Hello my dear friends! This is the last chapter! The last chapter of the first in Ashley's life. I can't believe my first fanfiction story is already over! But don't worry, the sequel will be up very shortly! The sequel will be entitled Bring the Fight and I'll Bring the Flames, and is going to focus on Ashley, once again, Tony, and most likely Clint as well. This next story is going to have a little bit more action in it, so I hope you're ready!

I decided to go back and read my fanfiction again all the way through and I caught a lot of mistakes that I didn't before. In case any of you didn't know, this story was not beta'd. I have improved in my writing over the past year greatly I believe so I'll be re-writing all the chapters of Saved, starting with chapter 1. I don't know how long it's going to take or when it will be done but I am going to do it! I'll tell everyone each time I rewrite a chapter on Flames as I call it for short. I think the storyline is going to be pretty much the same, it'll probably be just some grammatical errors and things like that that I'll fix, but who knows? I may add another chapter in there somewhere. If I do anything major with the storyline or anything like that I'll make sure everyone knows about it.

Okay, on a very serious note, when I started out with this story I just kind of published it so it would get out of my mind and onto the Internet so anyone that wanted to could read the story that I loved. I have come so far because of all of you. I truly wouldn't have been anywhere with this story if you all didn't want to read, review, favorite, or follow it! I have over 33 reviews for my first story ever! I can't believe it! You guys are seriously the best. I love you all! So in honor of all of my beautiful readers, followers, favoriters, and reviewers, I dedicate this final chapter to you!

I also have to do a quick shout out to my first reviewer and the one that has reviewed the most. My first reviewer was tazzledmuch. Thank you so much! I remember how happy I was when I had my first reviewer, I was just like holy crap! Someone actually likes what I do! It was pretty great! And the account that has reviewed the most would be a three way tie between acompletenerd, GadgetCid, Demigod-GallagharGirl. Thank you all so so much for your continued support throughout my story! I love to hear from you guys! Being active makes me happy!

Alright, ready to jump into the final chapter! Because I know I am! Once again, I love you all, and enjoy the final chapter of Saved!

Disclaimer: Y'all know the drill, I only own the story itself and Ashley!

"Great job Ash!" Clint encouraged me as I thought about being an Avenger, "Now all you have to do is control your power the opposite way. Learn to turn it off."

Learn to turn it off…how did I turn it off? I couldn't do it the same way I turned it on, that just simply wouldn't work. So I would have to do the opposite. Focus on me, the person deep inside who I'd left behind just a few moments earlier. I focused again, on that other me, the one that was too afraid to even look at her reflection in the mirror at one time. The tiny girl that, only a few weeks ago, was better off dead. The one that was saved by the group I'd come to know not as the Avengers, but as my true and real family. And the more I thought about her, about the girl that was now affectionately known as Ash, the more and more my body temperature decreased. I could physically feel it.

Cooling down, as it would later become known for me, was much easier than heating up. At least it was for the first time. After only a few minutes of focusing, my eyes were back to their normal green, my body had lost its fiery tint, and my body temperature was back down to where it was supposed to be. I opened my eyes and looked over to Clint, who was smiling just about as large as I'd ever seen him smile. He rushed forward and swooped me off of my feet, spinning me around a few times before letting me stand again.

"You did it Ash! Look at you, you did it! I'm so impressed that you were able to control yourself so easily. I've hardly known a soul that could come back to themselves so quickly and efficiently. You're a natural once you get into the swing of things!" He told me, kissing my cheek and rubbing his hands up and down my arms.

I just grinned at him like the crazy teenager I was. "Thanks Clint." I responded, "There was no way I could have done any of this without you."

And it was the truth. Clint had been my rock throughout that entire journey. He never not once gave up on me or even gave me so much as a discouraging look. Clint truly believed in me and stayed with me the whole way through. I didn't really have any way to truly repay him.

Clint, being Clint, just smiled right back at me. "It was my pleasure Ash. Really. I hope you're ready to train regularly now," he said.

I nodded. "I'm ready whenever you are."

