Authors note: Yah, we back shits happening be warned i wrote the most of this a long time ago so its kind of been leading up to this like duh duhduhhhhh. REVIEW! love yas ;)
Steve was Helping Bucky work off his nerves in the gym, holding the Bag as Bucky pounded into it, Suggesting Activities for the night between hits.
"you Could go Back to Brooklyn" He suggested.
"Is that Safe though?" Bucky replied, remembering that Daisy was Still, technically, a fugitive.
"Ah, right" Steve replied, following his thoughts. "You could Take her Dancing?"
"Crowded room full of rowdy strangers" Bucky replied, "Shield probably wouldn't find us but,"
"Its a room full of rowdy people with two soldiers suffering from PTSD" Steve supplied, Bucky nodded his agreement, taking another hit at the bag.
"I'm sure theres probably a place that has more classical dancing, I could ask Tony."
"Or literally anyone else who knows how to search the internet," Bucky told him, Steve smiled and rolled his eyes.
"If he wants to help,"
"He can stop making jokes, That'd help."
"To be fair, the whole group has been pretty easy on you," Steve told him. "You know what'll happen when you come home from your date though, right?" Bucky paused and raised a brow curiously, having an idea of what Steve meant but not sure.
Steve Smirked in response and gestured for Bucky to continue his actions against the bag. Bucky sighed but continued, shooting Steve a look.
"Movies?"
"We have a home theatre, Gotta be something special punk" Bucky replied, Steves lips quirked into a smirk.
"um-"
"Steve" Sam Called from the doorway, Cutting Steve off before he could make another suggestion.
"Hey Wilson, Dinner suggestions?" Bucky called, not neccasarily desperate but hopeful that someone from this age would have a better idea. Sam shrugged and Waved Steve over. Bucky rolled his eyes and went Back to the bag as he went through his ideas.
Generally he'd take her out to a fancy restaraunt, thats what ladies liked but this wasnt any lady and he wasnt sure how much she would like, Fancy. She had been comfortable at that Cafe in Brooklyn but he couldnt take her there with Shield still on her trail. Dancing, he'd love to take her dancing, it was classy and a sure fire way to assure he would get to keep her close. Did people Dance anymore. He had seen what they did in clubs and that did not count, He could ask Nat if there was anywhere nice, or maybe even Sam would know.
He turned his attention to the two in the doorway, noting Sams gestures and Steves expression, he got a bad feeling at the Way his friend reacted to whatever Sam was saying. His posture Straightened, hands dropping as he listened to what they were saying. They whispered low but he could still hear them, though the blood pumping in his ears from the excercise was distracting at first.
"Then she was gone" Sam said, Bucky quirked a brow, intrigued by who, she was. Steve nodded.
"You've Told Natasha?"
"Wanda's on her way up there now" Sam Confirmed.
"You're sure it was shield?" Steve asked, Sam nodded in response. Same containment units that Daisy showed us specs of, Stark used similar materials from that design to build the training room. Steve took a Deep breath before turning, his eyes meeting Buckys.
He stared back Curiously, assessing the blond's expression. Sams eyes turned his way too and he took a step back, regret and Pity on his face before his eyes dropped.
Steve wore a similar look, Regret, pity and confusion burried underneath. It took a moment for Buck to understand what they were upset about as he ran through scenario that would have both men upset but then his mind cleared and it all clicked.
She, Shield, Daisy. Daisy was gone and shield Had her. He saw red as he clenched his teeth, he was moving without thought and Steve was Quickly blocking his path from the other soldier, Protecting Sam from his grip.
It took alot of will power to keep himself from knocking Sams teeth out for letting SHield take Daisy. He had explained what had happened.
He and Wanda had left Daisy at their table so that they could order and Daisy had made a call, presumably to Him. He immediately went to retrieve his phone from the kitchen where he had left it before heading to the gym. There was a new message but no missed calls.
The message was from Daisy, he opened it quickly.
'Sam and Wanda say Hi. They're both riddiculous if they think nobody knows they're together :P ^_^ haha'
There was a picture underneath tagged as 'Look at these Dorks' It was of Daisy pulling a face at the camera, Wanda and Sam standing awefully close together in the Background, though he hardly noticed since he was distracted by her Playful expression. Nose scrunched up with her head tilted slightly to the side, eyes closed behind the glasses she wore.
There was no sign that she planned on leaving in the message or picture. His mind went to spy mode and he tried to find some hidden message as he listened to Sam describe what happened but found none. He handed the Phone to Natasha, not letting anyone else see the message since it was still a 'secret' and he wasnt one to out anyone even if he is pissed at them.
Natasha however, knew everything that happens in the group anyway.
Wanda Explained how Daisy had gotten her attention by directing her thoughts directly at her and appologising before dissapearing through the exit. They had barely gotten sight of her before she climbed into a shield containment unit and Disappeared, promising to get into contact as soon as she had information. Bucky hoped that was true, that she hadnt just said that to reassure them.
She must have a reason, she'd never willingly go back to them, would she. No of course not. He told himself as Tony rushed to the closest computer, tapping away at the keys wordlessly. Bucky ran through scenarios in which Daisy would go back to the people who caused her so much pain. Perhaps they had threatened her, no, she wouldnt care for that but, if they threatened someone she cared for. His shoulders dropped.
