CHAPTER 2: A condition
Raven woke up hours later. Surprisingly, she felt much better than before, probably because she was too hungry to care. She tried to remember when was the last time she ate anything. She could always call for Wanda. Despite the aversion she shared for her, Raven felt like for now, she is the only one that she can trust. Wanda made a good point: they were the same. She felt a bond with her and if Raven was to talk to anyone at all, it would be her. She tried to sort it out in her mind but hunger was terrible. At the moment that Raven rose from the bed to reach the red button the doors opened. "No, no, no. Not again!" Raven was about to scream but than she smelled it. Scrambled eggs with bacon, fresh bread with butter and a cup of hot tea.
-Oh, you're awake... This is your breakfast, try not to eat to fast, ok? - said the guard, who brought her food, and put a tray on the table. As soon as he put it he left the room quickly.
Am I really that terrifying?
But then she remembered her reflection in the mirror and was no longer surprised by the guards behavior.
After eating all the food on the tray in less than a minute Raven felt like she was in haven. She didn't remember eating anything as nearly good as that. Suddenly she forgot about all her fears and doubts. Now was a good time to make a decision. Well, what did she have to loose beside her life? In the worst case, S.H.I.E.L.D. would use her as a weapon of mass-destruction and destroy the world. Raven laughed softly to herself.
Half an hour has passed and she was pretty sure that the decision she made was the best option. She stood up and slowly pushed the red button.
-Is there anything you need? - a voice from the microphone spoke, spooking her a little.
-Yes. C-Can I speak with director Fury? - she asked faintly.
-Sure. He waited for you to ask.
Raven stepped back and sit on the chair. For the first time, she remembered, she was really nervous.
-Morning. Feeling better today? - Fury surprised her, she didn't expect him to come that quickly - It's rumored that you wanted to see me.
-Generally I don't believe in rumors but this time it's true.
-Good. So... have you made up your mind?
-Actually I did. But at first I'd like to apologize for yesterday. I was really not in the mood and I am sorry for how I reacted.
-Well, that's a good start - Fury grinned - apology accepted.
-Wait, what start?
-You call for me and you are being nice and polite. It's not hard to guess what is your decision.
-That's all? I say I'm sorry and you just accept me in?
-We are at war and we need the strongest people we can get. With your powers and temper, S.H.I.E.L.D. can achieve a lot. We don't fully trust you yet, we need to check some things and than we begin your training. We have some free rooms, you will get one and you'll begin your training session as soon as possible. We need you in the field. Do you agree for this?
-I do - this words were really hard to say - but before I have a request.
-Is it more like whim, or a thing that you can't live without?
-More like a condition.
-What's that than? - Fury sighted with resignation.
-My memories are blocked and I can not unlock them on my own. But I believe Wanda can. And I want her to try.
-She mentioned this. Also the fact that this could kill you.
-As I said, a condition.
-Why is that so important to you? - Nick didn't seem convinced.
-How can I fight for what I consider as 'good' if I don't even know who am I?
-Get Wanda here - Fury said to his ear-piece. - I don't know if this is a good idea. I understand your point but we can't afford to loose you. - before he finished talking, Wanda joined them in the room.
-How do you guys get here so fast? - Raven asked with frustration.
-Pietro gave me a lift - Wanda smiled, she sensed Raven's good humor - So I assume you are one of us now, right? Only some paperwork and... - she turned her face to Nick and read his mind to catch up with their conversation.
-Oh... - she sighted and her smile left her mouth and face turned really serious - I... I'm not sure, if...
-But I am, ok? I am and if you want me in your team you will do this, because in other case I will go crazy. Do you know how is feels not to know your real name?! - Raven burst with exasperation.
-Wanda, do it. - Nick commanded her. He knew this is the only way, also he understood Raven and felt pity of her.
-Fine, but not here. I need to know where is the border line and if I'm not killing her. Also I need a quick access to a respirator and maybe some morphine, it can be painful. It's more complicated than it seems. - when Wanda finished Fury called for some agents that waited outside.
-Agent Grimes, agent Munn, get her to the hospital wing. Get dr Calleman and tell him to do what Wanda says. - Nick ordered before leaving the room.
-Fine, let us go than, miss. - said Grimes and showed her out.
Agents lead her out to the small hall, with many doors. After a short walk they reached the large corridor with massive, metal walls and a high ceeling. Raven was happier than ever to be able to get out of the white room. Her current surrounding wasn't how she imagined it to be, but it was still a nice change. After a five minute walk and taking a lift they approached the hospital wing. She spotted a silver-haired guy talking to one of the doctors. He saw them, excused his interlocutor and run towards them.
