4

3rd Person POV

Each day was a trial. For Kyra and the others. Kyra had regular flashbacks to her time in HYDRA. She had to trust these people. Trusting was not something she wanted to do. Trusting was dangerous. She'd trusted that she'd be safe. She'd trusted that she would be rescued. Even with her wariness towards others she was very accepting of Pepper and Natasha. Tony had only come in a few times. But it didn't end well. It appeared that male voices caused her to panic. To say Tony was disappointed would be an understatement. He had so much to make up for. And he couldn't even speak to her without her panicking. The days dragged on for Tony.

"It's only been a few days Tony. Give her time." Pepper had tried to sooth after he attempted to speak to Kyra the third time.

"That's easy for you to say Pepper. She talks to you." Tony snarled. Pepper wasn't surprised by the attitude. Tony never could handle waiting well. Or sharing. Or being left out. Or being ignored. And all of those things were happening currently.

"This isn't about you Tony. This is about Kyra. We need to be there for HER. What we want doesn't matter." Pepper snapped. Tony grumbled again, but quieted after Pepper gave him a pointed glare.

Tony's POV

"How's she doing doc?" I asked after Helen exited Kyra's room. I wasn't allowed in there because she was scared of me for some damn reason.

"Her internal organs are regenerating faster than expected. She is clearly a fighter. But she has a long way to go before she can head home. And after that she will still need medical attention for at least the next few years. Both physical and mental. Her eyes are currently damaged. However her body is in too delicate a state for her to undergo another operation" I nodded looking towards Kyra's room. Helen put her hand on my shoulder. "But I expect she'll make a full recovery."

"That's great news Helen thanks."

"Thank Bruce too." She laughed while walking away. I could see that Kyra was still being pumped with vitamins and nutrients. I never thought to far into the future. We needed to lay out a plan for her recovery. This was a lot. She'd been through a lot though. She's my only family left. If I can't do right by her, then what's the point?

Pepper's POV

Working in Seoul was surprisingly easy. I loved that I could be there for Kyra and Tony but still get things done. I didn't have to feel guilty about choosing work over the ones I love. I know for a fact that's something Kyra has experienced too much already in her lifetime. Business was going well. Kyra's recovery was slow though. Tony is PISSED that she remembers me and not him. I have no idea why she is afraid of him. Natasha and I were currently sitting in Kyra's room while she slept. Tony was pacing in the hallway.

"That's the 6th time he's walked by in the last 10 minutes." I laughed with Natasha.

"He's a man child. He wants what he wants when he wants it."

"That is the damn truth." Natasha had been surprisingly supportive. I didn't understand why.

"Hey Tasha..?"

"Hmm?" she looked up from her magazine. God how do I say this without being a bitch?

"Why?"

"Have I stayed?" I gulped but nodded. She looked over a Kyra with a soft distant look in her eyes. "I've been looking into crimes committed by HYDRA assassins or expected assassins. And one of them matches Kyra's physical body type very well." All of the air seemed to leave the room.

"You mean she..."

"Killed people?" I nodded. "Probably. With the state of her body though it's a good bet that she didn't want to. She's clearly been tortured for years." Oh that's not what I wanted to hear. "It's the truth Pepper. Wrap your head around it now. She's going to hate herself for it. She doesn't need you hating her too."

"It's just so hard to see what they turned her into." Natasha hummed in response.

"I was like her once." She stated softly. "That's why I've stayed. She's scared and alone." Natasha looked and me and smirked. "Besides, you guys can't speak Russian. That seems to calm her the most."

"Why do you think that is?"

"No clue. I bet she's been hearing it for the last 10 years though." I nodded along with Natasha.

"Should I try to learn Russian…?" I asked softly "I mean… do you think it would help?"

"I don't know. She speaks English too. Plus we are all staying at the Tower until further notice. Clint and I both speak Russian. I'm sure JARVIS could be configured to speak Russian too." Natasha looked at me with a soft smile. "Wait till she wakes up and is home. I think it will be easier to tell then." I nodded. We both gazed at Kyra as she slept. She was twitching in her sleep. I couldn't help the frown. I wanted to get up and comfort her.

"If you were laying there in a hospital bed, what would you want your older sister to do?" Natasha asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Comfort her, the way you would want to be comforted. You've got a natural instinct for it Pep." This was starting to weird me out. "I'm a spy Pepper, I read people for a living. And you're kind of an open book." Natasha had a rare genuine smile on her face. I put my laptop down and walked over to Kyra. She was starting to toss and turn in her sleep. Her dirty blonde hair was matted to her head. I brushed my fingers through her hair gently. Her face seemed to calm a bit. I felt this weird sense of satisfaction. I'd helped her. It's crazy how important the littlest things are becoming. I kept brushing her hair gently. She murmured.