He gave me an approving gaze. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. But I think today calls for a celebration. What do you say?" Clint asked, standing back. I nodded back to him, and the both of us walked to the elevator, brushing up against each other and laughing out of pure relief and amazement. I don't think either of us believed that I could actually control myself that well on the first time.

As we rode the elevator up, what just happened hit me even harder. I was able to control it. Control something that the Lighthouse gave me to use for destruction and pain, and here I was, controlling it for my own use. To use it for good. For, what would later become my fight against evil, or so I believed I would. In just a few seconds I'd find out for sure. Clint and I were riding the elevator back up to the 60th floor so we could both tell the great news to the team.

I felt very confident as I walked out of the elevator. My entire demeanor was changed from what it was earlier. I used to be a frightened young girl with her shoulders hunched forward, her spine curved forward in fear, and fear prominent in her eyes; even when she was living with her family. Now here I stood, with one of my best friends, and now my unofficial partner, at my side. My back was straight and my shoulders were back. My chin was held up and my eyes were full of pride and joy. I wasn't that frightened little girl that the Lighthouse had created anymore. Oh no. I was my own woman, and I was free to make my life the way I wanted it. And it would start today.

Even if I couldn't tell my own change in demeanor, I could tell just through the looks of the rest of the team that they knew something was different. They all looked at me with a small look of confusion on their faces as I walked forward and into the kitchen. But as soon as they saw the smile on my face, the look in my eyes, their faces lit up just like mine did. Each and every single one of them looked happy to see me happy, and it made me feel even better about my entire situation.

"Everybody, I think Ashley has an announcement for us, don't you Ash?" Tony said. He'd been looking at me the whole time, a ginormous smile on his face. He'd guessed what had happened with Clint and me. After all, he was the one who could read me best. I just nodded with a smile and walked towards the center of the room, making sure everyone could see me. I cleared my throat, and unlike the nerves I felt the first time I was in this situation, I felt confidence and pride as I took the floor.

"As you all know, I've been undergoing lessons for controlling my powers these past couple of days with Clint. Up until this day I was not able to control myself, my full potential. I was a toy to the Lighthouse until this very day when I was able to break free from my old life and my former self, and start to become who I really am. Who I really will be. And before I say anything else I'd just like to say a big thank you to you all for sticking with me the entire way, through thick and thin. I truly don't know what I would do without you all. You've saved me in more ways than one.

"In case you didn't guess from my previous sentences, today, only a few minutes ago, I was able to control myself and my abilities. I was able to make myself hot and then back to normal in under 30 minutes, which is more than an accomplishment for me. Through Clint's patience and training with me I was finally able to do what I'm really capable of. And I can't ever thank him enough."

At this point we both locked eyes. He gave me a huge smile and a slight nod. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was standing next to Natasha. Thor, Loki, and Steve sat at the circular table just in front of me, while Pepper stood on one side of Tony and Bruce occupied the other side. They were all seated on stools that faced the island, but their bodies were turned towards me and I had their full attention.

"I don't know if Tony told any of you this or not, but we had a discussion on one of my days of training. He told me a little bit about the Avengers Initiative, what you all do, how you work together… He asked me if I would want to join you all in battle against forces that would destroy what we call home.

"I'm not going to lie. At first I was hesitant about wanting to join. I didn't know if I was strong enough, if I was even capable of my true potential, as weird as that may sound. But, after today? I feel entirely different. I know with a certainty that I am strong enough to serve by any one of you. It might take a little training, I'll admit, but I'm more than prepared to put in the work and the hours in order to fight alongside each and every one of you. That potential is there, you just need to unlock it. And I know I can.

"So I'm leaving my final fate up to you. After all, it's going to affect you just as much as it will me. Steve, I know you call the shots, and overall you will have the say in what happens to me and what I will and won't be doing as far as the Avengers are concerned. But at very least I want you to hear out what they have to say and take their opinions, as well as mine, into your consideration as you choose." I told them. Truly I was surprised I was able to even pull that off. Normally I wouldn't have been able to.

