*** I do not own any of the Marvel characters in this story, yaddayaddayadda. Please don't sue me ***
*Little bit of language in this chapter and violence
Well, the previous chapter certainly spiced things up a bit, yes? It was about time…(: Now for the next chapter, which will be focusing more on the "why" of what happened to Spira; be prepared for a lot of dialogue. Oh, and just to clear things up, this particular S.H.I.E.L.D HQ is in NY (The one from the movie) though I picture it more on the outskirts of the city…Uhm, it's about 5 in the morning, and I have yet to go to bed, so forgive me if this chapter takes some unexpected turns…Anyways, feel free to review/critique/comment, I love the inspiration!
Chapter 5
"We have to leave this fast food establishment as soon as possible," Loki said, looking up at Spira who was picking at the scratches on her arms, "And stop fussing with your injuries, you will make them worse."
"I know," Spira replied, rolling her eyes, "Where are we gunna go? The head quarter's agents are most likely on their way now, if they haven't found us already. And we caused a huge scene here, so it's guaranteed that if we stick around anywhere near this place we're dead."
The Asgardian put a hand to his lips in contemplation, trying to think of a safe haven within Midgard. Obviously, he wasn't very familiar with really any area of Midgard except parts of New York City.
Loki knew that once the head quarters searched the bustling metropolis, Fury would have every single S.H.I.E.L.D fallout centers around the world searching for the two fugitives. God even knows where they are located; there could be hundreds of fallouts within Midgard.
"Maybe we should just drive until we feel like we're not going to be discovered. The car surely has one of those emergency packs in it, with credit cards, clothes, stuff like that. We could try to take out as much money on those things as possible, take the car, and drive somewhere up to Canada," Spira was spilling out a random plan as the details appeared in her head, "But maybe the car has a tracker on it, which would be a problem. Or-or maybe we could just steal a car, but that would just add to our record. Okay, maybe-"
"Spira," Loki interrupted, "Don't worry, we'll find a way out of this. I think I know someone who can offer us assistance. We're going to have to locate an appropriate lodging facility that will grant us cover for the night."
The young girl continued to think of a plan, when one finally popped into her head. She already knew Loki would object.
"Well, we could always go to Stark's place." Spira said, preparing for Loki's obnoxious protests to her plan.
"Are you mad?" Loki started, "That would be the first place Fury would check for us. Stark would probably assist that bloody director in their hunt for us! Not to mention the grudge the conceited bastard has towards me for demolishing his tower. No, absolutely not." The Asgardians eyes were wide with rage as he started to pace the floor around the diner's bar.
Spira studied him for a few minutes, watching his rage die down to a more reasonable level. Finally, when she knew he was in negotiable standards, Spira began using her advanced persuasion skills.
"Loki," she began, taking on a rational and firm tone, "Stark is not going to rat me out, therefore he won't rat you out. And even if Fury decides to show up at his doorstep with S.H.I.E.L.D Agents, most of them are on my side anyways; they are nothing we can't handle. Plus, Stark has the ability to contact your brother easily, since that's who you're getting your assistance from." Spira finished with a smug smile, happy with her subtle attempt at persuading the mischievous God.
Loki narrowed his eyes as he had a silent conversation with Spira, making his distaste for her plan apparent. No matter how hard he tried to argue and object to the girl sitting in front him, he was overruled, once again.
"Ugh, fine!" He said, throwing his hands up and getting out of his chair, "Hurry along then, before any agents arrive."
Spira smiled as she slowly eased out of her chair, wincing at the various sharp pains that shot through her body. She realized that they would have to find help quick, for she was in no condition to put up a fight, and facing a hoard of agents alongside Nick Fury would definitely pose a threat to the two escapees. If it came down to that, Loki would most likely be on his own. She would have to give herself up so she wouldn't slow the Asgardian down, she couldn't let him sacrifice his freedom for her protection.
