I just have one thing to say...
LET'S DO THIS SHIT! PIETRO I'M COMING FOR YOUUUUUUU!
As I work in the lab with my father, I find myself smiling to myself that things are slowly turning for the better. Ever since my return to Avengers Tower, ever since that night full of confrontation, I'd started getting the help that I needed. As Bruce liked to point out, it was a two-way street, meaning that I had to also be seeking for help to better myself. As much progress as I'd made towards my mental health though, there was still a long way to go for me. I was, for lack of a better term, diagnosed with PTSD amongst other things. Aside from my autism which gave me things like social anxiety, I also had developed clinical depression, an anxiety disorder, schizophrenia for fuck's sake, amongst other things like a eating disorder due to my history of (accidental) self starvation. As much as I tried getting my father to seek help as well, he was far more concerned over me.
Ever since the vision I'd had regarding the Hulk nearly crushing me in half like a toothpick, I'd been doing my research on those twins that haunted my dreams. While I still had visions that featured these two individuals, they certainly plagued my thoughts nearly every day. I only knew them as Wanda and Pietro. From what I could also tell, they were certainly foreigners, but I couldn't pinpoint their exact origins based off of their accents alone. While I tried dedicating time to researching more about them on the side, I also tasked myself in locating the scepter that Loki had once possessed during his attack on Earth. During my time hiding amongst SHIELD and inadvertently HYDRA, I'd discovered that HYDRA had somehow taken possession of the scepter.
"You know what I just realized?"
I glance over at dad as I stop working, giving him a curious look.
"Yeah?" I raise an eyebrow.
"That your birthday is coming up in just three days." Dad told me.
Really now? Shit, I can't believe I'd forgotten...
"Huh..." Was all I muttered.
"That's literally all you have to say is 'huh'?" Dad chuckled. "You're turning 25. My baby is turning 25."
"You seem much more excited than I am." I smiled lazily.
"You know what I did when I turned 25? I took you on a fucking cruise. You were only five or six years old, but I couldn't leave you alone with my assistant and I felt bad, so I didn't bother to ask Rhodey to babysit you. I honestly don't know what possessed me to do it, because you were a nightmare the entire time." Dad joked.
"Oh really? I was a nightmare? Most of the crew on that ship had to keep a watchful eye on you, not me." I smirked.
"How do you remember?!" He shouted in disbelief. "Seriously, is there nothing from your childhood that you can't remember?"
I can't help but laugh at my father's distress, and tried to continue my research.
"Alright fine, let's have a little wager. I'll bring up parts of your childhood, and you have to tell me if you remember. And no lying. Because I know you." Dad quipped. "I give you awesome birthday gifts in exchange, yes gifts plural, so let's do this shit."
Um...okay then.
I roll my eyes and finish my work, as I wait to sweep the globe with a computer program to trace the scepters signature.
"Alright. Go ahead. Although gifts are unnecessary. You don't have to get me anything..." I replied.
Dad ignores me and starts his little pop quiz.
"Summer of 2004, what did we do and where did we go?" Dad questioned.
"We did nothing, but you sent me to a camp of sorts. Tried to get me to make more friends." I smirked.
"Yeah you're right...that didn't end well." Dad sighed. "But I took you out of the camp, didn't I?"
"Well yeah, after I punched someone in the nose. He wouldn't stop touching me after I kept warning him not to. I'm still mad that I was the one to get in trouble. But I remember how proud you were of me. And I remember you threatening the boy." I laughed.
"I'm sorry, I get all father-bear on your ass when other people pick on you." Dad responded.
"I'm not saying that I hated it." I smiled faintly.
"Alright, so...winter of...2005. What was significant about that?" Dad grinned.
I took a minute to think back, and then snapped my fingers.
"You'd finally found an assistant that I took a liking to. You know, since all of your previous assistants thought I was a little monster that needed to be taught some respect." I replied with a frown. "Pepper was like a god-send honestly...I remember how...how friendly she was. The first person that wanted to get to know me instead of my father's bank account."
Dad paused his work and lets out a chuckle at this.
"Yeah...she was the first wasn't she?"
I nodded.
"She actually mentioned to me that she had a cousin with autism. So...she never pushed me for a conversation. She was just...patient." I recalled. "I was only 14. It felt so relieving to have had someone finally understand."
"Yup, and you always got all defensive whenever I teased her. It was a first. You always said how much of a keeper she was. I always assumed you meant as an assistant, but then...then I realized you meant as a friend." Dad smiled.
"As much as I love this trip down memory lane, what's eating at you?" I give him a knowing look.
Dad stops working and gets up from his seat before making his way over to me. He gets up on the table and sits before looking down at me.
"I'm just...I can't believe how much you've grown. I'm proud of you, kid."
"...thanks, dad." I blushed.
"Listen. I've...I never thought we'd ever get here, in my mind, I just thought you'd always stay tiny and adorable with a bit of a speech impediment, and I was always so protective of you because you'd always had such a hard time. But you're almost 25 years old and you've come such a long way."
I can't help but blink away tears, but quickly regain my composure.
"You're not dying again are you?" I joked.
"Thankfully not." Dad chuckles.
