A/N: Sorry for not posting the past few days. I feel terrible leaving all of you hanging! Here is the next chapter! Please enjoy! Thanks to everyone for reviewing, following and adding this to their favorites! I love you all! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers, just October, Tanner and the plot.

~L~

The cool night wind whipped through October's hair. The sand wormed its way between her toes as she sat in the sand. October's knees were pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped around them while she rested her chin on her knees. She looked out into the ocean, the moon and stars reflecting off the surface. The gentle sound of the tide hitting the sand was calming and let October's mind drift. She pulled the cardigan tighter around her body as the incident two days ago replayed. October shook her head to rid herself of the memory.

October lifted her head from her knees and glanced behind her when she heard the shuffling of feet. Steve took a seat on the sand beside October, his posture perfect compared to the hunched form of October.

"I was expecting you to be in the attic not out here."

"Meh Tony found my secret hiding space so I had to get original. Besides it's nice out here at night." She said looking at the water. Steve followed her gaze and stared out into the water with her.

"Don't you find it a bit strange that we haven't seen your father?" Steve asked after a few minutes of silence. October turned her head slightly and smiled.

"Trying to make small talk Steven?" she teased. Steve gave a small smile and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "In answer to your question, yes, I find that strange. He usually likes to make himself known."

"Could he have anything to do with Loki's return?"

October let out a light laugh while lying on her back. She stared up at the starry sky thinking over Steve's question. She never really gave it any thought. For all she knew her father didn't have any special power; if he did she would know. Then again her power didn't show itself until she was eighteen.

"Everything alright?" Steve asked a few minutes later.

"Yeah I was just thinking."

"Come up with anything?"

"…Absolutely nothing…" she said quietly, and noticing the amused look in Steve's eyes. October rolled her eyes and poked him in the side earning a laugh from the soldier. Steve poked her side sending her into a fit of giggles. October rolled out of Steve's reach when he went to tickle her again.

~L~

"You should try to get some sleep." Steve commented. He knew October hadn't been sleeping well the past few nights and it concerned him. The dark circles under her eyes were more prominent than before. October sighed. Steve was right in that she needed sleep, but her dreams had become riddled with nightmares. Halfway through the night she'd wake up in a cold sweat and gasping. She was thankful that Pepper showed her another spare bedroom in the attic. At first she hesitant about the room, but when Pepper opened the door she was floored.

The room wasn't as big as the one she had shared with Steve, but it reminded her of home. A window seat alcove peered out over the ocean. The bed sat off to the left side of the cream colored room. Surprisingly there was even a bathroom too.

"You go on ahead. I'm gonna stay out here for a few more minutes." She looked up at Steve who was standing. He stared down at her. "I promise I'll go inside in a few minutes."

Steve nodded and turned to head inside when October grabbed his hand. He turned to find her standing behind him. Before he could ask, she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. She pulled away and pushed him toward the house.

"Go on soldier. You don't want to fall asleep on the way home with Tony. He can be ruthless." She said. Steve looked at her confused and with a shake of his head he turned back to the house. October watched Steve's back as he took a few steps and then stopped. She tilted her head slightly, waiting to see what he was going to do. He turned around and walked back over to her. He cupped her face in his hands and hesitantly kissed her on the lips. Steve pulled away and found October smiling with her eyes closed.

"I'll check on you in twenty minutes." He said putting on a stern expression. October saluted with an equally stern expression.

"Yes sir." She said playing along. Steve returned her salute with two fingers and walked back to the house. October watched Steve close the sliding door behind him before narrowing her eyes.

"You can come out now."

"It seems you two are well acquainted." A familiar man stepped from the shadows. Her father. The crisp black suit didn't go unnoticed. October turned around to face him with her arms crossed. Neither said a word as her father circled around her. October's fists clenched at her sides as her father did one more sweep around her. When he was directly behind her, she spun around sending her fist flying at his face. He caught her fist before it connected with his nose.