"Я люблю тебя"I didn't understand what she said. I looked to Natasha.

She said 'I love you.'." Natasha replied. I nodded. I was going to protect Kee no matter what. "Natasha, when she wakes up… will you help her?" I was looking at Kyra again.

"Of course." With that I couldn't help the smile. We weren't alone. And Kyra sure as hell wasn't.

Three weeks after Kyra had woken up she was finally healthy enough to survive the flight to New York. Tony was beyond excited. Kyra still tended to cling to Natasha or me. But she had at least spoken to Tony a few times. Helen and Bruce both set up a recovery plan for Kyra. Bruce would be her in house doctor. Run tests and check her vitals daily. Tony had the best Doctor in New York on speed dial. With the deal that he will be paid an absurd amount of money as long as he is at the tower within 5 minutes of being called. Just in case something happened Bruce couldn't handle. Helen also suggested a physical therapist.

"She'll need to be careful going forward." Helen explained. "The small amount of muscle that's been building is a great start but she'll need to retrain her body. And her mind."

"She'll get the best of everything Helen. I'll make damn sure of it." Tony assured. Bruce and Natasha left a few days before we were scheduled to leave. Happy wheeled Kyra up to the jet. Her eyes were darting left and right.

Kyra's POV

"It's alright Kyra, we're going on a plane. We are going home." The guy called Happy told me. He was nice. They all were. I have decided that none of them are with HYDRA. They all want to help me. I don't completely understand still. It was nice though. My stomach didn't hurt. They made sure I was comfortable all the time. Pepper was very nice. I remembered little things about her. Apparently Tony was my brother. I don't remember him though. I was told by HYDRA that my family was dead and that no one wanted me. There was a lot of conflicting information. But Tony had been very protective. Pepper had been too. These people had plenty of time to hurt me. They hadn't really though. No one said anything mean to me. It was a lot to handle at once. I felt safe with them. At least partially safe. No one is ever really safe. I was being rolled into a plane. Apparently our home was across the world. It was loud. I hated all the noise. A few bangs sounded like gunfire. I reached back for someone's hand for comfort. A soft one met mine quickly. Pepper. She reassured me with a squeeze. I nodded and relaxed a tiny bit. Inside everything was much quieter.

"Is there anything you need miss?" I jumped and swung as hard as I could at the stranger.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" I screamed. Oh god, Pepper, where's Pepper "Pepper?!"

"Kyra, Kyra honey I'm right here. Tony's right here. You're safe. Come back to us. Come back." Pepper whispered reassuringly as she stroked my cheeks.

"Is she HYDRA?" I breathed out in fear.

Tony's POV

The stewardess just asked Kyra if she wanted anything and Kyra punched her square in the nose. It was definitely broken. Blood gushed down her face. I don't know who was more afraid, the stewardess or Kyra. Pepper rushed over and tried to calm Kyra down. We had come up with a tactic. When she starts to be pulled into her memories we ask her to come back to us. It's worked the last two times. It seems to be working now too. I called over all of the flight staff.

"So, no one is to speak to my sister unless we've introduced you. Or umm, well that will happen." I gestured to the woman who was still bleeding. "Sorry by the way. Didn't know she had that mad of a swing. You'll be compensated." I turned back to the others. "Tell the Captain not to make any overhead announcements unless it's absolutely necessary. I would also like a Guava smoothie as soon as possible." I nodded and headed back to my sister. Happy had just helped her out of the wheelchair and into her seat.

"You comfy kid?" Happy asked she nodded softly.

"Well Kee Kee," I laughed. "You've got quite an arm there." She looked at me confused.

"Did I hurt the lady?"

"Yeah you clocked her right in the nose!" It was hilarious my 95 pound sister can't walk on her own but she can still punch hard enough to break someone's nose.

"I am ready for my"

"You aren't going to be punished Kyra." Pepper stated firmly. Kyra nodded as her eyes started to fill with tears. It was weird watching her eyes cry. The white film made them seem useless. I had hated when she cried before. It was even more awkward now. Her whole body seemed to slump down.

"Hey, don't worry about it kid." Happy tried.

"I didn't mean to."

"We know honey. It's okay, she's fine." I motioned for the stewardess to come over.

"Will you please tell my sister you are okay?" I whispered into her ear. "She's kind of crying."

"Yeah… sure Mr. Stark." I nudged her closer. This woman was at least 5'6" and she was scared of my 5' 3" 95 pound sister. It was classic.

"Umm, Ms. Stark…?"

"Lady?" Kyra asked.

