The sunlight tickled her face and eased her gently into consciousness as a nice smell filled her nose. She breathed in the fragrance deeply and exhaled before opening her eyes. Darcy hadn't slept that well in a long time; she felt so well rested it was amazing. The brunette grinned into her pillow before pushing herself up onto her elbows.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she looked across to the other side of the bed and saw that Jane was still asleep. Very gingerly she stepped off the bed and picked up her glasses. For a moment she was hit yet again with that wonderful fragrance. Following her nose, the young scientist found herself drawn to the flowers on the window ledge. They were a rather pale white, nothing overly special. She touched one petal softly and bent down to smell it. Oh god, it smelt beautiful.
"It's Moon Lace," a voice said softly from the doorway.
Darcy turned in surprise to find Percy standing in the doorway in the same clothes as last night, a light stubble dotting his chin and a lack of mirth in his eyes. Darcy had to admit she had honestly been concerned when the super-agent had locked himself in his own version of Sherlock Holmes mind palace. He hadn't wanted to do anything except build a spiders web in his lounge room.
"I've never smelt anything like it," Darcy whispered back as she watched Percy enter and head to the draws that rested against a wall, "where did you get it from?"
Darcy couldn't even hear his footsteps. It was slightly unnerving. He had never seemed so silent before. She shrugged it from her mind though.
"A women name Calypso," Percy replied in a rather monotone voice as he picked out a set of jeans and a shirt.
Darcy's eyes widened slightly; "like the women from Ogygia?"
"Yeah," for a moment a smile flashed on the young agents face before it faded, "she gave them to me as a parting gift. They only bloom under a full moon."
He stepped into a small cupboard to the left and came out with a pair of thick looking boots and a leather jacket. Darcy recognised it as a motor cycle jacket. He gazed at something in the cupboard before closing the door and walking towards the sleeping scientist. He gently shook her shoulder and said;
"Time to get up, Dr Foster," he said, shaking her once more before heading out of the room.
Darcy watched as Jane stretched and begun waking up. Curiosity got the best of the political science major and she headed over to cupboard. Opening up the door she didn't see what he had been looking at first- the cupboard was just filled with suits, jackets and shoes. Pushing through the clothes she saw it. A single photo was taped up against the back wall; it was of someone's wedding. A kindly looking woman with nice ocean blue eyes was smiling at the camera; her salt and pepper hair twisted back elegantly. Next to her stood a man who looked like he'd never been as happy as he was now.
Darcy cocked her head to the side for a moment. She stared at the photo for a moment, trying to figure out who might be in it, but then it hit her; his parents. For a moment she was so surprised at how amazed she was about the fact that Percy actually had parents. She always thought government agents were just there; not back story, certainly no family.
"What are you looking at?" Jane asked from the bed.
Darcy put the clothes back into place and turned around; "nothing," she replied as she put a fake smile on her face, "ready to get back down to business?"
After they had all showered they met in the kitchen. Percy was already there, dressed fully in the clothes he had picked out prior, along with a helmet resting on the table. He turned to face them before picking up the helmet.
"I'm going to take my bike. SHIELD dropped a car off outside. Stay on my tail," Percy slipped out of the kitchen, "we'll get breakfast first, don't worry."
Percy picked up his sword on the way out before heading downstairs. He moved quickly to push the sheathed sword into a pop out compartment on the side of his sleek bike. As he clambered onto the rumbling piece of machinery, Jane and Erik elected Darcy to drive.
"Why me?" She questioned as the keys were thrust in her hands.
"You grew up here," Jane explained as she slid into the back seat, "I hear New York traffic is horrible."
Darcy grumbled to herself as she sat in the passenger seat and started the car up. In front of her, Percy gave a thumbs up and she flashed her lights in return. He skilfully pulled his bike out into the street and Darcy began to follow behind him. It was only after a couple streets that they hit the heavy, trademark, New York traffic.
"WHO TAUGHT YOU TO DRIVE? YOUR GRANDMA?" Darcy yelled out the window angrily as a yellow taxi driver continuously honked their horn behind her before managing to cut her off.
"Someone's in a fine mood," Jane commented from the back seat.
"I am actually in a fantastic mood," Darcy replied shortly as she beeped irritably, "my New Yorkers just showing."
"I guess that explains a lot," Jane commented lightly.
"He's turning," Erik said to Darcy, who just managed to get into the right lane before the light turned red, "Percy seems to be in a better mood as well."
"I talked to him last night," Jane's voice became slightly tinted with pity, "he's really worried about his cousin. I never figured SHIELD agents were the family type."
"They're not robots, Jane," Erik looked at Jane in the rear-view mirror.
"Well I know that," Jane folded her arms over her chest, "they're usually just so business like….."
"They do have very important jobs," Erik said as an odd emotion filled his eyes, "most government agents choose to separate themselves from their families because of the fact they can get hurt."