"I taught you better than that." He said squeezing her fist. October clenched her teeth as she felt the fingers of her right hand pop and break. She ripped her hand away and cradled it to her chest while glaring at her father.

"Come now Tober, can't we just have a normal father-daughter talk?"

"Tanner Gary Vinson stopped being my father the day he walked out on my sixteenth birthday." She quietly hissed.

Her father, Tanner chuckled darkly as he stared at the ground. October's eye widened when Tanner looked up at her. His eyes were as black as night versus the usual green hue. She stood her ground as they had a staring contesting. The first one to surrender was Tanner as he threw his head back and laughed.

"Is that really anyway to treat daddy dearest?" he said. Before October knew what was happening she was flung up into the air. She landed on her back, the sand slightly cushioning her fall. She sat up and peered at Tanner as he slowly strode over to her. October threw her hand up to send him flying back only for nothing to happen. She tried once…twice…three more times, but nothing happened.

"Where do you think you got your powers, hm? They should have gone to your brother, but you were the next female in line to get them. My mother, your grandmother was the last female in my family to have them. And now it is you." Tanner explained stopping at October's feet. "Oh and did I mention that your power won't work against me?"

October snarled as she continued to try and send him flying. With one final effort she threw both of her hands up and out knocking Tanner back a few feet. His feet dug into the sand as he was pushed back. He shot his head up in surprise.

"It seems you are stronger than I originally thought."

"I learned from the best remember?" she said. Tanner smirked before disappearing. October looked around until she felt the metal of a cold blade pressed against her throat. The knife nicked her throat causing a droplet of blood to run down. Tanner leaned down to her ear and whispered.

"All your training won't be enough to beat me or that Loki I've heard so much about. He'll go after everyone you care about and use them against you. I suggest you sever all ties to those Avengers friends of yours. They'll only drag you down."

"We beat Loki before and we will sure as hell do it again."

"I would like to see you try. It's time for you to wake up Silvia."

~L~

October awoke with a start and shooting up right. She was covered in a cold sweat as she tried to calm down her racing heart. She ran a hand over her sore neck when she felt something other than sweat. October pulled her hand away and saw blood. She threw the covers off and stumbled out of bed to her bathroom. One look in the mirror sent October grabbing around for a washcloth to stop the bleeding. There was no way that nightmare could have been real. The only explanation she had for the blood was that Tanner was actually there. October opened the cabinet underneath the sink pulling out the first aid kit. She went to work grabbing the alcohol, gauze and white medical tape.

When she was finished she tossed the bloodied gauze pads away and replaced the first aid kit. October left the bathroom and changed out of her pajamas. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that covered her bandage. She glanced at the clock before exiting the room finding that everyone else would still be asleep. Steve would be up in an hour and that was enough time for October to meditate.

At exactly 6:30 Steve made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. He went to the fridge to make himself some breakfast when he heard a thud. Steve closed the refrigerator door to investigate the source of the thud. When he peered around the joined living room he wasn't expecting to find October sprawled out on the floor. October groaned as she massaged her temples. The sudden headache wasn't helping her concentrate. She heard someone enter the room and sat up.

"Is it six thirty already?" she asked looking over at Steve. He nodded in response. October massaged her temples again, and then stood up. She walked to the kitchen table and sat down. Steve went back to the fridge and grabbed the ingredients needed for his breakfast. October rested her head on the table while Steve cooked. A few minutes later a plate was set in front of her. She looked up at the plate, then over at Steve who had his own plate.

"Thank you."

They ate in silence until Tony bounced into the room. October didn't even know Tony could bounce, but then again she didn't want to know.

"You're unusually awake this morning. Have a nice night?" October asked.

"As a matter of fact it was better than nice. It was exquisite and you would know if you two did it." Tony said wiggling his eye brows.

"You are so incorrigible! If you'll excuse me I have to finish packing." October furiously blushed as did Steve at Tony. October excused herself from the table and ran up the stairs.