As soon as the last word left my mouth, Tony rushed forward and squeezed me into the tightest hug that he could possibly manage. The arc reactor was digging into my chest almost painfully, but I didn't really mind. I was kind of used to it by then. He set me down after a few moments and kissed me on the cheek, just like Clint. "I say yes. I've said yes since day one and I'm not changing my answer now."

He looked at me with those deep brown eyes of his, and I couldn't help but grin at that. The first vote was yes, just as I suspected it would be. After all, this was his idea in the first place.

Clint was next. "I say yes. I've seen her both times that her powers have been accessed, and I know that she's capable. I'm more than ready and willing to take her under my wing and train her until she's ready to come out into the field with us. I'll give her field training and power training. I promise that she'll be ready when duty calls, and that she'll be able to protect herself and others. And it's my own solemn promise that I'll keep my eye out for her while we're fighting. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that she's safe."

He walked forward, and just like Tony, grabbed me in a ginormous hug and didn't let me go for quite some time. When he did, he stayed right by my side, just like Tony. I knew neither of them would ever abandon me, and the feeling of being supported made my hopes soar just that much higher. Everything was going well so far.

Natasha spoke up next. "I'm all in for it. Clint is my partner and hers as well now, meaning that we'll all three be training together. We'll both teach her everything we know and give her all the skills she needs to be able to stay out on the battlefield and win. I want you on the team, Ash. I know you'd be a great addition." She did the same as Clint and Tony, only she held on for only a few seconds shorter than either of them. Natasha took her position right by Clint.

Loki voted yes. Thor voted yes. Bruce, after a few foot nudges from Tony, said yes. He was overly concerned about my safety as always, but other than that he was just as willing as any of the rest of them. Even Pepper, and unofficial member of the team said she wanted me on. The only member that was left was the one who would ultimately decide my fate on the team. Steve.

He studied me for a moment, his eyes kind and open as I'd ever known them before. But they soon hardened into what Tony called, 'the Captain look.' This wasn't Steve anymore, this was Captain America. This was the leader and the soldier, the one who would decide my fate on the team that changed my life. I looked to him apprehensively.

He stood up from the table, he was the only one that was left sitting down, and began to walk around it towards me, his eyes to the ground and his hands clasped behind his back. He was thinking, thinking hard. We could all tell. Even though I wouldn't admit it, it worried me. Would he say no? Was he too worried about my safety to let me do what I could to help other people? He was unreadable, like a sphinx. The face of the infamous Captain.

He looked up later rather than sooner it seemed and strode toward me, his gait, posture, and even facial expression speaking focus and authority. He stood in front of me, gauging my face for a moment before holding out his right hand in front of him, directed towards me.

"Welcome to the team," he said, a smile playing along his lips.

I couldn't believe it. I was in shock. Complete and utter shock. Here I was, somebody who used to be a nobody. Now I was someone. Now I was something. I was a part of things bigger than myself, or even of my wildest dreams. I, now, was an Avenger. I couldn't believe my own brain.

Still, I was somehow able to grab his hand with my own, where he firmly shook it, still smiling at me. As soon as he released me, he pulled me right back in, this time into a humongous hug, one that only Thor rivaled in the means of strength and size. But at that moment I could've cared less if he gave the worst hugs on the planet, which was far from the truth. I was on the team. I was on the team. I hugged him back as best I could. My body was shaking, without my permission, with nerves and excitement. It seemed surreal.

He let me go a little while later, and gave me his nod of approval, showing me the only reason why he even hesitated was because, just like everyone else, he was concerned about my safety. And I couldn't really blame him. If I were in his position I'd be feeling the same way. And I didn't hold not a single hard feeling against him for it. All that mattered was that he said yes, and unofficially, I was a member of the world's strongest team, a team that would never be brought down. One that was said to be the mightiest in the universe. And I couldn't have been happier.

SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED-SAVED

I was standing outside a big grey door in the most uncomfortable outfit known to mankind. It was called a dress. I despised it. Of course I'd worn them before; both of my late parents were highly religious, and every Sunday I was forced to wear my Sunday best. Still, that didn't mean I had to like a thing about it. And I didn't. The thing was tiny and it hugged my curves, most of which were very tiny. Still, they were exaggerated in the professional SHIELD uniform I was wearing. Clint had insisted I wear it at least to this interview, and grudgingly, I complied. I informed him that the thing was going in the trash the second I got home, along with the black high heels, and he didn't seem to worry much about that. All he cared was that I looked older and professional for my interview.

