Allie
III
Strolling up into the Bus empty handed is both embarrassing and suspicious. I trust Skye and she tracked them down to that hotel room; they couldn't have gotten far from there. May and Sif both wear frowns in their faces while Coulson remains neutral.
In the cargo hold Fitz is waiting for us, "No sign of them on any surveillance around the city," he reports.
"It was a long shot. Ward knows how we work, knows to avoid cameras," Coulson says and shrugs.
"Well, I expanded my search, got satellite support running. We'll find them," Fitz promises and I raise my eyebrow. Isn't Daisy supposed to be looking for them? "I do have a bit of good news. I fixed Lorelei's neck collar."
"Let me inspect it to be sure. Asgardian metal is much different from the ore of this planet," Sif interjects and Fitz nods.
"Sure, but I think you'll find it's up to snuff. It's in your room." Fitz starts away walking away while she follows after him. I watch them leave and then sidle over to Phil and May as they walk into the lab area.
"You and Ward have the same training. You're cut from the same cloth. If it was you, where would you run to?" Phil inquires.
Before May can respond loud and insistent pounding echoes through the Bus. Her expression darkens and my suspicions become reality.
"If I was Ward, I wouldn't run."
The pounding continues and a whirring sound starts, like the plane is powering up.
"I'd take out my main threat."
"I have unfinished business with Lorelei," I mutter and inhale as heat rushes through me.
"I'll take Ward," May states.
"I'll get Fitz," Coulson finishes and we all nod to each other before running off to the upper levels of the Bus.
At the top level after the spiral stairs Phil breaks off in a different direction while May and I stick together.
We move quickly towards the cockpit, but stop short at the Command Center. Lorelei is standing guard in the doorway to the cockpit.
"Why aren't you the brave ones?" she taunts in a coy manner.
"You took my plane. I want it back," May growls and holds her fists up. Lorelei saunters closer to us, so I poise myself in a offensive position as well.
"Well...we can't always get what we want," she pauses and grins. "Actually...I can."
May prepares to throw a punch, but Lorelei hits May first knocking her a good distance away before I can even blink. May groans in pain on the floor, while Lorelei chuckles.
"You like controlling things huh? Getting what you want?" I conclude and Lorelei circles me.
"Well of course who-"
"Who wouldn't? Who wouldn't like to completely control the mind and body of another person? A man hurt you so why not hurt them all back?" I snap, unyieldingly harsh.
"You know nothing about me!"
"Oh I do though," I hiss and grab her arms. "See I am you." Lorelei halts as my skin singes hers and my veins begin turning black. "We share a similar pain."
I am not giving her my agony only forcing hers to meet mine. Her eyes widen in shock and then narrow in anger.
"You are weaker than I," she snarls and shoves me back into the Bus wall. The memory of the bar parallels this moment, but this time I will not freeze.
The Bus rocks sharply and yells begin to echo from the holding cell; Sif is in danger. Rage floods my system and I let out a sharp battle cry before ramming myself into her.
We roll a few feet and I manage to pin her to the ground.
"I am not the weak one inflicting the torment she herself endured onto others," I retort and hold her wrists.
"Get off me!" she orders in her enchanting voice and holds to my arm with a domineering grip.
"Surrender to me!" I return in tandem.
Our voices fail to affect one another and so we lock into a stalemate. Her superior strength wanes against my unyielding and constantly repairing flesh.
Lorelei's eyes flick to the side and I turn to meet the Icer bullet head on.
The effect is an immediate cooling sensation and wave of lethargy that knocks me back. Lorelei takes her chance to throw me aside and then Ward shoots me twice more in the abdomen and then once in my throat.
They feel like ice spreading in my blood and a weight on my eyes. Limply I collapse fully agains the ground and my eyes half close. My throat is collapsing, I cannot speak.
Lorelei gives me a disdainful look and stands, brushing herself off and fixing her hair.
"Do not allow her to get back up and deal with the ice queen," Lorelei demands and turns away.