When I finished in locating the scepter, I continued my research on this Pietro and Wanda. It was almost impossible, but since I could clearly remember what they looked like it was slightly easier. Unknowingly, both my search for the twins and the scepter were both tracked to a country called Sokovia. So from there, I decided to go visit Thor mainly because I knew he'd want to hear about the news from me. I travel to Jane's temporary home back in the states and wait patiently. Then, I recall the vision I'd had of Thor and immediately turn around as a blush forms on my face.
"Excuse me? Who are you?" Thor questions.
"Thor, for my sake especially, put on a shirt. I won't be held responsible for my actions if you don't." I tell him.
I can tell that Thor is smirking from behind as he walks away and leaves the door open for me. I walk in and see his muscular back as he heads for Jane's bedroom. When he returns, he has a black ACDC TShirt, and I still find myself blushing at how great it looks on him.
"Is that uh...does that belong to Jane?" I asked.
Thor chuckles and shakes his head as he sits on a couch and gestures me to sit on the one across from it. I slowly and timidly sit down on the other couch across from Thor, and find myself twiddling my thumbs.
"So, Lady Stark, not that I do not enjoy your company...but what is the reason for your visit?" Thor smiles politely.
"I just wanted to let you know that I've got a real lead on where the scepter is. The one that Loki used." I explained.
That's when Thor's smile fades, his expression replaced with something far more serious.
"Go on." He nods.
Okay, just briefly explain HYDRA...I remember that much from my vision...
"Okay, so when Steve fought the group HYDRA way back over sixty to seventy years ago, they had possession of the Tesseract, you remember that much?" I asked.
Thor nods as he follows along.
"Well after we exposed HYDRA from within SHIELD, it came to my attention that they were the ones to have taken it. I don't know when they took it, but they must have done it under the guise of being SHIELD. Anyway- -"
"Tyra? What are you doing here?"
We both looked over to the bedroom door to see a very tired looking Jane.
"I'm just talking to my buddy here. How lucky are you to be bumping the nasty with Thor huh?" I smirked.
"Bumping the nasty? Who the hell says that?" Jane laughed.
"I do." I stuck my tongue out at her.
"I do not understand...what is bumping the nasty?" Thor appeared confused.
"It's my way of saying that- -"
"I'll tell you later." Jane blurted out.
Thor still seemed confused, but let it go. I couldn't help but snicker at the blush forming on Jane's face.
"As you were saying?" Thor changed the subject.
"Right..." I nodded. "Anyway, because the Scepter has an energy signature similar to the Tesseract, I was able to track it to a country across the globe called Sokovia. So, I figured I would tell you in person, you know...since it probably belongs on Asgard anyway right?"
"Thank you for coming to inform me of this, Tyra. I appreciate your hard work." Thor smiled appreciatively.
Damn...he is just so...so handsome...
"Yeah...no problem." My heart fluttered.
I looked over at Jane in disbelief.
"You are so fucking lucky I swear..." I laughed.
Jane laughed along with me as I began making my leave.
"I'll see you lovebirds later!"
"You ready for tomorrow?"
I glanced over to see Steve sitting down on the couch with me. I paused my movie and smiled at Steve.
"I think I am...I just hope I don't set anyone on fire." I chuckled softly.
"Yeah, Bruce told me about earlier in the lab." Steve mentioned.
"I mean, when I was first injected with Extremis I was able to breathe fire like a freaking dragon. It was awesome, but terrifying." I recalled.
"I'm sure you'll be able to control it." Steve put his hand on top of mine.
"So, what time are we leaving for Sokovia tomorrow?" I asked.
"Early." Steve laid back against the couch. "Be ready to go by 6 AM sharp."
"That's actually not so bad. It could be worse."
I stretched before sinking further into the couch cushions and relaxing.
"So what movie are you watching?" Steve glanced at the TV.
"It's Pulp Fiction. Wanna watch?"
"Sure. Did you just start it?"
"Yeah I was only five minutes in, I can rewind it if you want."
"Sure."
Steve kicked off his boots before getting into a position on the couch, knowing he'd need to get comfortable for the amount of time he'd be staying here. Ever since our moment back in Sam Wilson's house, neither of us had made another move on each other. Partially because I think we were both scared of what would become of our friendship. I knew it wasn't a good idea to have a relationship with someone you worked with, but that didn't stop me from thinking about it.
However, I wasn't even sure how Steve felt regarding anything that happened between us. It was when the scene from Pulp Fiction of Bruce Willis' character began having sex with his girlfriend, that I could feel the two of us begin to tense up next to each other on the couch. I couldn't resist looking at Steve, who was struggling to keep his eyes on the flat screen TV. I didn't do or say anything else, afraid that Steve would hate me if I made a move. I was scared that perhaps I misread Steve.
Maybe he only wanted to be friends.
"Miss Stark. You need to wake up. You need to prepare for the mission to Sokovia." JARVIS informed me.
I sat up in bed and stretched.
Huh...I guess I fell asleep during the movie. Steve must have brought me back to my room.
I got up and fetched my newly designed costume from my closet that was slightly similar to Natasha's in regards to the sleek design. The costume was made from material that couldn't burn up and could withstand a lot of damage. It also came with some boots, but not just any ordinary combat boots. Rocket boots, based off of the Iron Man armor design.
Hopefully I don't find myself on fire by the end of this mission.
I pulled up my hair, putting it in a loose bun, before checking to see if I had everything I needed before going to the Quinjet to join everyone. Natasha tossed me an apple, knowing me all too well that I probably forgot about food.