"Umm, my name is… Janet."

"I'm sorry for hurting you Janet. I didn't mean to."

"It's okay…" I tried not to laugh. This is really not a good situation to laugh in. Pepper gave me a pointed look and I took a deep breath to calm down. Janet walked away from Kyra, I slipped a few bills out of my wallet and handed them to Janet.

"Thanks, we appreciate it." She looked at the bills with wide eyes.

"Not a problem Mr. Stark." She smiled at the money in her hands. I nodded. Pepper and Happy were doting over Kyra. I sat down and just smiled. This was my family. Things were going to be okay.

Tony's POV

After our very long flight everyone was ready for a shower and bed. Pepper had cleared everyone's schedules for the next week to make sure Kyra was settled comfortably. She handles everything. What would I do without her? I walked in front of Kyra as we entered the tower from the back entrance. I called the Avengers and had everyone make themselves scarce. At least until Kyra got settled in her floor. We don't need her trying to punch one of the Avengers. Plus Pepper insisted 'we have to keep things as calm as possible. This is a big change. We need little to no stress for her.' It made me stress out. But it made Pepper happy, and helped Kyra get better, so I dealt with it. We reached the elevator and came to the living area of her floor. I'd instructed JARVIS not to speak to Kyra yet. She's got enough to adjust to. We walked out of the elevator and were greeted by a sea of SHIELD Agents.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." I murmured under my breath. We just had to get through the living room in order to get to Kyra's bedroom. But nope. Nick Fury decided to throw a party. "So this is how it is Eye patch? You start throwing SHIELD parties in my house without my permission? Because you know consulting hours don't start until tomorrow at 10 am."

"I thought SHIELD was disbanded…" Pepper breathed. She looked uncomfortable.

"I don't party Stark. And I'm not here for a consult. We are here to speak with Kyra."

"Not a chance." I growled out.

"Stark I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation." Fury spoke like a smug bastard. God this guy got on my nerves.

"I understand it perfectly." I started towards Fury. "You and your groupies broke into my home and are now trying to accost my sister."

"Stark, we need to interrogate her." I heard a strangled gasp come from Kyra. She started to mumble again. I could hear Pepper try to calm her down.

"You need to leave now Fury." My voice low and cold.

"I'm afraid I can't do that Tony."

"Get the hell out of my house Nick!"

Kyra's POV

The new man argued with Tony. His voice dangerous. He wanted me. He wanted to take me away.

"Tony we can do this the easy way or the hard way." Oh god no…

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way sweetheart."

"Go to hell!" I screamed at a large man. He was held a whip in his hands. My eyes burned with defiance. The jackass only chuckled.

"Good." The man forced my bound hands above her head. "I Love the hard way." His grin was sickened me. The woman's shirt was torn off. A crack of leather was heard and a searing pain shot through my back

I started to whimper. I could feel the whip slice into my back. Words echoed in my head as the world around me faded.

I was in the cold room. Ice had started forming on my hair and skin. It would have formed on my clothes as well, but I was only in a sports bra and booty shorts. I swear it was getting even colder. I'd tried to get up and walk around to keep my blood pumping. It didn't turn out how I'd hoped. I had slipped on some ice cracking my head and twisting my ankle. It was so cold that I couldn't feel too much pain. The only thing I really felt was the stab of pins shooting through every part of my body. All I had done was ask a question. I felt myself lose consciousness as the door opened and a muscular man bent down.

"No more please… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry." I begged. My blurry world spun violently.

"It seems our experiments have been a little too successful Heir Stucker. She is learning to control our men. And by-passing the energy restrictors. She has also had an effect on…" I'd zoned out of the conversation.

"…This is unacceptable. We must take drastic measures. She cannot shoot without her hands. So make sure the skin is covered. And that the cover cannot be removed."

"Very well Heir Stucker." Agony shot through my body as I felt something being drilled into my arms. I writhed in pain on the table. The doctor pulled out a needle. Paralyzer, not sedative. No, that would be too kind."

I could feel the pain. All of it every single ounce. It suffocated me. I screeched in pain. There was so much. It was too much. Too much. No more. Please no more.

Tony's POV

Kyra let out a horrible scream. It stopped my heart. I turned to rush to her. She rocked back and forth. Terrified. Her face contorted in pain as scream after agonizing scream left her throat. She threw herself from the wheelchair. Then I heard clicks behind me and found that each SHIELD Agent had their guns trained on my little sister.

"Drop the weapons. NOW" No one moved. "FURY Tell them to drop their GOD DAMN WEAPONS!" Kyra continued to scream and scream. I saw multiple agents clicking their safeties off. That was it! I clicked my watch and called in the Iron Legion.