Darcy pulled into a parking lot that was situated under a tall building; her mind running at a million miles an hour as a new thought hit her. Had Percy's parents been killed because of something to do with his work? That would just be horrible. She didn't get to ponder her new idea any longer as she pulled into a parking spot and stepped out of the car. Percy was already off his bike and placing a wheel lock on the front wheel. He then pulled out his sword and clipped it onto his belt.
"Have you guys been here before?" Percy questioned as he began walking to an elevator situated at the back of the car-park.
"We were working in a set of labs in Brooklyn," Erik said as he watched Percy swiped a key-card for the elevator, "but I came here for a briefing."
Percy just nodded and stepped into the elevator as it arrived. He pressed the button labelled L, and in a matter of seconds they were staring at a vast lobby. A long black receptionist desk rested at the back of the room, the huge SHIELD logo glowing blue and black behind them. Two security guards (or were they agents) stood near a set of metal detectors, while another two stood by the main entrance.
"This is the guest and none-agent entrance," Percy explained as he went up to the front desk, "for governors and guest researches usually."
Percy walked up to the desk, instantly drawing the attention of one of the desk ladies. He flashed them a smile as he pulled out his keycard and handed it over.
"I'm here for the passes for these three," he explained as she swiped his card and handed it back.
"Dr Foster, Selvig and Darcy Lewis?" the women questioned as she pulled open a draw, "these are for sector four and below only; along with access to your personal lab. Do not take them off or lose them."
Percy took the cards and distributed them before heading over to the metal detectors. He swiped his card again and walked through; not even drawing any trouble from the guards. The other three though had to go through the whole regime; it was rather tiring actually. Eventually they got through and fell into step with Percy.
He took Darcy's card off her and gazed at it for a moment, "you labs are on level three. If you just head up there you should find a Doctor willing to help you," he pointed to the elevator.
"What are you going to be doing?" Darcy questioned.
"To find Agent Barton," Percy said before he walked down the hall and turned left, disappearing from their view.
It didn't take Percy long to find Clint. As usual he was in the training room. In the corner a bunch of female newbies were being taught by Natasha. They all looked about mid-twenties; they were probably agents SHIELD had pulled from other government agencies. The black haired agent watched for a moment as Natasha taught them how to strangle people with their legs. He chuckled slightly before heading over to Clint who was doing chin ups easily on the bar.
"No new leads, I take it?" Percy questioned. Natasha and Clint spent all their time on a case unless there was nothing to investigate. Natasha rarely took classes, so Percy knew they must be lacking in leads.
"We checked out your ones," Clint easily pulled his shoulders above bar height, "they're useful but dead ends."
Clint dropped down and stared at Percy, blue eyes looking him over; "you're looking pretty good. I guess you did get a chance to catch up on your beauty sleep."
Percy followed Clint as he headed over to the rowing machine; "I can't keep letting this happen."
"What happen?" Clint asked as he began working out again.
"I always get put out of action; then something goes wrong. Its tiring," Percy ran a hand through his hair as he set his helmet down, "and people keep getting hurt because of it."
"Don't do this to yourself, Percy" Clint stopped his work and looked at Percy.
"I'm making mistakes, Clint," Percy replied in an agitated manner.
"Everybody makes mistakes," Clint replied as his gaze locked with Percy's, "we're all human, we all make mistakes. In this line of work they aren't hard to make. We just need to move over them and try to fix all of it."
"Just like Budapest," Percy muttered with a small grin.
"Exactly," Clint returned the grin, "I need some coffee."
After Clint freshened up, the pair headed up to the cafeteria. They sat down at a table, nursing their own respective cups of coffee.
"Starks hassling Fury," Clint commented casually.
"About what?" Percy questioned, watching as Natasha came up to the table and sat down.
"He wants to know were Thor is," Natasha said before adding, "you're looking better."
"Better?" Percy questioned.
"The last time I saw you, you were drooling into a pillow," Natasha didn't even blink as she said that.
"Right," Percy shook his head slightly, "why does Stark want to know were Thor is?"
"He wants to see if Thors super healing holds the answer to curing cancer," Natasha said casually, "he thinks Thors in Asgard; and he knows SHIELD can get contact up there if they try hard enough."
"He wants to find the cure for cancer?" Percy couldn't help but chuckle slightly, "his egos big enough as it is."
"He wants you as well. Apparently wants to harness some of your 'godly mojo,'" Natasha brushed a stray strand of hair out of her eyes, "surprised he hasn't kicked down your door."
"Knowing him, he'll get distracted soon enough," Clint had another sip of his coffee.
"Pepper should keep him line," Natasha added in.
Her attention shifted as she saw a young (maybe twenty, obviously a newbie, maybe recruited in from an out source) male hurry into the. His eyes shifted over the masses of agents in the room before landing on Percy, who remained oblivious to the new comer. The young man moved through the crowds and stopped at the head of the table.
"Are you Agent Jackson?" He questioned as he looked at Percy.