What if Shield figured out where she was as threatened the team. No Shield couldnt threaten the Avengers even if they were harboring a fugitive.
The rest of the team had the same thought process as they milled around the room, waiting for Tony to finish whatever he had Started when he finally spoke all he said was Gear and Jet before disappearing once more. They were quick to move, grabbing necessary equipment before loading onto the jet.
Tony set their course to the Shield base they had frequented recently, hoping they would find answers there. Steve Stayed close to him, trying to keep him out of his head, Clint and Sam were up front, Flying the jet as they went over the details of what happened, Natasha by their side as they repeat their questions, asking about faces and noticable surroundings from the Cafe.
Bruce and Steve flicked trough files on the computer and Wanda stood to the side, arms crossed over her chest s she stared into space. Bucky sighed and gestured to Steve, Telling him to check on Wanda who seemed to be blaming himself. Bucky Didnt miss Starks quick movement when the computer Started making noises, Numbers flickering over his screens briefly before settling down. His head dropped to the floor of the jet, counting the scuff marks as he tried to calm his racing heart.
Stark started muttering after a minute or two and ran to the front, shouting new coordinates to the pilots. Buckys head shot up.
"You have a location" He said.
"Daisy sent it through" Stark confirmed, though, his sullen expression wasnt reassuring.
Bucky got anxious as they waited for an update, deciding he needed to do something, he headed to the Back of the jet and Started Dressing for Battle. Wanda and Natasha Joined him.
When they finally got to the Bus Steve had to hold him back so That he didnt lunge at Coulson who looked torn. Coulsons team went over the Plan Tony had explained to them breifly and handed each of them some comms. He was eager to get his, to finally have a connection to Daisy.
"Quake" He said as soon as it was in, using her powered name as he would on any other mission, there was a muffle before she replied and his breath left his lungs. He stepped away from the other team, uncomfortable in their presence. His own Team remained close enough to hear since they hadnt all put thier comms in yet, talking with the shield agents.
"Buck" She asked. He wanted to smile at her informality, she never did get the hang of using titles in battle. "your here?" She asked her voice holding an edge of panic.
"Yeah doll, we're here, whats your position we'll head to you." He said throwing a look at the rest of the group as he and the team exited the plane, Leaving Coulson and his people to follow. He scowled, fully turning to address the older man. "you let her go out there alone, why aren't your people helping."
"Our people are out there too" May said sternly, stepping forward. "Daisy asked me to wait for the rest of you before heading out. If you were listening to the plan you'd know that" He growled at her, Biting off his reply as Daisy spoke.
"There's a hoard heading your way" Daisy said, "just focus on yourselves, i'm fine for now."
"For now, That isnt reassuring" Bucky said, turning back to his comm. "Where are you?" He looked to Tony who had the groups coordinates on his system.
"Six blocks north," He said, "Following just one hostile, she's good for now."
"Lets stop saying for now, okay" Clint said as he drew an arrow, a group of aliens headed their way. Bucky flexed his arm, clenching his fist. He wore his altered winter soldier uniform, hair pulled back from his face.
"Remember our rule" Bucky said into the comm, his Voice stern.
"Dont be a hero" Daisy replied, her voice lighter. He could imagine her mocking smile.
"Right" Bucky confirmed. Their group moved forward to the approaching enemy, bracing themselves. "And anyway, you should be the one to choose." she chuckled softly,
"No, i chose pizza last night." she reminded him, there was a noise in the background and her tone changed.
"That was for the group, doesnt count." The team engaged the aliens, Buck ducked a blow, easily deflecting another before swinging at the creature.
"yes, it does." She said between breaths, he figured she was fighting a hostile and waited to reply, it was a tense few minutes as he took down the beasts, taking more effort than he would have liked to keep them down.
"Your the one who knows where to get food" Bucky said, needing to hear her voice to know she was handling herself. He knew she could but these were aliens. She exhaled a laugh but didnt reply.
Natasha and Clint worked together to take them out as Steve and Tony held their own, Wanda was watching everyones backs, Hulk behind her. May was slower than the rest but capable of taking the enemy out in decent time, Bucky didnt bother to see how Coulson was doing. Fitz and Simmons took off in the other direction, a burly man watching their backs, a short latino woman by his side. He remembered them from his visit to shield a few weeks back. Mack and YoYo, he had kept his distance from everyone but still managed to get some sort of feel for them, he wasnt a fan. Mack had seemed decent but he remembered what Daisy had said about her old team and made sure to keep that in mind when interacting with them.
The sight of her when they finally reach the block that she was on was a relief as he watched her blast three aliens into a concrete wall, they crumpled to the ground and she hunched over. Bucky ran to her then, calling her name before placing a hand on her back for support.
"having fun?" She asked between breaths, straightening to her normal height. She wore a cheerful grin as she looked up at him and he was caught between wanting to hug her and scold her for going off on her own. With Shield no less.
"I know that look" she said with a roll of her eyes, the rest of the team fanned out around them, taking out hostiles as they appeared. "But I did call you guys in so, you can't be mad" she reasoned. Bucky frowned at her. "Seriously Buck, no heroes I promise" she said, taking His hand in her own. She almost looked like she was pleading as she said it and Bucky couldn't help but smile a little in return.
"no heroes " he repeated, pulling her in for a quick hug, to reassure himself that she was there and safe. She hugged him tight in return.
