Chapter 22
AN: Thank you so much for the support. Hope you like this chapter. Because I have had some questions Tony will be in the story in a few chapter.
Coming from an intel briefing Peggy walks into her office where her phone is ringing, her emergency line to be precise, and so she hurries over to it.
"Director Carter," Peggy answers.
"Mom, it's me," Natasha says, and as soon as she speaks Peggy can tell that there is something wrong. "There are at least two guys at my school. They're after me, want to abduct me," Natasha explains, and even though Natasha is good at hiding it Peggy can tell how worried she is.
"What?" Peggy asks terrified. "are you somewhere safe?" Peggy asks her daughter as she collects her weapon.
"For now, but they're going to keep looking," Natasha explains.
"Get somewhere safe, and stay there," Peggy urges her daughter. "I'll be there as soon as I can with your Uncles and Aunts," Peggy explains, knowing that Howard is at Stark and so she can't let him know right now, but she will.
"Okay," Natasha tells her before hanging up.
After Natasha hangs up Peggy runs, as fast as she can, to the office where Michael, Rose, Lian, Jack, and Daniel are.
"Peggy, what's wrong?" Michael asks concerned.
"People are at Natasha's school, wanting to abduct her," Peggy says worried. "We've got to go, and I also have to let Howard know," Peggy explains.
"I'll call Howard," Rose says, as the others grab their weapons, and once they have them they all run out of office as fast as possible.
At Natasha's school she is being lead down the hall of her school by the two men, both of them pointing guns at her as they go.
"You know you're pretty stupid Kid, you could have run," One of the men says.
"I'm a Carter-Stark, we don't run," Natasha says, and feeling pretty confident that they are the only two around Natasha knows what she has to do. "We fight," Natasha says, and moving quickly she grabs the gun of one of the men, and dismantle it, while kicking the other in the stomach. As the man who she kicked in the stomach doubled over Natasha jumps off him to get onto the shoulders of the other gun, and uses her thighs to break the neck of one of the men out while kicking in the face of the other man in the face. As one man falls to the ground dead and the other is unconscious Natasha kicks the unconscious man again to make sure he is unconscious.
Once both the men are unconscious Natasha runs back to her classroom and barricades the door, doing the same for the other classrooms in the corridor, using her abilities to get it done quickly and effectively, so that no one finds out what is in the hallway.
"Come on Mom," Natasha mutters to herself.
Having terrified those in her car by driving fast, and ignoring basically every road rule, which caused the others to drive just as fast. Peggy, Michael, Jack, Daniel, and Lian arrive out the front of Natasha's school.
As she sees something Peggy grabs the communicator that is in her car.
"Michel, do you see what I see?" Peggy asks, as while Jack and Daniel are in her car Michael and Lian are in the other car.
"The guards at the entrances, and in the grounds, yep," Michael confirms.
"Drive around the back, let me know when you're in position," Peggy says, as even though she would like to just burst in and get to her daughter, she knows that the best chance Natasha has is if they are smart.
"Nat can look after herself Peggy," Daniel reminds her, wanting to help.
"I know," Peggy says, as she knows all too well what her daughter is capable off. "But I'd feel better once I can see her for myself," Peggy comments.
"Peggy, we're in place," Michael informs his sister.
"Move in. the objective is to get to Tash, and secure all hostiles," Peggy instructs, and once she does she gets out the car, and Jack and Daniel are right behind her. As they approach the school a fire fight breaks out, causing Peggy, Daniel and Jack to take cover as they fire back.
Inside the school Natasha, who is still in the hallway with the dead and unconscious bodies, Natasha hears the firefight break out.
"Mom," Natasha says worried, and so she grabs the gun that she didn't dismantle as well as extra bullets and starts to run towards the front entrance of the school. Once she is close enough Natasha shoots through the door, and kills the man who is standing right outside the door, unknown to her her mother already killed the other guard.
Getting to the door Natasha reacts fast and due to the fact that the three surviving men, who are out in the grounds, are so focused on her mother and uncles Natasha is able to shoot all three of them from behind, getting them with kill shots. Just as she shoots the last man Natasha hears a gunshot come from behind her, and seconds later she feels unbelievable pain in her shoulder.
"TASHA," Peggy yells in terror as she watches her daughter get shot.
Pushing the pain she is feeling down as much as possible Natasha turns and makes a shot, while falling to her knees, hitting the person who shot her in the chest. As he falls to the ground Natasha hears more footsteps coming from that direction but to her relief it is her Uncle and Aunt.
"Nat!" Lian says worried, as she hurries towards her, but Peggy is the one who gets to her daughter first.
"Tash, Tash, talk to me," Peggy says, getting to Natasha and pulling her into her arms.
