"Bruce, nice to meet you." I smiled at his timid answer before patting his shoulder swiftly.
"So, how has your day been going? Steve only told me about the diva alien attacking your ship and everything going nuts, so I guess hectic? Would be a correct term?" I asked, a timid smile began to appear on his features at my question.
"Yes, hectic would be a good term, though I am more relieved now that this whole situation is dealt with." I chuckled with him before nodding my head vigorously and sighing heavily.
"Yes, all this running and fighting has been murder on my feet, stupid concert jungle. All I want is my nice rainy, muddy island so I never really have to worry about blisters." I groan before promptly sitting on the ground and taking a good look at my feet. I cringed at the sight of bright red flesh and slight bleeding from glass.
"No wonder I couldn't feel my feet, adrenaline must have run to my feet and arms. Sheesh, and this one is bleeding pretty good too." I gently started massaging around the wounds on my feet, pushing fresh blood and dirty out of my wounds. A hand on my shoulder caught my attention as Bruce kneeled down beside me and started looking at my feet.
"Why are you walking around barefooted? That's both dangerous and unsanitary." I laughed at that and patted Bruce's shoulder.
"Now you sound like Pepper, God bless that woman. I live where there is no concrete, buildings, or any kind of pollution. My island is all trees and mud, with a few ponds and the ocean all around. I make sure to wash my feet every day and that takes care of most of the big problems. Injuries have yet to require a doctor so I just keep doing what I do, besides it's easier to get around a muddy island without shoes. Never really leave unless Mr. Stark wants me at one of his 'Business Meetings' also known as alcoholic parties." I stopped to look at Bruce, to see him staring at me wide eyed. But those eyes also showed a childlike fascination and curiosity.
"Island? And how long have you lived like this?" I paused before thinking back. Years were hard to count when you are having fun.
"I believe …15 years? That sounds about right, starting to get old. You can definitely hear my bones creak like there's no tomorrow." I giggled before feeling multiple stares on me. I turned to see everyone watching me with owl-like eyes.
"Yeeessss?" I ask loudly. It was Stark who stood up and make his way over to me.
"15 years? How old are you then?" he asked. I pouted before looking at him directly.
"Now I know for a fact that Pepper has told you how old I am… In fact, I distinctly remember pepper and my managers dragging you down to my house for my 30th and that was two years ago. I even went through all the trouble to build you an extravagant guest house that would hopefully match one of your floors on Stark Tower." I growled, standing up to get in Stark's face. Little beads of sweat began pouring down his face as he slowly took a step back. His hands shot up to protect his face as he started spouting out apologizes.
"Now. Now, no need to be mad, I do in fact remember that lovely house that you made. Pepper loved every square inch of it and nearly had me make a replica in the Tower. I apologize that I don't remember your age it's just that you look so young that I thought you were 26 or something like that. Ehehehe…" My growling raised a pitch as I grabbed part of his destroyed suit and dragged him towards me.
"I know she did because she asked me about everything I did with the house. However you were too drunk to remember though you absolutely loved the wolf pelt blanket that I made myself. I even gave it to pepper so that you could take it home, though you were drunk on the plane too." I shoved him back before sighing heavily and turning to the group.
"I'm 32. Made enough money with a business and product line, that I created, to buy my own island to live on when I was 17. My two head managers run the business and consult me on any major issues or ideas that they can't figure out themselves. Any other questions?" I asked, looking at the group with a stern expression. Everyone shook their heads vigorously except for Bruce who was sighing at tony and Natasha who smirked evilly at me.
"Good. Now then, I have a feeling my managers are going to show up at any minute so was there anything you needed before I disappear?" Natasha and Clint started talking into their ear pieces about my situation. Bruce gently pulled me away from the group towards a convenience store that was by the park. Bandages, Neosporin, and medical tape were taken as he had me sit on the counter. As he worked on my feet, I felt something vibrate in my butt pocket. Slowly, I pulled out my phone and saw it was a phone call from one of my managers. Dread filled me as Hal's picture filled up the screen. I quickly hit accept and placed the phone to my ear.