Steve, in his full uniform, stood to my left. Clint, in his full SHIELD uniform, stood to my right. And behind that door stood our unofficial Director, since Fury couldn't be trusted or even allowed to know about my decision. The only other person that could for the time being was the person that was behind that door that I was staring down. The person that Tony just called Agent. Phil Coulson. I swished my high ponytail back and forth nervously with only my head as hundreds of thoughts surged through my brain at once. And just as Steve placed a calming hand on the small of my back, the door slid open automatically, and only a few feet away sat Agent Coulson behind a big black desk.

Steve gently lead me forward, and I was glad that he did. At that moment I was so nervous that I needed him even in order to be able to move forward. My legs were wobbly and my breaths were unsteady and quick. I was focusing on not getting hot. Don't get hot, don't get hot, I told myself over and over. Even though my normal reaction in a time of high stress like this would be to turn into my other self, I was able to contain it, mainly because of Clint's training with me the past two days. He knew I'd be nervous, and because of this, he and Natasha gave me special lessons just for stress. It seemed like they were working pretty well so far.

Coulson stood up, extending his hand out to me as the three of us approached the desk at once. I gave him a slight smile. "Agent Coulson," I greeted him formally as I took his hand.

He shook my hand firmly, his eyes smiling along with his lips. "My friends call me Phil."

I nodded to him respectfully. "Phil." My nerves were already diminishing. Now that I thought about it, I didn't really have any reason to be scared in the first place. This was just Phil. He was the one that took me from Fury when he tried to experiment on me. He was a good man, a very good man, and we all trusted him. I guess the nerves were more about what he would say, rather than the man himself. But I knew that he'd make the right decision, no matter what it was.

He released my hand after another moment or two and moved to Steve, a man I knew he had great admiration for, and then to Clint, someone that he also respected. It was a good thing that the both of them came with me. Not only were they both SHIELD agents with high rankings, they were also two of the men that made me feel the most comfortable. Besides Tony of course. Steve claimed that he wasn't going to let Stark come within five miles of the meeting that day, no matter what it took. He was just too much of a jokester for a serious meeting.

We waited for Phil to sit before we did. Steve, with his military back ground, gave me a few pointers on how to act in front of superior officers, in this case Phil. The only way I really knew how to interact with someone with that much more power and authority than me was to fight them or to stare them down. After all, that's all I'd ever known. But with his help, I did neither. I was actually feeling quite calm and relaxed, unafraid of him.

He studied all three of us before clearing his throat and beginning to speak. "I believe we have another Avenger applicant on our hands, do we not?" he asked, looking at me as he leaned back in his leather chair some.

"Yes sir," I answered, making sure to keep my back straight to some extent. I didn't know how much the rest of the team had told him about me, but I was guessing at very least some small part of my powers and the fact that everyone else wanted me on the team.

He nodded and watched me for a little longer than he did the last time. "I understand one of my top agents has been training you to control these powers?" He asked, looking to Clint briefly.

"Two of them, actually. But Agent Barton has had the most interaction with me thus far, yes. I'm learning more and more every day, not only about combat, but also about learning to control my own powers. My own abilities."

"And how long do you think it will take you to fully control your abilities?"

I thought for a second. "I know I've made so much improvement even after the past three days of training with him. I feel like I control myself so much better every single day, and each day I can feel them becoming stronger. Even though I still do pass out each time after I use them, I'm learning to shorten that period as well. Along with that Banner and Stark are both researching ways to help me with that process," I explained to him.

He nodded respectfully, taking my words into consideration. "What about you, Agent Barton? How long do you think it'll take her to be combat ready?" Phil asked, leaning back in his chair once again.