God, I'll never get used to his speed - Raven still couldn't believe how fast he was.
-Oh, hi. I didn't expect to meet you here. Raven, that's Pietro, my brother. - Wanda introduced him without grater enthusiasm.
-What is she doing here? What's wrong? - he asked his sister, like the other girl wasn't even around.
Hi, nice to meet you...
Raven hated being ignored. Somehow she could feel some kind of aversion that Pietro shared for her.
It is going to be a tough one.
-Don't even ask... - Wanda said with a tired voice just before she left them to instruct the doctors what to do. Pietro looked at Raven with expression that she couldn't read.
-Hello..? - despite the awkward atmosphere Raven tried at least to be polite.
-What is my sister up to? - Pietro was definitely not in the mood.
-To cut a long story short, she'll try to bring my memories back. - girl sighted with resignation.
-Wait, what? But she said... Ok, never mind. - he left as quickly as he appeared and joined his sister.
Raven watched the Twins closely as they started an argument.
How it that possible that he hates me so much?
They didn't even talk before, so how could he share such dislike to her? Maybe he was jealous of her or something.
Ok, stop it, if he dislikes you, it is only his loss. Or luck...
One of the doctors touched her back and pulled her out of reverie. Raven was led her to a bed and told to lay down. She did as she was was said.
-Are you sure about that? - Pietro asked quietly his sister while watching the doctors plug Raven to various medical equipment.
-No, but I know I need to try. Try to put yourself in her stead. I will stop when the danger will be to great. - Wanda calmed her brother and approached Raven - Ready?
-As always. - Raven smiled and closed her eyes.
She felt a twinge in her head. The more time passed, the more it hurt but was bearable. So it begins.
At first she could hear a slight hum in her ears. It wasn't that bad as she thought. The pain was gradually increasing, it was getting nasty. Smile left her face and was replaced by grimace of pain. Than there was this noisy shriek. It felt like someone was trying to blow her brain from the inside. She tried to scream... but she couldn't. Her chest was so heavy that she had a feeling that it's going to collapse and crush all her entrails. She opened her eyes but she couldn't see anything. No sound, no vision, only great pain and her own, internal screams.
Pietro watched Raven's body shake and tremble. He had no idea what he felt. Pity? Sorrow? Fear? He had a strong urge to stop all this. Was it possible that since the first time he looked at her he started to care for her so much?
I don't even know this girl...
Suddenly a terrible scream escaped Raven's mouth.
-Wanda, stop it, you're killing her! - Pietro no longer could control his emotions. Wanda listened to her brother and started to let go, but Raven felt it.
-No! - Raven managed to scream out with a voice filled with pain. She couldn't let them stop, not yet. She was so close to remembering. All of a sudden, something started to break inside her head. Once the wall collapsed it was over. She was floating in the darkness. Feeling lost she managed to remain conscious but it lasted eternity.
I can't be dead. No, they wouldn't let me... - she repeated this trying to really believe it.
But the longer she was in the void, the less hope she had to see the light ever again. Raven, trying not to loose herself in this emptiness, strained her mind to find out if Wanda succeeded. She searched the deepest crannies of her mind looking for some images from her past. At first there was nothing, but she didn't give up. Than, in the void, she could hear voice she remembered, but she didn't know who it belonged to. She was just about to follow the voice when she felt someone touching her shoulder and heard a woman calling her.
-Raven, I know you can hear me, you must hear me!- it was Wanda, nearly crying - Wake up, please!
It was odd.
What was Wanda doing here? - she wandered, but then Raven realized that she was no longer in the darkness. As darkness began to give way to the light, she realized that she came back and again was in the S.H.I.L.D. facility, lying on a hospital bed. As her eyesight begun to return, the first thing she saw, was the Twins and a doctor leaning on her. Wanda was close to a hysteria, all cranky and frightened. Pietro was calmer, but she could see fear in his bright, blue eyes.
-Oh, thanks God, you're alive, I'm so sory, Raven...
-Kat. - she interrupted quickly, emotionless.
-What did you say? - after a long silence Pietro managed to ask.
-I'm Katelin Ravenwood.
Ok, guys, I obviously won't be able to post every day, but I have about 20 chapters planned (fluff is coming, don't worry!) so stay tunned!