"Hey Hal, how's it going? Did you guys make it through the attack okay?" I shivered as silence greet my questions. I felt a stare on me as I turned towards the doors of the convenience store. There in all his glory was Hal, standing at about 6'4 with an imitating personality and muscle to back it up. My heart sank slowly as he walked closer without a word.
"Oh boy you look mad. Not the usual mad, but the, I might actually kill you, mad. I'm sorry, I know I was supposed to go the airport but it didn't feel right. Please don't kill me." I ducked my head into my knees as I gently pulled my feet from Bruce. He stood up and spread his arms wide, trying to shield me from Hal. However, that did nothing to stop Hal as he pushed Bruce to the side and stood in front of me with a glower. He looked me over, taking in the sight of bruises, cuts, and my bandaged feet while I huddled trying to protect myself from his wrath.
"Thank God." A warmth enveloped me as muscled arms pulled me into a heavy hug from Hal. My shoulder grew damp as I realized just how worried Hal was. I wrapped my arms around him and patted his back, feeling him shake.
"I was so worried. I had to protect Lucy and I didn't know where you were. You didn't show up at the airport like you promised. I thought you were killed and I was so worried…" I tightened my grip on Hall's back, rubbing my hands in a soothing manner.
"Hey, Hey, calm down. I'm right here. No one's gonna kill me today or anytime soon okay? I'm sorry I didn't keep my promise, I ended up helping protect people and get them to the airport. Deep breathes, there ya go. Just need to calm down." After another moment, he calmed down and let me go. Tears streaks stained his face as I wiped fresh ones from his eyes. Relief gleamed in his eyes as he relaxed against my hand.
"Now, where is Lucy? I imagine she has a speech for me on my recklessness and getting hurt." He paused for a moment before his eyes widened in panic. My own widened as an unthinkable thought was thought.
"You didn't." I asked in fear. No response but an expression matching mine. Dread overwhelmed me as I began thinking of all the places she could have gone.
"When did you take off to find me?" he looked deep in thought before answering with a worried tone.
"Just before I found the park, I smelled your blood about a block from here." I sighed realizing that she wasn't that far from here. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. Patiently, we waited for her to answer. While we were waiting, Bruce returned and started working on my feet again though he sent a few glares to Hal. It was on our fourth attempt that she answered.
"You are so dead child. When I get my hands on you, I'll bury you under 10 ft of concrete so you can suffer in this place you call a wasteland." I shivered at the horrifying image before I focused on the problem at hand.
"Where are you?" I asked, there was a pause followed by a little shriek and whine as Lucy stepped over an alien.
"At Central Park I think, I see a group of people standing around a bench out there." I smiled before speaking to her again.
"Good, I want you to go to those people, we're close by, I just need to finish something and I'll be right over okay?" a sigh sounded from Lucy's side before I heard her heels clicking on the sidewalk.
"Yea okay, just get over there quick okay? I don't want to look like a weirdo." She stated. I snorted before saying something that always got a rouse out of her.
"Stark's in that group so I'm sure you'll be fine." The moment the word stark left my lips, I heard an almighty shriek and looked to see Lucy running towards the group with her purse in her hand. The next second, stark was on the ground KO'ed by a direct hit from Lucy's bag. I busted out laughing as Hall sighed in aggravation. Below me, Bruce was also laughing though not nearly as hard as I was before letting go of my leg. He motioned for Hal to pick me up and we walked towards the group to see Steve trying to pull a pissed off Lucy off of stark who was smart enough to stay on the ground.
"You little bastard. If you didn't have your damn alcohol party today then I could have been at home safe from these goddamn aliens. But nooo, you want to get drunk and socialize by dragging us here to watch you get hammered!" she shouted. Her face was almost ruby red from her outburst. I snorted at the sight before her attention was turned to me.
"You." I shivered as Lucy slowly walked towards me with her purse spinning around her fist at frightening speeds.
"Now, now Lucy I know you're mad. I'm sorry, I was helping people get to safety and aliens started chasing me and I just ran. I'm sorry!" My hands shot to my head in a pitiful attempt to protect it as I listened to Lucy's footsteps come closer. I felt Hal shake as the footsteps stopped and there was a pause. Suddenly, pain flashed through my leg as Lucy's bag stuck it. I yipped before being enveloped in a hug. Angry words where mumbled into my shirt as I opened my eyes to look down at Lucy. There was an adorable pout on her lips as she hugged me and Hal. I smiled, ruffling her hair a little before looking back at the group. Everyone had a small smile on their face as Bruce walked over to look at Barton who had moved to stand by Natasha. I frowned when I noticed that Tony wasn't still knocked out on the ground. I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye and started laughing when I found him hiding behind the bench, glaring through the boards at Lucy.
