3rd Person POV
Bruce and Tony had been working tirelessly in the lab trying to develop new monitoring technology for Kyra. Fueled by caffeine and sugar they were finally honing in on a break through. Multiple arguments had been shared between the two on the most effective way to monitor Kyra. Tony believed that sensors all over her body was the best way. He would attach small dots all over Kyra's body and they would constantly monitor her. Bruce disagreed. The constant argument being she would think she'd returned to HYDRA. Neither men could figure out something common that would not arouse Kyra's suspicion.
Seven days passed with the Science Bros averaging 70 hours of sleep between the two of them. Most of that being achieved slumped over their desk after passing out from pure exhaustion. Pepper kept busy with Stark Industries and Kyra, but after a week, she decided enough was enough. Pepper's 2 inch stilettos clicked as she strode into the lab with Steve and Thor by her side. Both men capable of carrying the exhausted scientists to their beds if needed. When they arrived both Tony and Bruce were asleep on their planning table. Shaking her head Pepper strode over to both men. Her long legs making short work of the distance.
Pepper's POV
These jeans are the greatest thing ever. It is SO nice to be able to take a full step without being restricted by a skirt. I dressed a little more scandalously then I would normally. Sex was my back up plan for Tony if he tried arguing. He LOVED me in these jeans. He wouldn't be able to say no. Bruce wouldn't fight back. He never did. Poor thing had probably just stayed because he's been guilt tripped by Tony. I doubt he'd go this long without sleeping voluntarily. It seemed everyone was getting protective of Kyra. It warmed my heart. But still. They need to take care of themselves!
"Get up!" I demanded. Both men launching into the air. Tony falling off of his stool. Bruce managing to catch himself before joining Tony on the floor. "You two are going to your beds. And you are going to sleep. Is that clear?"
"Pep, we're close. We just need a little more time." Tony groaned from the floor.
"Tony, a break sounds really good actually."
"Bruce! We're close! Weare! I can feel it!" my boyfriend shrieked. Exhaustion evident in every aspect of his being. The bags under their eyes were so big I could fit my wallet and phone in them. Still laying down Tony flailed his arms for affect. How do I put up with this man? I looked over a Bruce to see him in a similar state. There was notable stubble on his face along with the dark circles under his eyes. His shoulders were slumped as he tried blinking back the exhaustion. Always ready to help a friend. I loved that about Bruce. Tony better appreciate him. To my right I heard deep even breathing and light snoring. Oh my god. Tony fell asleep on the floor.
"You have got to be kidding me." I breathed. "Well he's not going to argue anymore. Bruce you look like the living dead. Do you need help to your room?" It seems he'd shaken enough of the sleep away. He was looking around the room, confusion leaving his face.
"I should be okay Pep, Thanks." Nodding I turned back to Thor and Steve.
"Could one of you boys help me bring this lump up to bed?"
"Uhhh…" Steve noticeably cringed.
"I would be honored Lady Pepper."
"Great. Thanks Thor!" Steve clapped him on the shoulder and walking briskly out of the lab. Boys. I turned around to see Bruce was studying me. Like I was a text book. My skin started to crawl a bit.
Bruce's POV
Clothes. We can try to develop a synthetic fiber with dozens of sensors imbedded in the fabric. The design can be form fitting. Skin tight. That will insure constant contact. Kyra wouldn't even know the sensors are there if we developed it well enough. It would need to be flexible, breathable, water resistant; there are so many aspects. This is brilliant!
"Umm, Bruce…?"
"That's it!" Excitement clear in my voice. "Tony I've got it!" The unconscious billionaire stirred slightly in Thor's massive arms. I rushed over and shook him. "Tony! Tony!" he started to come around. Eyes blinking slowly. "Look! Look at Pepper!" His head turned lazily towards his girlfriend who looked extremely uncomfortable. Tony looked her up and down and smirked.
"You're wearing my favorite jeans." It seemed Pepper's apparel instantly woke him up as well. Pepper seemed to be uncomfortable and confused still.
"Clothes Tony! Skin tight clothes!" the exclamation snapping him out of his Pepper filled trance. He quirked a brow at me interested but confused. "We could create a fabric, embed sensors into the cloth that will monitor all of Kyra's vitals. At all times! She wouldn't even know!" the excitement was starting to bubble out of my voice. If we managed to synthesize something like this it would revolutionize the world. Tony's face light up as well.
"That's brilliant! It would need to be flexible."
"Form fitting, water resistant."
"Light weight. Breathable."
"The fiber could be aluminum."
"No. Metal would conduct electricity."
Pepper's POV
The boys continued to babble on adamantly. Tony had hopped out of Thor's arms and they were both making their way to the planning tables. Oh hell no.
"Oh, no no no no no no! You two get your BUTTS to bed before I make you!" I stomped my foot for extra effect.
"Buuut Peppppppperrrr~~~" Tony whined like the man child he is.
"No buts Tony! Unless it's both of yours asleep in your beds! Now MOVE IT!" Bruce became uncomfortable with the tension in the room. He started edging towards the door. I know I'm scary when I'm mad. Tony's used to it by now though. Bruce, not so much. Tony was pouting like a 5 year old who had to wait till after dinner for desert. My foot tapped out of habit. This man was infuriating.
