Disclaimer: I don't own any of the rights to anything Iron Man, that right goes to Marvel Studios/Comics. I don't own any of the rights to anything dealing with the Witchblade that right goes to Top Cow Productions. The only thing I claim as mine is any original characters I created and the plot of this particular story. No copy right infringement is meant. This is for fun and not for money.

A/N: Here is the aftermath of the Periculum for Tony and Violet, along with those who were keeping vigil over them. Will reliving his hostage experience really humble Tony Stark and recommit him to his mission? You'll have to read and see. Also, I tried to put a little more Pepper in this chapter and make her a little less one-dimensional, as one reader suggested. You'll have to tell me how I did. Violet would be a good friend for Pepper and vice versa. Think of how they could team up against Tony. LOL!! Please don't just read and then click out of the chapter. Take a few minutes and make the holidays a little brighter by leaving a review. Feedback really helps me as a writer, and I really enjoy it. Thanks guys!!!

Again, I must mention what a terrific beta reader AblatedCrayon is. You made great suggestions and caught my silly mistakes; in other words you did a fantastic job helping me produce a better product. :) Also, thanks need to go to RID3RLVR (Ari) for going over the chapter as well. Your perspective adds so much. You guys rock!!!!

-Ladyhawke Legend

Chapter 12

Accepting Destiny

Director Nick Fury had fallen asleep. He hadn't meant to, but after days of toil, and now this late night vigil, he couldn't help it. Tony awoke from the dreamlike state the Witchblade had placed him in. Two things were astonishingly clear to him: one, the Witchblade had totally released his mind, and its tentacles were gone from his body; and two, Violet was wrapped up in his arms, nearly unclothed, and so was he. Violet's legs were tangled pleasantly in his, one arm settled on his waist, the other settled on his chest, and her head was lying on his shoulder. She was snuggled up tightly to his body, very intimately. Tony let himself revel in this fact for quite some time. He seriously thought about perusing a similar course of action they had been taking in the Witchblade's realm, but then he became aware of Fury's snoring presence.

Tony wondered why Violet wasn't awake as well. He looked her over, trying not to dwell too long on her delicious body. The Witchblade had not entirely released its hold on her yet. A few tentacles were still encompassing her right arm and leg. Why is it continuing to partially restrain her, when she's passed its ultimate trial? Tony wondered silently. It worried and bothered him severely.

"Violet, Violet," he said to her as he gently shook her, trying to get a response from her. She stirred only slightly and snuggled deeper into him. Not that her movement wasn't welcome or titillating, but it wasn't the kind he was looking for. He wanted her to open her eyes and talk to him.

Fury, however, did wake at the sound of Tony's voice in the quiet room. His right eye blinked rapidly for a moment, and then it focused on Tony. He grunted in surprise when he realized Tony was staring back at him. He grunted again; this time letting Tony know just how much he disapproved of the situation he saw before him.

"Hello there, Mr. Stark," Fury finally said, his voice laced with authority.

"Director Fury," was all Tony said in reply, trying to act unfazed by the director's presence.

"Apparently, we have a lot to discuss, Stark," Fury said next. "You've been holding out on me and working behind my back. You know how that tends to piss me off."

While Fury was speaking, Tony searched for and found some of the top sheet of the bed and pulled it over Violet and himself, to at least give Violet some dignity back. He, himself, couldn't really care less that he was caught in a sort of composing position, but he knew Violet would be mortified. He answered Fury's last statement with, "Some things take priority over your state of happiness, Director."

Fury just shook his head before asking, "Are you all right, Stark? And what of Miss Devonshire?"

"I think so," Tony said honestly. "I'm not quite sure what exactly happened, but I feel pretty normal. How long have you been here?" Tony now asked with great curiosity.