Craning my head, to watch her and try to keep an eye on Ward, I inhale sharply as the movement stings. My hands hold my neck as the cold fire strangles me.
May grunts and wipes blood from her mouth as she attempts to stand.
"I will retrieve Sif's sword, it will look better in my hand," Lorelei declares and makes her way to the holding cell door. Ward moves to stand next to her in a protective stance with his weapon in hand.
"Ward, you don't want to do this," May pants out.
"This was the plan. Cross off Sif, take the plane, eliminate anyone in our way," Ward counters in all seriousness. May stands up a bit taller; Ward pulls up his gun and aims it at her. This time it's not an Icer he's holding. "Get out of her way."
"It's her plan, not yours. Fight it. I know you. You're a fighter," May spits out and Lorelei's gaze lights up.
"Is this her? The beautiful warrior with a heart of ice?" Lorelei concludes and May stares. The sorceress leans in and grips Ward by his neck, kissing him roughly. The sight is revolting to witness, but it gives me anger to burn away the chemical in my blood. "His heart now beats in concert with mine and mine alone."
May stares at Ward and a flicker of recognition crosses her face. A piece of Ward is resisting Lorelei, he is shielding his younger soulmates.
"No reason to make this about us," May spits out.
"Oh. He told me who he desired before me," Lorelei starts and saunters closer to May. "But, my dear...it wasn't you." Lorelei has a steel expression on her face, but her eye twitches, she's lying.
Ward lied to Lorelei, he told her May was the one he desired. He is protecting Skye, Jemma, and Fitz.
With that she stalks away and Ward looks a bit nervous, but pulls the gun up higher aiming it at May as she just stares at him.
Rolling on my back I clench my hands and concentrate on burning the chemicals from my system.
"Siren! Just hang on we have a plan," an intent voice whispers and I open my eyes to find Simmons. Weakly I nod and force my hands to relax, my nails have carved holes into my palms. Simmons proceeds to turn the corner, sneaking past Ward, and heads toward the holding cell.
Minutes later she comes scurrying out followed by Fitz who appears frantic.
"Ward, I think we may have a big problem!" Fitz yells and Ward turns his attention away for May to take the gun from his hands and deck him in the face.
May totally occupies Ward's attention so Fitz chases Simmons down the spiral staircase.
Extremis is flowing through me and I begin to feel my throat again. A scream forces it's way out and my eyes fly open to see my skin steaming. Determined, I get to my feet and shake out my sluggish limbs.
Behind me May and Ward are fighting tooth and nail, ruthlessly harming each other.
"You okay May? Need me to clear his head?" I call back.
"I got him," she grunts back and slams his head into the wall. Grinning I crack my neck and run forward to the cell.
Coming up to the door I find it locked. Growling I bang on it, but it won't budge.
"Skye care to let me in?" I say out loud, knowing she can hear. "I need this."
Inside I can hear Sif and Lorelei fighting, I itch to join and settle my score. Examining the control panel I find it completely shut down and the screen black.
"Do you?" Skye's voice over the intercom is soft and it is then I see my reflection in the darkened screen.
Hard breathing turns to slow pants as I witness myself.
My eyes are flaring in a demonic red, my skin is smoldering, and my face is twisted into a vengeful expression.
The ground behind me has burnt footprints imprinted into the carpet and the door has dark indents.
"No," I breathe and unclench my hands.
All I see is a monster, a fallen angel with broken wings who has clawed her way out of hell.
The anger leaves and all I'm left to do is grasp my desolation.
Something really bad happened to me and no amount of misplaced vengeance or justice will change that. If I fight Lorelei, if I hurt you or worse kill her, I'll become her.
The scowl on my face falls and my skin returns to its usual chilliness gradually as I inhale and exhale.
"Don't open it Skye."
Fists fall and when my eyes close the wall between Gabie and my mind falls too.
New emotions of worry and fear overflow into my thoughts along with a familiar voice.
"Allie?"
