A/N: I own nothing but my OCs and story line *tear*.

So I went on a family vacation for a week - no computer or internet. It was awesome but hard. On the positive side I took journal and wrote two one-shots for the story. They will be up soon. One going to be about Anya and the week after she was injured by SHIELD. The other is the lunch where she meets Pepper, Rhody, Happy and Natalie for the first time.

Thank you everyone who has been following, favorited and/or reviewed (Hannathetimelord: Thank you! I hoped this would be an origional story. And yes keep reading for the end showdown it will be big. Although you have a while to go. UnCTRLblyExcite: this chapter should answer your questions and thanks!)!

I don't know if you guys/girls know this, but allows authors to see what country their readers are logging in from, which is epic btw. So shout out everyone in my top 5 countries(in order) : US, UK,Chile, Australia and Estonia. Also thank you for the one reader in Germany and China, two readers in Denmark, Sweeden, Singapore! It is really cool to know something I have written is being read by people all over the globe. I love you all. Now enjoy; oh and p.s. remember DSB means Days Since Battle.

Chapter 20: Spit blood

**** DSB: 2 (early morning) – somewhere in the Midwest TF ***

Tony realized it was good thing he was 1) used to working under pressure and 2) used to going for long periods without sleep. If he wasn't then he would probably be finding himself at the end of a bottle. Not that he would have a bottle; unfortunately for him, the gun-toting farmer - while letting Tony use the garage and tools as well as giving him food - refused to give him alcohol; even when he promised to pay the man back. Sure he knew now was not the time to drink, but then again America had just fallen to an alien and he had no contact with anyone. So maybe it was a good time for a drink. He had just spent the past day and night getting the helmet working. He should be able to contact Jarvis in just one moment… there!

"Jarvis you there?"

"Yes, sir, and might I say that it is good to hear your voice."

"Good to have you with me, J."

"Sir, I need to inform you that-"

"-Hold that thought Jarvis. First, are Anya and Pepper alright?"

"Based on internet and phone reports, yes both are alive. Ms. Potts has left four voice messages in the past two days. Ms. Marvel has left three voice messages and called a total of nine times in the past two days."

Tony felt instant relief. They were alive. "Jarvis, ring Anya."

"Yes, sir"

The phone rang for a few moments before she answered.

"Tony! Oh my god, I have been so worried. Are you alright?!"

"Ah you care for your brother after all?" He teased lightly.

"Shut up. Of course I care. You're family. Where are you? Are you injured? Why-"

"- Hold on firecracker. I am in….Jarvis where am I?"

"Sir, you are in Seymour, Indiana."

"Thanks J. So Anya there you have it. I'm in Seymour. I am not injured. My suit was damaged though; I'm working on it now."

"Are you somewhere safe and hidden?"

Tony noticed the urgency in her tone. "Ish. I'm in some guy's garage. He let me use it."

"Tony, listen carefully, yesterday the President proclaimed Loki as our new leader and the hero of New York. Loki is blaming everything on the Avengers. Your names and faces were put on the TV. You are all wanted criminals."

Tony was only slightly surprised, but not by much. He was after all a genius, and it didn't take a genius to figure out that would be Loki's play – legitimize his actions and come after them. "Well… at least now everyone got to see how beautiful I am."

"Tony," Anya said sharply.

"I'm just kidding. I'll be careful. I just need to get this fixed and I will leave. Well I have to find Red and then I'll leave."

"Red as in Natasha?"

"Yep"

"Why isn't she with you?"

"We got into an argument over the best direction to walk after we crashed. I went west and she went east. Don't worry I'll find her. Then we'll meet the team."

"You have to be kidding me. How old are you two? Also do you realize how dumb it was to assume that everyone knew where your house was in Malibu?"

"…"

"Yeah, I didn't think so. Lucky for you I sent everyone on their way." Tony noticed a bit of smugness in her tone with that last bit of information.

"You did? How did you talk with them? You've never met them."

"Well about that…"

"Anya."

"Do you recall the guy I mentioned from my gym? The one I jog with?"

"Yeah.."

"I never told you his name."

"I have a feeling I don't want to know."

"It's Steve Rogers."

Tony smacked his hand to his forehead, "My little sister has been crushing on the human popsicle."

"I have not been crushing. I simply told you he was hot."

"I'm going to be sick."

"Anyway, I gave him and Thor directions to your place. They should be there by now. As for Dr. Banner, he ended up at my adoptive parent's place."

"What?!"

"Yeah the Hulk must have followed you west, but he must have lost you at some point because he is in Iowa. Don't worry, I found out when I called my parents and gave him directions. My folks put him on a bus. So it'll take him a while to get there."

"That is way too many coincidences."

"Don't I know it? I feel almost like it's all been written out…Anyway, I have to get back to work and so do you. Try and at least text me every once in a while so I know you are safe. "

"Aww you're worried. So cute."

"Tony"

"Just kidding. Lighten up. I will….take care birdy."

"Really? Birdy? How old are you?"

