Chapter 12
After the Battle in Berlin, the remaining Avengers were transported to the Raft.
Madison and Pietro were sedated upon their arrival. Madison because of her power level and Pietro because of his determination to reach his Kolibri.
When Pietro woke up, his mind was silent. There was no trace of Madison. She was housed in a cell far away from him and it broke his heart. He cried out for her every day. "Kolibri! Let me see Madison! Please! Please let me see her!"
Pietro couldn't imagine being separated from her forever. He needed her like he needed air to breathe. She was a part of him. Pietro eventually had to be sedated as well due to his behavior.
Wanda was next to him with a collar and a strait jacket to keep her from using her powers. She was trapped inside her mind.
Clint was housed next to his daughter. He talked to her every day. About her childhood, about her mother, what they would do when they got out of here. He knew she could hear him. His voice calmed her during her many nightmares. Sometimes he'd sing to her. Russian lullabies Natasha had taught him or her mother's favorite songs. It broke his heart to know that his little girl was drugged up to keep her docile.
Clint knew there was something wrong when the Raft was completely silent.
Doors started unlocking.
Clint immediately ran next door and scooped his daughter up in his arms. She whimpered and he pressed his lips to her forehead. "I've got you, Baby Bird. Daddy's got you."
Pietro knew Madison was waking up because he could feel the familiar ping of her mind. As soon as his door opened, he sped down the flights of stairs separating him and his Kolibri.
When Clint saw Pietro, he handed Madison off to him.
"We gotta go," Steve told them.
"I can't," Clint said, "I gotta think of my family."
"What about Madison?"
Clint stroked his daughter's hair. "She'll be fine. She always has been."
Madison stirred in Pietro's arms. "Daddy?"
Clint smiled. "Hey, Baby Bird. You're gonna go with Steve and the others."
"What about you?"
"I gotta take whatever deal they're willing to give me. Laura and your siblings need me. I'll always be here for you, but it's time to leave the nest. Spread your wings and fly, Baby Bird. I'll see you soon."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Madison." He kissed her head and said, "Go."
Pietro nodded and carried Madison to the Quinjet.
Neither father nor daughter knew that this would be the last time they'd see each other for quite a while.
Clint returned to his cell, hoping he'd done the right thing. He knew Madison wouldn't want to be kept in a cage and Pietro would do whatever Madison wanted to. She was rebel to the end.
Pietro laid Madison down on the floor of the Quinjet and Natasha walked over them.
She knelt down and put a hand on Madison's cheek. "Hey Baby Bird."
"Mama."
"Rest. You're safe now."
Madison went limp under her hand, falling back into a deep sleep.
Pietro held her hand as he sat by her side, thankful he could feel her in his mind again. It was lonely without her.
When Madison came to completely, she was in a bed.
Pietro was next to her.
She carefully got out of bed and walked over to the window. She opened it and found herself looking out a city. Beyond the city, all she could see was lush farmland.
Where in the hell was she?
The last thing she remembered was the Quinjet.
Where were Steve and Natasha?
"Kolibri? What's wrong?" Pietro asked her.
Before she could open her mouth to answer, the door opened.
In walked T'Challa.
Madison quickly searched the room for a weapon. She picked up a lamp from the bedside table and held it out like a knife. "Don't come any closer to me!"
Pietro was fully awake now and appeared in front of his frightened soulmate. "It's okay, Kolibri. Steve and Natasha brought us here to keep us safe."
"Where…where is here?" Madison asked.
T'Challa smiled and said, "Welcome to Wakanda."
The lamp dropped to the floor, shattering on impact.
"Wa…Wakanda?"