"Tony..." Steve managed, his whole forearm going numb from gripping his shield so tight.
All three of Earth's Mightiest Heroes stumbled as far away from the door, which fell off to the side from its hinges, and another laugh rang out from the girl in front of them.
She did not look to be eight years old. Her stained hospital gown was drenched in red polka dots of various shaped blood, and what seemed to be fresher blood dripping from the floor behind her. Pigeon-toed, she limped forward, swaying side to side as if in a trance. And her smile...it was the scariest thing they had ever seen in their lives. And Thor had been around more than anyone.
"H-hii..." Tony tried to play it cool, but his voice cracked with fear and uncertainty. He does not remember ever feeling this clueless and shaken up. But, then again, the whole abandoned-bleeding-child-in-the-middle-of-nowhere was not a part of his expertise. "Are you ok? Let me help you-"
"HAHAHAHA!" They all covered their ears in pain as the laugh was surprisingly loud, the vibrations literally hurting them. As soon as it started, it ended, and one could hear a pin drop it was so silent. "I'm fine, silly." The little girl finally spoke. "Come play with me!"
Steve felt a knot in his stomach, trying to make sense of what was before him. Clearly, something was not right. He had a bad feeling about all of this. Her eyes were strange, as if they were searching for a weak spot, a place to lash out and deliver the killing blow. And the puddle of blood behind her did not help his situation. Was she a ghost? A zombie? Steve Rogers had learned a lot of things since he woke up. Magic, aliens, super-advanced technology all exist. But...this? Was this a new kind of enemy? Was this really what he did not see in his dream? This...He shook himself out of it. Look! Her voice...it was so innocent, and she looked so helpless...and hurt!
"Um...well, I-" Steve slowly stood up, his free hand out as if calming a wild animal who was about to attack. "I'm sorry...but we...have, to go...and-"
That creepy smile she wore instantly fell, and she tilted her head in curiosity. "Why not?" Her bottom lip trembled, almost starting to cry. "Is it because I'm not good enough!?"
Steve shook his head, Thor fighting against himself to either attack or rescue the poor girl. He had no idea what to do.
"No, no, of course not, I-I mean, you are...enough, I...wha-t do you wanna play?"
"Steve..." Tony sharply whispered under his breath. "We need to get the hell out of dodge before-"
That laugh came out again, and Tony tried to grab Steve and Thor and fly out, but to his horror, he found out his suit would not function!
"FRIDAY?"
Nothing.
He gulped. "FRIDAY?" Tony felt heavy, the lights went out, and he fell out of his suit flat on his face. His eyes took in her, mere inches from his face. Slowly, and as calmly as possible, Tony pushed himself up and backwards, reaching for Thor and Steve.
"FRIDAY is no longer with us anymore..." The little girl innocently stated. "She was being mean to me, and I don't like it when people are mean to me." She chuckled lightly to herself as she stepped forward and they instinctively stepped back. "Can we go play now?"