Chapter Nineteen

"Cause your scars shine like dark stars, Yeah, your wounds are where the light shines through So let's go there, to that place where, We sing these broken prayers where the light shines through- The wound is where the light shines through, Yeah, the wound is where the light shines through..." - Where the Light Shines Through, Switchfoot

"Ross is going to be there, you know that?" Clint warned Ada as they made their way to the military base where Banner was being held.

She was more than surprised when Director Fury had also asked Jimmy to join them. He sat in the back seat with his arms crossed, looking mildly irritated that he'd been dragged out of the labs and into the field. Ada had no doubt that this was the last thing he wanted, especially given his area of expertise.

"Remind me again why I was asked to join you two?" he asked, looking like he was ready to bang his head against the window.

He'd been listening to the pair argue nonstop for the last couple of hours. Ada knew that this was anything but easy for him. But, Clint always had a way of making things worse than they were. She tried helping by lightening the mood between them, even though she doubted that would help matters.

"We needed the backup," she replied, glancing at Jimmy as he just rolled his eyes, "Come on, this is your first official mission on the field; try and show a little enthusiasm."

"I'm a tech genius. I wasn't trained to take on enemies, not like you guys," Jimmy snapped, gesturing between Clint and Ada, "And going against Banner? Are you out of your mind?"

Ada had to smother a fit of laughter at that. According to Fury, Banner had been captured by General Ross. They were able to get an idea of where he was taken. The problem was, Ada had no idea of what condition Banner would be in once they got there.

Once Ross got what he wanted out of Banner, Ada had no doubt he would throw the man in prison. She couldn't imagine a worse fate, especially since Banner hadn't done anything wrong. What happened wasn't entirely his fault. What the military was doing to him was wrong on so many levels.

Suddenly, the vehicle came to a screeching halt. They'd finally reached the base in question, but Ada could see that it was heavily guarded with armed soldiers. Clint wasted no time in shutting off the engines as the guns were raised in their direction. She nearly rolled her eyes at the questioning looks the soldiers gave them, especially when they caught the outfit Clint was wearing. There was a reason he was known as an archer.

"Nice of them to send us a welcoming committee," Clint grumbled under his breath as they climbed out of the Jeep. "Tell me you know what you're doing? I'd rather not have to fire arrows at the army."

"Relax, birdbrain," Ada muttered back, "I've got this covered."

She didn't bother giving Clint a chance to respond as she headed towards the helicopter that was preparing to leave. The soldiers had tensed immediately upon her approach. Wariness swept through Ada as she reached them. She knew one wrong move could lead to an all-out firefight. If that happened, there was no telling how it would end.

"Who are you?" one of the soldiers demanded, holding one hand on the trigger while glaring at the three of them.

"Agent Ada Stark," she introduced herself, flashing the SHIELD badge that Coulson had given her a month ago, "Touch me, and you'll regret it."

The soldier hesitated for a moment, eyes widening with recognition at her name. His hesitance only added to the effect as Clint and Jimmy joined her. She knew they wouldn't likely hop into the same helicopter as Banner and Ross, but having them by her side did give her a boost of confidence. Though he didn't show it often, Clint did give a damn about the agents that he trained. Ada had learned long ago that it was better not to question his motives when it came to figuring out what he was planning.

Luckily, the soldier seemed to realize that she didn't pose a threat, unless they decided to try and hurt her. She'd already changed into a SHIELD uniform before they left. Knowing that she would stand out like a sore thumb among the soldiers, she could see why they were so reluctant to trust her right away. Few people knew that SHIELD even existed. The agency had always worked in secrecy, keeping a low profile when it came to getting the job done. So Ada wasn't surprised to see their looks of confusion when she showed her badge.

"Alright, fine. Let her come," the soldier finally decided after a few more minutes of awkward silence followed.

Ada threw Clint and Jimmy a look that told them everything would be okay. Though, as she glared at the crowd of soldiers that seemed a little too calm for comfort, she knew something was wrong. She was no fool. She knew that one wrong move could lead to an all-out fight between herself and the army. The last thing she wanted was for that to happen, especially knowing that she did have the ability to hurt innocent people.

