A/N* Another Chapter out for you! I hope everyone is doing well this week! This chapter is a bit long but packed with information. I do promise though that Aubrey will get a break, her life will even out...eventually.
Also, there might be a bit of space between this chapter and the next, as I have decided to participate in NanoWrimo. (Look it up if you haven't heard of it). But when my book is finished then it'll be back to weekly chapters!
Lastly, if you are enjoying then please do hit that follow button and let me know what you think!
Raised voices sounded out in the hallway and Aubrey groaned as the sedative started to wear off.
"I don't care if it gives up your position! She needs help!" She knew Bucky's voice anywhere
"She doesn't need it right now I'm working on it!" Fury sounded angry.
"How would you know that?! You haven't seen her since the first day!"
The door banged open and Aubrey slowly turned her head towards them, resisting the urge to inhale deeply. Her lungs screamed for air but even the slightest large inhale made her ribs ache. Instead, she resorted to small gasps choosing comfort over pain.
Fury stopped in his tracks at the sight of Aubrey's pale face and limp hair, he seemed to have been caught off guard.
"It happened so quickly...He said it would take more time" he stammered.
"You found someone?" Bucky turned his back on Aubrey and glared at Fury.
Fury stepped around him and glanced at Aubrey.
"We did find someone but he has been...demanding. It's also your choice Aubrey whether you would want to go through with this or not."
"Who is it?" She asked tentatively
Fury shook his head "You're fearing the worst, and you should be. He said he will help but he wants to do further testing...he's fascinated by you and wants to research you."
"What does that mean?"
"He wants to know how they infused the metal, the creation of your wings, how you overcame the programming, those-" he nodded towards her enhanced fingernails."- Everything that Hydra did."
Aubrey didn't know why anyone would want to know how and why they did it but she wasn't done with this world yet.
"I...I'm not ready to die yet so...I guess I'll do whatever it takes." her voice shook as she glanced at Bucky, seeing hope shining in his eyes.
Fury nodded and tapped his Commlink "Connect me to Starks line" he said gruffly. He nodded to Aubrey "I'll arrange everything."
"Thank you"
"Just doing my job, can't have a hero in the making dying young" were Fury's last words as he left the room. Yet his words echoed in Aubrey's mind. Hero in the making….
The jet rumbled as another round of turbulence plagued them. Aubrey winced, feeling her bones rub on each other. She sucked in a breath and immediately regretted it, trying not to cry out in pain as her ribs ached.
"How much longer?" She grit out to Fury, vision dimming from pain.
"Almost there, the drugs should be helping with the pain."
"Clearly they're not" Aubrey snipped back, trying to sit more comfortably in the chair. Earlier that morning she had been rushed to a sleek black jet and given a hefty dose of medicine to help with the pain. Bucky had stayed behind at the compound, not yet ready to know that Steve could very well be at the Avengers compound. Fury though, sat in the chair across from Aubrey, doing something on his iPad. Nerves writhed in Aubrey's stomach as she wondered what it would be like to be living in the Avengers base. Hopefully, no one had ill will towards her. The Jet rumbled again but this time a voice came over the comms.
"Preparing for landing, please stay seated and buckle your seatbelts."
Aubrey's shaking hand clicked the seatbelt back into place before she mentally prepared for the landing. She felt the Jet start to ark downwards and knew the moment they had touched the ground. It slowed to a stop several moments later and Aubrey quietly let out a small breath, glad to be back on the ground. Normally she loved being in the air but her sickness had dimmed her senses and Aubrey no longer felt safe knowing that she didn't have the energy to defend herself. Fury stood to his feet and watched as Aubrey unhooked the seatbelt and slowly rose, using the furniture as something to lean on.
"I can go get-"
"No" Aubrey snapped, limping to the door. It slid open with ease and she watched as Fury stepped down with dexterity onto the concrete. Attempting to do it herself, Aubrey put one leg down, waiting until her breath calmed before bringing the other leg onto the ground. A car waited on the edge of the runway and Fury guided her over, waiting until she was seated in the back before getting in the passenger side. The driver nodded to them, checking Fury's I.D before turning the car around and starting on the road. It was then that Aubrey's weary eyes started to scan the area. The small airport was surrounded by towering pine trees, as was the road. Minutes passed and the trees started to thin out, revealing a large building with high fencing and reflective glass. The building managed to look both sleek and modern.