"That's all well and good" Clint said as he approached the two. "But there's no sign of this Talbot guy and these alien people are multiplying so" he gestured to the rest of the group "if you'd like to join us?" Daisy let go of Bucky, though she lingered in his embrace momentarily before moving to lightly hit Clint on the arm.
"Glad to see you too bird brain" Daisy said, taking her place beside Natasha who had just smashed an aliens head into the road, Daisy quaked it to ensure it stayed down.
"There will be a long discussion" Natasha said as she moved onto the next assailant. Bucky watched the hint of fear cross Daisy's face after Natasha's words but was suddenly attacked from behind, pinned by two aliens before Steve was there to help him, ripping them off and helping him to his feet.
"Eyes in front soldier" Steve reminded him obvioulsy aware that Buckys focus was else where.
"How about we discuss Places to eat since Buck didnt think that far ahead" Daisy said in an attempt to change the subject and lighten the mood. Great ful that nobody seemed to be to mad or dissapointed in her.
"Hey" Bucky said, "I just hadnt had a chance to ask anyone yet" He defender, tripping an alien as it Ran at Natasha while she was distracted.
"Thats Fair" Clint said, shrugging To Daisy in support of Bucky.
"I was thinking Italian but then you said Clint had Suggested it for dinner already and didnt seem happy with it." Bucky told her, Watching as she blasted an alien back so Clint could shoot it.
"What, no id love Italian, i said Tony wasnt a fan" Daisy corrected.
"Little late for resorvations now though" Natasha told them. The sun had started to descend from the sky and Daisy wondered what time it actually was.
"I could pull some string" Toy suggested.
"You could?" Bucky asked, Turning to look at him.
"9:30 sound good?" Tony asked. Bucky turned to Daisy who smiled and Nodded.
"thanks Stark" Bucky Said, "Watch your Six" Tony turned in time to blast an alien as another hoard Attacked.
They moved together towards an approaching group when the ground shook beneath their feet, all eyes shot to Daisy who looked bewildered by the movement. She shook her head, knowing their thought, her eyes moving frantically in search of the source.
"That's gotta be Talbot" Coulson said into the Comms.
"No duh" Tony quipped in return.
"He's pulling the gravitonium up from the centre of the earth, if he tries to take to much at once," Coulson said, ignoring Tony's remark. "We won't stand a chance "
"the impact will kill countless civilians" Mack added.
"it'll tear the world apart" Daisy said. Her voice sounded distant in his ear and at first he thought it was the earpiece but when he finally managed to look her way he caught her expression and his heart dropped. There was no sign of her bright smile from moments before.
"Well sure, that too" Coulson said, perhaps trying to lighten the mood with his tune. Bucky wanted to strangle him.
Daisy was on the outskirts of the fight eyes staring unseeing at the ground. She must have felt his eyes on her because she looked up too him, eyes shining with doubt and unshed tears. His heart went icy as she tilted her head to the side in a sort of apology, offering him a weak smile before edging away, an expression of hopelessness on her face. He was moving without Hesitation, Pushing any threats out of his way thoughtlessly.
"I can fix this" she whispered with false confidence, barely loud enough for him to hear with his enhanced hearing.
"I can fix this" She said, Nodding confidently as tears shone in her eye's. The ground shook beneath her feet as More gravitonium was pulled out of the ground. She could feel exactly where it was, where Talbot was. She had only caught a glimpse of him before getting tackled into another building and the thought of seeing him again gave her chills. The image of those agents being folded into nothing made her want to vomit and cry but she squared her shoulder. She was the only one who had a chance, she couldn't worry about how or what ifs, she had to move, to protect her family who would surely go after him if she didn't stop him. Or if she didnt get their first.
She forced herself to look away from them, tearing her eyes from Bucky's panicked face as he tried to follow her.
They watched helplessly as Daisy took off on her own, Getting only minutes with her before alien soldiers cut her off from the group, before anyone had a chance to grab her.
"Tony Go After Daisy" Bucky called, before getting tackled by another alien.
"Where'd she go?" Tony asked, scanning the area. He was knocked aside by falling debris, compromising his search. "Jarvis?"
"Scanning the perimeter sir, her coordinates seem to be offline"
"These things mess with electrical devices" Clint reminded them, tearing an arrow from one and using it to impail another.
"She's gone for Talbot" Natasha yelled, ripping a dagger from one alien and Stabbing another with it. "She's the only one who can take him out."
"Hypothetically" Bucky Growled.
He finally got the bastard creature off of him by snapping his neck, Bucky got up in time to lunge at another alien that had creeped up behind Steve. "Watch your six" he called as he slammed the thing backward's, standing and kicking it in the head, hard.
"Tony, over here" Clint called, pulling civilians from under a chunk of fallen Debree.
Steve gave him a thank you nod before scanning the scene himself. The city was in chaos, buildings smashed and burning, cars crashed. People were still looking for cover as debris fell from all around them.
"Coulson!" Steve called to his Comm, impatiently waiting for the Director to answer.
"Captain Rogers, whats the go?" Steve swallowed his anger at the man.
"We need to evacuate, the buildings in this area are unstable at best and whatever you man is doing, its racking up a body count." He helped Bucky take out another group of alien soldiers as he waited for Coulson's reply.
"We have a message going out to everyone in the area, to direct them to a jet we have ready to take anyone who needs immediate evacuation," Coulson replied. "how are your people holding up?" He asked, worry evident in his voice.