"I'm just gonna go Pepper…." Bruce stated as he shuffled towards the door. I glared at my boyfriend. He'd opened his mouth to try and argue.
"Tony, either you go on your own or I ask Thor to carry you like the child you are acting like!" Tony's face flared in defiance. It only lasted a minute before I grabbed his ear and pulled him out of the lab. "I've had enough out of you. Go. To. Sleep!"
"Pepper! Ow! Jesus I'm going! That ear is tached ya'knw! Pepper!" Tony kept muttering and whining as I dragged him to the elevator. His exhaustion evident. In the elevator he slumped his head onto my shoulder. "She's my sister Pep, I 'ave to helper."
"Pleaaaaassse don't pass out yet Tony, I cannot carry you." Mumbling I carried/dragged him to bed. God how is he this heavy?! Ten more feet Pep, ten more feet you can do this! I tried to drop Tony on the bed. I may have missed. He hit the floor like a cannon ball. Didn't react other than a grunt. As I tossed the comforter over him I winced. "You'll hate me when you wake up." I mumbled. "But at least you are sleeping." I left the room, pausing at the door. "JARVIS?"
"Yes Miss Potts?"
"Please cut all electronic interfaces to this room and keep Tony's door locked for the next 9 hours."
"What should I do if he wakes up?"
"Inform him that I insist he sleep or he will be very lonely for the next month."
"Will do Ms. Potts." The devilish smirk on my lips was a clear victory for me. Now that the man child is in bed, on to other matters.
Kyra's POV
I don't know if it was day or night. Things seemed to be taking on a pattern. Pepper would bring me things to eat. I'd then regurgitate the food again. Pepper insists I continue to try though. Apparently what happens is called 'puking' or 'throwing up'. It's not pleasant. But my stomach is not hurting as much anymore. I can feel more skin on my body. Or less bones. Pepper says it's good. That I'm looking better every day. I don't really care how I look. I'm not supposed to. I'm starting to feel. And it's lonely. Pepper, Happy and Natasha all sound very light and bright when I hear them talk. I don't know why though. I get warm hearing the warmth in their voices. There's something else in there too. I don't know what it is. I want it though. But how do I feel that? It's so….. Confusing. And frustrating. I'm on my fluffy cloud again. It's too soft. I've learned it's called a 'bed' which is a fancy cot made out of marshmallows, clouds and warmth. I still am not sure what a marshmallow is. I know they are squishy though. How I'm not sure… I keep knowing things. But not knowing how. My head doesn't hurt then. The knowledge is just there. Like I pulled it out of thin air. I guess I did. Who knows? Back to the fluffy cloud. I'm not a fan. I try to get out of bed and lay on the floor with my blankets. I LOVE the blankets. They are fluffy too. But soooo waaarrrmmm. I love being warm. But when Pepper comes in she scolds me. I instantly jump back in bed. I can't disobey. I must do as I'm told. I must. She says the floor is not comfortable. I want to quip back that it's a lot better than feeling like you are being sucked into a giant mound of fluff. But I can't talk back. Can't. I'll get punished. Pepper is nice. I know she is nice. But I always get punished. Plus, she might take my blankets away. Or go away. I don't want that. That would be worse than punishment. Cold. I hate the cold. The cold meant I was alone. The cold meant I wasn't safe. Frosty was the only warmth I ever had. He'd love these blanket things. I didn't want for anything, other than Frosty. But, I always saw him. All I had to do was dream.
~ ~ ~ Dream ~ ~ ~
The room was dimly lit. Four familiar gray walls surrounded me. My cell. I felt strong. In pain. But my body wasn't weak. Looking down I saw muscle on my arms and legs. Before I could panic a fist collided with my jaw violently. My three 'handlers' were there. Beating me into submission. I knew what they wanted. They had already taken it before. I wasn't going to be used. Or give up. I couldn't give up. I'm a Stark. We may get knocked down but we always get back up. We always stand. Damn the rules. Damn these bastards too. I'll get out and make them pay. I know I will. Every kick they land makes sure of it. A kick to the gut and then an uppercut to the jaw sends me lurching painfully in two different directions. There's a chuckle in the corner. I know that voice. Peirce. I looked up at him with defiance. Our eyes met. I could feel the rage in my stomach grow. A hard kick to the spine sent me plummeting to the ground. "Aaagrh!" The men laughed. I couldn't hold back that scream. I had to be strong. I couldn't lose my resolve. There was a knock on the door. Looking up in the corner it seems Peirce had left. Stupid prick. I'd make them all pay. But him especially. They started getting more violent now that Pierce was gone. The screams just kept pouring out of my mouth no matter how hard I tried to hold them back. These bastards all laughed and grunted in satisfaction. Sadistic pricks. I'd be laughing one day. I promised myself that. One of them hauled me to my feet. Arms behind my back. My skin was wet all over. I couldn't tell if it was sweat or blood. It didn't really matter. I wasn't going to last much longer. As much as I hated to admit it. I was still human. A giant fist collided with my face. I looked up at the HYDRA agent his sick grin quickly wiped off his face. I was dropped to the floor. The sound of punches. Someone was beating the men. I looked up with hope for the first time in what felt like years. There was a man. He was huge. Nothing but muscle rage and a metal arm. I wonder if he was a prisoner. Within 60 seconds my 'handlers' laid dead on the floor. The man sat me up against the wall. My head lolled back and to the side. Everything hurt. This behemoth of a man was being gentle though. His eyes. God those eyes.
