CHAPTER 20

Helmut looked through some papers he took out of a thick binder. He shook his head as he read about the experiments that Allie had to go through. As he scanned through the papers, he caught a glimpse of a few photos of his sister and the Winter Soldier. Disgusted, he shoved the papers back into the binder and laid it on the table. Allie stirred awake. Helmut crept over to her and sat at the edge of the bed beside her. He gently caressed her cheek.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he chuckled. "We have a big day ahead of us."

Groggy from the drugs, Allie forced her heavy eyelids open. "What are you doing, Helmut?"

"What do you mean?" His smile faltered.

She stared at him. "You kidnapped and drugged me - still drugging me. Why?"

He stood and started packing his clothes. "Your soldier is the one who did the kidnapping. I'm only taking back what is mine because you're all I have left."

She shook her head in disbelief. "What about your wife and son? Your father?"

"Our father," he snapped. His harsh expression softened at the hurt look on his sister's face. He sighed and shoved his hand into his pocket to pull out a phone. He pressed a few buttons and put it against her ear.

"He asked me again if you were going to be there. I said I wasn't sure. You should've seen his little face. Just try, okay? I'm going to bed. I love you."

He ripped the phone away from her ear as soon as the voicemail was over. "That was my wife and the last time I got to hear her voice before they died."

"They?" Allie choked. "No."

"Yes," he spat. "I don't blame you. You tried to warn me. I should have listened, trusted you. I blame the Avengers for bringing their battle to my country, my home. Now, I'm going to watch them destroy each other because I am only a man. Once my mission is complete, I will join my family. And I'm taking you with me."

She sobbed, not knowing her fate and believing that this could be her end. She remembered the dream she had a few years ago when Bucky was forced to kill her. It's possible Helmut would do the same. She wasn't ready to die. "Please," she begged. "We don't have to do this."

He sighed and hugged her. "Yes, I do."

It was self-evident that Helmut new more about Allie's weaknesses than herself. He was able to negate her powers and keep her alert at the same time. What her brother didn't know was that she had other gifts - like getting herself out of sticky situations. Although she relied on her foresight the majority of the time, Phil Coulson taught her how to profile and "get help" tactics. Most wouldn't think it useful, but it paid off well thus far. Or so she thought.

Helmut didn't pack any of his things, and that was odd.

He threatened to kill anyone who she speaks to or attempts to help her in any way. Knowing that what he said was true, Allie did as he said. "Get help" was thrown out the window as soon as she thought it. Of course, she wouldn't give up so easily if they were empty threats, but after the events in Vienna and Berlin, Allie decided not to take any chances. There were only two choices, either attempt to talk her brother out of his insane plan or sit and wait for Bucky to save her if he could find her before it's too late. How do people live like this - not knowing?

The drive to the airport was quiet and intense. One word, one shot to the head, and lights out for the driver. Is this what they call Deja Vu? When they arrived at the airport, Helmut was gentle and kind to her, making sure she was as comfortable as possible before it was time to board the train. Of course, she did consider running away whenever he turned his back, but she stayed. There was something inside her, perhaps her dormant powers, forcing her to stay. Even when Helmut left her alone at a table as he ordered them both coffee.

When he came back to their table with coffee in both hands, he set her cup next to his, far enough so she can't reach it. "It's too hot. Let it cool first."

"I'll be fine."

"No," he said firmly. "You'll wait."

Allie wondered if he was always his controlling or if it was just the situation. "Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about it. Once we get on the plane you'll take these," he pulled out a pill bottle and shook it. "Then you will sleep until we're about the land and then we'll be with our family before you know it."

"Okay," she said. "Whatever you say."

Just like Helmut said, Allie took some pills, fell asleep and woke just as they landed. The duo quickly got off the plane and stole a few cars as they traveled to who-knows-where. Drowsy from the drugs, Allie slept most of the trip, trying her best to stay awake. The only thing she remembered was how cold it was.

She woke up as the jeep stopped. Her brother opened his door and stepped out. She opened her eyes to see a metal building in the middle of nowhere. Is this the place where she dies? Helmut opened the front door and walked back to the jeep. He scooped Allie into his arms and carried her into the metallic fort. He sat her down and shut the door before turning on a flashlight, searching for a light switch of any kind.

"I know it's dark and you can't see," he said. "But once I get the lights, I'll show you why the world shouldn't have superheroes."