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." She smirked.
I can't help but smile at Natasha before taking a bite from the apple.
"Thanks." I replied.
"Someone has to make sure you eat. If it's not your father or Ms. Potts, then it might as well be me." Natasha told me.
It was absolute chaos as soon as the Avengers arrived to Sokovia at HYDRA's base of operations. It was at an old abandoned castle in the woods near the city. HYDRA was fighting with everything they had, not that it did much for them.
It was a pretty epic fight so far though.
"On your left!" Steve yelled.
Steve smirked at me as he drove past me on his motorcycle. I laughed as I flew faster with my rocket boots, taking out as many HYDRA agents as possible while maneuvering through the trees. I touched the ground, the rocket boots turning off as I started running through the forest. I felt my hands burning and noticed that they were on fire. I quickly hid behind a tree, silently cursing to myself.
"Tyra, what's wrong? You need backup?" Clint asked.
"No! No! God dang it, not now!" I grew angry.
"What's wrong?!" Natasha yelled.
"My hands are literally on fire right now and I can't put it out!" I replied. "Oh well. I'm gonna light this baby up and wing it!"
I ran out from my hiding spot and held out my hands, trying to imagine shooting a repulsor beam as if I had Iron Man armor on. Shockingly enough, fire was shooting from my hands. I aimed for one the bunkers, smirking as I set it all on fire and watched it blow up to smithereens.
"Holy crap! I'm the best at this!" I laughed.
"Now Tyra, I know how much you wanna say it, but please don't- -" Clint started.
I shot blasts of fire at HYDRA agents and kept running towards my destination.
"THIS GIRL IS ON FIIRREEE!" I sang.
"...did you really have to go there? Really?" Clint chuckled.
"I've been saving it, I had to do it, guys." I smirked.
"I'm so glad you got that out of your system, Tye. How close are you to the castle?" Dad spoke up.
"Not that far. I'm almost there." I replied.
"SHIT!" My dad hissed.
"Language!" Steve scolded.
...what? Did he really just say that to my dad? I've said worse than that!
"JARVIS, what's the view from upstairs?" My dad asked.
"The central view is protected by a kind of energy shield. Strucker's technology is well beyond any other HYDRA base we've taken." JARVIS informed us.
"The scepter has to be here. Strucker couldn't mount his defense without it. At long last!" Thor nearly shouts in relief.
"At long last is lasting a little long, boys...and Tyra." Natasha spoke up.
"Yeah, I think we lost the element of surprise. And realized that Tyra can't sing an Alicia Keys song." Clint joked.
"Sweetheart, I'm a fabulous singer I'll have you know! I just sung it badly on purpose! I made you laugh didn't I?" I chuckled.
"...very true. I'll take your word for it, kid." Clint sounded amused.
"Wait a second, is no one gonna deal with the fact that Cap just said 'language'?" My dad brought up.
I saw Steve in the distance, throwing his motorcycle at a tank in his path.
"I know...it just slipped out." Steve sighed.
I saw a blue blur fly past Steve, causing him to fly in the air, but Steve luckily landed on his feet.
What the hell was that? It looked all too familiar...wait...
"There's an enhanced on the field." Steve warned us.
I saw the blue blur coming my way, and using my rocket boots, I darted out of the way quickly. I turned off my earpiece as I observed a tall and well built young man around my age. He glared up at me from the ground through his silvery white haired bangs.
Yup. It's fucking Pietro.
"You alright? In my defense, you did try to attack me first." I politely ask.
I hold out my hand towards him in order to help him up to try and show that I'm not a threat. Of course, the look of confusion on his face becomes more evident the longer he stares at me. Hesitantly, he reaches for my hand as I help him up to his feet.
Damn, he's cuter in person.
It takes several seconds before either of us do or say anything, and just stare at each other with uncertainty. Finally, Pietro moves first as he shakes his head and moves to attack me. He moves in a blur, appearing right in front of my face in a flash and throws the first punch. I narrowly dodge his attack and aim to punch his jaw to get him away from me. Pietro moves swiftly with his unnatural speed, before grabbing my fist and pulling my arm down with strength I didn't know he'd had. In seconds, he's twirled me around as he pins my arm to my back and presses his chest more firmly against my back.
"You did not see that coming?" He spoke into my ear.
Well shit, that sounded hot...what is it with this weakness towards men with accents?
I tried getting out of his grasp, but he only held me with a more firm grip.
You know...I'm not entirely sure I hate this position right now...in fact, I'm kinda enjoying it.
"You are Stark's daughter, yes?"
Before I can do anything else, he grabs my free arm and also pins it behind me.
God this is so awkward...kinda glad I turned off my earpiece for this...
"If I say yes, do you mind being a pal and letting me go? I'm kinda uncomfortable." I blushed.
"What is wrong with how I hold you? I think you like it." He put his mouth to my ear.
Mmmmmmm...damn it. I seriously wish he wasn't my enemy.
"You're lucky you're cute, otherwise I'd really beat the shit out of you." I gasped.
"I doubt it...you like a little danger, no?" He gently bit my ear.
I nearly jolted and felt a familiar heat pooling in my lower belly.
Oh shit...I can't fraternize with the enemy...I gotta get out of here.
