Chapter 7
A/N - I saw "Black Widow" today and Madison is back with a vengeance. It's my goal to finish this book in the coming month so we can get onto the good stuff I've got planned.
Sam was relieved of his wings and Steve's shield was taken from him.
In Madison's case, her hands were bound in special handcuffs, preventing her from using her magic. She was also injected with something that kept her from communicating with Pietro.
Then they were loaded into armored cars.
"So, you like cats?" Sam asked T'Challa.
Madison let out a high-pitched giggle, the drugs running through her veins making her loopy.
"Sam," Steve said.
"What? Dude shows up dressed like cat, you don't wanna know more?"
Steve turned to T'Challa. "Your suit…it's vibranium?"
"The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations. A mantle passed from warrior to warrior. And now because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So I ask you as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?"
"Panthers are cats. I like cats," Madison said, "Cats eat birds."
Steve reached over and put a hand on her arm, gently hushing her.
They pulled into a garage and stepped out of the van, Sam and Steve flanking Madison, keeping her from falling over.
Bucky was still in his prison.
"What's gonna happen to him?" Steve asked.
"Same thing that ought to happen to you. Psychological evaluation and extradition," the man in front of them said.
Madison raised her hands to wave at Sharon, but Steve kept a tight grip on her.
"This is Everett Ross, Deputy Task Force Commander," Sharon introduced.
"What about a lawyer?" Steve asked.
"Lawyer. That's funny. See their weapons are placed in lockup. We'll write you a receipt. Keep that one bound," Ross said, pointing to Madison.
A couple of soldiers walked by with Sam's wings and Steve's shield.
"I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that," Sam said.
Madison giggled. "You're so funny, Sam!"
"At least she thinks I'm funny."
They walked out of the garage and Madison looked back at Bucky.
He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"You'll be provided with an office instead of a cell," Ross said as they walked through a glass hallway, "Now do me a favor, stay in it?"
"I don't intend on going anywhere," T'Challa said.
Natasha walked up to them.
"Natasha!" Madison squealed. She rushed forward to hug her mother before remembering she couldn't move her hands.
"For the record, this is what making things worse looks like and what's wrong with Madison?"
"They drugged her," Steve told her.
"Why? She's already bound." Natasha shook her head. "Nevermind."
"At least Bucky's alive."
They walked into an office.
Tony was on the phone with someone.
"Try not to break anything while we fix this," Natasha said. She grabbed Madison by the arm and pulled her aside. She snapped her fingers at a soldier. "Hey! How long is this supposed to last on her?"
The soldier shrugged.
Madison yawned. "Sleepy, mama."
"Ya znayu milaya (I know sweetheart)." Natasha directed her a sofa and Madison laid down.
"Sing me."
Natasha stroked Madison's hair as she sang a Russian lullaby. Madison drifted off to sleep and Natasha unlocked her handcuffs.
When Madison awoke, her head was pounding.
Natasha appeared with a glass of water and a cellphone in his hand.
Madison greedily drank the water before Natasha handed her the phone. "Talk to him before he runs across the ocean for you."
As soon as Madison put the phone to her ear and said Pietro's name, he went off, rambling in a mixture of Russian and English. "Pietro, Pietro, I'm fine," she told him.
"Well how was I supposed to know that? You shut me out! I couldn't hear you, couldn't feel you. You could've been dead and I would have no idea!"
Madison's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice cracking, "I just didn't want you to worry."
Pietro sighed on the other end. "I always worry about you, Kolibri. Just…just come home."
"I'll try. I love you."
"I love you too Madison."
Madison hung up, letting her hand fall limply to her lap.
Natasha sat next to her and rubbed her back.
Madison looked at her mother. "What do I do?" she asked.
"Whatever you feel is right, baby bird."
"I can't sign the Accords. I can't."
Natasha wrapped her arms around her, rocking her slightly as she kissed Madison's forehead. "I know. I know."