"I'm okay," Natasha assures her mother, looking up at her. As Lian, Michael, Daniel and Jack get to them.
"Lian, take this," Peggy says, handing Lian the gun as she puts pressure on Natasha's wound. "Make it seem like you did the shooting," Peggy instructs, putting more pressure on her daughter's wound.
"You got it," Lian confirms.
"Deal with the authorities, I want none of the deaths traced back to Tasha, we found her hiding in a utility closet," Peggy instructs. "Clean up the blood that is Tasha's. We can't risk someone getting that," Peggy explains as she stands up with her daughter.
"Of course," Daniel confirms, as he knows what that would mean.
"I took her to safety, that's all anyone needs to know," Peggy explains as she carries Tasha out of the school.
Just as she gets outside a car that Peggy recognizes pulls up and both Howard and Jarvis hurry out of the car.
"PEG! TASH!" Howard says, running over to his wife and daughter.
"Tash needs medical attention, someone we can trust," Peggy explains.
"My healing ability, I'll be okay," Natasha assures her parents, and Jarvis.
"Your wound still needs to be treated, Kiddo," Howard tells her, as they get to the car, and Jarvis opens the door.
"I'll get you to the SHIELD medical facility as fast as possible," Jarvis says, clearly worried about Natasha, as Peggy, Howard, and Natasha get into the car.
Hours later Natasha's wound has been treated, and due to her healing ability she is doing extremely well, and Daniel, Michael, Jack, Lian, and Rose have covered up what happened at Natasha's school. Even though she is healing well it takes a lot of Natasha's energy and so she is fast asleep in her bed at home while Peggy and Howard are standing at her doorway watching her sleep.
"She's going to have to move schools again," Peggy says to Howard.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure she won't mind," Howard admits, as he knows that Natasha hasn't exactly liked her current school. "If this could work as a deterrent so that others don't go after our daughter then that would be the only good thing," Howard comments.
"Howard, Tash killed six people today," Peggy reminds him, her voice distressed.
"I know," Howard says, looking down at his daughter, who looks quite peaceful. "We always knew what she could do," Howard reminds Peggy.
"I know, it's different seeing it," Peggy admits. "I'm proud of her for protecting herself, and I never want her to ashamed of anything she can do, but there was a lot of death today," Peggy comments.
"It's her instincts to act how she did today," Howard reminds Peggy. "She needs some help learning how to react in a less lethal way," Howard explains.
"Yeah," Peggy confirms, knowing that she will have to find a way to help Natasha with that, and the two of them drift into silence as they watch their daughter sleep.
October 26th 1964
After the incident at her old school Natasha has moved schools and is a lot happier. Due to her healing abilities she doesn't even have a scar from where she was shot.
It is a Monday afternoon and Natasha has been home from school for a little while. As she has finished her homework Natasha is walking into her father's home lab as there is something she wants to talk to him about
"Dad," Natasha says, as she walks in, but to her surprise she realizes that her father isn't alone, and he has his mask activated, something which he never usually has a home. "Oh, I'm sorry," Natasha tells her father.
"It's okay, Tash," Howard assures his daughter. "This is Doctor Anton Vanko, we're working on something, and we thought it would be better to work on it here rather than at the office," Howard explains, and because of that Natasha knows it means her father is worried about the wrong people getting ahold of it.
"Hi," Natasha greats.
"It's nice to meet you, Natasha," Vanko says, as Howard talks so proudly about his daughter.
"Did you need something specific, Tash? Or did you just want to say hello?" Howard asks curious.
"Um, yeah. I was wondering how my Halloween costuming is coming. Will it be ready for the school party on Saturday?" Natasha asks, as due to what she wanted for her Halloween costume Howard was the only one who could make it for her.
"It's almost done, I'm just finishing up on a couple of things for you," Howard explains to his daughter.
"Oh cool," Natasha says, looking relieved. "I'll leave you to your work," Natasha says, before heading out of the lab. After Natasha leaves Vanko turns his attention back to Howard.
"Do you really think we could have an Arc Reactor created that soon?" Anton asks Howard surprised, returning to where their conversation as before Natasha walked in.
"If things go to plan," Howard admits. "Once we have it we can completely change the energy industry, maybe even change the entire world," Howard comments.
"And get rich," Anton comments.
"The advancement is what matters," Howard says, as while he loves money he loves scientific advancement more and he knows that if this Arc Reactor technology works then technology could be catapulted forward.
Five Days Later
It is finally Halloween, and before going trick or treating with her parents, Natasha has a school Halloween party. As they have to leave soon Peggy, Howard, Ana and Jarvis are waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Natasha.
"Tasha! You coming?" Howard calls up the stairs.
"Be right there," Natasha calls back.
