A/N: Sorry, people. I'm still trying to get comfortable with a flowing and well-written writing style. Fiction with dialogue is so much harder to write than research papers. I know these chapters are short, but I promise as I get more comfortable, I will put out longer chapters. I'm also trying to make this story somewhat original, and try to avoid making it similar to anyone else's. The original idea belongs to them, I shouldn't take away from their creativity.
No own characters, no make money.
Chapter 2:
Darcy just knew that she should have been better about keeping regular in her New Year's Resolution of staying in shape. But, being in heels probably didn't help. Although, I'm sure Natasha can outrun with hers me while STILL looking better. Happy pretty much had to carry her out of the party, but at least it wasn't because she had made a fool out of herself. Maybe she actually WAS starting to act more mature and less like she was still a sophomore in college. Heaven forbid. But then, it's hard to say that this was a good evening, especially when a hottie breaks in a rips out an eyeball in front of you. Such a waste of good looks, too. She'd jump all over that if it wasn't for that little detail.
"Don't worry, Darcy, we're almost to the car," said Happy. Which was good, then she can break down and analyze what the mess just occurred and possibly why. SHIELD is probably not going to like her report. But then, a cultured voice rang out:
"Kneel before me…" Happy slowed down, despite his subconscious protestations. But that voice had a commanding ring that anyone with military or security training would be hard-pressed to ignore. Others running away seemed to slow down and stop as well. He gently lowered Darcy and down and stepped in front of her, mostly likely to make sure no harm came down upon her. They both saw the murderer at the top of the steps, and saw that his clothes were changing.
"Happy, I feel like something EXTREMELY bad is going to happen. His clothes remind me of someone…. " Darcy started to say, but Happy promptly hushed her.
"I. Said. Kneel!" The mystery man promptly pounded his oddly glowing scepter on the ground. Apparently, that was enough for people to listen. That, and the fact his clones surrounded everyone and herded them in…
"Like hell you mother fu-" Darcy started to shout. But Happy promptly clapped his hand over her mouth and yanked her to the ground. "Let me go Happy! I refuse to bend to the whims of this…madman!" Darcy hissed. "Hush, Darcy. Sometimes, its better to give off the appearance of subservience. You're obeying under duress. Live to fight another day. You don't have the luxury of climbing into a suit like Tony." Happy whispered back, trying to keep her struggles to a minimum. He only hoped that the deranged criminal didn't notice her.
The man in odd, almost otherworldly armor, strutted forward to face the crowd with a look of unholy glee on his face. "Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."
"The hell I will! Let. Me. Go. Happy!" Darcy wiggled around. All the sudden, she felt a prick of pain, numbness, and darkness.
"Sorry, Darcy, but Pepper would kill me if her up-and-coming assistant got killed. You're better off."