"Don't protest your nickname."

"Bye Tony. Take care." Anya told Tony before hanging up. Once the line dropped Jarvis offered a suggestion, "Sir, shall I call Ms. Potts now?"

"Yes J" It was time to check on the other important person in his life. Not that he would admit it. She did turn him down after all, but still… a good CEO was hard to come by nowaday, right? Well that is what Tony told himself.

***ATST Tony's House in Malibu – SF ***

Yesterday evening, Steve and Thor had found Tony's house, which seemed like a mansion to Steve, although Thor described it as a village hut. To be on the safe side they flew most of the way, but landed a distance away, of course with no crowds around, and walked the rest of the way. They were currently on a hill looking at the house. Steve was thankful he had thought to bring binoculars.

"I still don't see them."

"What is the reason for this?" Thor seemed to wondered aloud.

"Maybe we are just the first to arrive and the others were delayed."

Thor nodded in agreement, "That is logical. What is the plan?"

"I don't know. Wait I guess."

"Loki has control of your army and has expelled us from the city. I do not like waiting."

"Neither do I, but we are a team and to beat Loki we need to be a team."

Thor seemed to agree, and so they settled on the ground and waited. While waiting, Steve couldn't help but think about the past two days. Things were going well. He was starting to be content about where he was in life. He had the gym. He had Anya. God, to think she was related to that arrogant bastard Stark. That was when it clicked. Anya was related to Stark. She might know what happened to him. He was about to tell Thor his idea when the man spoke.

"Steve, while I concur with waiting, I find we will need to leave and then return."

"Why?" Steve was just about to suggest that they leave to find a phone, but he was curious if Thor had better idea.

"I have just flown for a vast distance and we had a battle not long ago. I need sustenance to recover from these feats. The gifts of food that Lady Anya gave us were not enough."

"You're hungry?" Right as Steve said that a monstrous rumble came from Thor. "Was that your stomach?" When Steve asked, Thor's face seemed to become slightly pinker.

"Yes."

Steve smiled, "That is fine. I was going to suggest we leave anyway. If we can find a phone, I can call Anya. Maybe she will know what has kept Stark and the others."

"Ahh that is right Lady Anya is related to the Man of Iron. We will find a phone and food, before returning."

"Sounds like a plan…"

(A/N: remember that Steve and Thor are wearing normal clothes. They changed at Steve's apartment and put everything in a duffel – minus Mjolnir.)

****ATST in NYC – NF****

Sometime during the ex-SHIELD agent's rant/life story Natasha drifted asleep. Cold water jolted her awake. Jumping slightly she instantly took stock of everything around her. She was tied tightly to a metal chair that was bolted to the ground. She guessed, based on the lack of natural light and sounds, that she was underground. Looking around she saw cars, random machinery, a work table…it looked familiar…that is when it hit her - she was in Stark's lab. Shit. And there was Clint, setting down a bucket. Oh and who was behind him, but Loki of course. Natasha realized, at that moment that she was probably going to die. It wasn't a huge thing for her. Her life revolved around death. The issue for her was it was going to be at the hands of her partner. Although, if anyone had a right to take her life it would be him; he was the one who gave it to her all those years ago.

Natasha stopped thinking about that and paid attention to the present. Loki was walking towards her, "My, my, my. How the mighty had fallen. It seems you have failed to wipe away the red in your ledger my dear and now it is time to be judged. First, however, I need you to tell me where the others are."

"Others? What others?" she asked coyly. That answer earned her a slap across the face.

"Tell me where your team mates are." Loki's voice grew calm.

Natasha just glared at him.

"Fine. Agent Barton, get her to talk." Loki ordered before walking out of the room and into the elevator.

"Well Nat," Clint started, "I would say this will be painless, but it won't. I would say this will be short, but it won't. I would say I won't enjoy this, but I will."

"I wish I would have bashed your skull into the railing. You are so lucky one of your little soldiers came to save you." In response to her words, Clint brought his fist hard against her face. Spitting blood on him she simply smiled.

***A few hours later in NYC – AF***

Anya couldn't help but keep a small smile on her face so far that day. Tony was okay. Sure he had woken her up that morning, but whatever, it was a small detail. Besides, that's what coffee was for. She was on her 3rd cup. Yesterday had been a long day. She had arrived back in NYC early afternoon. After a very long meeting with Connor, to catch up on what had happened since she left, she was in the CT answering phones and dealing with issues. Housing for victims and volunteers was one such issue; the local hotels weren't willing to house them for more than another day or two. There were also a lot of missing persons reports coming in. That plus emails meant that she didn't go to bed till 2am. Then with Tony calling around 6am…. Ugg more coffee was needed.

Maybe at lunch time she would sneak out and take a 30 minute power nap. She could probably convince Connor to cover for her. It was odd. Last time she left the guy said he couldn't stand the work she did. This time, however, he was happy to stick around the tent and help her out. She sent him out to do a few things, but he always seemed to come back. Oh well, maybe the work was growing on him.