Flames suddenly appeared along the palms of her hands as she glared at the soldier that had led the way. The soldier's expressions quickly changed from that of a calm appearance to panic within seconds when they realized too late what she was capable of.

"Call off the tranquilizers, now!" she snapped, ignoring the scowl written across Ross' face as he himself stood outside the helicopter.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, suddenly aware that she could and would hurt them if they tried pulling anything off, "Stand down," he ordered.

The flames in her hands began to die down when the soldiers lowered their guns. Once the soldiers backed down, Ada felt her own shoulders relax only a little. Ross was already making his way towards the helicopter, and Ada followed after a few tense seconds followed. She gave Clint and Jimmy one last look. If anything happened to her, she knew they would have to finish the mission at hand.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of having your… company?" he asked with a look of disdain. "I assume you've been given full immunity to our operation."

She simply crossed her arms and returned the gesture. Now she could see why Banner had more than a problem with this asshole. General Ross was every bit as intimidating as she expected. Even if he was a General, that didn't mean she was going to trust him after everything he'd done to Banner.

"Just a matter of luck, I suppose," she replied.

Ross merely glared at that. With that being said, Ada walked past him, brushing off any attempts he could make to stop her. When she reached the pizza shop, she realized with a start that Banner and the woman from the pizza shop were already inside. Before she could make sense of what was happening, the woman suddenly gave her a hug.

"You must be Ada," she said, ignoring the wary look Banner gave them both, "Bruce was telling me all about how you helped him get back."

The woman eyed her SHIELD uniform warily. Not that Ada could blame either of them for that. She realized with a start that most people by now would begin questioning her line of work.

"Erm… yeah," she replied.

She chewed the bottom of her lip when she looked at Banner. He'd been watching them both for some time, eyes narrowing slightly. She couldn't hide the small smile that followed when she finally reached Banner. His expression was impossible to read when he noticed her uniform as well. He had known that something was off about her from the beginning. But Banner had trusted her enough to let her join him, and that was all that mattered to her.

"How were you able to get past those soldiers?" he asked, looking more than concerned with the fact that she'd gotten past them, at all.

"I think you already know the answer to that question," she replied.

Banner only nodded as the woman finally introduced herself, "I'm Betty Ross," she explained, giving her a handshake.

It took a few seconds for Ada to realize that this woman was related to General Ross.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Betty," Ada returned the gesture.

Banner was ready to say something else when Ross joined them. The smile Betty wore earlier had faded. Ada narrowed her eyes, aware of the tension between all three of them. Ross wasn't the type of person she could bring herself to trust. Besides, he'd clearly taken them both against their will.

"Let's take off, then," the General nodded to the pilot.

Ada sucked in a breath as the helicopter took off. She managed to keep on a straight face most of the time while glancing at Banner and Betty every now and then. Ross' eyes never left Ada. She shifted from one foot to the other, still feeling uneasy with the situation at hand. If he tried attacking anyone on the helicopter, she wouldn't hesitate to stop him. The problem was, that would also encourage the Hulk to unleash all hell on the General and anyone standing in his way.

"You start a fire in this place, and it'll be the last thing you do," the General sneered after glaring at her.

Betty's eyes widened when she recognized the threat in Ross' tone. Ada's eyes were narrowed as flames appeared at the tips of her fingers. She knew better than to cause a firefight here. Too many lives were at risk.

"Still think I can't take care of myself?" she muttered under her breath. "I don't have any intentions of hurting anyone. Not unless the situation demands it."

Not for the first time, she was thankful that she had learned to keep her temper under control. Especially around authority figures. Ross probably wouldn't have hesitated to arrest her, or worse. She kept her eyes focused on nothing in particular, hoping and praying that things would end well. Ross was unimpressed with the fact that she had been able to maintain control over her abilities. If anything, that only seemed to fuel his irritation.

"So, what are you really doing here, Miss Stark?" Ross suddenly changed the subject, still clearly suspicious over her actions.

"He's a friend," Ada replied with a shrug, gesturing to Banner. The doctor in question rose an eyebrow in surprise, "I find it's important to protect my friends, even if it costs my life." For once, Ross didn't know what to say as he clamped his mouth shut, suddenly aware that things could spiral out of control at any minute if he allowed it, "I've also been asked to remove Banner from your custody, by any means necessary."

