NOTE*

I AM SOOOOO SORRY that this has taken me such a long time to update! I have had horrible writers block with this story and finally, today, I got a sudden inspiration. I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter and I promise, more will be on their way sometime soon!

Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Chapter Eighteen:

Extremis Pt. 5

Fury stormed down the hall towards the docking port where the Avengers had attached the jet they had stolen from Hydra. He had already been informed by Barton of the situation and to say he was not pleased was an understatement. His goddaughter had been injured and he was going to make sure those responsible had hell to pay. Since Modok was dead and Red Skull, more than likely dead as well, that only left him the Baron and Hammer to vent his rage on and he was not about to pass up the opportunity.

Just as Fury arrived at the docking port, the medics rushed by with Toni on a table, oxygen being pumped vigorously into her lungs. Behind the medics as they rushed down the hall was Bruce Banner and Steve Rogers. Not too far behind them were the rest of the Avengers team, followed by an unhappy Hammer and Baron who were held at gunpoint by Shield guards.

"Get them into an interrogation cell for now, I will deal with them late", Fury barked angrily.

"Yes sir!" the guards shouted as they pulled their prisoners after them.

"Sir", Natasha greeted when she saw Fury following behind them.

"Romanoff, I heard a bit about the situation, but give me the facts."

"Well sir, Toni has a broken arm, a couple broken ribs, and I'm afraid she has been injected with Extremis."

"Do we know what it is doing to her?"

"According to Steve, Bruce, and Clint; Extremis is protecting her body, healing it. Toni seems to think it accepted her somehow and won't hurt her, but you should have seen it sir… it wasn't Toni at the beginning. Also the stone inside her has de-aged her again. Bruce reported she is fifteen now physically."

"Alright, good work Romanoff. For now, let's go see what is happening with her, shall we?"

The two walked down the hall to where the other avengers sat around, outside the surgical bay.

"You think she will be okay?" Clint asked Steve.

"I don't know, but she is strong. She is ironman."

The team waited in the halls, wondering about the condition of their friend. Steve could still feel her in his arms, lifeless and so… small.

"You know", Clint stated, "If she comes out of this alright, things are going to be different."

"What do you mean?" Natasha asked, her hand comfortingly rubbing Clint's back, though if anyone had looked closely, they would have seen Bruce gripping her other hand to himself.

"Just this… Extremis is alive right? I mean we clearly saw it talking to us. Not to mention it slaughtered those Hydra guards. I know Toni and I know she wouldn't have done something like that, not by choice."

"So you think it could pose a danger?" Fury asked.

"I think it could", Clint agreed.

"Only if we let it", Bruce interrupted, his eyes serious as he listened to the conversation, "I saw the files on Extremis once before and I have to say, it's complicated, but not necessarily impossible."

"Go on", Fury encouraged.

"Justin Hammer is no friend of mine or Toni's, but he has worked with Extremis. I…I think I might know of a way to close the program without killing her."

"Program?" Steve whispered, confused.

"Yeah, Extremis may have seemed alive, but that was an AI that temporarily took over her consciousness."

At the team's blank looks, he explained.

"Let's put it this way… Jarvis, Toni's personal AI, is a living form because he can think and learn on his own. Jarvis can adapt and make his own decisions based on what he is both taught, programmed with, and what learns over time through the internet or through other sources of information; however, Jarvis is still a machine no matter what and can be shut down."

"So you're saying Extremis is a biological AI that is alive, yet not?" Clint asked.

"Exactly", agreed Bruce, his eyes lighting up, "If Toni was here, she could probably explain it better, but basically the AI is alive only through Toni and the program that had been built into the serum injected into Toni. If we shut down that program, it might allow Toni complete access to Extremis without having to worry about the AI trying to take over."

"So give her the abilities it presents without actually having the Extremis program itself?" Natasha clarified, her head nodding in agreement at the aspect.

"You think that will really work?" Fury asked.