Kyra's POV

Punch after punch. Kick after kick. It never ended. All I could do was hope I'd black out soon. Another punch was landed on my back and blood coughed out of my mouth. It happened to be onto one of my "therapists"

"You little bitch!" He then proceeded to pound his fist into my face. Every breath was garbled. I could feel fluid in my lungs. Was this really it? Suddenly the guard assaulting me was gone. I heard crashing and men screaming, then the most beautiful voice.

"Солнечный, Солнечный я здесь. Солнечный, вернись ко мне (Sunny, Sunny I'm here. Sunny come back to me.)"

"Frosty..."

"Kyra, Kyra honey come back..." my throat hurt. But the blood was gone. My clothes were clean. I could hear two men argue close by. That voice. I knew that voice.

"Pe...pper?"

"Hey honey, I'm right here."

"Where's Frosty?" I felt my eyes water. I knew I'd heard him. He had to be here. I wanted him to be here.

"Honey," Pepper started "I don't know who Frosty is. But Tony and I are right here. You're safe we won't let anyone hurt you anymore."

"Who's here Pepper? Who's the man?" I felt so small. I wanted to run and hide. "Are they here? Is HYDRA here?! They can't take me back. Can't. Can't. Can't. Cut off one head two more take its place. Bad, Bad men. Pain. Pain. Pain. I won't. I won't. I won't. You can't make me. HYDRA bad. HYDRA bad. HYDRA BAD. Won't go back. Death. Death. Death. Red. Red. Red. Everywhere. So much. Frosty. Frosty promised. Frosty good. Red. Everywhere. In my clothes and in my hair. Eyes. Blue eyes. Sad blue eyes. Promised I'd be safe. Took the pain. Won't. Won't go back. Die first. Kill me please! NO MORE PAIN! PLEASE!"

Tony's POV

No one in the room dared to breathe after her outburst. I rushed over to her. Pepper was in tears. It tore us both up to see Kyra like this. I grabbed her face in my hands. "Kee Kee. Hey. Hey look at me." Kyra was continued to rock back and forth curled in a ball. I couldn't believe how gentle my voice sounded. "Come back Kee Kee. Come back." Her rocking slowed and she reached up to touch my face.

"S...afe?" she asks her voice trembled. I nod.

"Safe." I reassure her.

"Pepper's safe?" She asks again.

"I'm right here." Pepper tried to choke back a sob at how broken Kyra is. This wasn't going to be easy. I looked over at the agents, they lowered their weapons. No one seemed to expect this. Fury walked towards us.

"Kyra my name is Nick Fury, I'm the director of SHIELD. I need to ask you a few questions."

Kyra started to shake her head again and rock back and forth. Pepper wrapped her arms around Kyra. "No. No more questions. They can't take me back. Always questions. Never answers." Is her quiet reply. "I'm safe. Won't go back. Die first."

But Fury continued. "Who took you Kyra?"

"I already told you Fury!" I screamed. Could he NOT see how damaged my sister was?! How dare his push her. She's not okay right now!

"HYDRA. Hail HYDRA. Never will. NEVER. HYDRA bad. Make them burn. Save Frosty, then make them burn. We must make them burn." Kyra retreated back into her world. "Won't go back. Onie promised." She breathed.

The atmosphere in the room is tense. I was so pissed. No I was beyond pissed. If these agents didn't get out of my house in the next 2 minutes I was going to jail tonight.

"Hey Kee Kee? Let's go to your room okay?" Pepper cooed softly. Kyra didn't respond. But she tried to stand up a little. Pepper gently grabbed one arm, while I grabbed the other. Happy came over with the wheelchair and they rolled her out of the room. I turned on Fury as his agents loaded the elevator. Fury stayed behind.

"She needs to be interrogated Stark. She has information that we need."

"Get out of my..."

"It doesn't have to be today, but it is going to happen. With or without your approval." Fury entered the elevator and left. I went to the bar and poured myself a large shot of scotch. It had been a long few months. Her home coming was supposed to be happier than this. Who knows how far Fury just set her back. I walked over to the large windows and looked out over the city.

"She's resting right now. Happy's sitting with her." Pepper stated softly as she walked back into the room. I nodded. I could hardly speak right now. Fury had pissed me off beyond belief.

"I imagined that going better in my head." I stated finally after a long pause.

"You and me both." Pep laughed. "What are we going to do Tony? SHIELD..?"

"Protect her." I stated firmly looking over at Pepper. "We are going to protect her with everything we have." She nodded in agreement. She rested her head on my shoulder as I drank. I didn't need to say anything and neither did she. We were going to get through this. We both knew that. This was just a really shitty start.