"Under whose orders?" Ross snapped, narrowing his eyes.

"Director Fury, of SHIELD." She kept a level voice, ignoring the hostility Ross was clearly showing.

That stopped him immediately. Ada knew she had him beat the minute she mentioned her boss. She hadn't missed the agitated look Banner gave her. He of all people knew not to trust people like her, especially since she did work for a government agency. She understood the risks she was taking by mentioning her position, as well as Fury's name.

"Why don't you just take a seat while we sort this out?" Ross finally suggested, his normally gruff and angry voice soft for the first time since she met him.

Defiance swept through Ada as she glared back. For a moment, she thought of arguing. There were times when she hated being told what to do. With Clint teaching her most of what she now knew, that had led to some of their many arguments. It wasn't until glancing at Betty that Ada thought better of it. She was already panicking enough as it was without her making it worse.

Banner looked like he was finally ready to say something when Ada shook her head, knowing full-well what was already running through his mind, "Don't."

"Sir, the Hulk is out on the streets!" the com suddenly went off minutes later, catching everyone by surprise.

Narrowing her eyes, Ada glared in Ross' direction when she realized something was clearly wrong. The only one who was known as the Hulk was currently being held in a helicopter. Which led her to wondering exactly what those soldiers down below were talking about.

"Son, calm down. What's your location?" Ross demanded, trying to keep his own voice calm.

"Harlem Street," the soldier replied, the tone of his voice frantic.

Unease swept through Ada when she realized there was more going on than even Ross seemed to know. The confusion and worry written across his face was obvious enough.

"Alright, Stark, get your ass over here," he called over.

A lump formed in the back of Ada's throat, and once again, she thought of arguing with the general. Instead, she decided against it, knowing that would make things worse.

Carefully, she stood up and reached them until seeing a video playing on a screen in front of them. Banner and Betty had joined her moments later as they saw the chaos that was currently being recorded. What looked like a giant yellow-green monster was charging through the streets, destroying whatever lay in its path.

She grimaced at the fact that this creature appeared more like the Hulk than anything else. The only difference was, this creature didn't seem to care what lay in its path. The destruction it was causing was enough to send a shiver of rage through Ada.

"Obviously, you're more than capable of taking the creature down," Ross told Ada, his cold eyes searching hers as she glared back, "You wouldn't let all those innocent people get hurt, would you?"

The tone of his voice was enough for Ada's fists to clench with outrage. Especially when she caught the horrified look written across Betty's face. Even if she did have powers, and the training, she was still only a teenager.

"You're not seriously considering sending her out?" Betty demanded, "She's just a kid!"

"A kid who's been spying on Banner this whole time," Ross snapped, eyes narrowing with hate as he glared back at Ada, whose fists were trembling with rage now. "Isn't that why SHIELD sent you? To act as a little spy?"

The tension that filled the helicopter was ready to explode into a firefight as Ada caught Banner scowling at the realization of what Ross implied.

"SHIELD sent me to make sure that he stayed out of the hands of assholes like yourself, general!" she finally snapped, ignoring the looks that followed as Ross' face finally faltered, "He didn't turn into the Hulk once until you decided to go after him."

"Watch your tongue, Stark," the general growled out the words.

Well, it certainly wouldn't be the first time anyone told her to watch her tongue. Her teachers used to say the same thing when she would mouth off at them, often correcting them when she saw an error in their work. And, while she had stepped out of the line at those times, she had been right, and nothing would change that.

"You know what, why don't you take care of the problem, if you're so concerned about it?" she retorted, crossing her arms in annoyance, "After all, you've done such a wonderful job of 'handling' the situation as it is!"

By now, the general's face had turned a shade of red. Rage burned within his eyes, and for a moment, Ada was certain he would try and fire a gun at her at that moment. She hadn't missed the stunned looks Banner and Betty gave her, especially as they probably didn't expect someone her age to spit something like that. She was annoyed enough with the way that Ross was handling the situation. The fact that this creature had likely been created by Ross and his men was what frustrated her the most.

This is exactly why the military shouldn't have gotten their hands on Banner in the first place, she silently scolded them.