"You're coming right? You got my message?" I inquire somewhat anxiously.
"Of course buttercup, we're all piled on Stark's private jet," Gabie assures and I peer into her gaze. She's playing it cool so she doesn't scare me off.
In her eyes I see the scene happening before her.
Tony is sitting, hunched over, with his knee bouncing and Steve's hand resting on his back in a comforting manner. Steve is watching the windows and his eyes occasionally dart to Natasha. Nat is reclined in her seat sitting utterly still and blankly staring. Bruce is pacing the expanse of the jet and wringing his hands.
"Please suggest that Bruce and Natasha sit beside Tony and Steve and that they all speak to one another and you. Tell them something good or funny about me to cheer them up if you can."
III
Gabie
III
"Banner, Nat come sit by us," I invite sternly. "We should discuss some things before we see her again." Bruce jerks his head up and wears a look that says 'who? me?' while Natasha silently obliges.
Once Bruce is sidled up closely beside Tony and Nat next to Steve I turn my seat to face them.
"We'll be meeting Allie at the Mirage hotel, I know she'll go there because that's where her family went on their vacation when she was fourteen," I inform and they nod. "A fun act about Allie is that she loves Vegas, she thrives off the crazy. It has actually been her dream to have her golden birthday, bachelorette party, and wedding there since she first saw those neon lights."
They smile at the image of Allie with wide eyes and lights flashing before her. More needs to be said and what comes next is more serious. Frowning I lean forward and run a hand through my curled hair.
"She had those dreams before the accident, before we woke up mutants with multiple marks," I mutter. "Things got complicated and suddenly our only priority was leaving."
"That's not very happy," Allie remarks and I sigh.
"Sorry."
"I'll make sure Allie receives all of those things," Tony vows and I smile. "Parties and weddings in Vegas are things I can make happen no problem."
"Actually Stark when she first went missing and we couldn't find you, Tony, I was worried she'd run off to marry you," I joke and he huffs.
"I totally would," Allie concurs.
"I'm serious she would." The group chuckles and I sit up with my hands folded on my lap.
It's silent, they're waiting for me to give them a plan.
"Sorry, this discussion has to be a little serious. Allie we will meet you as planned, but let me make a plan." The presence of Allie soon recedes as she's no longer watching.
"The parties and the wedding were things on the bucket list Allie made in high school and then remade after the crash. She's been through a lot, she died again, she was used as an experiment, she was violated, and she had her body altered permanently. Allie won't be the same and we must accept that and aid in her recovery. We all have to be supportive and I want to give her a good memory that she can look back on as she heals."
"We are all here for her," Natasha states and sends Bruce a look.
"I'll be there for her," he promises. "I made a mistake, but I'm here for her now. I'll do anything to prove it." A grin comes to my face as a plan formulates in my head.
"You guys are up for anything?" I question slyly.
"Anything," they agree in unison.
"Perfect, I have a plan, but it's out there and Stark you'll be dropping a lot of cash," I start. Tony straightens up and cracks his knuckles.
"I'm ready."
"Good! Then you're all getting fucking married!"
Steve promptly chokes on air, Tony gapes, Natasha's eye twitches, and Bruce stares blankly. In the cockpit Clint begins cackling loudly.
"I'm being totally serious."
"We can't get married! Allie is in a fragile place right now, we can't push her into this," Bruce reasons and I roll my eyes.
"Guys this could be your Sydrian moment, you don't get many so you better fucking take it while you have it!" I exclaim and they balk in confusion. They didn't get the reference, I wish Allie were here to understand. "Okay look, who do you think knows Allie better? Me, the girl who can see her thoughts and has been best friends with her since high school, or you guys, the super geeks who met her last year? Look I know she'd want this."
"But like you said we just met her last year," Steve counters.
"Shh Stevie, just marry the girl," I chide and then place my hands on my hips. "You are her soulmates and she absolutely loves you. I know she does, I can hear her almost nonstop gushing about you," I insist and they light up. They want to hear what she thinks about them, like she did that day after the battle. "She's always wanted to marry young and share a life with someone, or a few someone's."
