So, yeah. I would love some input. I have no idea if I'm doing this right. I feel like I've somehow messed it up. I'm kinda just wingin it.
The bus ride was long and harsh. By the end of it, the entire team felt like they might have damaged half their brain cells with the jarring bumps and potholes. The village of Balsamar was small, tiny really. The most prominent was the silence. As the friends looked around, they noticed that there was not a soul to be seen. Clint's voice broke the silence "They're scared of us. They're hiding. They're probably so intimidated that they don't know who will hurt them or help them."
"How are we supposed to find Bruce's sister if the people won't even talk to us?" Steve wondered aloud. "Maybe we need to let them know that we're friends."
"And how exactly do you suggest we do that, Cap? Give 'em a bunch of shiny new toys?" Tony retorted. "Maybe we just need to, persuade, them." He reached for his bracelet. One touch to it and a voice command, and his extra "briefcase" would expand and unfold, revealing it's true identity as the famous Iron Man suit. Bruce grabbed his hand.
"Absolutely not. If anything, that will scare them worse. Besides, you can't ruin their homes. Their livelihoods. It would destroy them. This village, it's all they got. I have an idea. Follow my lead." He walked over to the well and pulled up the bucket that had been left when the owner had fled at the sound of their approach. Steve went across the street and righted a cart that had tipped over. Tony and Clint went and rounded up the goats that had been left to wander, while Natasha picked up and examined a doll that had been dropped by a little girl. Suddenly, they heard a small cry and saw the owner of the lost doll run over to her. Natasha dropped on one knee.
"Is this yours?" she asked gently. The girl, obviously not understanding, reached for the doll. Natasha repeated the question, in Spanish this time. "¿Este es tu muñeca?" The little girl nodded, replying "Sí, su nombre es Emilia. Ese es el nombre del Sabio." The Russian pulled back, obviously caught off guard.
"What did she say?" Steve asked. The spy looked at them all and said, "The doll's name is Emilia, which is their version of Emily. That's the name of "The Wise One", apparently. That must be what they call her. Bruce? Any thoughts?" He shook his head. "That makes sense for her" was all he said. Natasha nodded and handed the doll to the youngster.
That's when they noticed that, ever so slowly, the rest of the villagers were reappearing. Apparently, the stranger's treatment of the little girl had convinced that these were, in fact, friends. The child ran over to a woman they assumed to be her mother. The woman wrapped her arms around her babe protectively as the men grew closer. They each carried a tool in their hand, ready for a fight. One man stepped forward to greet them.
"Amigos. What brings you to our village?" He asked, spade in hand. "We are armed, and not afraid. But, I do not think you are here to cause trouble, no? You, "He said, gesturing to Bruce. "Señor, you make me think of Arrullanoche. There is something of your face." Suddenly, his eyes widened. "She spoke of a brother. You are he, no?" He lowered his "weapon".
"Yeah? Where is she?" The saddened look on the other man's face immediately worried Bruce. He took a step closer and lowered his voice into a threatening growl. "I said, where is she?" The man stepped back, disturbed by what he had seen in this strange man's eyes.
"S-Señor, sh-she's been taken bythe guerillas. She was when she was trying to call you two days ago. She refused to help them, so they keep her locked up. She managed to send word yesterday. She's fine. She said, once you get in to their fortaleza, that you would be able to find your way. There's something else she wanted you to know. They have metal men who carry great guns. Ones that bear a name on it. Uh, Shark? No, Stark! That's it! Stark Industries. She said you would understand. By the way, I am Victor Ramirez." He put his hand out. Bruce shook it, and glanced at Tony. He was obviously shocked by the disturbing news that his weapons were being used to terrorize an entire village.
"I'm Bruce Banner, Emily's brother. This is Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, and, uh, Tony Stark." He gestured to each of his team mates in turn, pausing when he got to Tony. How would he take this? No, Bruce thought, shaking his head. We have other things to worry about, like "Metal men". "Is there anything else you can tell me?" Victor shook his head.
"No. Tomorrow, we will bring you to where your sister is being held. But come! It is late. You will rest here tonight. My wife will prepare you something to eat. Come!" he turned to his house" You will dine in my home."
...
Emily gazed at the stars through the crack she had carved in the wall. Bruce had arrived. He knew what she had told dear Victor. She could feel that he was near. I hope Victor didn't forget anything, she thought. They need all the information I can give them. I hope you didn't come alone. When we are together again, I swear, I will never leave you alone again.