"..T..tha..nnk.."
"Quiet" was his low and cold response. As much as I wanted to thank the stranger. Beg him to help me get the hell out of her. I couldn't really speak. After a moment I was able to find some words.
"Su..ch a…cold..tone.. for a… h..ero.." I gasped out. I hadn't spoken to anyone who wasn't trying to kill, rape or use me in months. I didn't want to miss my opportunity. His eyes were soft but movements stiff and controlled. Like a soldier. My vision was getting fuzzy. I couldn't make out much other than his face. His eyes. I wanted to remember those. Soon there was a slam. I was too weak to even flinch. My hero was dragged by a sea of black clad men to the center of the room. He was slapped hard. I was losing consciousness. He was a prisoner too. I'd gotten him in trouble. The agents hauled the man from my cell. Ungodly screams echoing throughout the base. I tried to crawl to the door. This was my fault he'd helped me. I had to help. To try. I made it all of one foot before collapsing to the floor. Helplessness filled me along with the agony of my saviors screams. And his beautiful icy blue eyes.
Jolts of electricity filled each cell in my body. My neck burned from the restrains around it. My powers were blocked. I was chained in place in front of a giant window. Behind that window was Frosty. His eyes were frantic and pleading. I knew that look. I felt it all the time. The fear. They strapped him to the metal chair. I struggled as hard as I could against the restraints. To stop them. To get to him. Get to Frosty. My powers started building in my stomach. The swirling was becoming familiar. Before I could do anything shocks racked my body again. Paralyzing me in every possible way. Dr. Zola turned to me. A sick smile on his face as he held the mouth guard.
"Perhaps this vill remind you who you serve. And zee consequences of your carless actions." Turning he forced the mouth guard into Frosty's mouth. He looked towards the window. He knew I was there. Watching. As soon as the chair powered on we both screamed in a harmony of pain. Struggling against restraints desperate to get out. Desperate to get to each other. He must have heard me scream because he started to struggle more. I kept screaming. Until my lungs were hoarse. He was punished because of me. Again. They'd taken him away from me. Again. Hours later I was exhausted. Frosty unconscious in our cell. They'd nearly killed him this time. His skin was covered in sweat. His body odor and the smell of burnt flesh permeated the air. It was hard to breathe. Tears and rage boiled in everything I was. This was my fault. This was my punishment. His matted hair was strewn across his forehead. I needed to check his temperature. He was breathing. So at least he was still with me. For now. The second our skin touched Frosty jolted awake. I couldn't blink before he had launched me into the nearest wall. The impact left a dent. More tears streamed down my face. His looming figure was stalking towards me. And I felt fear. This is what they wanted. To remind me he was there's. That I was there's that we would never belong to each other. He continued to punch me with a relentless force. I was too tired to even attempt to fight. Is this it? Am I going to die because of the man I love? He threw me again to the ground. I wouldn't last much longer. I was strong. I had to fight. I had to.
3rd Person POV
The Avengers were each in their own parts of the tower. Doing their thing. It had been several hours since the news of Kyra's episode. "Excuse me everyone. Ms. Kyra is in extreme distress. Please assist." Jarvis broke through the unusually quiet space. Pepper heard the words 'Ms. Kyra' and began sprinting towards her room. Her screams echoed clear as day, even as Pepper was 3 floors below her room. Pepper rushed into the room and halted at the sight before her. Kyra was a tangle of blankets sweat and fear. Screeching like a wounded banshee. The sound was so painful, so loud. Pepper didn't even think before she rushed towards Kyra in order to shake her awake.
Kyra's POV
Frosty trekked towards my limp frame. Grabbing my shoulders violently. Absolutely no hesitation. It felt so real. He was squeezing. So hard. Crushing my bones. With no regret. I had to do something. Kyra. Swing! You are a Stark. You are stronger then this! Fight! Fight it! Fight! His eyes were so black. So dead. FIGHT! Echoed in my mind. Suddenly my arm lifted and I swung with every ounce of strength I had left.
3rd Person POV
Kyra's punch landed square on Pepper's jaw. She flew back onto the floor from the surprising force. Tony and Bruce had been hot on Pepper's tail. Both arriving as Pepper hit the floor. Eyes wide, staring at Kyra in pure fear. The young woman was fighting against an invisible foe. She was screaming in Russian. No one understood what she was saying. It was terrifying.
Pepper's POV
Oh my god. Oh my god. She…. She hit me… what… how could she?!
Bruce's POV
She's having a hallucination. It's clear in her movement. She doesn't have this confidence when awake. Or control of her body. I need a sedative.
Tony's POV
Rage. That's what I felt. This wasn't my sister. This was a disrespectful little monster who hit my Pepper. She's been frantic for the last month and a half, helping Kyra every second of everyday. Rage. Red. Red and rage.
"KYRA WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" screaming and launching at the smaller woman. I grabbed her tightly. The little shit flipped me. FLIPPED ME. I couldn't breathe. Her face was scrunched up in pain as she shouted Russian in my face. She's screaming at me?! Her eyes are open! She's attacking us while she's awake?! What the hell!? I jumped up putting my years of boxing to good use.