"I suppose marriage would assure her that we will be there for her forever," Tony murmurs.
"She would enjoy dressing up and buying fancy rings," Natasha adds.
"She could wear a tiara and we could throw her a bachelorette party and magnificent reception," Tony offers and Steve leans back against the wall.
"This is insane," he breathes. Steve is holding something back, he's more tense at this idea.
Curiously I look into his head to see a pair of widely smiling brunette people. They both wear uniforms, but one has a skirt and the other pants. One is a girl wearing red lipstick with a stylistic updo. The other is a man, taller than her, who has a tilted hat and crooked grin.
Damn he's hot. The man in Steve's thoughts must be his old best friend, and he's attractive as hell.
"I love her, but I loved them," runs through his head like a broken mantra. Steve had soulmates in the 40's before Allie and Tony and Bruce and Natasha.
"Marrying Allison," I pause and gaze meaningfully at the four. "Marrying each other, it won't erase the past or mean you'll never love anyone besides her or each other. You guys might not love each other, or her, at all right now; all this means is that you all promise to be united and support one another."
The tension seeps from Steve's shoulders and he smiles.
"Alright I'm on board," he agrees.
"I made the mistake of stepping back last time and I won't this time, I'll do it," Bruce chimes in.
"I don't need anymore convincing, and this way if I die before any of you my fortune will be assuredly left in your hands," Tony says and I roll my eyes.
"Self-sacrificing dolt," I insult half-heartedly. My attention turns to Natasha who hasn't said anything and the spy smirks.
"Our солнце has already proposed to me, albeit jokingly, and I said yes." The spider allows a grin and out of curiosity I take a peek at the memory. Allie told me about it and I saw it from her point of view, but it's always intriguing to see a former assassins perspective.
Allison where are you?" Natasha calls as she enters her apartment. "I've brought you a surprise."
"Nat?" Is the sleepy reply and leads the Black Widow to the living area where Allie is sprawled on the couch, half-asleep.
"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you," Natasha apologizes and runs a hand through Allie's blonde hair. Allie shakes her head and sits up to peck Natasha on the lips.
"I don't mind when you wake me, especially with gifts," Allie says and the red head offers her a bouquet of chocolate roses. Allie squeaks and blushes bright red, her hands already waving frantically about.
"Are you okay?"
"Thank you Natasha! I love them! I could marry you! I want to marry you! Will you marry me?!" The assassin chuckles and warmth rushes her thoughts.
"Of course my Siren."
The memory is surrounded with love and fond feelings, it makes me happy Allie is cared for like that.
"So you're getting fucking married then! Hooray and let's start planning!"
"I'm calling Lottie," Tony decides and pulls out his phone. "She's a genius at this last minute organizing stuff."
"Who's Lottie?" I ask.
"My part time assistant since Pepper became CEO and my last one turned out to be a spy," Tony responds and playfully nudges Natasha who wears a smug expression.
"Alright, get a venue, get a penthouse room suite or something and then extra rooms for Clint and I," I request.
"She'll cover everything don't worry," he assures and gets up to make the call in some privacy.
Satisfied I pat the heads of the soulmates left sitting and then go to sit in the cockpit with Clint.
"Don't wanna room with me soulmate?" he quips harshly and I flinch.
"I deserved that." He furrows his eyebrows and shakes his head while I remain stoic.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"There's a reason, and I can't get into this right now because we are trying to find my friend who is suffering in the aftermath of something terrible," I snap back. "So Clint Barton if you want to argue and be moody then I will throw you out of this fucking plane without a parachute because she deserves peace and good moods."
Clint doesn't respond verbally, only nods once and then I exit the cockpit.
III
Allie
III
"Ward be free of Lorelei's control," I demand and the gun pointed at May immediately drops. He staggers back and falls into the wall with a horrified expression. May let's her hands drop and exhales before collapsing onto the floor.