Steve waited to answer, Throwing a soldier into a window while Natasha and Bucky fought off any attacking aliens, giving Tony and Clint a chance to move the Debris aside. Wanda stood close by, catching any more debris, or possibly holding the building up so the civillians could escape.
"We have a building going down on 6th street, Were trying to get civillians out." Steve said, helping the other two men to dig the rubble off. They Finally broke through and were able to pull people out.
"I have a transport vehicle heading your way to pick them up." He said calmly. "Where's Agent Johnson." Bucky growled, grabbing an alien around the neck and slamming him into the ground with enough force to chip the concrete.
"I was going to ask you the same Question, Director." Steve replied. The line was silent. And the team shared a look. The aliens had died down, The civillians were out, Clint instructed them to wait for the transport Vehicle while They searched For Daisy. "she seems to have gone offline."
"Maybe she's to close the the gravitonium, it might be messing with her system" Coulsons scientist said.
"She's the only one that can take him" Coulson finally said. The ground shook beneath their feet, hearts racing as they looked to one another before bursting forward, running towards the source. Tony led the way, moving to fly ahead but another group of aliens came at them from the buildings above, Tony was nocked to the ground, a dagger piercing through his armor and digging into his shoulder. Bucky was closest and tackled the alien off of him, rolling with it before stuggling to get the upper hand..
"You Okay Stark?" Natasha asked, Kneeling down to check on him. Wanda threw a group of them back in the direction of their ship, their bodys hitting hard before falling back to the ground with a dull thud. Another building crumpled, sending a wave of dust over the group. Bucky managed to nock the alien aside, throwing it against some exposed pipe that stuck out through its chest as it slumped.
When the sky cleared their hearts dropped at the sight before them. There, in the distance, Was a blur in the shape of two people, hurtling from building hight towards the ground. Steve and Buckys enhanced senses could see her Clearly while the others saw more of a blur.
"DAISY!" It was Bucky's scream that told them it was her. They ran, Tony patched up his shoulder with his nano tech and Wanda took flight towards The brunette, praying she was fast enough as the red glow pushed her forward.
They were all too Slow, too far away. Forced to watch as she was pushed down from more than 1,500 feet, out of their view. Their heats dropped as she fell and they all Stopped dead when they heard the Crash, felt the shake and were then pushed back by the force of the hit. Bucky's knees shook, wanted to give out but after a deep breath he managed to get his feet moving again, slowly at first.
The Wave of Dust and Debris forced them backwards. It hit Tony, knocking him off course while Wanda was forced to dodge more falling debris, her arms covering her face as she was forced to land.
"Tony?" Steve asked, hesitant.
"I cant get close enough to see anything, there's some sort of barrier."
"Get back from it" Natasha said, stepping back herself as she held her arms out for them to do the same. "Coulson said Talbot absorb's people with the gravitonium, if you get to close you'll probably be next."
"Got it" Tony said, Backing out of reach as Jarvis tried to get a read on the area. The Dust was heavy around the area and his tech played up if he got too close. He saw Wanda out the corner of his eye, trapped between two Alien soldiers, he flew down to help her, the movement causing pain to shoot through his arm. He blasted them, finding that his suit went glitchy when they got too close, taking them out Before they could Touch Wanda.
"Daisy?" She asked, her eye's hopeful though her face was dark.
"I cant get a read" Tony says, "The gravitonium is messing with Jarvis's system." She gave him a resigned nod.
"What about you, sense anything?" Tony questioned. She shook her head, trying to listen for her thoughts.
"There's some barrier stopping me, but its full of other voices." Her forehead creased.
"What, what do you hear." Tony asked, turning to her fully.
"They, I think they are in the gravitonium."
"Oh, yeah Nat said he Absorbes people." Tonys said.
"To take their Powers?" Steve suggested as he and the rest of the team joined them. "As well as their conciousness."
"He can take someones powers?" Clint asked, looking angrily to the Dusty area in the distance.
"Its a theory" Natasha said with a tilt to her head. "Its plausable."
"How do we get close?" Bucky said, His fists clenching at his side's.
"You saw the footage, we know as much as you Buck." Steve said. There was movement behind them and Bucky snarled.
"But not as much as them." He said, Gesturing over his shoulder to the Group of people approaching. Bucky was breathing deeply, feeling tired and exhausted from fighting off so many aliens, actually most of the group was at this point. He forced himself to face forward, afraid he'd Kill someone if he saw their faces.
Tony marched forward towards the group, Steve close by.
They wore shield uniforms and they headed straight for them, Steve had obviously Decided he had to be the calm one, seeing the side glance Natasha and Clint were sharing. Wanda's hands were glowing, fingers flexing while Bucky stood dead still. Tony had moved with him as he turned to the team before taking the lead, Pissed at the Agents. He recognised Agent May who led the group, a brunette with a medical bag followed close by with a Large man on the other side. He guessed it was Agent Mack, whom Daisy had mentioned fondly a few times.
Natasha and Clint stood either side of Wanda, close enough to Calm her should she move.
"You fuckers better have something good to say if you think-" Tony said, getting cut off. Steve backed him up, silencing him.
"Agent May." Steve said, unable to hide his agitated tone. "I hope you have a plan" His arms crossed over his chest firmly.