Pepper's POV
I can't breathe. Why can't I breathe? What is happening? Kyra? Kyra. How? T..Tony. He's yelling. He's here. And Kyra. They're screaming. Faces red. Bruce. Where did Bruce go? My jaw. God I think I heard it crack. It hurts so much. Why can't I breathe? I feel like I'm drowning. Tony. Tony. She just flipped him. She just threw her older brother to the floor. My god…. What…. what is she?
3rd Person POV
Time was no longer an element as the rest of the team rushed into action. Steve sprinted to Kyra's room. The brawl going on between the siblings growing worse by the moment. Each time Tony would try and restrain her Kyra panicked and fought back harder. She couldn't hear any of them. She didn't know any of them. And Kyra feared what she didn't know.
Steve joined Tony in trying to restrain the youngest Stark. The two men together were able to pin her arms and legs. She still kept fighting. A clear product of relentless training. Landing a merciless head-butt on Steve's forehead. Power surged from the impact separating the trio. Kyra's powers had kicked in. As her powers surged her emotions diminished. She was cold. Cold again. Frozen. Permanently. All the Pepper had crawled to the furthest corner from Kyra. An ugly bruise starting to form already. It hadn't even been five minutes since Kyra had started to panic. Bruce had been standing near the door. Needle in hand. He had to inject this into her before someone was hurt worse. The strain she was putting on her body was exponentially more than the damage she was causing the others. Tony and Steve regrouped. None of the men spoke. Still she knew where they were. She knew. Like she could see. But her eyes were still blank. Her posture and expression screamed danger. She was a threat. The boys made eye contact silently communicating the plan. Steve nodded and each man rushed forward. Tony and Steve immobilized Kyra. Bruce quickly jabbed a needle in her skin. Injecting the sedative. Kyra let out an inhuman scream. Power surged from her body as she dropped to the floor unconscious. The air was hot and thick as the five Avengers tried to catch their breaths. Pepper's whimpers and heavy breathing was the only sounds that filled the room.
Steve's POV
Shock. I think that's a good word to use here. Disbelief and fear work as well. Especially after what just happened. She hit me so hard I might have a concussion. I'd never seen her powers before. They were terrifying. Her stance. Her skill. Tony wasn't holding back. He wasn't holding back on his younger sister. Which is wrong in every way. But she didn't give him the option. My breath started slowing to normal. Everyone seemed to be mulling over what had just happened. Bruce looked sad. Like he knew what was happening. Or what she had went through. Maybe he does. Tony was pissed. Anger radiated off of him. He was limping too. Ironman was limping after a fight with his anorexic little sister. She could have killed him. Shit, she could have killed any of us. No one had moved towards her crumpled form. I was worried. I don't know what could be worse than that. But she's surprised me at every turn so far. Bruce had turned to go check on Pepper. Tony had been screaming that Kyra had hit Pep. That's unbelievable.
She looked so small in a scattered heap of limbs on the floor. Her chest barely moving with each breath. It hurt me. Seeing this girl. Like this. Her hair was still short a matted. Looking closer I could see the tears that had streaked down her face. A few were still falling. She looked innocent. Looks can be deceiving. She was the definition of the phrase don't judge a book by its cover.
3rd Person POV
Steve walked over to the group of three huddled in the corner. Pepper was still on the floor. In a daze, from the impact of the hit and the shock of the fight that had just occurred.
"What.. what hap happened?" Bruce was gently feeling Pepper's jaw. Making sure there wasn't a fracture or break. He wasn't ignoring her question. He just didn't want to answer it. Tony was going to blow things out of proportion. Especially with the bruise on Pepper's face growing darker by the second.
"You're gonna need to ice this for the rest of the day Pep." His instruction fell on deaf ears. Pepper was too consumed in confusion, hurt, and pain to listen. Anger surged through Tony again watching Pep's face. It was horrible. She winced each time she moved her jaw. Pepper's eyes were still glassy with tears. "Steve can you go grab Pepper something frozen?" Bruce turned towards the super soldier. "Just a bag of veggies will do. No need to bring the whole freezer." Steve nodded. A small forced smile played on both men's faces.
"How are you joking right now?" Tony spit out. Absolute disgust dripping from every syllable.
"Making light of the situation Tony." Bruce's voice was worn out. "You should know."
"This is NOT a situation to make 'light' of. Look at Pepper's face! Look at me and Steve! She would have kept going. She could have killed us."
"She wasn't in her right mind Tony. You can't blame her for that."
"The hell I can't!" His voice making both Pepper and Bruce flinch. More tears streamed down Pepper's face. She glanced over where Kyra's body laid. Staring ahead blankly. "We have been taking care of her! How can she be so ungrateful?!" With a sigh and a pinch of his nose Bruce looked his friend right in the eyes.
"Do you blame me when the Other Guy comes out?" Their eyes both locked on each other. Disbelief and understanding rising on Tony's face. "She was being controlled Tony. I don't know by what. But it was evident in every movement. Her body was reacting Tony. She didn't know what was going on."
"She looked right at me Bruce. She could tell where we all were." Tony bit back. "She's supposed to be blind. Explain that to me."
"I can't." was his reply. Ruffling his graying hair Bruce looked over at Kyra's limp form. "We can't tell her what she did."
"What the hell do you mean we can't tell her?!"
"We can't let her know. We can't treat her different."
"She's lucky I haven't kicked her out yet!" Tony roared. Bruce's fists clenched as his head bowed.