As he waited for the director's answer, Tony quickly looked around the room. He could tell where the Witchblade vines had punctured the bed's mattress, for rips and tears in it were very visible. He did a double take as he noticed that the headboard was badly scratched; he'd have to replace the whole bed. He assumed that his expensive and state-of-the-art laser cutter was no longer on the floor because he couldn't see it. He hope like hell that Pepper had been the one to pick it up and put it away properly. The drapes to the windows were closed and the room seemed dark, so Tony figured it must be nighttime.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. director looked over at a clock on a bedside table. It read about three-thirty in the morning. "About six and half hours, but the Witchblade's had you and Miss Devonshire held up for almost thirty-six. I take it since you're able to talk to me, that you passed the Witchblade's test?"

Tony gaped at Fury. He knew about the Periculum, and that the Witchblade had decided to test me? Tony thought in shock. "You knew this was going to happen?" he questioned Fury angrily.

"To Miss Devonshire, yes. To you, no," Fury answered him, unashamedly. "In fact, we've been waiting for it to happen to her, expecting it long before now. You, on the other hand, are a complete and total surprise. The Witchblade doesn't have much to do with men you know."

"I guess I'm just special," Tony replied sarcastically. "Why didn't you warn her? Tell her it was coming? I know you have a file on her, but you've never tried to contact her. Why?" Tony was now very accusatory.

Fury glared back at Tony, his own anger flaring. "You have a lot of nerve, Stark," he growled. "Why didn't you contact S.H.I.E.L.D. and let us know that you had come into contact with her, if you knew we had a file on her?"

Tony sat up, carefully pulling out of Violet's embrace and making sure she stayed covered. He wasn't going to let Fury get away with not answering his questions. "I asked you for an explanation first," he deflected the director's question.

"You're sure an annoying pain in my ass, you know that, Stark?" Fury huffed.

"Right back at ya, Director," Tony spat in reply.

Fury sighed, realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere with Stark this way. He finally decided to answer Tony's questions. "We've been in observer mode only with Miss Devonshire, because we wanted to see what she could and would do with her new found power. Which side would she choose: good or evil? We didn't want to approach her and let her know about our existence until we had a firm psychological profile and could predict her most likely response. We didn't want to tip our hand too early. And we needed time to research and learn more about the Witchblade itself too.

"Apparently, the Vatican had it in its possession for about five hundred years, only letting a woman wield it in the direst of circumstances. We just recently found some intel about it being in the hands of Adolf Hitler for a while, which understandably worried us. A top American spy, named Elizabeth Bronte, was able to get it out of the Nazis' hands, and then she fell into the hands of Kenneth Irons. He has had it under lock and key, until just a few years ago, when Detective Sara Pezzini became its chosen wielder. The turn of events that landed it on Miss Devonshire's wrist was a real surprise," the director shared.

Tony interrupted Fury's explanation then. "Because Violet's isn't of the normal Witchblade bloodline, right? Violet's something different, something new."

"Exactly," Fury said as he leaned back in his chair again. "She doesn't fit any of the Witchblade's typical patterns. She was born to her parents, not adopted like many of the other wielders. She had a close knit family, whereas most wielders have been only children. It has always followed the same path with every wielder, until now. Nothing it has done with Miss Devonshire has been according to its regular MO, least of all, your involvement, Stark."

"While I was under its direct influence it said something to me about being the first 'perfect match'," Tony decided to tell Fury, and Tony saw the director's brow furrow. "It wouldn't elaborate on what that meant. All I know is, it wants Violet and I to work together; wants her to be part of the Avenger Initiative. And I think you can be rest assured that Violet will fight on the part of the good guys. I didn't contact S.H.I.E.L.D. when I first found out about Violet because she was already skittish enough around just me. I thought I would gain her trust, offer her shelter, and then see how she felt about meeting with your agency. I wasn't going to keep you out of the loop forever, just for a little while."

Fury frowned harshly at Tony as he studied him carefully for quite a long time before replying. "The Witchblade actually talked to you?" That seemed to astound the director, but Tony could see other wheels turning behind the director's eyes. He was trying to put it all together.

"I guess so," Tony said suddenly feeling very weak and worn out. "I could hear its voice in my head."