People buzzed around everywhere, training in the yard, walking on the intricate walkways, or just loitering around. Aubrey felt her eyes widen, she had expected it to be big but not this large. On the side of the building was a glittering, silver A. The vehicle hummed as it came to a stop at the gates, a guard checked the drivers I.D before waving them through. They drove up to the front door and Aubrey drew in a small gasp before opening the door and pulling herself out, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Fury stepped out as well, observing as the driver carefully removed their bags from the trunk. A tall woman hurried out of the building, an easy smile on her face as the light breeze blew her blonde hair out behind her.
"Thanks for driving them, if you could just take the bags inside that would be great" she mentioned to the driver quietly, he nodded and disappeared inside the glass doors. Turning to Aubrey, she smiled warmly.
"Hi Aubrey, It's so nice to have you here. I'm Pepper, Tony sent me to make sure you made it inside alright.-" she paused and said in a quieter voice "- If you don't want help that's alright but it's okay to ask"
Aubrey immediately knew she liked this woman.
"Thank you" she whispered, letting Pepper help her through the door and into the compound. Fury followed behind silently. Aubrey had thought that the outside of the building was grand but it didn't compare to the inside. In front of her was a sitting area, cut off from the rest of the room by darkened glass. A meeting room was to her left and to her right a hallway. Stairs were in the far corners of the room and walkways were above her head.
"Wow" was all she could say. Pepper led Aubrey through a hallway to an elevator, it chirped happily as it pulled the two up to the third floor.
"This is the part of the compound where everyone's rooms are, yours is this way" the walk was short and they stopped at a mahogany door. It was then that Aubrey realized that Fury had veered away and left her with Pepper.
"This is you! If you need anything just ask F.R.I.D.A.Y. She's the A.I in the compound, all you have to do is call out for her. Tony said he would come by in an hour or so. The kitchen is just down that way, otherwise, you can just order something if you're hungry. Any questions?"
"Umm… Just one-" Aubrey cleared her throat and tried to sound confident. "-I'm pretty sure that I'm due for pain medicine soon and-"
"Everything is taken care of, the room next to yours has a nurse that will temporarily be living there. She will help you with whatever you need." Pepper twisted the knob and the door slid open without a noise. Aubrey had to stop her jaw from dropping as she ventured in. The wall in front of her had windows from floor to ceiling, showing off a lake teeming with wildlife. The walls were dark grey, to her left was a dark oak desk, an expensive-looking computer sitting on top. To her right was a dresser and what she assumed was the door to the bathroom. Behind Aubrey, by the door, was a kingsize bed with side tables on either side. Balls of various sizes shaded an array of colors, hung from the ceiling on brown string, giving off a light glow.
"It's beautiful" Aubrey stammered, lowering herself down onto the bed.
"The glass is one-way and your bags are right in there-" Pepper nodded towards the wardrobe that sat beside the desk. "-If you want to watch T.V then tell F.R.I.D.A.Y and she will lower it from the ceiling.
"Thank you, this..means a lot." Aubrey turned to Pepper and saw tears shining in the blonde's eyes. Pepper smiled, looking as if she were to say anything then tears would fall.
She sniffed "The nurse will be by soon." wiping her eyes, Pepper hurried out of the room, the door softly clicking shut behind her. Aubrey felt a grin flit to her lips, the first smile in days. Maybe there actually was hope, after all, Ironman had saved himself from death. Perhaps he could save her too. A knock on the bathroom door brought Aubrey to her senses, tensing she automatically reached for the only weapons she hadn't parted with. Her throwing stars were nestled comfortably in the pockets of her sweat pants on her thighs. The door swung open and a short petite woman came in, her eyes sparkling. She tapped a blank wall and Aubrey watched in awe as the wall opened to reveal a small kitchenette with medical supplies. Aubrey scootched back onto the bed and leaned against the mass of pillows, her weary and deteriorating body calling for a break. The Nurse brought over an I.V stand and started introducing herself as she started working.