Bruce's POV
The Other Guy wanted to come out and smack Tony around. Kick her out? How can he say that about his own sister? He is always taking everything and everyone in his light for granted. But god. I know he's pissed. His ego is hurt because he just got stomped on by a 99 pound blind woman. Pepper got hurt too, which isn't making matters better. But she was somewhere else. I don't know where. It wasn't that she wasn't listening she couldn't hear what was being screamed at her. The screaming probably made it worse.
"Tony. She was having a nightmare. A bad one by the look of Pepper's face. Then you came in here screaming and trying to restrain her. She's blind. She was tired, scared and confused too, I'd bet anything." Tony was about to reply before I cut him off. "Pepper, what made you run in here?" Pepper's face was still dazed. She blinked several times.
"She uhh she was um screaming. I thought she was in uh trouble. I just uh wanted to help her."
"Was she thrashing?" Pepper nodded in response.
"Bad, it sounded like, like she was being murdered, I can't think of another way to put it…. Such a horrible sound…" her voice trailed off towards the end. She took back to staring in the distance. I nodded in response. "I just wanted to help her…"
"We don't touch Kyra if she's having a nightmare." My firm voice held more authority than usual. "Her mental state has her living in these dreams. Like she's there. The dreams are her reality." Tony was looking back and forth between me and Pepper.
"Pep, you're staying the hell away from Kyra. You got that? I don't want you going anywhere near her." Pep seemed to snap out of her daze. Her eyes were conflicted. She looked between me and Tony.
"Tony, Pepper is the person she's closest with."
"I don't care. Pepper isn't trained and I WILL NOT put her in danger. Kyra is unstable and dangerous. We need to be more careful. She's a threat to everyone in the tower."
"Tony this is your sister!" Steve cried. I don't know how long he'd been there. He had a bag of peas in his hand and a bag of green beans pressed against his forehead.
"She is 98 pounds and hurt a Super Soldier! She would have taken both of us down if Bruce didn't show up with the sedative Steve. Are you willing to accept you're not as strong as a 98 pound chick?!"
Steve's POV
"Your ego shouldn't have anything to do with this Stark. I know it's 95% of your personality, but that doesn't mean you should turn on your only family." Bruce didn't insult Tony a lot. But when he did. It was because he was really pissed. "I'm more dangerous than her guys. Why throw her out and keep me? Why lock her up and keep me free?"
"Banner you have control, you've proven that."
"That it took years to accomplish Steve. Years. I did it alone because no one else would put up with the risk. I had to be alone or I'd hurt people. Always. And they were good people. And their pain was my fault. That guilt is with me everywhere guys. I, I can help her. She can't kill me. It's physically impossible." Bruce paused looking at all of us. Tony scoffed. He helped Pepper to her feet and led her from the room. "You always tell me I'm not a monster Tony." Bruce called as they were reaching the door way. "If she is, I am too." Tony walked away. A heavy silence filled the room. It was awkward. Bruce didn't talk about his past. None of us did really. We all know he's dangerous. But he hates himself for hurting others. Bruce turned away from the door shaking his head. Disappointment clear on his face.
"How can he do that to his own family?" I asked.
"She isn't his family." Bruce stated sadly. "She was adopted. Tony never really accepted her as a Stark." He bent over and picked up Kyra, laying her back on her bed.
"Has he talked to you about her?" I wondered. He doesn't really do emotions. But Bruce and Tony have a more open relationship with each other.
"No." Bruce shook his head. "He didn't have to though. It's clear on his face." I didn't understand. But then again, this was a different world. I still wasn't used to it. I'd been awake for over 4 years now. "She needs us Steve." Bruce was quiet. I hummed in response.
"I'll help anyway I can."
"Good." Bruce pulled up a chair and sat down. Lost in thought I guess.
"You good here?"
"Yeah, fine. I'm I'm fine." Nodding in response I turned to leave.
"You see yourself in her don't you?" I asked softly.
"More then I'd like to admit." Bruce muttered. The sorrow in his voice was thick. "I need to save her Steve." Bruce mumbled. "I need to save her. To know that people like us can be saved." I nodded in response. I felt the same thing. I needed to know people like her can be saved. I need to know Bucky can be saved. Bruce turned back to watching Kyra. I walked out with more questions in my head then I wanted to count.
3rd Person POV
Bruce kept watch on Kyra for the rest of the night. He decided his experiments could wait that long. While he was currently working to help design medical equipment for Kyra, he needed more data on the psychological side of things. Spending most of his time with Kyra researching PTSD. The symptoms reported for flashbacks in soldiers were almost identical to Kyra's episode. Many witnesses state that the episodes were halted once the soldiers could see who they were attacking. It was a good bet this is why Kyra didn't relent until she was sedated. The sedative knocked Kyra out for over 10 hours. She was so quiet Bruce frequently checked to make sure she was still breathing. In her comatose state he was able to gather blood samples. Something that hadn't been possible when Kyra was awake. Working through the night he'd gathered good data, but there's only so much he can do in her room. Even with JARVIS at his disposal. Lab equipment was needed. Exact data needed to be constructed along with monitoring devices. Hell, if he could find a way to fix Kyra's eyes it could also help with some of her problems. She'd see them every day. Their smiles and their faces. 75% of communication isn't verbal. There was so much to do. He couldn't do it all here. Pulling up a command prompt Bruce sent JARVIS a message. He'd been communicating with the AI using messages and code all night. Afraid that too much noise would wake Kyra and cause her to panic. A response returned within half a second 'Ms. Romanoff is in her room currently. Would you like me to ask her to join you?' Typing in the conformation for his request Bruce then began closing the virtual tabs that hung around the room. Saving documents and book marks along the way. Once the room was cleared he headed to the door to wait Natasha's arrival.
