded when everything seemed to fall apart. We owe so much to you."

"And you've always been the strength, Bucky," Ashlynn replied, her voice full of affection. "You've carried us when we couldn't carry ourselves. Your loyalty, your determination... they've been a guiding light."

Wanda leaned forward, her smile gentle. "You taught us how to believe in ourselves, Ashlynn. How to fight for what's right, even when the odds were impossible. And you've never once given up on any of us."

"I've never had a reason to," Ashlynn said quietly. "You're all family to me."

There was a pause, the quiet rustling of the wind filling the silence between them. Then Natasha spoke, her voice softer than usual. "You've been through so much, Ashlynn. More than anyone should ever have to bear. And yet, you always put the team first. You always made sure we were okay."

Ashlynn smiled, a bittersweet smile. "I've always believed in you all. In all of us. And it's been an honor, truly. But I know the world is in good hands now. The next generation is ready. Kate, Kamala, Peter's kids... they're going to do great things. They'll carry the torch, just like we did."

Clint clinked his glass against hers, his grin wide but genuine. "They've learned from the best."

Ashlynn nodded, her eyes distant for a moment. "I've done what I could. Now, it's their turn to lead."

Bucky leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "You've made sure they have everything they need to succeed. And they have us to guide them, just like we had you."

"Exactly," Ashlynn said, her voice steady now, a sense of finality to it. "It's not about just passing on the skills. It's about passing on the heart of what it means to be an Avenger. And that, I think, is something they've all learned."

Wanda reached over and took Ashlynn's hand, squeezing it gently. "You're not just leaving behind a legacy, Ash. You're leaving behind the spirit of everything we've fought for."

Ashlynn looked at her, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's been an honor to fight beside all of you. And now I can rest, knowing that the world will keep turning, and the Avengers will continue. You'll keep them safe, just like you always have."

The wind rustled through the trees, and for a long moment, no one spoke. They just sat there, each of them lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the long road that had brought them here. Ashlynn could feel the weight of their gazes, the warmth of their companionship, and it gave her a deep sense of peace. These were her people—her family—and she knew, with all her heart, that the Avengers would carry on.

As the fire crackled between them, Ashlynn gave a contented sigh, closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm not afraid," she whispered. "I'm ready. And I know you'll be okay."

With that, she turned her gaze to the stars above, the vast expanse of the sky reminding her of all the moments they had shared. The battles, the losses, the triumphs. And now, in this quiet moment, she could finally say goodbye—not with fear, but with love. The Avengers, both young and old, were ready. They would carry on her legacy, her spirit, and together, they would protect the world.

And Ashlynn, knowing that her work was done, could finally rest.