"What have I done?" Ward gasps.
"Listen to me Ward, what happened was not your fault," I state, without compulsion. "I can make you believe that it wasn't your fault but if you think you can overcome it yourself then I won't."
"I think I'm good, but thanks," he pants out and slides down the wall to the floor. He's holding his head in pain in the same way May is holding her side. "You really didn't hold back May."
"Neither did you."
Sif chooses this time to appear dragging Lorelei behind her. I throw Lorelei a venomous state and she turns away.
"Are you sure he's back?" May spits out, her fists twitching to punch Ward.
"He speaks the truth," Sif confirms. "Even if the voice of Siren had not lifted the enchantment the collar surely did."
"Good to know," May grumbles and brushes the hair from her face.
Crossing my arms I step back, away from the group again and Sif turns her gaze to me.
"Ward let's go find Coulson," May suggests and the pair of older agents shoulder themselves towards the stairs. Silently cursing the observational perception of spies I plaster on a grin and face Sif.
"Siren I heard your banging on the door," Sif begins and I sigh.
"Lady Sif I was going to assist you with Lorelei, but I realized I would do better fighting my own demons internally than using my voice to rip the sorcery right out of her," I reply sweetly and the goddess shivers.
"I can admire a fighter who knows when to step back," Sif replies and places a hand on my shoulder. "You are a formidable warrior."
"Thank you Sif." Without another thought I lean forward and embrace the shieldmaiden. The taller women bends down slightly and wraps her arms around me securely.
"You will see better days Allison Hollden," she murmurs into my hair. "You deserve better days." In her warmth I feel safer and I believe her; I will live to see happier times.
Pulling back, I avert my attention to Lorelei and boldly step forward to place a hand on her wrist.
"Lorelei one day you will make peace with what happened to you and when that day comes you will truly be free."
III
Night falls quickly, time flies when you're flying a ship wreck. It feels like the the whole day after capturing Lorelei just disappeared.
"My apologies," Sif begins. She is speaking with Coulson and May as Lorelei stands restrained behind her. I lounge on the spiral stairs near them, posing casually like a stuck up hero. "The damage caused to your flying boat was unfortunate."
"It's seen worse," May replies and Sif nods.
"And I assure you, Lorelei will be punished severely for the crimes against your people," Sif promises harshly and I feel a second of pity.
"It must've been hard for you...after everything she's did, to move past it, to let it go," Phil muses. He's trying to make a connection before she leaves. Sif shrugs and scoffs in a nonchalant manner.
"Odin ordered her back alive. As one of his warriors, I bow to his will."
"Regardless of what it costs you?" Phil presses.
"Much like your Shield, we are bound by our code," Sif confirms. She claps a fist over her heart and nods at them both. "I am honored to have fought by your side." Sif sends me a secretive look and then half bows before grabbing Lorelei's arm and walking off the Bus.
Together we watch them leave, off into the desert where they will be gathered by Heimdall and the Bifrost,
"That was epic," I remark and Phil snorts.
"I'll run diagnostics, see how much damage we're dealing with," May decides and starts away leaving Phil and I.
"How much are you dealing with?" Phil asks me and I sigh.
"Let's just day I wish I had emotional Extremis," I reply in a joking manner. "No, but Coulson I'll be alright. This whole situation has helped me get back into the game and meeting Lady Sif of Asgard has definitely given me starry eyes. Did I tell you she hugged me? Well I hugged her but she hugged me back!" The agent smirks and I hop to my feet, patting his shoulder affectionately. "And don't worry I won't tell my team you're alive or that I took a bullet for you."
"Thanks."
"It was nice meeting the famous Phil Coulson," I say and offer my hand.
"Glad we stumbled upon you and thank you for keeping the fact that I'm not dead quiet," Phil responds and shakes my hand. He pauses and awkwardly gestures to the Bus. "Would you like to say goodbye to my team?"