"I think it would be worth a try", Bruce stated, determined, "but I won't lie to myself or you. The likelihood that this does not kill Toni is only fifty percent. Also…I can't do this alone. I will need help. Hammer's help."

Fury was silent for a moment, thinking over the benefits and the dangers that came with such an idea. Toni is his goddaughter and Fury would be lying if he said he didn't love her and would do nearly anything to help her, but there was also his job and position to take into account. Then again…

Sighing, Fury nodded.

"Alright, I will consider it and…"

"Excuse me" a voice interrupted.

The director and Avengers turned to see the chief surgeon standing there, his mask dangling in his hand.

"We just finished the surgery. We had to go in and repair some damage done to her lungs by the broken ribs, as well as set her broken arm. As for her mental capacity, charts show it's actually higher than normal, as though… as though she has another consciousness within her body."

"Alright doctor", Fury stated, not surprised by the information, "Is she awake?"

"Yes actually, which is surprising. With the anesthesia, I would have expected her to stay asleep for several more hours, however she woke up not long after we finished setting her up in the Avenger room Ms. Stark had built especially for her team.

"Alright, so can we see her?" Clint asked.

"For a short time, but she does still need her rest."

"Thank you doctor", Fury replied as he turned to the team, but mostly to Bruce Banner, "Let's see what Toni has to say and then I will make my decision."

AVNGRS

Toni blinked.

"Well of course I want you to try it", she said as though it were obvious, "I mean, come on, who doesn't want a biological AI out of their head?!"

She paused, looking thoughtful.

"Actually you know what, don't answer that. I am sure there are people who do."

"Toni", Fury stated, clearly annoyed, "focus please. The point is, do you think Hammer can be trusted to help?"

Toni stared at Fury and then glanced at the rest of her team, all watching her seriously.

"Can I talk to him first?"

This time, Fury was the one to blink in surprise.

"You wish to talk to him?"

Toni sighed and then responded as though she were talking to a child rather than her godfather and the director of Shield.

"Yes eyepatch, I…Antoinette Stark, wish to speak with Justin Hammer, the weirdo geek with blonde hair and glasses, before he cuts me open and tries to shut down an AI that might very possibly be the only thing keeping me alive. Get my drift?"

Fury glared at her, but Toni just glared right back.

"Alright", Fury stated, surrendering, "You can speak to him."

"Good, now…what about the jewel in my chest, any ideas?"

"The AI hasn't seemed to affect it?" Bruce asked.

"Not really. I mean, when I was injected it seemed to make me de-age again, but other than that it hasn't done anything. Still, I wish it would have fixed it. I like being youthful, but this is a little ridiculous."

"We could make another grab for it I guess", Bruce offered, "Maybe having Extremis actually fully in you might stop it from reacting?"

"Maybe", Toni stated with doubt, "If I turn even younger than fifteen, I will not be happy."

The avengers chuckled.

"I was serious", she pouted, but then smirked, "Then again, just think about all the extra years I would have to do things and with my genius that this world can't do without, surely…"

"Alright Toni, I think that's enough excitement for today", the doctor stated with a sigh, stepping into the room just as the others began to look unamused, "Ms. Stark needs her rest."

"Wait…can I speak to Steve and Bruce for a moment?" Toni requested.

The doctor frowned but looked to the director who nodded.

"Alright, but only for a moment. The rest of you, scram."

As the others waded out, hollering their goodbyes and best wishes, Toni turned to her team leader and brother.

"Bruce, I just wanted you to know…" she stopped, making sure he was listening as she searched his eyes, "I want you to know how much I trust you. If something does go wrong and you know as well as I that it could, I don't blame you. I wouldn't ever blame you."

Bruce couldn't help the breath of relief that he let out upon hearing her words. He was scared, scared that he would cost his best friend, his sister, her life and the thought that she wouldn't blame him, that she didn't hate him and that she trusted him completely, made him very happy and very reassured.