Natasha's POV
"Ms. Romanoff, Doctor Banner has requested you join him in Kyra's room." What? Why?
"JARVIS? Did Pepper leave on a buisness trip?" Clint and I had gone out for dinner the night before. Did something hsppen? It was early in the morning. Pepper should be with Kyra. Not Bruce.
"Ms. Potts is currently indisposed." Indisposed? What the hell does that mean? "Shall I tell Doctor Banner you are busy, Ms. Romanoff?"
"No, no I'll be there in a minute." This is not normal. Did something happen? What could have happened to cause Pepper to be 'indisposed'? Bruce will know. He better tell me too.
The elevator rose to a floor Nat hadn't been allowed on. There weren't buttons for the residential floors. JARVIS cross referenced approved personnel and allowed them up. It was nice but annoying at the same time. The floor was laid out spaciously just like the other residential floors. It was bare though.
"Kyra's room is to the right Ms. Romanoff. Doctor Banner is waiting outside the room for you." Nodding in thanks to the AI. It was about a five minute walk before I saw Bruce. He looked like shit.
"You still aren't sleeping?" My tone was hard. I get that he's a Science bro and gets excited about stuff but he needs to sleep. Bruce looked up, dazed and troubled. "What happened?" Worry filled my gut. Was Kyra hurt?
"She had…uh another episode last night… I stayed with her. Pepper…. Isn't… um.. feeling well." He was lying about Pepper. The pause was enough of an indication. He was fidgety too. Must have been bad. "I'll uh fill you in after I've slept a bit. I've been up for too long." The bags under his eyes were indication enough.
"That's clear. What do you need me to do?" I asked
"Pepper isn't going to be able to hang out with Kyra today. We need you to keep an eye on her." My foot started tapping as my face scrunched up.
"But Pepper is closest to her."
"I know" Bruce nodded in response. "You were my next choice. I know you've grown fond of her." I glanced to the side. I don't like caring about people. It's dangerous. But still… I did.
"I see myself in her." Bruce nodded again.
"Me too."
"Alright, I'll hang out with her. But I want real answers later Bruce." The only reason I wasn't still pushing for information was because he looked ready to fall over at any second.
"Thanks Natasha." His lazy smile made me bite back my own. He was cute when he was tired. Fluffy little Bruce. "Oh!" His eyes became more alert. "Don't tell her that she had an episode. Don't mention anything weird okay?"
"She hurt someone didn't she?"
"Nat it's important you don't tell her." I nodded in response. Shooing Bruce away I entered her room. It was destroyed. Kyra was limp in her bed. God was she even breathing? There was blood on the floor. Whose blood was it? My stomach knotted. I don't worry a lot but I couldn't help it with her. It was annoying. The furniture was destroyed mostly. There was an arm chair that had been slammed against the wall. It was just knocked over. Pulling it up again I sat and got comfortable.
3rd Person POV
As Natasha sat with Kyra waiting for her to wake up, Bruce finally fell asleep. He miraculously made it to his room. Passing out in less than 30 seconds. Tony had thrown himself into his work. Pepper had spent the entire night crying. Tony, being his sensitive self, avoided the red head at all costs. After he screamed for an hour about how ungrateful Kyra was. Making Pepper feel worse. Now Tony was having a hard time even looking at Pepper. The bruise was even worse today. A disgusting green black and purple splotch on her beautiful face. Tony had left Pepper in their room. Sitting in an arm chair by the window. Staring out and New York. Drink in hand.
Tony's POV
Kyra was dangerous. My sister was dangerous. She had kicked my ass. Steve's too. After that head butt I know Capsicle was seeing stars. That's not an easy accomplishment. And I was scared. I was scared of my sister. She already hit Pepper. I don't care that Bruce claims it was a nightmare. That doesn't make any sense. She. She saw us. All of us. That shouldn't be possible. It was just not right. Nothing made sense. I can't figure it out either. I hate not knowing what's going on. And I didn't protect Pepper. Again. Her getting taken by Aldrich had been enough. I swore after that that I would protect her. I failed. How am I always failing? I can build high tech everything but I'm not strong enough to protect the woman I love. I need to be stronger. I need to protect her. Kyra is dangerous. She needs to be sedated again. It was easier to handle her then. She wouldn't fight back. Yeah. We need to sedate her. Until we figure this out. At least. Until she's Kyra again.
Natasha's POV
It had been a quiet day. I brought Kyra crackers and stuff. We sat in silence most of the time. She seemed so tired. Her voice sounded like she was talking after she'd just swallowed some sand. I gave her water constantly but it didn't help much. She was in a lot of pain too. I'd offered some aspirin. It didn't seem to help. She was cooperating very well. Relaxed and comfortable. I was glad she could feel this way with me. She was starting to trust me. Or maybe she was too tired to do anything else. I'm not sure. I like the 'she trusts me' idea better. It was getting later in the day,
"Hey" Bruce popped his head in. He was whispering. "How is she doing?" I couldn't help but laugh.