When Pietro maneuvers his hands, holding my arms together with one hand, he uses his other hand to trail my body almost sensually. His free hand softly caresses my jaw, moving down my neck, grazing my breast and stomach, until finally having it rest on my hip. My mind seems to draw blanks as he presses his hips more firmly into my backside. Almost like that time with Loki in Germany, my entire body feels likes it's on fire in the most pleasant way, and I don't know what I want.
"It would be so easy to deflower you, printesâ...I bet your father would hate knowing how you opened your legs for your enemy." He panted in my ear. "But don't worry...it can be our little secret, no?"
Oh boy do I want him...but he kinda just made this weird bringing up my dad.
I nearly whimper as Pietro started to pull the zipper of my costume down, and feel my face burn with embarrassment that I let this go on for as long as it did.
NO! SNAP OUT OF IT! BAD IDEA!
"I'm really sorry about this." I mumbled softly.
I stomped on Pietro's foot and forced him to release me before I elbowed his stomach. He doubled over after I sent a kick to him, and send him a few feet away from me.
"Believe me, I didn't want to hurt you, you're fucking hot." I raised my hands in defense. "But I can't exactly sleep with the enemy here. Plus, I'm not gonna lose my virginity to a super-villain, I have standards." I sighed sadly. "God dammit...I can never win can I? Why does every villain have to be good looking?! This is so unfair!"
For some reason, Pietro doesn't seem as angry as I imagined he'd be. Instead, he smirks at me and looks almost amused.
"You are an interesting one. Not at all like your father, that bastard." He slowly stood up, wincing as he did so. "It is shame we are enemies. You are rather cute." He teased.
"I was just thinking the same thing, speedy. You must be Pietro, I'm guessing?" I questioned.
I folded my arms, giving him a chance to catch his breath. While he was considered an enemy right now, I didn't think Pietro seemed like a bad guy, just worked for the wrong people.
"You are correct." He nods.
When I see he's not making a move to attack, I lean against a tree nearby and observe him carefully.
There's gotta be some way I can get through to him...he's not a bad person.
"Vhy do you not attack me some more? We are enemies, yes?" Pietro looks confused.
"What can I say? I'm a softie towards the cute ones." I smiled at him. "And even though you practically molested me a few minutes ago, I'll let it slide this once since your accent is like a super power of its own."
Maybe we just need to break the ice...gotta be relaxed.
He lets out a laugh and folds his arms as he appears to be at ease.
"I have never heard a woman say that before about my accent. Though I will take that as a compliment." Pietro winked at me.
I didn't know what it was about this guy, but I couldn't really hate him. Even if he was working with Strucker...I guess it was just his charm. Like Loki, he had his charisma.
"I never expected you to be this...nice." I smiled faintly.
Pietro's smile faltered as he seemed conflicted, like he didn't know whether to dislike me or not as well.
"I thought we'd be trying to kill each other when we met, but...you're really nice. You're quite the mystery." I mumbled softly.
"We've never even met before...how would you- -"
"If Strucker told you or your sister anything about me, it's that I'm not exactly human. I'm...I'm a mutated half-god if you wanna get technical. I have an ability I inherited from my mother that gives me a glimpse into the future so to speak. And boy have I had vision regarding you and your sister. Despite the fact that we've only just met, I feel like we've been friends for years. You know what I mean?" I explained.
Pietro was at a complete loss of words before snapping out his daze. It had been minutes of silence, before he finally said something.
"You are an odd one. I expected to be fighting a heartless bitch. But...you are nothing like that asshole you call father." Pietro stared at me.
"I don't why you hate my dad, but I'll figure it out. And when I do...I hope I can try to make things right. You seem like a nice guy." I told him.
Pietro froze before he looked furious and outraged. I moved from my spot at the tree, feeling more tense than previously.
"You think you can fix things?" He scoffed.
Pietro sped over to me, shoving me back as his anger grew.
"You think you can just buy your way out of everything?!"
I kept moving back as he continued to walk forward.
Where the fuck was this coming from?! That's not what I meant!
Pietro got in my face as my back hit another tree. I clenched my eyes shut as I saw Pietro moving to hit me.
If he wants to hit me, then fine. I don't care.
I heard a thump and slowly opened my eyes to realize that Pietro hit the spot next to my head.
"You have no idea what your family has done to us, Tyra Stark." He hissed. "You've only ruined everything- -"
Finally, I push him away as I feel a rush of anger.
"You know what, Pietro? I never created a weapon in my life, so you can just knock that shit off right now. My dad was basically forced into that life of mass destruction because of his own father. He didn't know what he was doing, what he was creating, or what it would result in. He was stupid and reckless before."
Pietro falls silent as he stares at me in surprise.
"My dad was idiotic and brash at times, and didn't know what to do with a child because he was still a child himself. At times, I thought I hated him because he wasn't around and promised me that he wouldn't be anything like his father. Then, he saw what his creations had done after being kidnapped by terrorists and became a changed man."
I can't help the tears that spring into my eyes, but continue regardless.
"While it doesn't excuse him from the pain he's cause or the lives he destroyed, it fuels him to be a better person. He still has a long way to go, but where's he done bad in the world, he's done so much good."
"Is this where you try and convince me he is some saint?" Pietro scoffed.