"I promise Toni…I will do all I can to save you. Believe in me."

"I do and I always have", she stated with a gentle, serene smile.

Bruce smiled back before glancing at Steve who stood there, feeling a bit like a third wheel.

"I will leave you two alone", he stated and walked out.

Steve searched the floor as though it held the key to the universe as Toni looked him up and down, not liking what she saw.

"I don't hate you, you know", she said firmly, "I don't hate you for what you said that day, nor do I hate you for not being able to protect me."

"I should have never…I shouldn't have done what I did. I hurt you Toni, purposely."

"Because you were confused and you were scared. I don't agree with what Clint did, pressing us together, but I had hoped you would have trusted me enough to explain your emotions. Instead you pushed me away forcefully and while it did hurt, that does not mean I hate you. Extremely frustrated with you, yes, hate you? No."

Steve smiled, but he still didn't meet her eyes. Toni stared at him, before deciding.

"You saw her right? Peggy?"

Steve snapped his head up, searching her face for a sign of betrayal, but all he saw was curiosity.

"Yes", he admitted.

"Was she well? I have not spoken to her for some time. I should go visit her again."

Steve was silent for a moment before nodding.

"Yeah she was…she was real good. I…I didn't know she was still alive until Clint told me that day. I also didn't know she had been married and had three kids."

"And a few grandkids", Toni smiled, "Her husband was real nice. You would have liked him."

"You knew him?" Steve asked, curious.

"John? Oh yeah, the guy was like an uncle to me as a teenager. He was a great doctor and he loved Peggy very much. When Peggy wanted to name their first child after you, he had no problem with it, even going so far as to say he would be honored that their son be named after the great American hero."

Steve smiled.

"Steven Jay Walton married Marina, his lovely German wife and they had three children: Mary, Franz, and Luis."

"German wife", Steve whispered, amazed.

"Yeah, they met in college."

"What about…didn't Peggy have two more kids?"

"Yeah, she had a daughter named Abigail who married David Wash, a fireman. They have four children I believe. I haven't talked to them in a while though. Then there was Daniel who moved to Texas with his wife Amelia. I believe last I heard, they have two kids now: James and Erica."

Steve shook his head, amazed. Toni noticed the somewhat saddened look in his eyes and while she felt a bit jealous that he still seemed to have feelings for Peggy, she couldn't blame him.

"You know…I bet someday, we could visit Steven and his wife? I doubt they would mind having us over. Steven was always like a cousin to me and…somewhat of a little brother as well when we were children."

"I…I would like that" Steve answered, nodding as his throat filled with emotion.

Toni smiled.

'I bet he feels like Steven is the son he never had' Toni thought to herself, but found it somewhat endearing in a way.

"Look Steve, I…"

"Captain Rogers", the doctor stated from the door, "Ms. Stark needs her rest."

Steve nodded before turning back to Toni who had paused to glare at the doctor who quickly retreated at her look. Smiling at the attitude, Steve bent down and gently kissed the top of her head.

"We will talk later, after Extremis has been dealt with."

Toni was silent as Steve walked to the door.

"Steve…do you really think it will all work out?"

Steve stopped and looked back at the new love of his life.

"Yeah, I really do."

Toni smiled.

"Then I do too", she stated and closed her eyes, snuggling down under the covers to sleep.

Steve smiled at the sight before quickly leaving the room, but as he walked down the long, abandoned hall of the ship, he couldn't help but wonder if what he said had been true, because honestly he was scared and with fear came a deep seeded doubt that he struggled to ignore.

"Everything will be fine," he whispered to himself, "Toni will be fine."

But the doubt remained.

AVNGRS

Bruce felt nervous as he waited outside the hall for Toni and Hammer to get done speaking. He had confronted Hammer with Fury about saving Toni and the man had agreed, somewhat smugly in Bruce's opinion. Still, he wondered why the man seemed nervous when they told him Toni wanted a word alone with him.