Fury noticed Tony's onset of fatigue. "We need to get you some fluids and nutrients. You've been restrained for an unhealthy period of time. I'll get one of my agents to wake Pepper. She's been right by your side until I had to order her to get some rest. You scared the shit out of all of us. What of Miss Devonshire? Is she all right?" The director went back to one of his original questions.

Tony looked down at Violet's still sleep-prone form. She was warm and breathing evenly, but not conscious. "I don't know why she didn't wake up when I did. Maybe the Witchblade isn't quite done with her," he said this matter-of-factly, but he was very uneasy inside.

"Let's hope it'll be soon," Fury then told Tony, "because the lack of fluids and nutrients isn't good for her either."

"I think I need a change of clothes," Tony stated out-of-the-blue. He looked down at his ripped and torn tank top and jeans lying around him. "I don't think this looks too good right now. Maybe something to cover Violet in as well."

Fury chuckled at Tony's predicament. "Oh, come on, Stark. This isn't the first time you've been caught with your pants down, in bed, with a beautiful woman."

Tony made a face at the director. "True, but this is the first time that it matters," he confessed. Fury just chuckled again and shook his head. Then he got up out of the chair to fetch Tony some intact clothes and to alert Pepper that her boss had returned to the land of the living.

Violet was having a hard time regaining her balance as she found herself no longer in Tony's arms. Part of her was relieved and part of her was sorely disappointed. She was now dressed in a flowing, white gown. It hugged her curves, but draped around her like running water. Her long, dark hair was free and blowing in the cool breeze that seemed to have come up. Her body still hummed from Tony's kisses and caresses.

She was so confused again; just as she had given in and accepted his affection, she was stopped or cut off from him. It didn't make any sense. Violet came up with so many questions. Why is the Witchblade playing with me so? Where did Tony go? Where am I now? What am I really supposed to be doing? Who am I supposed to be? What is my true purpose in being chosen as a wielder of the Witchblade? Can I really become a genuine hero?

"You're all ready one, Vi," a familiar and much beloved male voice seemed to answer her last internal question. Violet turned to stare as she took in the sight of her older brother, Vincent. He was the younger of Violet's two older brothers; the one closest in age to Violet. He had been her best friend, her trusted confidant, and her hero. He had been the only person Violet truly trusted without any hesitation. He had always been there for her, looking out for her and protecting her. She had looked up to him.

"Vince?" she asked in complete disbelief.

He stepped, as it were, out of the mist. He was dressed in a sharply cut, black and white tux. He had the same intensely blue eyes that Violet had, and the same dark brunette hair that she did. He was quite a bit taller than Violet was and built rather broadly. "Yeah, Vi. It's me," he said softly to her.

"How is that possible?" Violet wanted to know. "You're dead, Vince. I saw your body, and I went to yours and Victor's funeral."

Vincent Devonshire smiled warmly at his favorite sibling. "You're wearing Digitabulum Magae, Vi," he told her as if that explained everything. When Violet just gawked at him, he finally elaborated. "You can see me because you're wearing it and using its power."

"But I'm not consciously using it," Violet said in awe. "I was just thinking about how much I missed my family, you in particular."

"And now that you've truly bonded with the Witchblade, you can access its powers more freely," Vincent continued to explain. "It has become literally a part of you, Vi. It has fully integrated itself with you. You are part of it now as well."

Violet thought she was going to fall over. What has the Witchblade done to me?

"Don't be afraid of it, Vi," Vincent told her now. "This is supposed to happen, little sister. By fully become one with the Witchblade can you can fully embrace your destiny. The things you will be able to do are mind-boggling. You can make a real difference now. You can fight against evil and win."

Violet was trying to listen to what Vince was saying to her and absorb his obvious wisdom, but one thing was praying distractingly on her mind. "Are you mad at me, Vince? Do you feel like I failed you, because I couldn't save you?" she suddenly blurted out, tears filling her eyes.