For another minute or so Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana wait until finally they hear footsteps and Natasha walks onto the stairs dressed as Captain America as Howard recreated the exact costume, including the protection, for her, the only major difference being the shield, which is made out of a different metal rather than Vibranium, but still looks extremely similar to Steve's.
"What do you think?" Natasha asks, looking at her mother in particular.
"I think you look incredible," Peggy says, smiling at her daughter, as she also feels a stab of pain.
"We need to get a picture," Ana says, before hurrying off to get the camera.
Over the next few minutes various pictures of Natasha are taken, with different combinations of Peggy, Howard, Ana and Jarvis, before Natasha has to leave for her school party.
Six Weeks Later
After being the hit of the school Halloween party, due to her incredible costume, Natasha has been having a much better time at school. As neither of her parents made it home for dinner Natasha is in her room, lying on her bed reading as she listens to music. As she reads she heads a knock on her door.
"Come in," Natasha says, and her father walks in. "Hey Dad," Natasha says, and Howard walks over to turn off her record. Once the record is off Howard turns to face her, and Natasha realizes something. "Dad, what's wrong?" Natasha asks worried, as her father walks over to her, and she puts her book down.
"Tash, your mom is on a mission with your Uncles Michael, Jack, and Dugan, as well as your Aunt Lian," Howard explains.
"Something's happened," Natasha realizes.
"They've gone dark, which means…." Howard starts to explains.
"You've lost contact," Natasha says worried.
"Yes. We don't know why, but we're doing everything we can to figure it out," Howard explains to his daughter. "I need to get back to SHIELD, but I wanted you to know," Howard explains to his daughter.
"Dad, what if something bad has happened to Mom?" Natasha asks worried.
"Tash, I've known your mom a lot of years, and one of the first things I learnt is to never count her out," Howard explains to his daughter. "She has the stubbornness, and determination, to get through anything, and I know she always determine to stop the bad guys and come home to us," Howard tells Natasha, the love he feels for his wife being more than clear in his voice.
"I'm scared," Natasha admits, admitting something she doesn't do all to often.
"That's okay," Howard assures his daughter, before hugging and kissing her head. "Tash, Jarvis and Ana will be right downstairs, and I will let you know as soon as I know something," Howard promises his daughter, and he feels her nod against her shoulder. "I love you Kiddo," Howard says.
"I love you too," Natasha responds, as they break apart. "Will you be home for breakfast?" Natasha asks curious.
"I'll try," Howard responds, before getting up and heading out of his daughters room.
Five days later
Ever since finding out that her mother has gone dark on the mission Natasha has been extremely worried, and Howard hasn't been home much as he has been running SHIELD, and trying to give help to Peggy.
It's early afternoon and as they have finally received good news Natasha is waiting in the foyer with Ana.
"I thought Dad said they were on their way home," Natasha says worried.
"They are, Tash," Ana assures her. "I'm sure they'll be home as soon as possible," Ana explains.
Over the next couple of minutes Ana and Natasha wait until they finally hear the sound of a car pull up, reacting fast Natasha hurriedly opens the door and runs out just as her parents, and Jarvis, get out of the car.
"Mom!" Natasha says, running towards her mother.
"Hey Tash," Peggy says, smiling at her daughter, and once Natasha is close enough she hugs her mother tightly.
"Are you okay?" Natasha ask worried, as she clings to her mother.
"A few cuts and bruises, nothing major," Peggy assures her daughter, as she returns the hug.
"I'm really glad you're home," Natasha tells her mother, as she continues to cling to her.
"Me too," Natasha responds, as they head inside, Natasha purposely not moving far away from her mother.
January 22nd 1965
Six weeks have passed since Peggy went dark on a mission, and ever since Natasha has been acting rather clingy, something which has been a surprise to Peggy and Howard, but even with Natasha's change in behavior the Carter-Stark's were able to have an enjoyable Christmas with their extended family.
After getting a call from an old friend Peggy and Howard have travelled to North Salem in New York. Just like the last time they were at this particular place they are allowed straight in and find Charles Xavier waiting for them.
"Peggy, Howard, it is good to see you," Charles greats.
"It's good to see you too, Charles," Peggy greats, with a smile.
"How's Natasha doing?" Charles asks curious.
"Better, her new school seems to be good for her," Howard admits.
"I'm glad," Charles admits. "If needed Natasha will always be welcome here," Charles says, as while he has only been running the school for a few years he would be more than happy to have Natasha be one of his students, as even though she is not a mutant, she is a gifted.
"Thank you, Charles. We'll keep that in mind," Peggy tells him. "You said you needed help?" Peggy asks.
"Yes, let's talk in my office," Charles says, and the three of them head into the building.