"Quake is, was the plan" She replied, sounding genuinely upset.
"Dont you dare use past tense until there is confirmation" Clint growled, joining the group Leaving Natasha to place a hand on Wandas arm when her fingers started to glow.
"You told her to do that?" Tony said, Moving forward before Steve could reply. "You sent her to Die" He growled. Buckys fists clenched tighter.
"It was the best option." The Brunette replied, her soft voice ringing with an english accent. "If she had only-"
"Excuse me?" Bucky hissed, unable to keep quiet he spun around and marched to the group, Steve watching him closely. "your, best option," He growled. "Daisy said she was told this was the only option, or else she wouldn't have-"
He was cut off by an anguished scream coming from the middle of the debris, he went to move but Tony grabbed his arm and told him the shield was still up. The Metal suit being the only reason Tony was able to hault him.
"The other option is just as dangerous," Simmons said, Talking despite the scream.
"For who?" He scowled in return. Heart racing, knowing Daisy was alive and alone with that monster, She had sent them the files Shield had on him. They had all seen the footage of what that man was capable of doing. Daisy knew it too but still went against him. No heroes, he told himself.
"For her" She sighed desperately. May gritted her teeth beside her and moved a hand to her ear slowly.
"Do you have visual?" She asked into her com, eye's darting upwards. Bucky followed her line of sight, scanning a building to their left, his heightened senses caught the fash of something on one of the balconys overlooking the debris in front of them.
"What are you doing," His voice now panicked as he saw the sniper, aiming at the center. He lunged forward but May was too fast, instead he Grabbed for the scientist, wrapping his hand around her throat and Lifting her up slightly. "you do that and I snap her neck" He warned as May and the Mack both aimed their weapons at him. Simmons grabbed at his hand desperately.
Tony, Natasha and Clint all turned their own weapons on the group, Wandas Hands glowing Bright red now.
"Drop her Barnes" May ordered. "Were trying to help."
Wanda was distracted, hands moving on to her temples as a red glow ebbed around her.
"Whose that bullet for?" He asked, gesturing to the building, his team followed the motion, scowling behind him as he raised the girl slightly off the ground, She grabbed at his hands some more. He wasn't squeezing, yet. May hesitated, there was another cry of pain and Wanda grimaced to his left, he Squeezed and the scientist struggled.
"Buck" Steve said in a warning tone, but he wasn't listening.
"This is for her own good" Mack assured him, weapon still raised. "We don't have time for this." Bucky restrained himself.
"Your going to shoot her, to what?" Tony Questioned as he looked between the building and the agents in front of him. "To keep him from taking her powers?"
"this is-" May started, getting cut off mid sentence.
"take the shot" Simmons said in a tight voice. Bucky realised that he had restrained himself too much, loosening his grip enough for her to speak. She had one finger pressed to her comm as she spoke.
"NO!" he screamed as he threw her to the ground, spinning as the shot rang out, Daisy's soft and desperate cry was cut short and his heart stopped, his mind going blank as the breath left his lungs. He couldnt hear anything more than the blood pounding in his ears, his heart thumping duly in his chest as it tore apart.
Daisy saw him from a Distance and took a calming breath, Sparing one last thought to her Family before forcing herself to move, Pushing into a sprint until she was close enough, Using her power to add force to her movements as she flew at Talbot when he turned. They crashed into the ground together, bouncing into the air a few feet before landing hard, the momentum carrying them forward.
they tumbled through the ash fault, getting spayed by chunks and dirt and Stone as they tore through the ground.
When they finally Stopped Daisy Stumbled to hey feet, Aiming her hands down at Talbot who knew exactly what she could do.
"Im becoming the most powerful being in the universe, im becomming a hero." He said with so much confidance Daisy felt pity for him for genuinely thinking what he was doing was right.
She tried to talk him down, Gave him the sort of Speach Coulson, more importantly, Steve Rogers would be proud of. Truth justice, doing whats right, being a real hero, She Tried to bring him in, Thought she was winning.
"You are a hero, Everything you do, General" She said, "these men and women, they are heroes, You dont need powers to-"
"But They have them, The avengers, Earths mightiest heroes sworn to defending earth."
"Theyre people to, they do the right thing with their powers"
"thats what im doing, its what i'll do, we dont need anyone else."
"They are important to the world, they are the reason earth is still spinning." she said, "We should join forces"
"Your right" He deflated. "they are the real heroes, We should join forces"
When she reached down to help him up, sure she had gotten through to him, he turned on her, his face darkening and hands moving before Daisy could flinch. He wrapped her in a way she couldnt aim at him, her hands crossed over her chests so the only one who would get hurt would be herself.
"Once i Take your powers and get the Gravitonium, I'll despose of those phonys" He said, Her heart broke and she was filled with rage, releasing it in a burst that shot through her. the pain was blinding but the force was enough to knock him back, releasing her briefly. She spun around and used as much force as she could to punch him, hoping to knock him out or daze him at least.
When he turned back to her he had a nasty expression, She stepped back but he was able to grab her easily, applying pressure to her fractured collarbone and shoulder. She Gritted her teeth to keep from crying out, knowing it would draw more attention and Distract her team from the job at hand.