"Don't."

Banner threw Ross a warning look, one that reminded the general that he wasn't exactly in the position to be so demanding. His hand had already reached for his gun, but the moment Banner spoke up was when he stopped himself. At least he seemed to have some restraint over his temper.

"Fine," Ada sighed after realizing that he wasn't going to back down. "You want my help, then Banner goes free. None of this mess would have happened in the first place if you'd let him go."

The general's jaw tensed as he glared between Banner and Ada. She could already see an argument forming within his eyes. He was stuck having to deal with not only the doctor responsible for hurting his daughter, but a teenager with a snarky attitude. Ada could only imagine he was restraining himself from lashing out at her.

"You're already on thin ice as it is, kid," Ross finally answered, not liking the situation he was in one bit, "Fine. Banner gets out of this scot-free. If, and only if you're able to stop that creature from turning Harlem into a pile of rubble."

"Good," Ada nodded in agreement to those terms, feeling a small spark of relief that Ross had agreed to her terms, "Now, give me some space. I think I know what I need to do."

All three of them stepped aside when Ada reached the open door of the helicopter that was flying circles around Harlem. She knew she was taking a huge risk by doing this. Her powers still had a lot of development, from what Coulson had told her. If she made even the tiniest miscalculation, it could end in disaster.

"But, we're still in the air!" Betty protested when she realized what Ada was about to do.

"Ada, please don't do this," Banner suddenly grabbed her shoulder, catching Ada by surprise, "You won't survive a fall like that, with or without your powers." Once again, Ada was ready to argue when Banner stopped her, "Let me go; the Hulk can handle this."

Of course, Ross was all-too-willing to agree with that idea.

Ada's mouth fell open as she stared at Banner in surprise. She would have thought for sure that he would be more than happy to let her take the lead after what Ross had said about her. But, seeing the look in his eyes suggested otherwise.

She suddenly moved forward, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Banner stiffened from the initial contact, before returning the gesture seconds later. She didn't care if Ross or Betty were watching at that point. Banner deserved to know that he wasn't the bad guy, despite what everyone claimed.

"You're anything but a monster, Bruce," she whispered, hoping that he understood what she meant by that.

"Ada, thank you for everything you've said about me," he whispered back.

"Bruce, wait, you don't even know if you'll change!" Betty cried once he let her go and reached the hangar doors.

Ada caught her before she could reach him, fully aware that this was something he needed to take care of himself. The glare that followed only sent shivers of unease through Ada, reminding her too much of the general's glare.

"I have to try… I'm sorry," he replied, his eyes locking with hers before he jumped out.

Her heart was beating so wildly that she was afraid everyone would hear it over the roar of the engine. Every second that went by seemed to go by painfully slow. Until finally, he crashed into the street down below. Horror swept through Ada as it began to dawn on her that no human could survive a fall like that.

"Get her inside!" Ross commanded when Betty managed to slip past Ada.

Moments seemed to pass before she was able to spot a flicker of green circling the debris. The Hulk was emerging from the hole that he'd created after crashing into it, and Ada was able to let out a breath of relief. She couldn't hide the small smile that followed when she realized that once again, the Hulk had saved Banner rather than hurt him.

"Why aren't you helping him?" Ada demanded when she watched as the Hulk went after the creature that had been wreaking havoc throughout the city.

Several buildings had already been destroyed thanks to the creature that could pass for nothing more than an abomination. Streets and cars were torn apart, thrown in various places, or, upturned from the creature that rampaged around the city.

The general and his pilot started firing an arsenal of weapons at the creature that Ada had decided would be called the Abomination. It seemed a fitting name, considering that was what the creature resembled.

She could only watch on as they jumped from roof to roof while trying to gain an upper-hand over the other. It took everything she had not to rush in and help. Ada knew full-well that the Hulk would not thank her if she interfered. Especially as she saw that he was barely struggling against the Abomination as it was.

Unfortunately, the Abomination had finally taken notice of the guns that were firing ceaselessly at him. He suddenly turned on the helicopter they were in, grabbing the gun so that it tipped towards the ground.

Panic swept through Ada as she struggled to maintain her grip on the metal bar, hardly aware of the chaos around her. Her grip on the handle bar was starting to loosen up as the general managed to herd the soldiers on board and Betty away from the worst of the wreckage.