The mind reader and the mischievous God slipped through the city under the black cover of night like two shadows, avoiding the many spot lights of the street lamps and blinking signs. The ex-prince was an expert at hiding amongst the shadows, almost taking on the transparent form of the curious silhouettes. Spira followed Loki's lead, stumbling along quite noisily and holding her side that still ached. She had been going without pain killers since she left the head quarters. Each little cut and bruise on her body screamed with every movement she made; even breathing pained the young girl. Loki had offered to carry her but she refused, explaining that she would just slow them down; truthfully, she was too proud to allow someone to help her, she could walk, and that was enough for her.
Finally, they arrived at Stark tower after a grueling two hours of walking and stopping to let Spira rest. It was a painfully slow trek to the infamous building, but Spira knew it would be worth it.
"How are we to gain entrance?" Loki inquired, analyzing the glass door in front of him.
"Like this," Spira walked up to the door and placed her hand on the glass. A grid-like pattern appeared on the door in a faint green light, and scanned over Spira's small hand, "Cool right? Stark installed full-length scanners on all the main doors for easier and quicker access."
Loki made an unimpressed humph as the automated voice came on the speaker above the door, "ACCESS GRANTED. SUBJECT CONTAMINED. IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED."
"Ugh great, Jarvis is probably already waking Stark. He's going to kill me for disturbing his beauty sleep." Spira said, rolling her eyes. She looked at Loki and immediately read the tension splayed across his face. He even seemed a bit paler than normal, which concerned the young girl.
"Don't worry, Stark won't bite too hard," Spira joked, hoping to ease Loki's unusual tension, "Just keep your usual arrogant and aristocratic demeanor and you'll be fine."
The God of Mischief rolled his eyes at her and relaxed a bit, his eyes narrowing at her playful insult.
"That's better." She smiled.
The grid on the door disappeared, leaving just the empty glass which now slid open for the two fugitives.
The main hall of the tower was quite intimidating with its high ceiling and marble floors. A huge reception desk sat at the far back wall, papers scattered across the top of it. An elevator was situated on each side of the reception desk, along with several keypads and hand-scanners.
The set of spiral stairs to the left of the room was echoing with someone's heavy footsteps padding down the steps. Spira groaned, knowing exactly who was so joyfully climbing down the stairs.
"Hey Mindfreak," Stark's voice boomed over the railing, "Oh, and you brought target practice!"
"I told you to lay off the names, Stark, and Loki's not here to help you improve your aim- at least not today." Spira went over to the bed-headed narcissist and crossed her arms, "We need a place to stay for the night."
"And you need a hospital," Stark replied, walking around her and poking at the wound in her side.
"That's still tender!" Spira hissed, slapping his arm away.
"Really? I couldn't tell by the dried blood surrounding it." The hero replied sarcastically, "What happened, you're in pretty bad shape, partner."
Spira went silent for a second, her eyes cast downward. She sucked in a breath and held at her arm, revealing the numerous needle marks dotting her limb, "Look familiar?"
Stark's eyes went wide as he grabbed her arm and turned it over, examining it at a closer angle. The needle marks were turning a dark purple, and some of them were still excreting a small amount of blood.
"How could Fury let them do this?" Stark said, halfway to himself.
"Fury didn't know." The young girl whispered, her voice breaking slightly, "I haven't explained it all to Loki yet; get Pepper and I'll explain it to all of you while she cleans me up."
"Jarvis-"
"Already taken care of sir," the A.I system replied quickly, "Pepper is waiting in the Infirmary; I'll inform her of the identity of our guests."
"Come on." Stark said to the escaped duo, motioning towards the elevator, "And keep your scepter to yourself, target practice."
The two humans and Asgardian made their way to the elevator, Stark rambling on about his new improvements to the tower since it was partially destroyed. He blatantly pointed out how the top floors were especially hard to reconstruct since a certain Asgardian wrecked the area. Loki shot the hero a sharp look as the elevator ascended the tower, growing irritated at Stark's snide remarks. Spira was quite aware of the tension in the small room, and finally got Stark to shut up for the rest of the ride up.
Once the three of them arrived at the Infirmary, Stark immediately started throwing questions at Spira.