"Humanity is on the Brink and i alone can fix it"
They raced upwards, Talbot using the gravitonium to keep her from moving as they passes floor after floor of buildings, climbing higher and higher till they reached the top. She glanced around, Panicked and scared of what was to come. He was too strong, she couldnt move anymore than her head without great effort and as Talbot ooked into her eyes she knew there was no saving him. If he had his way, there would be no saving her either.
Finally their course changed and she was being pushed downwards, faster now, her hair whipping in front of her face as the wind caught it. She forced herelf to look strong, not wanting fear to be her final expression as she plummeted to the ground, She heard a yell and then she felt the impact as they hit the ground. Her whole body screamed at her as the concrete gave way beneath them, finally settling on dirt. Her Skin was on fire, her bones felt like Glass and her head screamed at her, yet her body obeyed when she told it to move. Rolling over to spit the coppery taste from her mouth, using all her strength to crawl away though she didnt get more than a foot away.
"It'll be easier to get that buried treasure once i can quake the ground apart" Talbot said, Leaning down to drag her to her feet.
Daisy cried out in Pain as the movement cause her bones to move, everything hurting so much. He pulled her to her feet and held her up but she wasnt ready to give up, She Quaked him back, the Quake going through her already injured shoulder once more. She Screamed in agony at the feeling. Talbot stumbled a few steps, His anger increasing. She Cried out when she Quaked him again, Falling to her knees in pain.
One more Quake and her Vision Blurred, Darkening.
"no heroes" She heard a voice said in her mind, "Im sorry" She told the voice. She almost felt numb now.
She hardly Felt it when Talbot grabbed her again, the world muffled around her and she didnt hear what Talbot said next. The air around her turned static, her breath was short and her head felt heavy. She saw an image, a group of people Sitting around a Tv with amused expressions on their faces, Pleased and content. She didnt know what was happening anymore, she didnt know where she was, if she was still crying out in pain, if she was even in pain any more.
"Dinner?" She heard, just before she let go. The world drifted, a silver haze creeping around her. She was sure it hurt but she couldnt register the pain anymore, it was all too much. Her eyes closed and she took one more breath, unable to continue.
"im sorry James" She thought as she let go.
She expected peace, Emtyness, She didnt expect pain.
Just as she let go she felt a sharp cold pain in the centre of her chest, her body felt lighter as the pain spread, reawakening her senses. She was biting her lip to keep from crying out but she didnt know why. Somthing was building inside her, she let it go and the cold Darkness ebbed away. Her body didnt ach so much, she felt her energy rise as she spun around to face Talbot. The ground around her shook, she didnt hear his words, simply sliding out of the way when he came at her, spipping to the grund and Blasting him upwards. The energy took everything From her and she fought for consciousness as she watched him fly up and out of view at an incredible speed, Shattering the glass windows of nearby building as he sped upwards.
The Glass fell, catching the light of the setting sun and looking like glitter raining down. She sighed, she beat him. The world was, safe. they were safe. She thought as the Darkness came Back for her. There were hazy noises nearby but as much as she tried, she couldnt get up, couldnt call out, couldnt stay awake.
There was a pause as everyone held their breath, then there was shake beneath their feet and their heads all shot up as one. There was a cry of pain, the ground shaking more before a burst of something shot up from the center of the Area and the ground became still once more.
Bucky was moving First, all but flying over the cars and Debree in his way, the others followed hot on his tail.
His heart Raced, Beating in his chest as he leaped over cars, meeting no resistance as he hurtled towards the Space he was sure Daisy would be. There was a hole in the ground, the road torn up in a massive circle where she had made impact, he cringed slightly at the thought of it. How could she survive that, the distance and the force, should have killed her on impact, but as he reached the hole and jumped over the edge, his heart soared.
It froze almost immediately when he noticed how still she was, she lay in the center of the wreckage, surrounded by cracks in the earth. Bucky quickly moved towards her and Slipped his hand under her neck to cradle her head as he checked her pulse. His hand felt wet and warm, he knew it was blood, it framed her face and was now slowly running through his fingers.
Time stopped while he waited for a breath, a pulse under his fingers to signal a heartbeat, his own lungs screamed at him to breath as he held his own breath in anticipation. It felt like a lifetime before he felt it. A beat, then a breath, her head tilting a bit in his hand. He let out a huge sigh of relief, Curling over her as he calmed his racing heart. He sat there just breathing her in before getting a hold of himself, slipping his other hand under her knees to lift her carefully off the ground.
"Daisy" He said, His voice breaking as he finally said her name. "Hey, come on doll." He said, he needed her to open her eye's, to reassure him she was alive., she was okay He could feel the prescence of the others but they kept their distance, His team standing close enough to know she was alive as they all waited for her to respond.
"Buck" Steve said. "Lets get her back to the base" His voice was soft, his hand landing on his friend's shoulder and squeezing hard. Bucky stood, Cradling the brunette in his arms. Steve pulled himself out of the hole first so that Bucky could Pass Daisy up in order for him to climb out himself. Wanda helped keeping Daisy balanced with her anergy mist as she was transfered from one soldier to another. Steve gently handed her back, careful not to jostle her too much as they moved. Bucky paused by an overturned car when he saw the shield team.
"I'll kill em Stevie" Bucky said, Adjusting Daisy in his arms so that she curled into him more, her blood smearing on his uniform.
"One of thems a doctor, she might-"
"The doctor that wanted to eradicate Inhumans" Bucky pointed out. "She's not getting anywhere near her unless you want me to actually snap her neck."
