Chapter 28

[Emily's POV]

"Checkmate."

Clint grumbled curses at me as I triumphantly knocked over his king with my queen. "How are you so good at this game?"

"My dad and I would play when I was younger," I explained as I began to set up the pieces again. "He would purposefully lose so I could feel happy that I had won."

"Sounds like he was an excellent father to you," Loki interrupted, suddenly peering over my shoulder. It had been nearly a week since radio silence and my last conversation with Wanda, and I had gotten use to the god appearing randomly.

"He was," I breathed, smiling slightly. "But enough of that. Clint, you said you wanted to talk to me about something?"

"I was just wondering how your ankle was feeling," Clint said, shrugging.

"Much better," I responded, patting my cast. Two days ago, I had let Lila draw all over it and now was fondly proud of it. "Having rapid healing is a perk."

"I can attest to that," chuckled Steve, entering the living room. I waved him in and he took the couch, plopping down heavily. "Think you can walk without crutches?"

"Maybe," I said, biting my lip. "I haven't really tried. Been too nervous." I steadied myself on the sides of my chair before hesitantly pushing myself up onto my feet. My ankle began to ache and I shifted until all my weight was on my right foot. This quickly caused the ache to simmer down. "Wherever I'm headed, I need to walk slowly."

"Your bed," Clint said. When I raised my eyebrow at him and asked why, he continued on, saying, "Loki thinks he can protect your mind and connection with Wanda. Steve and I would like you to try connecting with her again. As for the no-crutches thing, you need the workout." I rolled my eyes at him before nodding furiously to his previous statement. I began limping towards the stairs.

Once I got to the base of the stairs, however, I was whimpering and panting. Who thought the living room was really that far from the stairs?

"Emily?" Steve asked, suddenly behind me. He put a hand on the small of my back while I gulped down fresh air, trying to stop myself from panting too hard. "Too much?"

"Guess super healing can't heal everything," I squeaked. I shook my foot, trying to roll my ankle and failing. "I don't know if I can get up these..."

I let out a tiny, mini shriek as Steve swept me up into his arms bridal-style. My arms latched themselves around Steve's neck and I hugged him, trying hard to look pissed off, but failing. Clint let out a laugh and Loki gave the smallest smile before returning to his resting face smirk.

Steve helped me up the stairs before lying me down on my bed. He gently brushed some loose strands of hair out of my face. "Bucky is a lucky guy."

"Missing a special lady friend of yours?" I teased, adjusting some pillows for my ankle. A sad look passed over Steve's face before he found the nearby rocking chair, leaning back into it. "Steve...I'm so sorry..."

"Don't apologize," he randomly blurted out, causing me to flinch. "You didn't know me or her back then, so there was nothing that you could have done." He ran a hand through his hair nervously. "Her name was Peggy Carter, British intelligence. We fought together in the war. The only female Howling Commando."

"She sounds lovely," I told him, and Steve nodded, a far away look in his eyes.

"Peggy would have loved you guys," Steve gulped. "You, Nat, and Wanda...she fantasized about a world where women were more then just household servants...she wanted to change the world, like you guys do."

Loki coughed awkwardly and I jumped, realizing that him and Clint were in the room too. "Shall we begin, then?"

I nodded and leaned backwards, positioning myself so I was lying flat on my back. My head was tilted up by the fluffy pillows. Loki walked over and stretched his hands before placing them on my temple. I shivered at how cold they were before closing my eyes.

I focused solely on Wanda: how she looked when we were just hanging out, how she looked training, how she got that awkward blush when Vision talked to her or complimented her.

Wanda...

There was a long silence and I subconsciously bit my lip, worried we were too late.

Emily...?

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Wanda...please don't send me away again.

Prove to me you are Emily, Wanda said, desperation crawling into her voice. My fingernails dug into my palms. She was so terrified that she didn't trust herself to know I was the real thing. Say something only she and I would know.

You came into my room and caught me 'snuggling' with Bucky, I insisted. I was so embarrassed and then you wouldn't let me eat until Bucky woke up (you called him a sleeping giant or the sleeping giant) and then...

You are Emily, Wanda sighed, and I could feel her mumbling a thanks to someone. I will not leave this time.

What's happening? How come Ultron's still alive?

Vision and I were attacked, Wanda began. I-I don't remember much...Ultron...I don't know how he's alive. Emily, he is after you...and this source called a Convergenst. He swears it will be his reckoning. Do not come. He is evil and well-thought.

I'm so sorry, I whispered, feeling tears underneath my eyes. Clint, Loki, and Steve are here with me. Is there anything you want them to know? They're probably smarter than me when it comes to these things.

Sokovia, Wanda whispered. Sokovia is the key...Ultron's here. I have to go, I'm sorry. I will not let him know you and I have been discussing.

Wanda, what is he going to do?

Remember me if this all turns bad.

Wanda! I screamed, and suddenly lurched in my bed, panting and wide-eyed.

:/:\:

[Clint's POV]

I rushed over to Emily's side and grabbed onto her hand as she began crying. I wrapped my arms around her and slowly began rocking her, whispering encouraging words into her ear.

"He's going to kill her," Emily sobbed. "I know. I could feel the utter desperation Wanda had."

"Is there anything we need to know?" Steve asked. Emily sniffled and nodded.

"Sokovia," she said, licking her lips. "Sokovia is the key. That's what Wanda said when I asked."

"Loki, can you do a mental-scan of Sokovia?" Steve asked and Loki nodded.

"It will not be one hundred percent accurate since I have never traveled to this place," Loki admitted, and Steve said, "Doesn't matter. Clint, get your bow ready."

"What about me?" Emily asked as I stood up.

"You stay here," Steve ordered, gesturing to the bedroom. "Emily, you are still weak and we can't have you in Ultron's hands."

"What?" she said, kneeling on her bed. "You can't do this! I have every right as you do to go and rescue my friend."

"Clint, prep the jet for China. We'll need Tony and Nat for this."

"Don't ignore me!" Emily yelled, stumbling off the bed. I could see true and utter pain flash in her eyes, but her face didn't reveal it. "I want to help. In any way I can that does not involve staying here and not moving."

Steve cursed under his breath and Emily grumbled, "Heard that."

"Emily," Loki began, and we all turned to him. "The Captain is not making you stay here because he is concerned that you will be a hindrance to the team. He is making you stay here because we know Ultron is after you. There is an Asgardian legend called Ragnarok."

"The end of all ends," Emily murmured. I raised an eyebrow at her. "What? I read."

"Ultron wants to use you to create Ragnarok," Loki insisted and Emily's face paled. "You have this unique, special gift that he wants to exploit. We want you to stay here not only to protect you but because if he tried to find you and attacked this house, you would be able to protect Laura and her children. Do you understand?"

"I understand," she whispered. "Go get 'em, tigers."

A/N: Hey! Just real quick interjection! How's the chapter? Y'all like it.

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