"Dude, chill with the questions," Spira set, wincing at Pepper who was dabbing a cotton ball over her stitches, "Sit down and I'll explain."
"I just don't get why the W.S.C would do this, she's still just a child." Pepper said, shaking her head, "And since when did they start up testing again?"
"Since they wanted a new biological weapon." Spira said, spitting her words out with hate.
"Since Stark refused to grant them use and research of his new line of weaponry, they decided to take matters into their own hands," Spira began, "They wanted another Hulk, but more on the psychological end of the scale. They figured that since Loki got pretty far with controlling minds, maybe they would use the same strategy. They knew Agent Romanoff had recommended me for Prisoner Interrogation, so they thought I had potential. I told them that my mind-reading was just a talent, but they were desperate for another weapon."
Spira swallowed a bit, and paused, trying to gather her thoughts.
"You're going to need some real stitches," Pepper said, taking advantage of Spira's pause.
"Do whatever you need to." Spira smiled, assuring Pepper it was alright by lifting up her arm and allowing Pepper to take a closer look.
Loki and Stark sat quietly, waiting for Spira to continue her explanation, "They had their new 'security' guards drag me down to the lab, where they strapped me down and performed god knows how many tests. First they started with a bunch of questions, trying to see if my skills were really just a talent. They tore my brain apart with those questions."
"Miss Spira," A stocky doctor began, "Have you ever heard voices in your head?"
"No."
"Have you ever heard someone else's thoughts?"
"No. I visually picture them, somehow."
"How long have you had this condition?"
"It's not a condition" Spira snapped, "And my whole life."
The questions continued on for about an hour before a voice sounded over the speaker on the ceiling, "That's enough, doctor. We want an immediate administration of physical tests on the subject. Hook her up."
"What?" Spira yelled, her eyes growing wide.
"Nurses, get in room 2, we're preparing for testing." The doctor said into an intercom.
"Oh hell no, I am not going to be some lab rat. You can kiss my ass you dirt bag!" Spira clenched her wrists and grunted as she broke the straps holding her down. Thankfully, they were only used for low-threat prisoners, so the restraints were easy to break through.
"We need security in here, now." The doctor said into the intercom in a mumbled voice, "Test subject is demonstrating violent behavior. Wheel in a maximum threat cot with straps. Now!"
Before Spira could make it halfway across the room, a bulky a menacing security guard slammed the door open, grinning at Spira. Three more followed in, blocking the only exit.
"Shit." She thought, backing up and scanning the room for possible weapons.
"Hold her down. Do whatever you have to do until the nurses arrive." The doctor walked around the edge of the room, allowing the security guards more room.
Spira's eyes went wide as her adrenaline kicked in, knowing that she couldn't fly away from the situation, she had to fight. Time slowed as she quickly decided how to go about this; she was clearly outnumbered, but she was small and could possibly use that to her advantage. Darting around the room until the exit was unblocked was a possibility, but the chances of that were slim. She had trained for this situation once she was admitted into the S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters staff, but usually with some sort of weapon.
As her eyes darted back and forth between the four security staff, a light bulb flashed in her mind. Spira sprinted around to the side of the cot, turned it around, and launched the gurney at the bulky security guard that was in front of her. It hit the meat-headed staff member in the stomach, sending him stumbling backwards a few feet. He grinned, like he had been waiting for Spira took make a move.
As Spira watched his facial expression change, she nearly collapsed with fear. Inside his mind, she saw what he was planning on doing with her. She knew that she needed to get out.
The front security member was advancing on a scrambling Spira, his followers tagging along. After sizing her options, Spira realized she would have to take a shot in the dark while making her escape.
In a moment of desperation, she threw herself at the security guard who stood the closest to her, charging at full speed. The little girl hopped on his back and latched on to his neck, her fingers crushing his windpipe.
One of the other security guards grabbed her by her dark auburn hair and yanked her off the now choking staff member she had just attacked. Spira fell to the ground, the back of her head colliding with the hard tile floor. Her vision went blurry for a second, but she rolled out of the way as she saw a vague dark figure flying towards her with its arm raised.