"Oh, Vi, of course not, sweetheart," Vincent said reassuringly as he came to stand right in front to her. He wanted to hug her and comfort her, but he was not flesh and blood. "Quit blaming yourself for Victor's and my deaths. It was our time to go. We have other things to do now. You couldn't have prevented what happened to us no matter what. Victor and I are fine, we're happy, and we're always here for you."

"Really?" Violet asked tentatively.

"Cross my heart and hope to---," the words caught in his throat. "I swear to God, Vi. Things are good for us. Think of this as a temporary separation. It won't last forever. Death isn't really what you think it is. I can't really—explain it—but you'll eventually understand. Oh, and mom and dad send their love. They're aware of your situation too."

Violet was openly sobbing now. Big, huge tears ran down her face, but these tears were no longer tears of sorrow, but of relief and joy. "Is this real?" she couldn't help but choke out.

"Yes ma'am," Vincent replied. "We're all proud of you, Vi. Keep going and don't ever, ever give up. Believe in the Witchblade, little sister, for it believes in you."

"Thank you, Vince," Violet hiccupped. "Thank you so very much. I love you."

"And I love you, Vi. More than the whole sky," he reminded her of his favorite idiom concerning love. It was just so Vince. "Now get back to life and don't be afraid. We are all rooting for you." And with that said, he gently faded back into the mist from where he had appeared.

Violet couldn't believe how much better she felt. It was like a gigantic boulder had been lifted off her back, and the fear and stress she had been living with for the past year or more was suddenly lighter. It wasn't totally gone, but it was a lot less soul-crushing. She silently thanked the Witchblade for its kindness and mercy.

You earned it, my dear; you earned it, the Witchblade whispered to her. Now let's go home.

"Yes, I think I'd like that," Violet admitted and felt herself fade from the realm of the Witchblade back into the land of the living.

The second that Violet moved, Tony was aware of it. Fury had just left to go get Pepper and some clothes for him that weren't ripped to shreds. His heart fluttered as relief filled every muscle in his body. He was so glad she was coming around. He watch in fascination as the Witchblade tentacles withdrew from restraining Violet; they seemed to shorten or shrink in size and length. They were quickly reabsorbed into the Witchblade's bracelet form on Violet's right wrist. He couldn't believe his eyes; all of the mass of tentacles had disappeared into that small piece of jewelry. It was totally amazing.

The bracelet form of the Witchblade looked as if it was now literally attached to her, almost as if it were melded into her skin somewhat. Before, if Violet had wanted to, she could have taken the bracelet on and off, like a normal bracelet. Now, however, she would have to wear it permanently. It was part of Violet and Violet was part of it; two separate entities merging into one seamless whole. Or something like that,Tony figured. It creeped him out a little. Will Violet be okay? he wondered to himself. Tony wished he knew for certain what this meant, and what it would do to her.

His beautiful lady thief then slowly opened her eyes, blinking several times. Tony made sure that his face would be the first thing she saw as her eyes gained focus, and he decided that his body pressing into hers would be the first thing that she felt as she became aware of her surroundings. He, himself, was mesmerized by her pure sensuality; she filled up all of his senses. He was suddenly feeling frisky, not fatigued anymore.

"Tony?" Violet questioned with obvious confusion in her voice. She had called him Tony and not Stark; that was a very good sign, from Tony's point of view.

"Welcome back, Violet," he told her gently, in way of an answer.

His voice was smooth and liquid fine, and hit Violet right in her gut. "Where are we?" she managed to ask, still not fully aware of everything.

"My New York penthouse," he replied, playing with a strand of her soft, lose hair. Her pony tail had fallen out as she had struggled against the Witchblade. "In a guest bedroom," he added slyly. He had to tease her; he couldn't help himself.

It was then that Violet came to the realization of the situation they were in; barely clothed and in very close quarters. She felt her heartbeat speed up to a rabbit-like pace, and her breathing became more labored. Tony watched in delight as Violet's normally light rosy coloring went almost scarlet. "We, uh, we, um, we didn't, did we?" she stuttered.