"Fuck no. No one is a saint in this world." I shake my head. "I just need you to understand something. Killing him won't bring you or Wanda any peace of mind. It will just send you down a path of no return, and I don't want that to happen to either of you. Not like it did for me. I know you're good people, Pietro. You just don't have any idea what working for a man like Strucker is like. Not yet. You think you might know, but you really don't." I spoke seriously. "You guys deserve so much better than this, and if you allow me, I can get you out of this and give you something better. I can talk to someone that owes me a favor, and maybe you guys can switch sides and save people's lives."
Pietro was stunned into silence. After several moments of silence, his piercing blue eyes looked straight into mine.
"As much I wish to believe you, I cannot." He mumbled.
Pietro turned around to look at me one last time, a look of sadness on his face for once, before he ran off quickly.
I wish I could help them...
I forgot about my earpiece, jumping in my spot as I quickly turned it back on.
"TYRA! What the heck happened? I've been trying to get a hold of you for a while now! Are you at the castle yet?" Steve asked.
"I'm so sorry, I just finished fighting off the enhanced you mentioned! I'm almost there!" I lied. "I'll be there in three minutes!"
"And for gosh sakes, watch your language!" My dad joked.
"That's not going away anytime soon." Steve sighed.
"You can count on that." I smiled faintly.
As soon as I made it to the castle, I head down where my dad instructed me to. I was to protect Iron Man as he went down a secret passage way to retrieve the scepter where he tracked it to. I spotted a girl making her way over to the passageway as well, but she stopped when she spotted me and got into a defensive stance.
"Wanda..." I mumbled.
The girl's eyes flickered into a shade of red as she stared me down, wondering how I knew her name.
"You...you are Stark's daughter." She smiled evilly.
Oh boy...she looks pretty scary...
"I can be very scary when I wish to be." She smirked.
"Oh, so you can read my thoughts huh? That's invasive, but I'll let it go this once..." I folded my arms.
She seemed confused, probably because I wasn't making a move to attack her yet.
"Wanda...just go. Find Pietro and leave. I don't wanna fight you." I sighed.
"How do you know our names?" Wanda glared at me.
"I thought you guys knew everything about me and what I'm capable of?" I smirked.
I glanced down, noticing the red energy that flowed around Wanda's hands. I could feel my hands heat up until they were on fire.
"I'm not gonna let you hurt my dad. Just back off. I don't want to fight you." I said.
"You think you can hurt me?" She taunted.
"Sweetheart, if I have to, I will hurt you. I won't find any pleasure in doing so, but if you try to hurt my family, you should expect this in return. My dad is important to me, just like your brother is to you. We're all each other has. I can tell that you know exactly what I'm talking about."
"Your father ruined our lives. I'm only getting justice for what he put us through. It's nothing personal." Wanda glared at me.
I felt my entire body freeze up before Wanda walked over to me.
"Don't bother trying to move, it won't work." She said.
She sent a wave of red energy at me before walking away and releasing me. I staggered and fell over to the floor, my surroundings melting and forming into something else entirely.
What the hell is happening?
I was back in Malibu, at the old Stark mansion. I looked down, noticing that my arm was in a sling. I was sitting on the couch with Pepper watching television. I glance down at the Chinese food, and see a scattered pill bottle nearby on the table.
What the fuck?
"Tyra, did you take your medicine?" Pepper asked.
"Medicine?" I gave her a look of confusion.
"Honey, you know that you can't stop taking the medication. Your father would want you to get better." Pepper frowned.
"Whoa, whoa, Pepper. What the hell are you talking about?"
"Oh dear..." Pepper bit her bottom lip. "The doctor said something like this might happen. Tyra, what year is it?"
"It's 2015?" I looked at her like she was stupid.
"Tyra, it's 2008." Pepper corrected me.
"No it's not." I rolled my eyes.
Pepper moved over to my spot, putting her hand on my shoulder.
"Yes it is, sweetheart. I know things are tough right now, what with your father missing. But you have to get better, for when he comes back."
I could feel my stomach drop.
"What did you just say?"
Before she could reply, Rhodey walked into the mansion, spotting Pepper and I on the couch.
"Is she having another episode?" Rhodey seemed worried.
"Yeah. She thinks it's 2015." Pepper seemed upset.
"Because it is 2015! Why are you guys treating me like I'm some idiot?! I'm not crazy!" I grew angry. "It's 2015! Where's dad?!"
Rhodey had tears in his eyes as he glanced over at Pepper with regret. Pepper gasped, falling back against the couch as she started sobbing.
"Tyra...we found him...he's...he's dead. I'm so sorry." Rhodey's voice cracked. "We just weren't fast enough...he was killed by the terrorists who kidnapped him. He refused to make them weapons, so they killed him."
I felt my eyes water as Rhodey embraced me tightly.
"I'm so sorry." He repeated. "We'll get through this though, I promise- -"
"No!" I pushed him away from me.
"Tyra- -" Rhodey looked at me in disbelief.
"STOP TELLING ME THIS BULLSHIT! HE'S ALIVE! WE LIVE IN NEW YORK! WE'RE AVENGERS! HE'S IRON MAN!" I snapped.
"Tyra, it's not real! Your father is dead!" Rhodey grabbed at my arms.
"HE REMOVED THE SHRAPNEL FROM HIS CHEST, YOU WERE FUCKING THERE!"
I struggled against Rhodey, feeling myself breaking down.