"Hi there Sweety, my name is Miss. Emma, but to you, I'm Miss. M. Don't worry about a thing while you're here. You need anything then just ask."
"Thank you, Miss. M" Aubrey watched as the pain medication started to work its way through her body. She felt her body start to relax slightly and all of a sudden Aubrey felt a yawn and her eyes started to droop.
"Just take a nap, don't fight it" Miss. M smiled gently, bringing the covers up to Aubrey's chin. She nodded drowsily and felt her eyelids close.
Tony Stark walked with purpose, he never ambled unless there was something to puzzle over. This matter was indeed worth puzzling. Pepper had told him several hours ago that the girl was here but he had been too busy studying her blood samples, trying to puzzle out how to counterbalance the Tungsten. His heels clicked on the wooden flooring as he came to her door. Checking his watch, it was 8:30...most likely too late but her life was now on a timer, and time was ticking. Tony raised his hand to knock but never got the chance because the knob twisted and the door slowly swung open. In front of him stood someone who he could only describe as a living ghost. The girl's face was pale and her hair hung limply, its edges looking to have been bleached of color. Her eyes were Cat-eye green but unspeakable horrors flashed in them. Her hands shook and she leaned against the door with a forced smile on her face.
"Tony Stark" he put out his hand as he introduced himself. The girl shook it, her grip weak, she was nothing like the girl from the video all those months ago.
"Aubrey Cristo, thank you so much for agreeing to help Mr. Stark.-" she started but Tony held up a hand.
"Tony-" he corrected, motioning for Aubrey to follow him out of the room. She hobbled out and Tony frowned, they weren't going to get anywhere in this state. "F.R.I.D.A.Y?" He called out
"Yes, Boss?" F.R.I.D.A.Y's voice came through the ceiling.
"Send that wheelchair down to us please."
"It's on its way." Several moments later a wheelchair came rolling down the hallway silently, he watched for the girl's reaction. Her face relaxed slightly and she looked relieved. The wheelchair came to a stop and chirped hello to Aubrey, she smiled gratefully at it and murmured her thanks to Tony before easing down into it. He nodded awkwardly before leading her up to the fourth floor to his lab. Bits and pieces of machinery were scattered all throughout the room and little robots scurried around. A surge of pride shot it's way through Tony as he observed everything he created. One corner of the lab had been cleared away and now stood ready for use.
"Tungsten is resistant to attack by acids, except for mixtures of concentrated nitric and hydrofluoric acids, and it can be attacked rapidly by alkaline oxidizing melts, such as fused mixtures of potassium nitrate and sodium hydroxide or sodium peroxide; aqueous alkalies, however, are without effect-." Tony started but came to a stop when he saw Aubrey's face twisting in confusion. He sighed and translated for her "Tungsten is resistant to most acids except for concentrated acids."
She nodded and scrunched her eyebrows in thought. "So…-" she started "- we need something that can continually counteract the Tungsten. Similar to what the Serum has been doing for years just more potent."
"Exactly" Tony was impressed by how quickly she had caught onto that. The two stayed in the lab for quite some time, discussing ways to counteract the metal. Yet none of the ideas would work, they needed something new...something that had never been done before. Tony lapsed into silence, puzzling over what could possibly work when suddenly he remembered a project that had been trashed months ago...yet maybe...no...it couldn't work….. He continued to muse over the thought for quite some time after Aubrey had been returned to her room for a break.
Three days had passed since she had come to the compound and all the activity was starting to wear on her. Aubrey woke that morning with enough energy to hobble to the bathroom and back but the moment she sat back on the bed tiredness overwhelmed her. She knew what was happening but was afraid to say it. Time was almost up.
Miss. M came in several minutes later and helped Aubrey get dressed before administering more medication and ordering some breakfast.
"What would you like this morning Aubrey?"
"I'm not hungry actually if that's alright..." Aubrey trailed off as Miss. M gave her a stern look that could wither flowers.