~L~

Pepper dragged October by the arm to the sleek black limo. October protested when Pepper said they were going to go shopping again for October. Pepper scolded the younger woman and smacked her upside the head for protesting. October slid into the seat next to Pepper as Tony and Steve sat across from them.

"Was it really necessary to smack me? That hurt." October said rubbing the back of her head. Pepper only smiled while October pouted. Steve stifled a laugh by pursing his lips and looking out the window.

"I kinda sorta told everyone about your little incident so prepare to be bombarded. Since we're all watching out for you." Tony said nonchalantly.

"You did what?! Tony I thought we all agreed not to tell anybody until we were certain!" October exclaimed hitting her head against the window. She stared out the window as they entered the city. Buildings slowly passed by as they drove when the car abruptly stopped. Pepper and October were sent flying forward into Tony and Steve's laps.

"What is going on out there?" Pepper asked looking out the window.

Screams sounded around them as people ran past them. October picked herself up from Steve's lap and pushed open the car door. She went to step out when a car landed on the car next to them. October peered over the top of the door, her eyes widening when another car flew through the air heading for them.

"Get out!" she shouted pulling Steve's hand and diving out of the car. Steve covered October's body with his as the ground and buildings shook. He could see Tony covering Pepper on the other side of car as the ground shook again. The violent shaking caused the street to crack and break.

"Steve what's going on?" October asked from below. Steve looked around but all he could see was people running and screaming.

"I don't know." Steve allowed October to sit up as he turned to face her. "I want you to stay here."

"But Steve…"

"I need you to stay here and make sure nothing happens to Pepper. Tony and I will go up ahead and check out the situation." He finished cutting October off. Before Steve could turn away to stand October grabbed the collar of Steve's shirt and crashed her lips on his.

"You better come back in one piece." She said pulling away. She pushed Steve forward when Tony flew overhead in his Iron Man suit. A case was dropped in front of Steve when Tony flew over. He picked it up and opened in. Inside was his suit. Steve turned to October and smiled before taking the case and finding somewhere to change.

October rushed over to Pepper's side as the shaking continued. She wrapped an arm around Pepper's waist and hauled the woman to her feet. Pepper leaned against October as she was led inside a department store. A bench sat in the front of store to which October lowered Pepper on to.

"Wait here, I'll be right over there." October said pointing at the glass windows. Pepper nodded still shaken from before. October jogged over to the windows looking out to see any sign of Tony and Steve. People were still running around frantically screaming to get away. She looked over at the limo they were in to see if the driver was there, but he wasn't. She turned back in the direction Tony flew in when her eyes widened.

"…Oh shit…" she said turning around and running away from the window. The glass windows shattered behind her. She was sent to the floor from the force of the blast. Her chin bounced off the floor causing her to grunt in pain. She jumped up and ran toward Pepper as the building shook. Pieces of the ceiling fell to the floor around her forcing her to dodge left and right. October yanked Pepper to her feet not bothering to slow down.

"Tober slow down!" Pepper called out. The heels she was wearing slowing her down. October stopped and motioned to Peppers shoes.

"Lose those and let's go. This building is going to collapse if this shaking keeps up."

Pepper pulled the heels off. October didn't hesitate in grabbing Pepper's wrist again and running to the back exit of the store. When they reached the exit October cursed. It was blocked with people all trying to get out. October turned to the right and spotted an escalator. She grabbed Pepper's wrist again and took off for the escalator when the revving of engines reached her ears.

"The exit's that way!" Pepper said when she saw the escalator. October glanced over her shoulder and pointed a thumb behind them. Pepper looked behind her and saw the men on motor bikes skidding to a halt.

"I have this feeling that they are looking for us. Now come on before they see us." October ran up the escalator; Pepper not far behind. They stopped at the top and looked around at the abandoned stores. October spotted a store off to the side, tucked into a corner that could easily be missed. She pulled Pepper along beside her and entered the clothing store.

"October! What are you doing?!" Pepper exclaimed.

October stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend. "I'm getting us new outfits. Those guys work for Tanner."

"Tanner? Who is Tanner?"

"My father. Now come on and get changed!"

October stood outside the dressing room waiting for Pepper. She had ditched the light blue jeans and t-shirt for a pair of dark blue jeans and a black tank top and converse. The dressing room door opened as Pepper stepped out. October glanced over at her choice in clothing; dark indigo blue jeans and a white button up blouse. Pepper reached down to put on her heels when October kicked them away.

"You need something other than heels. They're not easy to run in. Here use these." She said tossing Pepper a pair of brown riding boots. Pepper looked them over much to October's annoyance. "Put on the boots and let's go. When we make it out of here I promise to go shopping with you. Then you can buy all the lovely heels and boots you want. Deal?"

"I'll hold you to that." Pepper answered pulling on the boots. October made her way to the exit and cleared the corners. No one was in sight. She motioned Pepper over who grabbed a jacket from a nearby rack. She slipped it on and followed behind October.

~L~

Pepper and October hid behind a store counter as Tanner's men circled the mall. They heard on of the men shout, followed by running footsteps. October peered around the corner. One guy was left on guard as the rest went to investigate. She placed a finger to her lips signaling Pepper to stay quiet. She then had Pepper cover her ears for safe measure. She maneuvered around the counter and ducked behind bookcases. October moved stealthily toward the armed and masked man. He was unaware of the danger as he had his back to the cases. October walked up behind the man and snapped his neck. The man was lowered to the floor so as not to alert the others.

October grabbed the handgun from the inside of the man's jacket. She slipped the gun in the back of the waistband of her jeans. Striding over to the counter, she tapped Pepper on the arm to get her attention.

"The coast is clear but we have to move quickly." October walked back over to the man when she heard a voice. She rummaged through his pockets and found the walkie-talkie. She picked it up and walked out the door with Pepper.

"Freeze! Put your hands up." A gun cocked behind them. Pepper shook beside October who placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Pepper glanced over without moving her head to find October was calm and collected. October slowly raised her hands and turned around. When her eyes made contact with the scraggly male she internally smirked. The gun shook in his hand letting her know he's never shot one. She casually walked forward knowing it would throw the man's aim off.

"Is there a problem sir?" she asked with a Italian accent. She was finally able to slip into assassin mode. She batted her eyelashes at the man. He gulped and slightly lowered the gun.

"Are you October Donovan?" he asked with a shaky voice. October took note of the sweat beads on his forehead. Too easy.

"I am afraid you have the wrong person. My name is Silvia Auditore." The Italian name easily rolled off her tongue. The man glanced at Pepper behind her.

"And who is that?"

October looked over at Pepper and quickly thought up a name. "That is my sister-in-law, Enrica Auditore. We were just looking for the exit." She easily lied. The man looked the two women over once before lowering the gun to his side. He nodded and put the gun away.

"The exit's that way."

"Grazie signore." October said bowing her head slightly. The man nodded and turned around. October rolled her eyes. Never turn your back on the enemy. She silently ran forward and hit the man's neck; knocking him out.

"You didn't kill him did you?" Pepper quietly asked her eyes wide. October walked away from the man and to the stairs.

"Of course not. I just knocked him out." She said running down the stairs.

~L~

The two women burst through the door into the bright sunlight. A flash of familiar blue light flew down the street to their right. October turned left and ran down the alleyway with Pepper bringing up the rear. They ran out of the alleyway and onto the sidewalk where Steve, Tony and the other Avengers were fighting. In the middle of the intersection was Tanner with a familiar looking black haired and green and gold god; Loki. October's eyes narrowed when Tanner looked in her and Pepper's direction. A noise from behind them alerted October, but not in time to help Pepper. She spun around only to be face to face with the man who gave her life.

"It is time for you to come with me. I'll even bring your dear friend along too." Tanner smirked.

"She has nothing to do with this."