Natasha supposed it wasn't hard to identify either three of them. Natasha did have rather striking red hair and a mass of rumours and stories that liked to be told. Clint had both a good and bad reputation; mostly for hiding up in the rafters and scaring newbies. And Percy was the guy who walked around with a sword. They were possibly the most easily recognisable agents in the whole SHIELD complex.
"Yeah?" Percy questioned as he set his drink down.
"I was told to give this to you," the younger male pulled a A4 white envelope from the bag at his side.
Percy took it and flipped it in his hands. There were no markings of any kind on it- not even a name. He very carefully opened it and pulled out three separate things. One was a piece of line paper with symbols and words on it, the other were two photos. Percy gazed at the two photos, eyes darkening in the progress. The younger male must've sensed his unease because he began to shift away.
"Who gave this to you?" Percy asked, voice low and dangerous.
"A-a-a-a man up in sector 5G," he said.
"What's your level?"
"I'm level one," he said as he danced from foot to foot, "Trent Brimstone."
"Go," Natasha said and the kid left without any further pushing.
"Jesus Christ," Percy slammed the photos down on the table; face down, "Di Immortals."
He picked up the letter and scanned through it quickly. Clint picked up the photos from the table, looking at them so Natasha could see. They were high quality pictures of a white room; so glaringly white that even from the photo it hurt to look at. In the centre rested someone who was folded in on themselves, only black hair visible. The second one showed a close up of the black haired man's face; beaten bloody, one eye not visible.
"What does the note say?" Clint asked as he slipped the photos back into the envelope, trying to touch them as little as possible.
"It's fractured," Percy continued to gaze at it, "Nico's own hand writing. Some parts are Italian while some other parts are in Greek."
"No English?" Natasha questioned.
"Nico always said he preferred Italian," Percy said in an absent manner as he stood up, "I'm taking these to the labs. Can you two go and check the security footage and tell Fury?"
"We've got it," Clint nodded.
Percy moved quickly up to the lab level. His mind was moving at a million miles an hour. What was written on the note chilled him to the bone if you don't figure it out soon; there won't be anything left worth saving. Nico obviously hadn't had a choice in what he said. He was forced to write that. Maybe there was a code. He didn't know- and it scared the crap out of him.
He entered the forensics lab and handed over the envelope to a very startled lab worker.
"Check it for any form of DNA, finger prints or fibres," he said, "and get it done quickly."
"Sir-"
"This is level ten work," Percy pressed the point.
"Right, of course," the female doctor nodded and scurried away. Percy still held the note in his hands. He read it through again.
We've set up the game perfectly. We've given you opportunities to find us; but somehow you keep moving backwards. We're growing impatient. For each day that passes we'll give you a little more incentive. Don't make us wait any longer.
The parts that were in Italian were obviously words that Nico didn't know in ancient Greek. There was no form of visible code. It was just a note scribbled onto a piece of paper. They had the pieces; now they were just waiting for SHIELD to make their move.
Clint came into the lab, "the man who gave it to Brimstone was just found dead down the street. Not one of ours; his wallet says he's Dr Albert Wilson who was visiting SHIELD for a job interview."
"Someone got to him first," Percy rubbed his face tiredly.
"Fury is having Agents go through security tapes for the past twenty-four hours near points of interest," Natasha said as she entered.
"This won't be finished for a while," the lab worker cut in, "just from quick scans it's hard to pick up anything on the envelope."
Percy left the lab with a great gust of a sigh. This was not what he needed. He needed to find his cousin. He needed to make sure everything was right again. He doubted that would happen though.
"Nat and I will go talk to Brimstone a bit more," Clint said as he looked at his watch, "you go back over the leads. They obliviously think that you know them."
"Right," Percy ran a hand through his hair.
Natasha and Clint left. Percy tugged at his hair as if trying to draw the answer out of his head. There had to be a way to find these people. Why couldn't he just figure it out-
"Just the man I was looking for," a voice chimed from the end of the hall and Percy shifted minutely to look at Darcy, "I'm hungry, and seeing as we're not allowed to leave the building without you-"
"I have to do work," Percy tried to be as polite as possible.
"It'll just be ten minutes-"
"Darcy!" Percy finally snapped, "I don't have time for this. Suck it up and stop annoying me."
Darcy was quiet for a moment while she gathered her wits, "Whatever," she said, voice a little off. She began moving back down the hall.
Percy breathed deeply through his nose. He couldn't afford to get over angry now. Maybe food would help him focus.
"I'm sorry," Percy said loud enough for her to hear, "it hasn't been a good day."
Darcy paused for a moment. She turned to face him and Percy saw a peculiar look in her eyes; a look he'd only seen Annabeth give him (back when they were teenagers); "want to talk about it?"
It helps once and a while to vent, Coulson had said to him once, a good spy can't afford to be worked up.
"Yeah," Percy nodded, "that'd be good."
Sorry about this chapter. It took me three days and on the third day I got a massive headache. Oh well