"Jets on the way" Natasha said, coming to stand beside them. Tony and Clint kept the agents at a distance, Arguing with Mack and May while Steve, Bucky and Natasha hid Daisy from their view, protecting her. Wanda was clearing Rubble for a landing for their Quinjet, her mind fixed on the task at hand though the red glow around her was more intense than usual. Natasha dug into one of the compartment son her belt.
Bucky cradled Daisy, elevating her head as best he could while they waited for the jet. Coulson joined the agents with Tony, followed by Fitz and another agent carrying a rifle. Bucky moved before he could think but Steve pulled him back, bringing him to a stop. His breathing was hard as he glared at the weapon, eager to turn his own weapons on the group. He hadnt seen a bullet wound on Daisy but he hadnt thought to check at the time, Natasha read his expression as he glanced down at the girl in his arms. The red head moved foreward, checking the girl over, his pulse raced as she searched, fear that she was bleeding out from another spot. He was almost relived when they didnt find anything, but then what was the riffle for, he wondered before Natasha found it.
An angry red gash in the centre of her chest that was covered in blood, he had assumed it was blood from her head wound when he had picked her up. The sight of it scared him as he clenched her tighter. Natasha put pressure on it with the bandages she found in her belt.
"Clint" She called to her partner who was quick to abandon the agents. She swapped spots with him, letting him hold pressure on the wound as she ran off to give the hulk a lullaby, in desperate need of Bruces help.
"Hang in there Cupcake" Clint said confisantly to the Unconcious Daisy. Bucky watched closely as Clint held pressure to her wounds.
A quick movement caught his attention and he turned in time to see Tony, now out of his iron man suit, swing at Coulson. He hit him square in the jaw, sending him back a few steps. "That one was for lying about being dead, i owe you another one for Daisy but i think she'd get a kick out of it so i'll wait till she's better." He climbed back into his suit and turned to walk away, instead he paused. Fitz was frozen as Tony leaned closer to him, Intimadation him with the cold metal faceplate, "Later" Was all Tony said before walking away, his voice manacing, leaving the Scientist with a pale face.
As Sam descended, their group headed for the Open ramp, climbing on board before it could even land properly, Natasha approached with Bruce who was joined by Tony Who Slapped something onto the other mans chest. It expanded over the scientists body until Bruce was standing in a suit similar to Tonys but with green accents rather than red. They flew ahead of them to the base to set up whatever they needed For Daisys care. Natasha moved over to the Agents while everyone else boarded. Steve and Bucky picked up what they said as they settled on the jet.
"We, will look after her. We, will consider giving you an update. We, will have a long talk about what you have been up to and If anything goes wrong With Agent Johnson. We will not be meeting on good terms in the Future."
"Agent Romanoff" Mack said, the red head stopped him.
"She is one of our's, she has been with us for Months now." Natasha said, gaining a few suprised looks. "I promise she will be looked after with us" She seemed to turn her direction back to May. "If you or anyone else ever try to misuse her powers again, or even consider hurting her in any way, then you will have us to deal with." She said, her voice cold and dark. "Understood?"
"Understood" May answered. Natasha turned to walk away.
"I do wish i could say it was good seeing you again Melinda" She said before climbing aboard. The ramp closed before the other woman could reply and they were left in silence.
Natasha joined them in the corner of the plane where Bucky Sat on the floor, Daisy Cradled in his arms. Clint checked her over for any injuries and Natasha moved to help. Her wounds had stopped bleeding for the most part, though bucky now had a large red stain on his white tank top as he took a moment to discard the top layers of his uniform to drape it over Daisy, using one part to rest her head on, Meaning the blood had already soaked through quite quickly. Steve Moved to grab the first aid kit, fishing out bandages. They pulled her gloves off, revealing bruised arms, Natasha found some glowing orange residue around her chest wound and wiped it off with a cloth, she folded it up and put it into her pocket for Tony and Bruce to examine later.
Natasha bunched up some bandages to put under Daisys head to stop any more bleeding, They should probably check to see how much damage was done but they feared moving her too much so they just patched her up best they can. Clint joined them again and looked over the girl once more, Her gash in her chest was a flesh wound, not deep but likely painful, he was pretty sure the impact from whatever they shot her with did some sort of damage to her Sternum or ribbs. Clint bandaged her upper arm where it had turned a purple blue colour, early bruising from the fall perhaps, or more microfractures from the Quakes. They had just about finished checking her, all agreeing that it was better to wait to check her head.
Bucky was trying not to figit as he held her Wanting to hold her closer but scared of hurting her. Her head and Arms sustained the most obvious injuries but she had hit the ground at such a speed from such a height that he feared there was internal damage. By no means was he a doctor but he had learned how to identify serious injuries over the years, and his mind whirred with the possabilities. They were five minutes out from their base when she finally moved, Cracking her eye's open slightly.
Bucky was the first to notice, feeling her move in his arms, her head tilting a bit as her fingers twitched, brushing against his own fingers as he held her hand tightly. He nearly dropped her at the shock of it, his eye's shooting from her hand to her face where she was glancing up at him with a small smile.
"Hey Buck" Her voice crackled, barely a whisper. He noticed the blood on her lips but couldnt help his smile at the sight of her, the sound of her weak voice giving him strength and sucking it all away at the same time. If she werent covered in blood he could imagine she was just waking up after drifting off during movie night, sleepy and calm.