"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Bruce crept into the room. He was already guarded usually. Treating everything with extra care. I couldn't tell if he was treading lightly with Kyra or not. I still didn't know what had happened yesterday. I'd push for information later.
"Umm, Hey Kyra, do you remember me?" Bruce's voice was more timid than usual. She turned to where his voice was. Her face semi calm. Her hands were twitching a bit. It had happened a few times while she was in the hospital.
"Don't be scared Kyra. Bruce is a friend." She kept her focus on Bruce.
"I know.." Her voice was soft but sure. Yet she still managed to sound cold. "I can feel it." What does she mean she can feel it? "You're nervous. But I feel him. He doesn't want to come out though. He wants to help me. You do too. I can feel it…" Her face scrunched up. Hands covering her face as she leaned forward a bit.
"You…. You can feel the Other Guy…?" Bruce's voice held disbelief. I didn't know what she meant.
"Power. You radiate power, anger, and stress. It's under the surface. He feels it too. He feels it worse. He doesn't want to hurt anyone either. But he can't stop. Instincts won't let him. Instincts don't let me." She spoke quietly.
Bruce's POV
How the hell did she know about the Other Guy? I mean everyone knows about the Other Guy. She said she could feel him. That she could feel me… What does that even mean? When she spoke about instincts I felt the Other Guy stir. But he wasn't mad. He was curious too…
"Is this part of your powers Kyra?" I asked after a while. I HAD to know what she was talking about. How could she think the Other Guy felt? How could she know how he felt? We were the same I know we were. But how? How could she feel him too?
"I don't know…." She breathed. "How do I know these things? But. But. But I have no idea how. I. I know your voice. I know your smell. I don't. I don't know how. And I. I can't find it. In the fog. I'm so confused." Her small body started to shake. I didn't know if it was an episode or not. She's someone you can't predict. How can we hope to know what's happening with her when she doesn't even know her self? Nat got up from her chair and wrapped Kyra in her arms. It warmed my heart. This was Natasha Romanoff. One of the most feared spies in the world. And she was happily and warmly hugging Kyra. She looked up at me with a soft smile. Kyra stopped shaking. They both seemed to glow. I'd never seen Natasha look so beautiful. I'd never seen anyone look so beautiful. Not even Betty…. I was suddenly pulled towards Kyra by some invisible force. I tensed instantly. I saw Kyra had a soft smile. Her hand was reached out towards me. She only tugged me forward a few inches. It was enough to scare the crap out of me. Natasha looked wide eyed as well. She kept her arms around Kyra. Her arm was still stretched out. I took her hand gently. The Other Guy hummed in happiness. Sitting on the bed with these two women. I felt like I belonged.
Natasha's POV
Hugging Kyra was warm. It made me feel warm. She knocked down all my walls. I don't know how Tony could have let her go. Oh yeah, he's an idiot. She reached out her hand for Bruce and he was tugged forward a bit. She waved her hand out a little trying to reach him. This must have been part of her powers. I didn't know if she realized that she'd made him move. She was really relaxed. Bruce and I shared a startled glance. Not sure what was going to happen yet. She reached out her hand like a little kid trying to reach for a hug. I tilted my head, hoping Bruce would come closer. Smiling at him. A real smile. I never smiled like this anymore. Her I was with the two people who I just couldn't keep out of my heart. Bruce walked forward taking Kyra's hand. He was seated on her other side. Our arms brushed gently as we both held onto Kyra. I'd never felt so complete before. The emptiness. It didn't matter. God I loved this. I don't know how long we'd been sitting on the bed together. It started to get overwhelming. I was content. Completely content. My brain started kicking on all the ways this would end terribly. I tried to shake it off. Luckily Kyra broke the silence. Or rather her stomach. Bruce chuckled.
"How about I go get you some crackers"
"I'll do it." Standing I cut him off. "I could use the exercise." Lame excuse, but I suddenly felt like I was suffocating. This wasn't me. I wasn't gentle or sweet. I wasn't mother material. I was the best female assassin on the planet. The Black Widow. No relationships. No ties. Just business. I liked it that way. It was easy that way. It stayed empty that way. Can't lose something that isn't there.
Returning with the crackers Bruce had started pulling up virtual screens and was typing a few things.
"I can take over from here." He said with a smile. I nodded in thanks. Turned without saying anything to Kyra. My brisk pace carried me to the elevator quickly. There were so many things I didn't understand. I needed to calm down and get my emotions in check. I'm a spy. Feelings are weaknesses. Loved ones are tools that can be used against you. While reciting my long list of the 'reasons why keeping people away is for the best' It hit me. I still didn't know what had happened last night. My options for information included Bruce, Pepper and possibly Tony. I was NOT going back to Kyra's room. I needed to get away from her and Bruce. I needed to shake that feeling. It wasn't smart to even let myself open up that much. I needed to be more careful. And Tony's an irrational Drama King. So Pepper it is.
"JARVIS, Where is Pepper currently?"
"Ms. Potts is in her room."
"Is Stark with her?" Cause I do NOT need to see them getting it on.
"No, Mr. Stark is in his lab."
"Can you take me to their floor JARVIS I need to talk with Pepper."