"Oh but that's where you are wrong my dear. She is someone you care about and if she comes along I assure you nothing will happen to her."

October narrowed her eyes and chanced a glance at Pepper who was being held back. The look of fear was evident in Pepper's eyes and October's fists clenched. She turned back to Tanner who was laughing. October's fist connected with her father's cheek but didn't send him falling like she hoped. Her eyes widened when he turned his head back and his eyes were black. She took a step back. Tanner raised a fist and swiftly punched her in the stomach. She doubled over grasping her stomach and coughing up blood. She heard Pepper scream her name. October made to stand up when a hand connected with the back of her neck. She fell to the ground as the darkness took over. The last thing she heard was someone yelling her name; Steve.

"October!" Steve yelled running forward. Tanner bent down and cradled his daughter in his arms before turning to Steve. The soldier was three feet in front of Tanner when a force pushed him backward. Steve landed on the roof of a car with a groan. He sat up, running a hand over his forehead and looked at Tanner. His eyes widened when he didn't see October, Pepper, Loki or Tanner and his men anywhere. Steve punched the car leaving a fist sized crater next to him.

"We'll get them back and take down Loki in the process. I swear on it." Tony said in a low tone. The look in Tony's eyes rivaled the one in Steve's and he knew they were both feeling the same thing.

~L~

"October come on. You have to wake up. Please wake up October." Pepper said shaking the brunette. October's eyes fluttered open and stared at Pepper. Pepper sighed in relief and sat back allowing October to sit up.

"Where are we?" she asked rubbing her neck. Pepper's eyes were downcast and avoided October's look.

"I'm not sure. I was knocked out shortly after you. It was some kind of gas." Pepper answered. October stood up from the bed and walked around the room. It seemed oddly familiar but she didn't know why. She walked to the door and tried to pull it open already knowing it wouldn't work. October turned around and surveyed the room a few times looking for anything useful. Pepper sat curled up on the bed watching October closely.

"I know this place…" October said quietly.

"I would hope so. You stayed in this room for the first eighteen years of your life." Tanner said from the doorway. October didn't turn around as she recognized the room. It was her old bedroom or at least a really good replica of it.

"That's not possible. The house was burned down. I watched it burn."

"Yes the house did burn down, but I rebuilt it. You were away at college and lived in the dorms. I figured our little reunion should take place somewhere we both know. Now if you'll excuse me I have some unfinished business to attend to." Tanner said closing the door and locking it. October punched the door only to recoil back as the pain shot through her right arm.

"Son of a bitch. What is the door made of steel?" October said cradling her hand. She walked back to the bed and sat down next to Pepper.

"I'm going to get you out of here no matter what. I won't let anything happen you. I promise." She said pulling Pepper into a hug. Pepper hugged her back.

"I know and when we get back you're teaching me some self-defense." Pepper said.

October chuckled. "Whatever you say Pep. Now how about we look around and pull together everything we find. If this is an exact replica then there should be something's in all the drawers. I'll search the closet."

They both nodded and went to work searching for anything and everything. October's skills as an assassin would definitely come in handy, including her skills to make things from household items. The only thing they could do for now was to wait and hope the others were thinking of how to find them; for her and Pepper's sake she hoped so.

"Uh October do you mind telling me why you have so much glue, some type of powder, some other things I don't recognize and bb's?"

October looked up from the closet and over to Pepper. "Pepper you have just found our ticket out of here." Pepper raised an eyebrow and looked back and forth between the desk and October who was grinning away.

"I have a very bad feeling about this…"Pepper said placing the items on the bed. October grabbed a bag from the closet and set it on the bed.

"Tony is going to hate me for this, but it's time for your first lesson Pep."

~L~

Bah this has taken me longer to type than I originally thought! Hope you all enjoyed and I shall try and get the next one out tomorrow!...well later today since it's midnight. Don't forget to review!

Oh and here is Pepper and October's outfits: www. Polyvore cgi/set?id=55831973