"Sure!"
III
"I'm not saying you were weak. I'm saying all men are weak," Simmons laughs out. The quartet of agents are all smushed inside Skye's medical pod giggling over the black eye Fitz is sporting. Coulson exhales and I can see he wants to roll his eyes.
Coulson and I knock on the side of the wall in tandem and the agents heads all jerk up to see us.
"Sir. I understand why you had to punch me. I forgive you," Fitz promptly declares. Coulson tilts his head in recognition and I cut in.
"Very gracious Fitz, super chill," I start lamely. "I came to say goodbye before I run off to Vegas to meet my team and get back to the old grindstone." Chuckling I rub the back of my neck nervously, goodbyes are so weird. "I think you'll all handle this brainwashing aftermath very well, but I can help you if you want. I mean I can convince you all that this is something you don't need to feel guilty or angry at. I actually had to do it for the first couple Lorelei got to. Oh and I can take pain if you want some relief from those bruises," I ramble and hold out my hand. Ward and Fitz give each other a look and shake their heads.
"We're good but thanks," Ward answers for him and Fitz.
"And we'll pass on the first thing too," Skye chimes in.
"Probably a good choice," I agree. "Anyways it's been a pleasure working with you and thank you Skye for all that internet stuff you did. I should go now." My old anxiety starts to rise and I flash them finger guns as I back up.
"This is awesome," Skye exclaims and I frown in confusion. "I mean when you first came here you were all serious and sad and now you're awkward and giving us the finger guns! You're getting your groove back Siren." A grin breaks out on my face and I realize I'm feeling happy, really happy.
"Yeah you're right Skye, thanks you guys for helping me get my groove back," I say, beaming.
It gets quiet and I clap my hands suddenly, it's time for me to go. Pulling my Stark phone from my pocket I pull up my personal contact and drop it into Skye's laptop.
"Bless Stark Drop, so much better than Apple's Air Drop," I mutter and smile widely at the present agents. "That's my phone number, call if you ever need anything or if you wanna talk about soulmates or anything really."
"Wicked," Skye breathes out.
"Fitz we have the number of an Avenger, isn't this exciting?" Simmons chirps and elbows the engineer excitedly. I blush bright red and the heat literally fills my cheeks.
"I think you guys are wicked too!" I squeak out. "You're the covert agent team that I know secretly and you're my friends now. I mean we may not have time to hang out but you'll all be invited to my birthday parties and wedding, if I get married. Plus I mean there's no way May doesn't know Black Widow so there's that."
"I know Black Widow," Ward interjects casually and my eyes widen. "She called me when you went missing."
"Are you Maria's, Ward? The knives sticking out of a poop Ward?" I splutter and Ward huffs.
"Yes."
"It's an honor," I say, somewhat sarcastically, and giggle.
"We are coming back to that later," Skye adds and Fitzsimmons chortles with her. "Thank you for that Siren."
"No problem." It gets quiet and I take this time to start backing towards the door. "I'll see you guys around, Skye remember that favor I owe you and let me know. Bye now!"
Frantically turning I sprint out, in a high school Allie fashion. I used to just turn and run after saying goodbye to everyone.
III
The convertible waits for me in the Bus hangar and so does Melinda May.
"Are you gonna miss driving this car?" I inquire.
"Think Stark would send us one?" May returns.
"Sure he would! I'll ask," I say. "I'll tell him it's for a friend of mine." May smiles with her eyes and holds out her hand. Gratefully, and acting suave, I take it and hold tight while giving a firm shake.
Without another word I open the door to my car and slide in. I give May a wave and start the car.
"Say hi to Maria for me," May calls and I raise an eyebrow.
"Should I say May said hi or her soulmate said hi?" I prompt and May's eyes widen. "She may have mentioned you."
"Tell her Melinda says hi," she amends and I nod.
"Will do!"
Revving the engine I yank the wheel and peel out of the Bus hangar, heading right for Vegas.
"I'm coming Gabie."