"You need to keep your strength up Aubrey. You barely made it out of bed this morning and no offense dear but look like you haven't slept in years. I'm going to order you some french toast and an egg." Miss M. bustled out of the room to order, leaving Aubrey to herself for several moments. The lake outside had a gaggle of geese swimming on its waters, accompanied by several white swans. Ever since the first day, Aubrey had felt a knot start to tangle in her chest, it was full of her fears and thoughts. Yet looking at the birds outside seemed to loosen the knot slightly, enabling her to look over at the mobile phone Bucky had slipped into her bag with a note attached. It had sat on her side table untouched but now she had an urge to pick it up and dial the number. Picking it up, she fingered the button before turning the phone on and dialing who she had in mind.
It rang several minutes before someone picked up.
"Cristo Residence." The voice sounded happy yet there was a deep note of sadness in it.
"Mom..?" Aubrey whispered, hearing her mothers cry on the other end of the phone.
"Aubrey! Oh Honey, is it you?" the note of hope in her voice was too much for Aubrey and she felt tears gathering in her eyes.
"It's me, I'm here" her voice cracked. "I'm here for the time being."
"Bucky called, he...he said you weren't going to make it..and...and we didn't know what to say but now you're calling and..and" Her mother broke down into sobs, mumbling unintelligibly. Aubrey quietly rearranged her mind before speaking again,
"We found someone...who might be able to counteract what's happening...but nothing is for sure yet."
"But you're alright? You feel okay?" Her mother sounded so optimistic.
"I…," Aubrey hesitated, deciding to tell the truth. ", It's progressing so quickly...I...I know everyone is hoping for a good outcome but...I just don't see it…-" she paused, the last words coming out in a whisper " hurts...all the time."
"Can you come home?..so we can see you.."
Aubrey opened her mouth but nothing came out, she was unsure how to respond. A knock sounded on her door and she held the phone away from her mouth." Come in." before talking back into the phone. "I.. don't know mom, If we can't come up with anything within the next week then I'll think about it." The door creaked Open and Aubrey turned to see Tony walk in, his eyes bloodshot and his usually neat clothing rumpled.
"I love you, Aubrey, we all do. Don't you forget that and Glacier misses you too"
"I love you too mom, I gotta go but I promise I'll be better about updating you. Bye," she quickly hung up and wiped her tears away before turning to face Tony. He opened his mouths several times before closing it again, running a hand down his exhausted face he finally started to speak. "I think I found something...it might be nothing...but it could be something."
Aubrey wordlessly moved into the wheelchair that sat at the foot of her bed and followed Tony out of the room to a different lab on the second floor. It had a common room beside it and a little kitchen. Tony motioned her over and turned on a screen.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y connect this to Micro 1...please"
"Yes Boss." came the A.I's response. The screen flickered on to show red liquid with dots. Tony sat at a stool and Aubrey wheeled right up next to him. He pointed to a microscope on the table and added something to the liquid. The liquid on screen stayed red but numerous silvery dots appeared.
"Is that..?" Aubrey questioned.
"Yes, it's the Tungsten, now see how it is dispersed throughout the blood and if I do this-" he paused and added a minuscule piece of meat into the Petri dish. The Tungsten rushed to the meat and within seconds it was gone. "-I knew that I couldn't use anything organic for the cure and obviously we can't attach something to your back that would cleanse your blood. But then I got to thinking and there was a project that I had trashed several years ago. Pepper, of course, kept it, saying I'd need it eventually...and it appears.-" Tony paused, his next words seeming to pain him "-she was right." he grit out. He disappeared out of the room for a minute before reappearing with a small jar of little grains of black sand.
"Sand-." Aubrey deadpanned. "-your brilliant idea is sand."
Tony sighed dramatically and made a show of rolling his eyes. "If this is sand then it's billion-dollar sand. This is one of the first nanotechnology prototypes I've been developing. It hasn't been doing what I want it to do but I'm wondering if I can reprogram them to suit you better."
"How long will that take?" Aubrey leaned back in the wheelchair, not yet letting hope bloom in her heart.
"I'll have a prototype ready for you to try tonight. F.R.I.D.A.Y?"
"Yes, Boss?"
"Make sure she gets back to her room okay."
"Will do Boss." Aubrey shook her head in disbelief, wondering how Tony managed to make an A.I Sound so human. She left Tony muttering to himself in the lab, Aubrey returned to her room and ate breakfast with Miss. M administering more medicine.