"If you ever do that again, I'm gonna stick a collar and leash on you. You scared me half to death with that damn stunt you pulled. If I don't ever have too, I'm leaving you on your island and never coming back." I winced when she said that and pouted down to her.
"Ouch my pride. You know that island won't be the same without your constant ranting about bulldozing down everything, even Christopher likes you now." She growled and pulled back to level a heavy glare at me.
"Your pet is absolutely crazy and I swear he enjoys scaring me every chance he gets." She shouted, silently cursing Christopher in her head.
"Well, I'm sure we can work on that when we get back. That is if Mr. Stark over there would let us leave?" I asked curiously towards the billionaire. He quickly stood from his hiding spot behind the bench before Lucy could see. He cleared his throat to make a sarcastic remark but was interrupted by Steve.
"Actually you need to see Director Fury before you can leave. There will be a debriefing and paperwork to fill out." I paused, tilting my head to the side as I tried to think about where I had heard that name before.
"Director Fury? That sounds familiar. Lucy, didn't we meet a man by the name of Fury at my island? He kind of just showed up. Dark-skinned right? With an eye patch and really serious attitude?" Steve nodded as Tony stared at me in shock.
"Fury found your island? How the hell did he manage that? I don't understand this. One doesn't simply find your island. Hell, I still can't find it." I chuckled at him before looking up to the sky.
"He followed Hal and Lucy there. The island still scrabbles with sensors but he managed to follow them through the electric storm. The funny thing is that he ended up jumping out of his plane to get to my island. Poor guy hit the ice water instead of the beach. Had to wait two days for him to warm up enough." A smile stretched over my face as I spotted a plane with mirror tech flying overhead, silent as the wind.
"Anyway, I'm willing to wait but I want food and a bed sometime today. My feet can't bare the pain any longer!" I cried dramatically as I stretched over Hal's arms to appear to "faint" which caused Hal and Lucy to snort.
"Such a drama queen, well you heard her. Food and bed now stark." Lucy barked as she leveled a glare with him.
"Why me?" he pouted as Lucy raised her hand and started to tick off her fingers.
"Your business meeting, Alien Attack, Alcohol, and you're a freaking billionaire." He shrugged as he turned and started to walk away from the park.
"True, well, I know this great shawarma place just down the road. Let's just hope it wasn't destroyed in the attack." With that, we all headed towards food and warmth.
The next week passed by so quickly. I meet Fury, shocked him when he saw my face before he proceeded to throw a notebook at me, demanding that I write down everything that happened before the attack and during. So the next few days were spent filling that notebook with everything I could think of that had relevance to the attack and the week before that transpired. Tony was kind enough to give me a room during that week. It had been strangely quiet in the tower, most of its residents out and helping with the debris or filling out paperwork.
By the end I was dead tired and felt that my fingers were going to break if i wrote another sentence. When Fury gave me the go ahead to leave, I all but ran out of that room towards the deck. Hal and Lucy were already there with my wonderful plane, Silver Lining. That poor plane had been through the worst with me and was my home for the first year I lived on my island. There were several storms we had made it through that could have torn a commercial airplane apart. Thankfully my little cessna made it through with little more than a few scrapes and scratches. Her body glittered as I jumped into the pilot seat and started to prepare the plane for takeoff.
"HEY! Aren't you forgetting something?" I turned to Lucy, who was pouting at me. I frowning, anxious to get home.
"I don't think so, I've got you two. What else could I be forgetting?" She pointed outside where the avengers were standing, watching us. I stared before looking at my plane.
"Right...Guess I'll drive the other plane. You guys want Stark or Bruce?" Lucy glowered before getting out and grabbing Tony by the ear and throwing him into the plane as soon as I got out. I blinked and watched as Silver took off down the strip and out into the ocean. I growled, walking towards one of the Quinjets.