"HE'S SAVED SO MANY PEOPLE! HE SHUT DOWN THE WEAPONS MANUFACTURING! HE CREATED A NEW ELEMENT! HE WAS IN THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK! HE'S MY DADDY! HE CAN'T DIE!"
"TYRA!" Rhodey yelled.
I winced at Rhodey's tone and fell silent.
"Your father is dead. The funeral is in three days. I don't like this either, he was my best friend, god damn it." Rhodey cried.
He's dead...no...
"Tyra? You still with me?"
I glanced up at Rhodey, tears rolling down my face.
"He's really dead?" I choked on a sob.
Rhodey nodded, his grip on my arms loosening up.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart." Rhodey mumbled.
I felt myself breaking down in his arms.
"Pepper, call the doctor...I think she needs to see him." Rhodey told her.
I pulled away from Rhodey, staring at him in fear.
"NO!" I cried. "Please...don't send me there...I'll be good, I promise."
"Calm down. I'll be there with you. Nothing bad's gonna happen." Rhodey assured me.
"Don't. Send. Me. There." I panicked.
"I'll get the car." Pepper looked at me worriedly.
"NO!"
Rhodey pulled me in for another hug, holding me tightly so that I couldn't run off.
"LET ME GO!" I screamed.
"LET ME GO!" I screamed.
"TYRA!" Natasha yelled.
I thrashed around in someone's arms, unaware of what was real or not anymore.
"Shit! Thor! Hold her down!" Steve said. "She's lighting herself on fire! Be careful!"
Thor nodded, running over to me as he wrapped his arms around me. He struggled for a bit, but in a minute or so, I was being held down.
"Lady Stark! You must remain calm! You are safe with us! It is I, Thor of Asgard! You know me! I am your friend!" Thor told me.
I cried as I felt myself grow tired, realizing that Bruce injected me with a needle. Thor noticed that I stopped struggling and gently tucked my hair behind my ear as he sat down cradling me in his arms.
What's happening? Where the hell am I?
"How's she holding up?"
Thor noticed me tense up and held me tightly against him as he pet my head gently and soothingly. When I saw my dad, my eyes widened with uncertainty and fear.
"Tyra...do you know where you are?" Thor asked.
I frantically shook my head as I felt myself choking on my tears.
"It is the year 2015. You are on Midgard- -" Natasha gave Thor a look. "Or...Earth as you would call it."
I shook my head as I clenched my eyes tightly.
"You are Tyra Stark, an Avenger, daughter of Anthony Stark." Thor continued. "You are among friends, you are safe here."
I slowly opened my eyes again and looked up at Thor. Thor smiled warmly at me as he put his hand on my cheek.
"Would you like your father to aid you?" Thor glanced over at my dad.
"...daddy?" I choked back another sob.
My dad's eyes widened at my tone and he immediately came over to us, gently grasping my hand. I don't think he ever saw me so...
Broken...
"Hey...hey. It's alright." Dad kissed my forehead. "You're safe."
"I...I thought you were dead." I finally looked at my dad.
"I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Dad smiled at me. "You don't give me enough credit."
"I was back at the old mansion with Pepper. Rhodey came over...told me that those terrorists had killed you. Pepper and Rhodey were acting like I was crazy, telling me that you were dead repeatedly. They were trying to take me away to a hospital or something- -" I began panicking again
"None of that happened." Dad wiped tears from his eyes. "You...you were under some spell. It was just a dream."
"...more like a nightmare." I muttered.
Thor gently placed me down on the seat, walking over to Steve as he left me with my father.
"It was that girl, she...she got in my head. I'm so sorry. Did we fail the mission?" I asked worriedly.
"No, we have the scepter. It's all fine, everything worked out. We just need to go back to the tower. Clint got hurt." He answered. "Try to get some sleep...we'll be back at the tower soon."
Wait...Wanda just let my dad take the scepter? Weird...
I nodded, feeling my eyes drooping and deciding to let the subject drop. In seconds, I fell asleep, dreaming of nothing this time.
We made it back to the tower, thankfully in one piece, Clint was immediately taken to the lab and down to Dr. Helen Cho to receive the medical attention he needed.
"Lab's all set up, boss." Maria Hill came over.
"Actually, he's the boss." Tony pointed over at Steve. "I just pay for everything, design everything, and make everyone look cooler."
I was still shaken up as I stepped out of the Quinjet, feeling a little drowsy still from whatever drug Bruce injected me with. I heard Maria talking with Steve, watching as she handed him a tablet.
"Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, orphaned at age ten when a shell collapsed their apartment building."
Jesus Christ...poor Wanda and Pietro...
"Sokovia's had a rough history, it's nowhere special, but it's on the way to everywhere special." Maria informed Steve.
"Their abilities?" Steve asked.
"He's got increased metabolism and improved homeostasis. Her thing is neuro-electro interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation." Maria listed.
"That explains a lot." I spoke up.
Maria and Steve noticed me walking slowly over to them and stopped to wait for me. Steve put my arm around his shoulder before picking me up, noticing that I looked ready to drop to the floor at any second.
"So...what does that mean?" Steve looked confused.
"He's fast and she's weird." Maria summed it up.
"Well they're going to show up again." Steve guessed.
I nodded in confirmation.
"Agreed. The file says they volunteered for Stucker's experiment. It's nuts.." Maria sighed.
"Yeah, what kind of monster would let a German scientist experiment on them to protect their country?" Steve asked sarcastically.