"Of course Ms. Romanoff." It would be good to catch up anyway. Everything has been so focused on Kyra. Girl chat was something I would allow myself to indulge in.
Walking onto Stark's floor I was greeted with silence. The tower had been quiet but I figured it was just being on Kyra's floor. I couldn't hear anything. "Pepper?" calling to her trying to figure out just where she was. No answer. No sound either. Usually when she's sick she at least has music on.
"Her room is to the left Ms. Romanoff."
"Thanks." Why was it so quiet? Entering the room I saw Pepper in a chair. A few empty bottles around her. She didn't acknowledge my presence. That tugging in my gut had been right. Kyra had hurt Pepper. "Pep? What's going on?" She didn't respond. Choosing to let the marks on her face speak for her. "Pepper… who?"
"Kyrahh." She slurred. I always forgot how much Pepper could drink when she wanted to. She was trashed. I could tell. There wasn't any puke though. So it couldn't be that bad. "She *hic* hit me... cause iiii woke er up." Pepper was wincing when speaking too. "It *hic* fuckin huuuurrt."
"What happened?" Leaning against the wall watching for any of Pepper's tells. She laughed bitterly.
"She hit me Nashasha… ME!" Pep's head bobbed as she spoke. "She hit Tony too… she.. shee." Pepper started laughing "See kiked his asssss!" She stoped giggling almost instantly. "She's so strong." Pepper's voice was level. Like she was suddenly sober. "…So…..soo strong. It was terrifying." Her voice lowering with every moment. "Then Toooooony decided 'I can't go near her' Pssst, like I want to. She's fuckin crazy! Screamin an yellin for help then kickin my ass when I tried to help. What the fuck is up with that?" Pepper reached down around her for a bottle. Shaking all of them in search of a full one. "Empty… great…" she snorted out. "My siiisssster tried to *hic* killllll me and Toooooooonnny *hic* can't even keep me *hic* company. Fuckin bastard… But he's reeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaally good nbed. So it's okay I guessss….." Pepper was getting loopy again. Collapsing onto the chair. Thank god for that. I DO NOT need to hear about her sex life with Tony. So Kyra had attacked all of them? It's not something anyone wants to believe. Poking Pepper a few times, she let out a strangled snort/snore of some sort. She'd be fine. Needed to sleep it off.
"JARVIS?"
"Yes Ms. Romanoff?"
"Show me the footage of Kyra's episode last night."
"I'm sorry Ms. Romanoff but Mr. Stark has blocked all access to this video file."
"She was havin a nightmare… I think." Pepper stated. "Scremin horrrirblllee. I wanted to save er. But I grabbed er shoulders and she hit me. HARD. Then Tony and Bruce showed up. And Tony was screamin so much. My mind was spinnin. I saw stars. I did. Sweet little Kyra isn't sweet little Kyra anymore." The dejection in Pepper's voice was sickening.
"Pepper she's been a captive of HYDRA. How do you expect her to be the same?" God she's ignorant. "You don't get to get back to who you were, Pep. Ever. That's not erasable damage."
"Then mabe E shulda let er dye." The air left my lungs. "I wan Kee Kee back. She aint cumin back.." Tears started streaming down Pepper's face. She's giving up? How the hell can she be giving up?
"You're giving up?" Disbelief mixed with anger hinting at each word. Pepper looked up at me. Her eyes got hard.
"You don kno wha shee was lik beforrre!" her accusation meant jack shit to me.
"I don't have to." I took a deep breath. "She's asking for a chance Pepper. You can't give that to her then take it away. She needs our help. If you and Tony can't handle it that's fine. The rest of us can. We're happy to, and we didn't even know she existed before 2 months ago." I was pissed. "Sit here with you booze Pep, I'm sure Tony will be in to take advantage of you soon." Shaking my head. "You're doing everything you hate about Tony right now. If he were in your spot, you would be pissed." I wasn't standing up for Stark. He didn't deserve it. But Pepper needed to know how low she was sinking right now.
Pepper's POV
That sobered me up. The rest of the team didn't know anything about Kyra. They didn't have any personal reason to help her. Other than to support Tony and me. But we were the first who were giving up. I'd promised Kyra I wouldn't give up on her. But here I was doing just that. I looked around the room again. Seeing the bottles I'd emptied over the last day. It was disgusting. I was disgusted. I was ashamed. Natasha's eyes seemed to soften a fraction when our eyes met again. I nodded in response.
"I'm. I'm. I'm not right right now Nat. Can you. Take. Take care of Ky Ky Kyra for a bit?" I felt like the biggest failure in the world. "You. You. You're stronger than me." I took a deep breath. "I'm I'm I'm not e-e-enough right now." My voice started getting shaky. I was starting to cry. Nat nodded again.
"We'll get through this Pepper. Just fight. She can't beat this on her own." Nodding again I turned back to the window. Looking out at the city. Silent tears. I didn't have to tell Natasha I needed to be alone. She just knew. She always knew. Stupid super spy. I've never been a fighter. Not like this. Everyone thinks Tony is emotionally inept. I am too. He just makes me look better then I actually am. I need to be more than I am. "We're a team Pepper." Natasha was standing in the doorway to my room. "We'll get through this together. It's what we do." With that Nat actually left. I relaxed a bit. We are a team. We're the Avengers.