"Come on guys, we got quite a flight and I personally don't want to wait much longer. If SHE gets there first, I'll be dead before I land this hunk of junk." I sighed, knocking on the quinjet as I entered and took over the cockpit. One by one, the rest of the avengers filed in and took their seats. Clint walked up and sat in the Co-pilot seat, gearing up to help me fly the plane.
"Just a warning. When we hit the storm, don't try to help me. You don't know where everything is, I'd hate to crash this poor thing on its first flight." He looked to me bewildered but was quick to reply.
"Okay, but if you're trying to kill us I won't hesitate to kill you. Just a warning." I smiled at the threat before calling to the rest in the back.
"It'll take two hours to reach the island. The last half hour is going to be rough so I suggest getting some sleep while you can." A few of the Avengers took my advice and settled in as we took off. The next hour and a half passed without incident as we flew over the Pacific Ocean. However, I could see a storm in the distance, swirling grey clouds that flashed with lightning. I smiled in anticipation, guiding the plane closer towards the storm's howling winds. One particularly loud clap of thunder woke the avengers in the back, causing me to chuckle quietly.
"Everyone hold on tight and don't let go, it's about to get rough." As soon as I finished saying that, the plane began to rise as the wind pulled us closer. I smacked Clint's hands as they instinctively reached out to steer the plane.
"No, we need to go up and around. Just take deep breaths and don't grab anything. We're about to hit the fun part." I yanked backwards, forcing the plane to do a roll before we started to dive into the storm. Its roaring winds and heavy rain pelted on the window as I tried to keep the plane on a straight course. I could hear shouting in the back and held my breath that Mr. Green would wait a few minutes before coming out to play. The plane shuddered and shook as we started to see the ocean closing in on us. I smiled and positioned myself to the pull.
"Hold on!" I shouted to everyone as I watched our plane fall closer and closer to the ocean below. Shouts of protests rang throughout the plane before being cut off as I pulled hard, trying to pull the plane with me. Just a second before hitting the water, we pulled up and follow the ocean surface towards the island that soon came into view.
"We're here!" I shouted in glee before beginning to pull up. The storm circled around and above the island, leaving a protective barrier. The eye of the storm left a large patch of clear sky and sun which lit over the whole island.. The Island itself wasn't very large, a decent size with a volcano rested on one end. It gently sloped down to cover the rest of the island in green. A large house sat on the other end of the island. Hand built, with two floors and seven bedrooms, the house seem to. A smaller house rested beside it, covered in a small forest. We soon began our descent down, moving towards the volcano. Clint moved at that moment, looking around for something.
"Whats up? Need something?" I asked, watching him push a small button between us. When nothing happened, Clint pressed it a few more times before looking at me confused.
"How do you open that thing? Or is it an automated door?" I looked at him in confusion before bursting out laughing. I snorted as I adjusted our angle to miss the volcano.
"That's a live volcano, it's not a landing pad dear. I made everything here on my own and I don't want to disturb the only thing that could destroy it. There's a landing strip closer to the house." I began to turn the plane with one wing almost touching the volcano as we looped back towards the house.
"Then why did we go to the volcano?" I smiled before pointing out the window to the ground. He looked and was stunned to see herds of animals moving towards the house with us. There were a few wolves who were keeping up with the plane, while some of the slower animals walked behind us as I flipped out the landing gear.
"Have to let the neighbors know I'm home. They get so worried sometimes, plus it lets Christopher know that I've got guests." I stated as we slowly approach the ground. A bump and a few squeals later, we landed and made our way out of the plane.
"Now, nothing should try to hurt you. This is only the small predator group that roams this island. If you need help with things, let them know. Stark helped me with a small project a while ago that allows animals to understand our words. No it doesn't allow them to talk back but they are more expressive since they understand our words more." I noticed Christopher walking up behind the guests.
"Christopher, if you scare these folks, they won't hesitate to turn you into a pelt. Everyone this is Christopher, he is an ocelot." They turned around to find Christopher behind them with his head down low. His tail swished in agitation as he slinked forwards towards me. I patted his head and started looking up to the sky.
"Lucy's not here yet?" Christopher shook his head and looked back in the direction we came from with only dark swirling clouds filling my vision.