Clint looked directly at Phil. "You know I've been training people with powers for a long time. A very long time. And I'm not exaggerating at all when I say that she's not only the most powerful, but also the most controlled person I've ever trained. She catches on quickly and she always gives me one hundred percent of her focus one hundred percent of the time. Honestly, I think within a few months she'll be able to control and use her powers fully without a hitch.

"As for the combat training, with Natasha and I combined training her, we should be able to get her done in about a month or so. And if she trains hard like I know she will, it'll only take around three months. Tops." Clint told him honestly. I felt my heart swell with happiness and pride when he talked about me like that. It showed just how much he thought of me, and it made me even more confident and ready to go.

Phil took that into consideration for a moment before turning his attention to Steve. "Captain, I know your team already took a vote on the option of Ash joining your team. The answer was yes from all of them, but ultimately, it's your team, and it's your choice. If you don't think she's old enough or experienced enough, really if you have any opposition at all, now is your time to speak."

Steve didn't even hesitate, which didn't surprise me. From the first word he was using his 'captain voice' as Tony called it, and anyone could tell that he meant business and he wasn't messing around. "I am concerned for her safety, I'm not going to lie on that. But she's going to be trained by three of the best agents you've got, and yes, that includes me. With all of us training her as much as we possibly can, she'll be as safe as she'll ever be out there on the field. That's a fact. The three of us also agreed that we're going to keep our eye out for her when she's out there on her own. We'll make sure she's safe.

"The only factor I was concerned about in the first place was the issue of her safety, but I've been watching in with her and Clint the past couple of days. She's stronger than any of us imagined, and based on her past, she already has a bit of back ground with fighting back. She's smart, she's fast, she's more capable than anyone I've ever met her age before. Even though I'm still concerned with her safety, I know that she'll be an excellent addition to our team. All she needs is a little bit of time, and you just wait and see. She'll be you're next star," Steve said in all seriousness.

Almost every word out of his mouth made me want to smile until my cheeks hurt. Hearing both of them talk so well about me was making my ego grow. In a good way, of course. Even though I didn't know that he was going to train me as well, I wasn't really surprised. He was the Captain after all. And even though we didn't have as strong of a connection as I did with Clint or Tony, he was still next in line. I was sure that he was concerned for my safety the whole time anyway; it made sense that he'd try to teach me everything he knew. And I knew I'd be safe as long as I listened to my three teachers.

Phil nodded and thought for a moment, his eyes drifting back and forth between Steve, me, and Clint. He sat for a long while, hands clasped in front of his mouth as he studied us. I was starting to get nervous from the lack of talking and the increase of silence. Was he going to reject me? Kick me back onto the streets where I would fend for myself? I couldn't tell, his expression was unreadable.

Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, he stood up, and the three of us followed in suit. "Welcome to the Avengers, Ashley."

I couldn't believe my ears as I took his hand once again, and I definitely couldn't hide my smile. Neither could Steve or Clint, it looked like. "Thank you. Thank you so much Sir." I couldn't even hide the smile in my voice.

He nodded his head and gave a smile of his own. "It's my pleasure."

Clint knew that was the time for us to leave, so we turned around, heading to the door. It seemed like he'd been in one to many meetings with the man.

"And Agent," he added as we walked off.

It took me a minute to realize he was talking to me. But it was true, I practically was a SHIELD agent now. We all turned to look at him.

"Don't ever let me catch you in a dress again."

I smiled widely and nodded my head to him. "Yes Sir." I was sure that at I'd never felt happier or more excited than I did at that exact moment. I was an Avenger. I, Ashley Martine, was an Avenger.

So? How was my first story? Like it? Love it? Hate it? Please let me know and help me get to my goal of at least 36 reviews on my first story! I'd appreciate it!

I just want you all to know how much I love you all and that I'm always here for you guys. If you ever need anything, or you just want to talk or need a friend, I promise that I'm always here. Just DM me and let me know what's up! I love love love to hear from you guys!

Once again, if you didn't read the first author's note, the sequel will be entitled Bring the Fight and I'll Bring the Flames, or just Flames for short! It should be up fairly soon! Hopefully sometime next week!

I love you all and I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Hope to hear from you all again soon!

Krisavengergurl