A few minutes later Peggy, Charles, and Howard are in Charles' office together, and Charles has closed the door.
"What's going on, Charles?" Howard asks, as he could feel the tension as they walked through the building.
"One of my students, Jubilee her family have been killed. She was taken into custody to be questioned," Charles explains. "The CIA now have her because she used her abilities by accident. She doesn't have control yet," Charles says, looking grave. "I have talked to her psychically and so I know she is afraid and is terrified of using her abilities and accidently hurting someone," Charles explains, knowing that the more scared Jubilee becomes the more of a chance of that happening is. "I know where she is, but because of location where she is being held, I cannot get her out on my own without risking revealing the existence of me and my people," Charles explains, his voice grave. "She's a good kid, she…." Charles starts to explain.
"You don't have to explain Charles, we'll help," Peggy assures him.
"Where is she?" Howard asks.
"Washington," Charles answers.
"Then Howard and I will go to Washington," Peggy tells him. "We make calls on our way, and whether by official, unofficial or even more unofficial means we will get her released," Peggy says, as she already knows all the ways they can do that.
"I'm coming with you," Charles says. "I may not be able to help get her out, but it will help her to have someone familiar when she is free," Charles says.
"Of course, we understand," Howard says. "We should leave immediately," Howard says, causing Charles to nod, and the three of them head out of the office.
Hours later, being aware that her parents are out of town, Natasha is at the diner table with Ana and Jarvis, as they eat dinner Ana and Jarvis notice that Natasha is just picking at her food, not really eating it.
"Miss Tasha, is everything okay?" Jarvis asks concerned, after exchanging a look with Ana, but Natasha doesn't answer, she just continues to pick at her food.
"Tasha, you know you can always talk to us," Ana reminds her.
"I know," Natasha admits, looking up from her food, and she sighs. "When Mom and Dad first adopted me, I knew what they did, but I didn't really understand it," Natasha admits. "But now I do, and I know how dangerous it is… I'm scared," Natasha admits in a very quiet voice, barely loud enough for Ana and Jarvis to hear.
"That's completely understandable Tash," Ana assures her.
"I'm proud of what they do, I know they do important work, and are heroes, but I'm worried that one day them being heroes will mean they wont come home," Natasha admits, pain in her voice, and honestly she feels a little selfish for admitting that.
"Miss Tasha you're right. Your parents are heroes, and do important work, but for them one of the most important things they do is be your parents," Jarvis explains. "They will always do everything they can to come home to you," Jarvis tells Natasha, who nods in understanding as they drift into silence.
In one of Peggy and Howard's safe houses in Washington DC Charles is waiting for Peggy and Howard to return with Jubilee. While Charles trusts his friends, and knows they are the best people to get Jubilee released, considering the circumstances, he cannot help but worry.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity to him the door opens and Peggy, Howard, and Jubilee walk in.
"Professor!" Jubilee says, looking excited.
"Are you alright, my dear?" Charles asks concerned.
"Much better now," Jubilee assures him. "Peggy and Howard are kind of awesome," Jubilee comments.
"Yes, they are," Charles confirms, giving his friends grateful looks, and they just give nods in return as a form of acknowledgement.
Two Weeks Later
Since helping out Charles Peggy and Howard have spent a large chunk of the last two weeks covering what they did. It is a Friday night, and a pretty significant one at that, and because of that fact, as soon as they put Natasha to bed Peggy and Howard retired to Peggy's office with a very expensive bottle of whiskey which they are sharing.
"He was an idiot!" Howard suddenly says as he gets up from where he is sitting next to Peggy on the couch in the office. "He should have just given you his coordinates!" Howard exclaims.
"Howard," Peggy says, displaying so much by just saying his name.
"I know," Howard says, walking back over. "It wasn't who he was," Howard says, sitting back down. "Twenty years, and we've found the damn tesseract but can't find him," Howard says, as he has continued to search for Steve.
"It's not fair," Peggy comments, leaning her head on Howard's shoulder. "But the good you're doing with the Tesseract, SHIELD, even us being infected with the serum, I like to think he would be proud to know what we did in his honor," Peggy comments, as that thought gives her comfort.
"He would," Howard confirms. "But I would give it all up if it meant finding him," Howard says, knowing that the one thing he wouldn't give up is his life with Peggy, and Natasha, which he wouldn't give up for anything.
"I know," Peggy says, feeling the same way as Howard, knowing that she wouldn't give up her life with Howard and Natasha for anything, including Steve, as she takes a drink. "One day you might, we might, find him again, but we've got to keep going like we won't, keep living our lives," Peggy tells her husband. "He would want that for us,"
"Yeah, he would," Howard confirms, and the two of them drift into silence as they think about the person who meant so much to both of them who they lost twenty years ago.
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