"Hey Doll" He said back, just as softly so as to not frighten her, like a small animal. Her eye's drifted closed again, smile still on her lips as she drifted off. "woah there Darling, come back to me." he said, moving her so that she sat slightly more upright. Her eye's cracked open again after a beat and his heart continued beating. Fear ran up and down his spine as he tried to keep her conscious.
"There we go" He cheered, turning her gently so that her back was to him, helping her to stay upright. She sat with his legs beside her, as a brace while she forced her eye's open.
"What happened?" She asked, swallowing around a lump in her throat.
"Dont worry about that right now, How you feeling." He asked, letting her lean her head back to look up at him. Her expression was soft as she smiled up at him, he matched her soft smile, trying to mask the worry he felt, to keep her calm. He knew from experience that she was likely in shock, or else she would be in unbelievable pain. They suspected broken ribs, fractures and a concussion, though the amount of blood hinted at worse. She took a deep breath, her forehead crinkling as she struggled. "Small breaths Doll."
She coughed a bit before gritting her teeth against the pain. "Sorry" she said, he rubbed his thumb at the spot under her ear where his hand rested, still cradling her head. He tried to remain calm as he noticed the amount of blood on her lips, he tightened his grip, one hand holding her head carefully and the other wrapped around her waist to hold her in place.
"Shhh, Just breath." Nat crouched in front of her, Taking her hand. She took slow breaths, instructing Daisy to Follow along. The Brunettes eye's drifted again. "None of that" Natasha scolded her.
"Sorry" She sighed, moving her arm to rest on Buckys which remained in place around her waist. "My head" She cringed, her eyes watered. Bucky felt his arms tingle unpleasantly, fear prickling his nerves. He leaned his head forward planting a comforting Kiss to her Temple as she followed Natashas instructions, SHe leaned into his embrace.
"You're okay, we're nearly Home." Buck assured her, he held her tighter and her eye's met his again, a smile gracing her lips as her eye's slid shut once More. His heart dropped as she went still, her breathing shallow.
"Home" She mumbled under her breath as her head tried to lol to the side, he held her in place, leaning back a little to cradle her. His heart rate sped up as he tried to coax her awake.
"Daisy, Doll," He called gently Glancing up at Natasha who was already moving. "Daiz. Wake up darling" his voice almost broke as he tried to get her attention, there was more blood on her lips now and he felt himself getting cold at the site of it. He pulled her closer, planting another kiss to her temple with a soft shhhhh, mumbling in her ear.
"Sam i need an eta" Natasha said, moving for the pilots seat.
"We're here" He said, and Bucky realized they were landing.
"Okay, Daiz," Bucky mumbled into her ear, "Your okay" he reassured her.
"Bruce, wheres that gurney?" Natasha continued, turning towards the door, opening as they descended. Steve helped Bucky get to his feet, Daisy Cradled close to his chest. He noticed the amount of blood on his friends shirt and felt the dread set further in. Bruce was on the roof as the door opened, Bucky moved fast and gentle, Laying her on the Table As they climbed into the elevator.
"She-" Bucky started to explain as Bruce checked her over, his expression neutural.
"It's okay, i saw the news you dont have to explain" Bruce said causing Bucky's shoulders to sag in minute relief. The hulk hadn't been with the group when the found Daisy, or when she crashed to the ground so Bruce must have had the News on as he put together whatever medical supplies he would need. Bucky stood there uselessly as The doc got to work, only being able to push the gourney into the Med room, full of Banners trusted protegee. He had taken hold of her hand while they stuck her with needles, attaching her to machines. She didnt move throughought the process and his nerves ate away at him as he watched helplessly.
"James" Banner said, Bucky looked up, realising he had been saying his name for a while. "I need you to wait outside."
He couldnt move, he understood what he needed to do but his body wouldnt respond, He looked for the words to tell Bruce that but came up empty. A fammiliar hand clamped his shoulder, drawing his attention.
"Come on Buck" Steve said, Finally causing his feet to shuffle, though he had trouble letting go of her hand. He moved closer to her, leaning over to plant a kiss on her forehead, silently urging her to be alright before letting go of her hand, allowing Steve to drag him out of the room. Following numbly as they went down to the Living room, unable to stay in the waiting room, so close with no way to help.
The rest of the group were in similar states. Tony had his torso and shoulder Bandaged, cursing at his computer. Wanda watched the red glow weave through her fingers her eyes distant while Natasha Sat close enough to comfort her. Clint was nowhere to be seen but that wasn't strange. Whenever something bad happened here he retreated to the roof. Bucky sat in his usual spot, feeling cold as he found himself waiting for that familiar warmth to curl into his side as she always did. He stared at the blood on his hands, his heart sinking further the longer he looked at it, it was drying in places, turning crusty, he didnt have the energy to wash it off.
They all sat motionless, quiet except for Tony's curses.
"Tony" Steve said softly after a lifetime of cold silence. "Update?"
The room was silent as they waited for a reply. Tony let out a sigh.
Authors note: Chills!
Sorry this took so long Lads and Lassies. I wrote this as chapter 13ish and kept pushing it back because i really wanted to build the relationships first, so there was a bigger effect. Did i achieve that in your opinion?
Anyway, thats the last Chapter. Hope you liked it. Love you all, Love some reviews too ;)