"What do you think?" he asked her seductively. He let his fingertips brush her abdomen very gently and very slowly. He felt her shiver and heard her quiet gasp. It made him smile devilishly.

"But that wasn't real," Violet whispered a little out of breath now. "That was the Witchblade's doing, and – and we were interrupted."

"Were we?" he queried with his lips inches from hers. His own heart was pounding in his ears; his breathing had increased too. No woman had ever affected him like this; not this deeply or strongly. Sure he been with his share of them, but none of them could hold a candle to Violet's massive flame.

"Yes, we were," Violet finally recalled, fighting through the hazy pleasure Tony's fingertips were creating by stroking her bare stomach. "I'd remember if we'd actually…," she had to stop herself there.

Tony's smile now turned roguish as it widened at her words; she was almost falling of the edge. He just needed to give her a little bit more of a push and she'd be his. "I'm glad that you'd think that sex with me would be memorable," he baited her.

"That's not what I meant, Stark," she now huffed in argument. "Stop twisting my words."

Crap, she was back to calling him Stark; a push in the wrong direction, he guessed. He wanted nothing more than to take advantage of their proximity and positions, but something actually held him back. Violet was turning cold again, closing up; forcing the issue would only push her further away. He needed to let her come to him. It killed him to relent and not enjoy the pleasure of her body, especially after the Witchblade had given him a taste of what kind of passion Violet was capable of, but Violet had been through so much; hell, so had he. Reliving his Afghanistan experience was sort of reinspiring him to be a little more thoughtful of others. And if Violet continued to be a challenge, he'd happily take it on, knowing in the end, he'd win. Besides, the chase was half the fun anyway. For once he would try and have some impulse control around a beautiful woman. He wondered how long that would last, however; probably not long. He stopped touching her and pulled back from her a little.

It was a good thing Tony did exercise some control, because a boatload of people seemed to come barreling into the room then. Agent Coulson was first one through the door, and he had at least four other agents with him. Following them was Happy Hogan, and he brought three other of Tony's personal security team with him. Director Fury was with Pepper securing clothing for both Stark and Devonshire, and then Pepper had wanted to make sure Tony's New York chef was getting them something to eat and drink, but they would be along shortly.

Violet about flipped out as the security people poured into the room, she was so embarrassed about how she and Tony looked in the bed together. Tony tried not to laugh at her, good-naturedly, as she wrenched the top sheet off the bed, wrapped it around her sleek and well-defined body, and made a beeline for the bathroom as quickly as possible. She still had her underwear on for goodness sake; it wasn't like she was totally nude or anything, but she was still freaking out about it. She stumbled once, her legs a little weak, but she recovered enough to make it to the perceived safety of the bathroom. She almost threw herself through its door, and then slammed it dramatically closed. Tony was sure he heard the locking mechanism slide into place.

He finally turned to face the group of people now awkwardly standing in the bedroom. He gave them a fake smile and a cheesy wave. "Hi guys," he greeted sarcastically. "Where's the fire?"

It was then that Pepper entered the room, followed closely by Nick Fury. Now the whole gang's here, Tony thought wryly. His personal assistant looked like hell, and it took Tony aback. He could tell she had barely slept, and that she had shed many a tear. Her skin was pale, her clothes rumbled, her eyes were bloodshot, her nose was a little red, and her hair was a mess. It wasn't how Tony was used to seeing the always composed and stoic Miss Pepper Potts. She held sets of clothes for him and Violet in her hands.

Tony suddenly felt very guilty for putting her through another round of trauma because of him. It touched him that she apparently worried so much about him. It showed just how much she genuinely cared. Her words of, "You're all I have too, you know?" suddenly came back to haunt him. Being his personal assistant had taken up her entire life practically; he took up all of her time. This was one of the reasons they had decided – well Pepper had seemed have decided – why they couldn't work romantically as a couple. He lived his life on the edge every time he went on an Iron Man mission. If either of them admitted more than friendship, she would drive herself insane with worry. She might even worry herself to death; hell, it looked like she was doing that anyway.