She was getting more coffee, from the cafeteria tent, when her phone rang. It was an unknown number. She considered ignoring it, but last time it had been Steve who called her.

"Hello this is Anya Marvel."

"Anya, its Steve." As soon as she heard his voice Anya knew who it was. She also knew she needed to get somewhere private to have this conversation. She was convinced the new "king" had eyes on her. Stepping out of the tent, through the back, she went and stood by the generator. No one else was around.

"Hey, how are you? Where are you?"

"I'm okay. I'm with Thor in Malibu...Where are you? It is kind of hard to hear you."

"I'm standing next to a generator that is powering my work site. I didn't want anyone to overhear me. I'm happy you guys are fine and out there; although, you will have to wait a day or two for everyone else."

"What do you know?"

"Well Tony's suit broke down after the battle. He just got it working this morning and called me. He and Natasha split up so I have no idea about her. I do know, however, that Bruce is on a bus to San Francisco, California, which is north of you. He should arrive tomorrow afternoon."

"How do you know about Bruce?"

"The Hulk followed Tony out west, but kept going. He ended up in Iowa at my adoptive parent's place. They put him on a bus. So that is how I know."

"Wow"

"Yep. OH! That reminds me. You guys need to be careful. Yesterday the President went on national TV and declared Loki the hero of NYC. He also labelled you guys as traitors. Your names and pictures have been released to the public. You are now wanted criminals."

"…"

"Steve? Are you there?"

"Yeah I'm here… it's just a lot to take in. This whole situation is, well, a lot. First a flying boat, then aliens, you being related to Tony, and now my government has turned on me…"

"Steve…" Sympathy for the man filled her. He always seemed so in control. She couldn't even begin to imagine what this was like for him.

"… I need to go. Thor is still at the restaurant and I need to get him out of there if we were on the news."

"Restaurant? Oh no. Please tell me you have cash to pay."

"No…just the SHIELD credit card."

"You need to use that card to get some cash. Then go pay with the card and leave quickly. Agent Barton is still with Loki. I wouldn't be surprised if he is having your finances monitored."

"Shoot, I didn't think of that."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up. Just play it safe. Get some food to go. You might as well stay since you have already been seen, but keep your head down and do it quick. Then stay hidden till the others arrive. Where are you guys hiding at anyway?"

"In the hills, southeast of Tony's house."

"Okay, I will tell Tony when I hear from him next." Anya paused for a second; she thought she heard her name being shouted out. "Hey, I hear someone calling me. Stay safe okay? It would be a pain to find a new work-out buddy."

Steve lightly chuckled at that, "I will. You do the same Anya."

"Bye," she said before hanging up. Right at that moment Connor came out of the cafeteria tent. Having spotted her he walked over.

"Hey, what ya up to?" He asked when he reached her.

"Oh just making a phone call and getting caffeinated." She answered while heading back to the main tent. " Did you check in with the others?"

"Yep. Mike said things are the same on his end, although they are running low on water bottles for the rescue workers."

"What about John?"

"No news worth reporting."

"Okay. Grab a volunteer and take a dozen cases of water over to Mike. When you grab the cases though check how many we have left. I don't want to run out."

They had just arrived at the CT when Connor stopped right outside. "Shall do…Also is everything okay?" That was odd. Why wouldn't it be, Anya thought to herself.

"Yes…Why do you ask?"

"I was just asking cause you said you had a personal call."

"Oh, yeah, I just had a minute and decided to check in with my parents. They have been worried because of the alien attack and Loki taking over."

"Why would they be worried about Loki's take over? He'll be a good King."

Where the hell did that come from? Something was up with Connor, Anya decided. First he was willingly sticking around the main tent. Then he was seeking her out and questioning her about personal calls. Now he was praising the "would be" king.

"Yeah… I don't know…But anyway I was just reassuring them everything was fine."

"Okay…Well I'll get on those water bottles."

"You do that." Anya said while escaping inside. She didn't know what was up with Connor but whatever it was couldn't be good. Entering the CT she was momentarily overwhelmed by the rush of people: some were on the phone, others at computers, most were talking loudly. It was organized chaos.

Settling down at her desk she felt like something was off. Someone was watching her. Nonchalantly, she gazed around the room. She did not see anyone staring. Still… Trying to ignore the feeling Anya continued with her work. She would just have to be careful of what she said and where she went, she decided.

A/N: So I found out how to put the lines in! I'm going to keep the subject headings though for know. I figured they can only help since we have different characters in different locations. I am so pumped to get you guys up to speed. Also, last chapter reached pg 107 on word document! I am currently typing up chapter 33 and am on pg 198 in word. That should tell you these chapters are going to get longer. I'll be completely honest that I'm not sure about the epic showdown yet. I do know the Avenger's "plan" but to quote Harry Potter "When do our plans ever work? We plan, we get there, and all hell breaks loose."

If you love me or my story review, favorite , follow and share it! Also let me know if you have an idea for a one shot.