Oh yeah...that's right...Steve volunteered too...it's ironic huh? But he can relate to the twins at least.
"We're not at war, Captain." Maria said.
"They are." Steve pointed out.
With that Steve walked away, escorting me to my bedroom. I argued to be with my father and Bruce to see if Clint was okay, but Steve gave me that look that told me to shut it.
"You look ready to pass out. Just sleep it off...I'll wake you up in time for dinner."
I realized that I was already being tucked into bed.
"I'm so sorry, Steve...I can't believe I let her get into my head like that. It was nothing I ever experienced before..." I felt tears in my eyes.
Steve gently swiped his thumbs underneath my eyes to catch the falling tears and wipe them away.
"Hey, it wasn't your fault. Besides, the mission was successful. We've taken down HYDRA. They're gone now thanks to you. You helped us locate the scepter, you did good." Steve smiled at me.
I nodded, unsure of what to say.
"Get some sleep. I'll wake you up later." Steve murmurs.
Steve placed a kiss on my forehead, before leaving.
Well...that was different.
It had been only a day or two later, but dad decided to throw a party for our successful mission. HYDRA was done for, we retrieved the scepter, it was all good.
Or so they thought...I'm still having doubts.
Thor actually allowed my dad to study the scepter. What he didn't know was that my father wanted to use it to help create his peacekeeping program he called Ultron. Deep down, I had a bad feeling about the Ultron program to begin with. What surprised me more was that even Bruce agreed with me on the subject. My dad wanted to hear none of it though, and basically guilt tripped Bruce into helping him, but as far as I knew, everything they tried had been failing.
"Are you feeling alright?"
I smiled sadly at Steve as I took a casual sip from my drink.
"Not really...I just..."
"Is it about the twins?" Steve gave me a knowing look.
I nodded and gripped the glass cup tightly.
"I just..I wish I could help them." I sighed. "Look I...I turned off my earpiece during the mission, when I encountered the older twin, Pietro." I confessed.
Steve didn't say anything, didn't even try to scold me as he allowed me to continue.
"You know it was Stark Industries tech that destroyed their home?" I asked. "I mean, I didn't realize that at first, but I put two and two together after we got back here. They...they hate my father so much. I think it's partly why they joined Strucker. It was a ploy at revenge...to kill my dad. I told Pietro that getting revenge wouldn't do anything but send them down a path of no return...because...I already know."
Steve looked unsure of what to say, so he let me finish.
"I can't even imagine what they've had to go through considering that they've only had each other to lean on this entire time. I just don't know why Wanda didn't kill me when she had the chance." I finished.
Steve put his hand on top of mine, gently squeezing as he made me put my drink down.
"It's not your fault...and your father's a changed man, he doesn't create weapons anymore. You can't change the past, but you can always make the future better for everyone else." Steve gave me a sad smile. "I know you don't exactly like socializing, but right now I think it would be good for you...what do you say?"
I grabbed Steve's hand and got up from my seat.
"I still feel like shit, but sure...let's go."
Hours after the party was over, all that was left was the team plus Rhodey, Maria Hill, and Dr. Cho. I didn't really care much of the conversation, or more like a debate, over who could lift Thor's hammer Mjolnir. The conversation didn't seem all that important to me, but I stayed for Steve.
He knew better than to have me alone with my thoughts while I was like this...
I pretended to be interested, sipping on a bottle of vodka as I attempted to cheer up and have a little fun.
But I couldn't stop thinking about Pietro and Wanda.
"But it's a trick!" Clint yelled.
"No it is much more than that." Thor replied.
"Oh who so ever be worth shall haveth the power!" Clint mocked. "Whatever, man! It's a trick!"
"Please, be my guest." Thor smirked, gesturing to Mjolnir, and challenging Clint.
"Really?" Clint raised an eyebrow.
"This is gonna be beautiful." Rhodey laughed.
Clint moved up to the hammer getting ready to try and lift it.
"Clint, you've had a tough week, we won't hold it against you if you can't get it up." I told him.
"Shut up, you drunk!" Clint chuckled.
"Aw, I'm wounded, old man." I rolled my eyes.
Clint ignored me as he struggled for several minutes, and failed to lift Mjolnir.
"Jeez, I don't know how you do this!" Clint breathed out.
"Smell the silent judgement." Dad grinned.
"Please, Stark. By all means." Thor challenged.
"Never one to shrink away from an honest challenge! It's physics." Tony shrugged.
My dad stepped up to Mjolnir next, glancing over at Thor.
"So if I lift it, then I rule Asgard?" He clarified.
"Yes, of course." Thor smiled.
"I will be fair, but firmly cruel!"
"Now this is certainly going to be the best birthday gift." I smirked.
Dad stops before his eyes widen at what I said.
"Are you kidding me right now?" He curses under his breath. "JARVIS! I thought I told you to remind me!"
"I apologize sir, you seemed a bit preoccupied when you returned from Sokovia." JARVIS spoke up. "Although, there is something specially made for Tyra located in the refrigerator if you would retrieve it sir."
"It's your birthday?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.
"Well..." I paused to think. "Yup. It is..." I nodded.
"Alright then, after this." Dad gestures to Mjolnir. "I'll get you the kingdom Asgard as your part two birthday gift."
I can't help but snort into my drink as I shake my head.
"Yeah, good luck with that." I muttered.