"It's merely a talk Bruce", Toni had answered when he asked, "We will be fine."

He had to wonder now if that was true. He didn't hear anything going on in the hospital room, but he had to serious consider that Extremis might have been the one he spoke to, rather than Toni. What if Extremis didn't want to be removed and was playing them?

The sudden idea struck him as he raced to the door, past the startled Fury and swung the door open. He was shocked to say the least, when he noted Hammer sitting on the edge of the bed, his face nearly white as he turned to the door with an obvious and desperate, 'help me' expression.

"Worried about something Brucie?" Toni asked smugly, obviously having come to the conclusion that Bruce had entered in concern for Hammer's safety.

"Err… no", he answered, "Has Hammer decided?"

"Yes actually, he is more than happy to help us, aren't you Justin?"

Justin nodded emphatically with a gulp.

"Of course," he answered, his voice cracking slightly as he cleared it, "It would be my pleasure to help a lady such as yourself, Antoinette Stark."

"Such a showman", she stated with a smirk before she turned to Bruce, "Shall we begin?"

Bruce didn't know what Toni said to the man, but Hammer didn't act cocky at all once the surgery started and Toni, on her part, didn't look even a tiny bit nervous being under the knife of her enemy and rival.

"If we are to do this doctor, we will need to hurry", Hammer stated, "Extremis does have a defense mechanism and once it figures out what we are doing, it will try to stop us."

"Do you know how?"

"Yes, it will do much like what it did at the base. So more than likely, it will try to kill us."

"I already have guards posted outside the door. Should something happy, just call for them", Fury stated as he himself headed for the door, "And Doctor Banner."

Bruce turned to him.

"Good luck."

"Thanks", he stated, "We will need it."

The surgery was not an easy one. Just as Hammer had stated, Toni woke during the middle of the surgery, fighting and clawing at them like a mad woman. It was only thanks to the guards and Steve and Thor who were later called in, that they were able to restrain her enough to shut the program down. With the program closed, Toni ended her frantic struggles and then came the second part of the surgery, the de-aging jewel.

"Be prepared, I don't know how her body will react now that she has both Extremis in her and this jewel within her as well."

"We can only try", Hammer stated as he concentrated beside the good doctor, working slow and precise, "Here we go…I got it. On one…two…three…"

Hammer went to raise the jewel from her chest when a bright light began shining.

"It's activating!" Bruce shouted, but it was already too late to stop as the light blinded the two for a few moments before an emphatic beep on the monitor caught their attention.

"She's coding!" Bruce yelled as he ran to grab the defibrillator that could restart her heart.

"Wait!" Hammer shouted, "She's out of it."

The two stared at the screen before a small groan sounded from the bed. Bruce blinked when he saw her, entranced by the beautiful little girl lying asleep on the gurney.

"Toni?" he whispered stepping towards her.

The girl blinked, but fell unconscious once more. Sighing, Bruce turned towards Hammer.

"We should…"

A hard hit across the face from a metal fire hydrant had the doctor falling unconscious to the ground as Hammer smirked, throwing it to the floor.

"Don't trust a criminal Doc", he stated, stepping over the man as he started towards Toni, searching her gentle, young face, "And you sweetheart, are foolish to have tried to threaten me."

Grabbing the spare blanket off to the side, he wrapped it around the girl, not even bothering to close up her chest as he picked her up.

"You will be dead soon and I… I will take Extremis and the jewel inside of you, by force."

Grabbing the fire extinguisher, Hammer went to the door.

"I need help in here!" he yelled.

The door opened and two men stepped inside. Hammer didn't hesitate as he hit the first over the head. The second reacted, trying to pull a gun.

"Whoa there", Hammer replied smirking, "See this girl? I will kill her if you shoot."