Once her vision returned, she found herself lying sideways beside the cot that was now turned over. One of the broken straps caught Spira's eyes, and she grabbed it before jumping up and out of the way of another oncoming security guard.
She drop kicked the security guard that had just lunged at her and pinned him to the floor, wrapping the strap around his neck. She put the loose end through the buckle and pulled as tight as she could, hoping to knock out at least one of them. The blue-faced guard clenched at his neck while she tightened it even more, her eyes narrowing as he gasped for air.
Her small victory was short lived as she felt a stabbing pain in her upper arm, followed by abrupt darkness.
For at least an hour, she slipped in and out of consciousness, fighting the Haldol that was coursing through her veins. She caught a few words like, "Impressive brain activity…genetically carried…not just talent…promising biological weapon…similar to Loki of Asgard's method…further testing…"
After the Haldol began to wear off, Spira's eyes shot open and darted about the room. She hardly had any idea where she was or what she was doing strapped to a cot with leads stuck all over her and three I.V's in her arm. She had an oxygen mask fastened around her mouth, and a million little beeps echoed around the room. As she slowly fell back down to reality, she remembered the fight and being injected with some sort of drug that swallowed her in darkness.
For the first time in a very, very long time, Spira was angry. She clenched her wrists and grit her teeth, grinding her molars back and forth, trying to keep herself from screaming in a wild rage.
Her eyes scanned the room, shadows dancing behind them. She stopped at nurse with her back turned on Scarlett, copying something on a clipboard.
"Probably prepping for more tests." Spira thought, gritting her teeth again. Spira's anger rose as she watched the nurse scribble down information and flip the page up and back down. The mind-reader narrowed her eyes at the back of the nurse's head, hating the medical staff member for participating in the cruel testing of a seventeen year old. She probably gets paid a healthy salary for her cruel occupation. Those stupid council members-how dare they treat Spira like this! How dare they test her and poke her like a pin cushion, she had done nothing wrong! She should rip their throats out and make them endure what she had been through, they should be-
A scream emitted from the nurse who was now crumbled into a ball on the ground, holding her head in her hands.
Spira's anger was rising at the screams, until she knew what was going on. The nurse's screams were Spira's doing; she was making the nurse cry out in agony.
"Finally," Spira thought, "A weapon."
"Let me go and I'll stop." Spira said calmly, her voice taking on a dark tone.
The nurse was still screaming, but turned her head to look at Spira with a desperate look in her eye. She was sobbing, but bit her lip and nodded, agreeing compliantly. The nurse crawled over on her knees to the mind-reader, whose irises were completely black, almost like her pupil swallowed all the color in her hazel-brown eyes.
Spira could feel amount of strength she was using to do whatever she was doing to the nurse, and she slackened her hold a bit, trying to coax the nurse into letting her go.
The nurse felt the pain ease a small bit, and took the opportunity to get up and quickly scurry over to Spira and unlatch the high-threat straps that were holding her down.
"Thank you." Spira said sarcastically, shadows still dripping through her voice.
As she made her way to the door, her hope immediately diminished down to a speck as the four security guards barreled through the door. This time, however, they did not stand and grin like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey, the honestly had evil written all over them. The leader of the troop kept on charging towards Spira, his arm colliding with her chest, creating a sickening crack that echoed through the room. The young girl fell to the ground, coughing up blood and gasping for air.
Before she had a chance to try using her new weapon, the guard that had just tackled her punched her in the head, leaving a throbbing pain where his fist had been. The nurse that unstrapped her rushed over with another needle and stabbed it into Spira's neck with a quick jab.
"Oh hell no." Spira said, gritting her teeth. The young girl ripped out the needle from her neck and stabbed the security guard who was on top of her with it.
Then, the darkness in the young girl's eyes returned, and everyone else in the room fell to the ground, holding their head. She kicked the security guard off her and swiftly made her way out of the room.
That was when the weight of the past three hours hit her, and the sobbing began.