"Hello, Miss Potts," he greeted her with feigned cheerfulness for her benefit. "You miss me?"

"I was once again concerned that I would be unemployed and have to find employment elsewhere. So, yes, Mr. Stark, your absence was felt," she answered him, falling instantly into their safe and comfortable at-a-distance banter.

"Well, you can be rest assured that your livelihood is safe and sound," he told her lightly.

"I can see that, Mr. Stark," she replied. "I have another pair of Levi's for you and a T-shirt. And you might want to consider a shower. You don't smell very fresh."

This last comment got a round of smiles and a few snorts from the agents and security guys. Tony just shrugged it off. "I'll take that under advisement, Miss Potts. Now does everyone have to crowd in here like a can of sardines?" he asked trying to hold onto a little humor.

"We just wanted to make sure you were all right, sir," Happy told his boss. "You gave us all a good scare."

"Yeah, well, that's why I pay you the big bucks," Tony quipped. "Someone has to worry about me." Deep down Tony was grateful to Happy. In Afghanistan Tony had wondered why Yinsen had saved his life and looked after him. Yinsen had told him that somebody had to do it. Now Tony was realizing just how many people really did care about him. Happy just shook his head at Tony, but the look on his face was of total relief. Tony seemed like his normal self to the big bodyguard.

"Once you've had something to eat and drink, we will need to thoroughly debrief you, Mr. Stark," Agent Coulson then jumped into the conversation. "Miss Devonshire too."

Tony was about to argue with Coulson when Fury spoke. "That is not a request, Stark. We aren't leaving here until we've had a good, long talk with both you and Miss Devonshire. Deal with it."

All Tony could do was shrug; he knew this was coming, but he wanted to put it off as long as possible. He wanted to make sure all was well with Violet first, among other things. "Fine. But food, drink, a change of clothes, and a shower, first, but not necessarily in that order. And you might want to let me convince Violet that she should talk to you."

"Fair enough," Fury responded, "but don't you dare try and weasel out of this. It isn't going to happen this time." With that Fury signaled all of his people to reconvene elsewhere in the penthouse apartment. When Tony nodded at Happy, he and his men trailed out after the S.H.I.. team.

Pepper was the only one to remain. "Where is Violet?" she asked with a concerned frown. "Is she all right?"

"She hightailed it into the bathroom when everyone burst into the room," Tony told her with a flick of his chin in the direction of the bathroom. "I think she was a little self-conscious," he added.

"Being caught in only your underwear can do that to a girl you know," Pepper informed him. "Especially, a girl like Violet, being caught in her underwear with you."

"Some would consider that a crowning achievement, Miss Potts," he said rather glibly, not liking what she was trying to say.

Pepper tried not to roll her eyes at him, just relieved he was alive and well, and still him. "Some probably would, but no one you'd want to bring home to meet Jarvis," she quipped back.

"Did you just make a joke, at my expense, Miss Potts?" he now feigned being hurt.

"Maybe I did," was all she would say. "Now, go shower and change. You really do reek, Mr. Stark. And if Violet's shut herself in the bathroom, I might have a better chance at talking her out of there than you, at the moment."

"Agreed, Miss Potts," Tony said, deciding Pepper might get Violet out of the bathroom without having to break down the door. Violet would probably tell him to go jump in a lake right now, so maybe it was better that Pepper deal with her. "I really need to run some diagnostics on my chest piece. I need to know if being in such close contact with the Witchblade damaged it, drained it, or adversely affected it in any way. The arc reactor seems to have a strange reaction to the Witchblade sometimes. I need to check and see if everything is okay."

Pepper didn't like the sound of that, and she didn't know what it meant. "Do you feel all right?" she asked concerned. "You're not going to go into cardiac arrest or anything?"