The guard stared at the young girl and knew he couldn't risk her life, but that didn't mean he wouldn't follow the man with his gun. Hammer noticed the guard wouldn't stay back for long and he knew he also wouldn't have long before the Avengers arrived. Backing up, his back theoretically against the wall, he began to sweat, realizing this may not have been such a good idea after all.

"Hammer!" a voice shouted.

He turned and paled when he saw Captain America with the rest of the avengers standing there with Fury.

"Don't come near me or Stark will die!" he shouted, holding the comatose girl closer to his chest, "Don't tempt me!"

The avengers nor Fury moved, but the director wasn't going to stay silent.

"What do you want Hammer?" he asked.

Hammer smirked.

"Now you're ready to deal huh?" he asked with a laugh, "Only because I am threatening your dear daughter."

Fury frowned, his eyes turning deadly. Nobody threatened his family and got away with it.

"Oh you thought nobody would realize that Toni stark is your goddaughter? What a laugh! I am a genius and I know everything. Nothing escapes my attention."

"Hey Genius", Steve called out, rage burning within him, "look behind you."

Hammer thought Steve was trying to trick him until his back hit something firm. Staring at the group in front of him, he realized a second too late that one of the Avengers was missing. The biggest one of all aside from the Hulk.

"Thor…" he whispered and turned, only to be slammed into the floor as Toni was grabbed quickly out of his arms by the angered demigod.

"Inhuman filth", the god spat as he turned to his friends, his eyes concerned and almost teary, "She breathes not."

"Toni!" they yelled rushing to her as they got over the shock of seeing Hammer go down with one hit.

"Is she okay?" a voice called from the door.

The others turned to see Bruce standing there, his eyes clenched closed as a green ripple ran over his skin.

Blood ran down the good doctor's neck, but he paid it no mind as he struggled to keep himself calm.

"She is alive, but not breathing", Natasha stated, checking over the little girl, "we need to hurry."

The avengers made room for a hospital team as they rushed into the hall, scooping the bleeding, unbreathing girl onto a new gurney and rushing her into surgery again, followed closely by a simmering Bruce Banner. The rest of the Avengers stayed outside, waiting for word. Just how many times were they going to almost lose Toni?

Standing around waiting became something closer to camping out in the hallway as hours passed. Finally, nearly three hours after they had rushed Toni into surgery for the third time in the past two days, not counting what Modok had done to her, Bruce emerged. The doctor looked much less green and more towards a near white.

"She is in a coma", he stated simply as he flopped down into the nearest seat, "she lost a lot of blood and suffered some severe trauma from being moved during surgery. Extremis is attempting to heal her and we have her on oxygen and pain meds, but… I honestly don't know if she will wake up."

"You mean…she could really die?" Clint whispered, his eyes cold as he stared at the floor.

"Yeah… she could die."

"I'm going to kill Hammer", Clint seethed, jumping from his seat only to be stopped by Steve.

"Easy Clint", he stated, his own tone like ice, "we will deal with Hammer, but after Toni wakes up."

"Did you not hear Bruce?! She won't wake up!"

Steve couldn't hold it in, he punched Clint straight in the face. The assassin stumbled back in shock, holding his cheek as the others stared in shock at their leader.

"SHE ISN'T DEAD!" he shouted.

Everyone was silent as Steve took a deep breath, getting his own feelings under control. He hadn't mean to lash out like that, but he couldn't stand hearing someone from his own team saying things like Toni wouldn't ever wake up. She just… she has to.

"She isn't dead", he stated again in a quieter tone.

"No", Natasha said, standing up, "She isn't, but we shouldn't kid ourselves either Steve. There is a possibility she won't wake up, but…" she turned to Clint and gently rubbed his arm, "she still could."

"She will", Steve repeated and knew he was trying to convince himself just as much as he was the team, "She has to."

"That she does", Thor stated with a nod.

"Yeah", Bruce agreed.

The Avengers were silent, staring at the door of their teammate's hospital room, believing, that all would be well.