Dad tried lifting Mjolnir with pure struggle before he stopped completely after a minute or so.
"Be right back."
I tried holding in my laughter as dad returned with his Iron Man glove, using the thrusters in the armor to try and lift Mjolnir. Soon enough, Rhodey joined in as well and we watch the both of them fail miserably.
Though it was kind of entertaining to watch.
"Are we even pulling?" Rhodey glanced at Tony.
"Are you on my team?!"
"Just represent! Pull!"
"Alright, let's go!"
I snorted, falling over as my body shook from laughter.
This was lovely sight to behold.
"Go on, Steve! No pressure!" Clint taunted.
"Come on, Cap!" Dad yelled.
Steve moved forward and proceeded to play along as well for everyone's amusement. My eyes widened in surprise and as Thor's smug smile faltered, when Steve managed to make the hammer move just a slight inch. Bruce was next to make a cute, but pathetic attempt to lift the hammer. Natasha refused to take part in this silly game, like she was certain it wouldn't lift for her anyway. And all that was left on the team was me. My smile faded away and I can't help but find myself grow a little sad.
There was no way I'd ever be worthy to lift that thing...
"Come on, Tye Dye! You're next!" Clint called out.
"...there's no way I'd ever be worthy. I think I'll pass." I sighed.
"Go ahead and give it a try." Bruce gave me a gentle nudge in the shoulder.
"If Natasha gets to refuse, why can't I?"
"Stop trying to be cute, sweetums. Get your ass up there!" Dad teased.
I gave in, getting up and standing on wobbling legs as I move over to the hammer.
I probably should have stopped drinking...
"Don't be surprised if it doesn't move." I said.
"Just shut up and do it!" Maria yelled.
I stared down at the hammer for several seconds.
I'm not worthy...I'll never be worthy...
I shakily placed my hand on top of the hammer, slowly moving it down the handle and grasping it gently. My heart hammered through my chest as I frowned, already knowing that I was probably the least worthy person in the room.
Though everyone tries to convince me that I'm not a bad person. That I've done so much good...
I put my other hand on the handle as well, gripping it before moving to pull as hard as I could. I felt the hammer slide along the table slowly, before I finally lost my grip on the handle and fell backwards on the floor. I sit up from my spot on the floor, looking at the shock evident on everyone's faces.
"Well shit." I stared at the hammer in surprise.
"NO NO! That's doesn't count!" Clint protested. "She didn't lift it!"
Thor grinned ear to ear as he clapped a hand on my shoulder.
"It's rigged!" My dad shouted.
"You bet your ass it is!" Clint nodded in agreement.
"Steve, he said a bad language word." Maria grinned.
"Did you tell everyone about that?" Steve sighed at my father.
My dad shrugged, not really seeming to care about Steve's discomfort. I could tell he was laughing on the inside.
"The handles imprinted right? Like a security code, who so ever is holding Thor's fingerprint is I think the literal translation." My dad taunted.
"Yes, that's a very very interesting theory. I have a simpler one." Thor picked up Mjolnir with no problems. "You're all not worthy." Thor glanced back at Steve and I. "Except for maybe you two. I am impressed."
"Thanks?" I smiled.
Everyone shouted boos at Thor, not caring for what he had to say. I felt my heart skip a beat as I saw a mangled up robot come into the penthouse.
What the hell?
"Tyra?" Steve gave me a look of concern.
"Worthy...no...how could you be worthy? You're all killers." The robot spoke.
Everyone turned to look at the robot, knowing now why I looked so nervous.
"Stark?" Steve slowly stood up.
"JARVIS?" My dad called, wondering why the AI wouldn't respond.
"I'm sorry, I was asleep...or was I dreaming?" The robot mused. "There was a terrible noise...and I was tangled...in strings. I had to kill the other guy...he was a good guy."
Oh no...was he...talking about JARVIS?
"Who did you kill?" Steve asked.
"Wouldn't have been my first choice. But down in reality, we're faced with ugly choices."
Thor stood in front of me protectively, gripping Mjolnir tightly.
"Who sent you?" Thor questioned.
We only heard a recording of my dad's voice in reply, "I see a suit of armor around the world."
"Ultron?" Bruce stared at the robot in surprise.
"In the flesh...no, not yet. Not this chrysalis...I'm on a mission."
"What mission?" Steve grew nervous.
Ultron turned his head until he was staring at all of us.
"Peace of our time."
Hey fellas! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It's okay if you didn't, but don't be mean about it! I have to say though, a lot of this was inspired when I was listening to the Avengers 2 soundtrack. Like, most of the music was just beautiful and it feels like I'm right in the movie sometimes. I was listening to the soundtrack titled, "Wish You Were Here" I think it's called, mostly during the part of this chapter where Tyra kinda talks to Pietro about her father, and also when Steve is talking to Tyra at the party. You guys should listen to the Avengers 2 soundtrack, it's really good, you can find it on YouTube if you're interested. A lot of people probably worked really hard on it for the movie and the music is just so beautiful, there's no other word I can really think of to describe it. I know the soundtrack titled, "Sacrifice" is used for the part of the movie where Pietro dies (spoiler alert). It makes me cry every time I listen to it. Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter, let me know what you think! Be nice about it! And also, I WILL UPDATE SO JUST CHILLAX!
Love you guys,
bellas2silly