"Nah," Tony tried to allay her fears, "the reactor seems to be working fine. I just want to take some readings; mainly out of curiosity's sake. I still don't know if the Witchblade is something biological or mechanical. It acts like both. The arc reactor's energy seems to react to it funny; that's all." Then he added, "I'll get out of your hair so you can do the girl talk thing," he joked, trying to lighten things up.

Pepper turned discretely around to allow Tony to leave the room, without exposing too much of himself to her. He still had on pieces of his clothes, but a lot was uncovered as well. As Tony took that as his queue to leave, he gently grabbed Pepper's hand and gave it a light squeeze. It was a subtle way for him to tell her thank you. Then he was gone, carrying the clothes she had thrown on the bed, but Pepper allowed herself one small peek as he left. She wasn't disappointed with his fine body. She had to shake herself back to reality; no time to dwell on what she couldn't have.

She went to the bathroom door and knocked softly. "Violet, it's Pepper. Everybody but me is gone now. It's safe to come out. I have a change of clothes for you, and you're welcome to use the shower if you want to."

Pepper heard a faint rustling and shuffling behind the door. "Is everybody gone?" Violet's muffled voice asked tentatively.

"Even Mr. Stark has left, Violet," Pepper said, knowing exactly what Violet meant by "everybody". "Can you open the door and let me in? I just want to check and see if you're all right? We've been very worried about you." That was the truth; part of Pepper's distress had been for Violet too. Despite Tony's infatuation with Violet, Pepper did like the young woman. She wasn't the type Tony usually went for. She was a refreshing change of pace; maybe even someone Pepper could call a friend, if given enough time.

The clicking of the lock being released let Pepper know that Violet was letting her in. She slowly opened the door to find Violet sitting on the floor, still wrapped up in the bed sheet. "Are you okay?" Pepper asked as she came to Violet's side.

"Yeah," Violet slurred a little. "I'm just really weak."

"I'll get you a robe, and we'll get you back into bed. Then I'll get the chef to fix you something to eat. You'll probably need a lot to drink too," Pepper said, taking charge of the situation. Violet had a kind of a blank look in her eyes. Someone had to look out for the young thief. "And then I think we'll give you a nice, long, hot bath, instead of a shower. Let you relax and regain your strength. I can't imagine what you've been through."

Violet finally looked right at Pepper. "Thank you, Miss Potts. I'm so glad you're here," Violet told her as tears filled her eyes once again. "I can see why Stark trusts you so much. I'm sorry to cause so much trouble. I'm not trying to."

"I know," Pepper said as she sat down beside Violet on the bathroom floor and put her arm around Violet's shoulders, in a comforting gesture. "You didn't ask for any of this, and if I know Mr. Stark like I do, he probably isn't making it any easier on you."

"He can be a little…overwhelming," Violet tried to find the right word.

"That, my dear, is the understatement of the year," Pepper said dryly. "He is a certified pain in the ass. But," she added, "he means well, most of the time."

Violet laughed lightly at Pepper's comment, starting to feel human and grounded again. She wiped at her eyes. "I hope so," Violet then whispered.

"Come on. I'll help you get situated," Pepper said kindly. "You'll want to rest up before you meet the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He's anxious to talk to you."

Violet couldn't help but shiver at that thought. Here was her chance to be part of something; a group who would help her be part of something meaningful, help her find her inner hero. But she was also terrified that she wouldn't live up to everyone's expectations; that she would let everyone down. Vincent's voice echoed in her mind then, "Believe in the Witchblade, little sister, for it believes in you." She made up her mind that she would embrace her new destiny and forge her new path forward. It was also comforting to know that she wouldn't have to do it alone, either.

TBC

Hope people liked this chapter. Drop me a line and let me know. Will Tony actually be able to thaw out Violet? You'll just have to stay tuned and encourage me with reviews. :) Thanks!!! And if I don't post again until after the holidays, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays (Merry Christmas for those it applies too) and a Great and Fun New Year!!!