"It's beautiful out today." she hinted.
"That's nice" Aubrey mumbled around her food, watching a chick flick on the t.v
"How nice it would be to sit outside for a little bit, what do you think Aubrey?"
Looking up from her plate, Aubrey sighed at Miss. M. "Could you be any more obvious?"
"A bit yes. I think you need to get some fresh air, it will do you good."
"I guess" she relented, swallowing the last of the food and with Miss. M's help, sliding back into the wheelchair.
"Do you want me to come with?" Miss. M asked.
"No, but I'll take this with me" Aubrey reached for her blue journal and a pencil, gently placing them on her lap before guiding the electric wheelchair out of the room. As much as she hated to admit it, Miss. M had been right. The sun was shining and a light breeze danced on the air. Aubrey wandered around on the walkways, finding herself in a secluded cove on the edge of the lake. She positioned herself by a park bench but stayed seated in the wheelchair. Little ducklings followed their mother and father, peeping happily as dragonflies landed on the cattails. Puffing a breath out of her lips, Aubrey watched in silence, everything was happening so fast. She had been doing so well until Hydra had gotten her again.
"Hydra does seem to always know how to ruin everything, but this gives me a chance to do something that has been on my conscience. I never got to thank you, for saving my life," said a heavily accented voice behind her. Aubrey startled and turned her head to find Wanda Maximoff standing several feet away, she was wringing her hands nervously and smiled.
Clearing her throat, Aubrey plastered what she hoped was a smile on her face "It was something I couldn't just stand by and watch."
"Well I thank you for it anyway, may I sit?" her bright eyes met Aubrey's, and she eased onto the park bench beside her, introducing herself.
"Wanda Maximoff, it's a pleasure to meet you….?"
"Aubrey-" she finished for her.
Wanda nodded and studied Aubrey for a moment before turning towards the lake.
"Do you like it here?"
The question took Aubrey by surprise, she had been expecting something more serious. Yet the question lightened her spirits, it was the first time in days that someone had asked something so simple.
"It is certainly beautiful, my room is amazing…" Aubrey trailed off, not sure how to end the statement.
"But it's not home, especially not since you are a stranger here." Wanda finished for her as if she knew what Aubrey had wanted to say.
"Exactly" this time Aubrey's smile was real, the redhead seemed to get her. The two sat in comfortable silence as one of the swans flapped its wings before settling down again.
"Did you just return?" the question popped out of Aubrey's mouth before she knew what was happening. Wanda laughed, sensing what had happened by the expression on her face.
"Yeah, landed about an hour ago…-" she paused, translating her next words. "- it may surprise you but sometimes after missions, I come here to sit, it's one of the only places that isn't artificial at the compound."
"And there isn't an A.I constantly eavesdropping?" Aubrey finished, they chuckled together for a few moments. Wanda's face changed and she looked like she was concentrating, her eyes fluttered, corneas tinging red. Aubrey felt her brows scrunch, what was she doing?
"I am trying to block the pain radiating off of you...it is...excruciating."
"I...are you reading my thoughts?" she asked, flabbergasted.
"Not on purpose, your emotions and thoughts blare out like no other mind I've experienced...the minute we started nearing the compound I felt it."
"So it's not an accident you came out here?"
"Only if you want it to be-" Wanda's face relaxed and she rolled her shoulders "- do not feel bad though. It's not your fault you're in so much pain. Although from what Stark said your pain might almost be over."
"That...would be a miracle-" Aubrey paused, a little overwhelmed by all the information. "-I don't know how much longer I have" her last sentence came out quietly, confirming her fears.
"I know that it seems that Stark does not care, that he is only here for the rewards but I think that even he realizes the importance of this situation...he seems...flustered and he wouldn't talk to us, just kept walking and talking to himself."
"he said he was onto something earlier today."
"And when I looked into his head..he was.-" Wanda paused, something in her ear chirping. "- I'm needed for a report, but everything will be alright Aubrey. It was so nice to meet you" Wanda murmured as she stood and said goodbye to her.
And as she watched the tall redhead walk away, Aubrey couldn't help but let the seed of hope in her heart begin to bloom.