It didn't take Ada long to realize that the pilot had been lifted from his seat. The fear from earlier was suddenly replaced with rage when Ada understood what had happened. Ignoring the screams that came from Betty, Ada made her way towards the cockpit. The Abomination was still trying to take their ride down, and she knew she couldn't let that happen.

She wasted no time in throwing four fireballs at the Abomination, determined to shake it off before it could inflict more damage. The Abomination let out a snarl of fury when it lost control of its grip, flailing to the ground seconds later.

Not for the first time, Ada found herself silently thanking Clint for those piloting lessons, despite her protests, as she managed to level out the helicopter a few minutes later. While it had taken a few more minutes than what a professional could do, it was better than nothing.

She let out a sigh of relief, sinking into her seat until glancing over her shoulder. Ada's face fell when she noticed the general was blacked out. He must have lost consciousness while trying to get everyone away from the open door.

"Dad."

Betty's choked cry was enough to make Ada's heart lurch with dread. She couldn't help but think back to Tony, and how their relationship had started off as strained because he adopted her. Now, she couldn't ask for a better father. She understood full-well what Betty was going through, in that moment.

Ada instinctively reached for the medical first-aid kit that was perched on the wall. She may not have known much about being a doctor, but, she had somewhat limited knowledge when it came to first aid.

"Hold him down," Ada whispered after reaching them, "I've got this."

She sincerely hoped that she did. The last thing she wanted was to be responsible for his death. Betty looked at Ada warily, eyes dark with worry as she knelt down, only for the general to finally raise a hand, causing them both to jump in surprise.

"No; find a way out of here, now," he told them.

Ada exchanged one look with Betty, feeling a knot form in the pit of her stomach.

"Sir, the last thing I'm doing is leaving your sorry ass here," Ada snapped, earning a snort of annoyance from the general, "Besides, I still have a job that I'm committed to."

All of the other soldiers had been killed during the crash. Ada swallowed hard at the thought. Even if she hadn't been able to save them, at least she could save Ross and Betty. With that thought in mind, Betty had gladly helped her father move from the helicopter to a somewhat safer place. Though, considering the situation at hand, there really wasn't a safer location.

After going through a field of debris and passing several buildings that had been turned to nothing more than rubble, they finally reached the Hulk and the Abomination. Ada couldn't help but gape at the scene when she realized just how much damage had been caused by one fight between them.

Betty was just helping Ross when Ada suddenly rushed forward. She let out a cry of protest that was left unheard as she threw a fireball at the Abomination. The creature let out a roar of outrage just before she threw another one right at his face.

She started dodging from side to side as the Abomination tried slamming his fists at her. The Abomination was already worn out from his fight against the Hulk. That made this slightly easier for Ada, and hopefully left an opening for the Hulk while he recovered.

Just as the Abomination was about to attack her, again the Hulk stopped him. Ada stepped back, letting him finish the job as banged the Abomination's head into a brick wall. Seconds later, and the Abomination was knocked out, falling to the ground in a heavy thud.

It was over. The flames in her hand died down. A crowd had gathered outside as rain began pouring down. The Hulk did not like large crowds, and understandably so. He let out a low growl before leaping from building to building, trying to get away.

More helicopter lights were beginning to shine through the darkness, and, Ada stiffened as she recognized them as nothing more than SHIELD helicopters. Of course, SHIELD would have chosen now of all times to show up. Then again, Ada suspected that Fury had been tracking her every movement since the beginning of this 'failed' mission.

"Ada."

Speaking of the director in question. Ada felt her heart nearly skip a beat when she whirled around, only to find herself facing him.

"Nice to see you too, boss," Ada muttered under her breath, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

She really needed to work on speaking out against higher authority, especially people like Fury. He only tolerated her presence, and that was because of her powers. Something told her that Fury wouldn't be so tolerant if she wasn't such a valuable asset to SHIELD.

"What you did was a risky move," he snapped, "You should be thankful I'm not putting you on house arrest after the stunt you pulled with Ross."

"But…" she pressed, not missing the fact that he was looking at her expectantly now.

"Let's talk."