Captain America this time, ladies and gentlemen. The aftermath of her encounter with Loki - a traumatic medical check up and the Avengers having a conflicting meeting. I feel that this chapter isn't up to standard and exactly that interesting, forgive me.


It was all dark, and I was floating in this weightless void. I was nothing, and still everything at the same time. There was a flash of bright blue light, and another. Suddenly - maniacal laughter, growing so loud that my head began to throb with the force of each sound echoing in it. My head was about to split into two from the immense pressure building in it, and I covered my ears trying to shield myself from the daggers going into my head.

'Camila.' some voice calls from the distance, in the abyss, silencing the laughter.

'Camila.' It calls again eerily, and whoever and whatever that being it was, it was coming closer and closer. For some reason I begin to tremble, and I crouched where I was, fear in me awakened like the making of a flame from the striking of a matchstick.

It called my name another time, in two different voices, twisted and warped, overlapping each other. I tried to move, but where I did, there was this sensation of needles piercing my skin from every part. The more I thrashed at that spot, the more needles rained down on me. I couldn't run, I couldn't even crawl away. The only sounds I heard were it approaching me, and my heartbeats, now in my head, louder than even the laughter. I opened my mouth to scream. It was the end. The very end.

Then I opened my eyes to blinding light, burning them. I covered my face with my hands, moaning into my palms. It took a few deep breaths of anticipating the worst, to realize that I was safe, that it was a nightmare, it was a horror story in my head, and now I am back in reality.

'Camila' a familiar voice called. Wary and serious.

From the cracks in between my fingers I saw Clint peering at me with the small hint of concern he could afford. His hand appeared, pausing mid air for a second, before reaching out to touch mine. Then I remembered the time when he first actually touched me, manhandled me.

'Don't touch me.' I snapped, pushing his hand away forcefully. My hands leaving my face meant that my eyes were once again exposed to the sunlight, and I had to squeeze them shut.

'Camila, open those eyes.' Clint said. Oh why couldn't he shut up? My head had this dull unshakable throbbing.

'Camila.'

'What?' I said in the same hostile tone like earlier, making the mistake of opening my eyes, he grabbed my jaw swiftly but gently and turned it to face exactly where the source of sunlight was from.

'Ahhh! What the hell?!' I yelled, pummeling away to the opposite side of where the light was from. Suprisingly, I had buried myself into something soft. 'Just checking your eyes. She's alright.' He muttered.

'Buddy.' Some other voice rang out. 'Buddy.' It repeated.

I took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the light. It was just, so bright. Tony Stark was staring at down at me, with Clint crouching down by the other end of the sofa where I just was.

'Chill buddy, you're at my place' he began, as I looked around warily. Yellow leather sofas, green stone floor, counter at the side, and the lift doors at the other end, with the numbers 100 in silver metal above. The fiasco from last night flirted in my mind. It was the same room I was introduced, rather badly thank you Clint, to the Avengers.

'How did I- '

'Passed out cold. You slept over.' Tony piped in. Before I knew it, he had some thin metal stick vertically over my arm, and with a click sound, I felt a painful jab.

'Ow!' I stood up, grabbing my arm and rubbing that spot. The world seemed to spin slightly, and I wobbled a bit.

'He glanced at the metal instrument. 'She's in for a bad time' he mutters. 'Don't worry,' he addressed me 'that's some meds flowing through your system now. For the hangover.'

Tony and Clint shared a glance.

'Yeah' Clint began 'because Mr. Stark here knows all about that. Especially with this place rigged with alcohol.'

'That was an accident. It's a complicated situation, you know. It all started with the renovation after party, and then suddenly there were these strippers invited for some reason and-' Tony replied, hands gesturing all over.

'Alcohol in Sprite, and coke, and whatever drinks were in the fridge, Tony. How do you even explain that?'

'That's why I'm saying, there were these strippers and then some girls challenged –'

'No, you stop.' Tony rolled his eyes, walking out with a tablet in hand. Clint looked back at me. 'Somebody's going to come down from the hellicarrier to do a check up on you. And you have to give an account of what happened last night. You…' he hesitated.

'What?' I said coldly.

'Every single thing. It's… it's going to be hard, but just please cooperate, it's for the best.'

'Why the hell? First you manhandle me, then manipulate me, and now this? Am I supposed to issue a personal complain against you for assaulting me? No problem.'

'Camila, don't avoid it, confront it. And, if you need any one to talk to…'

'What is the big deal? I don't need to talk to anyone. I need to have the frickin' Manhattan trip I was supposed to have!'

He only stared back, and there was this intensity in his eyes, with a little something sorrowful.

'Camila,' he bit his lip. 'It's okay, whatever that happened. It's not your fault. You don't have to hide it.'

Now I was really confused. What in the world was going on? This had to be another manipulation scheme. The little shits. Trying to change my memories now.

'What are you-?' Captain America had to enter just then. Even with the muscular, well built body, looking at his face, he looked like he could be bullied into doing anything, honestly. Mr. Nice and Soft guy.

'Barton, the medical team has arrived.'

'What in the world?' How many times have I said 'what?' for the morning? Too many. 'Where is my bag? I don't know what shit is going on but I am going for what I was promised. Where is it?' I began walking around the lounge room.

'Camila, come on, they're here for you.' 'Ms Thorne, please.' What was up with them? Clint spoke differently, not his usual straightforward ways and more hesitant all over. And when was Captain America involved in this? And even Tony Stark. What the hell is going on?

This had to be it – first I'm dragged down for one of their secret meetings, and then since I don't cooperate, they are going to act concerned and caring for a new member of their team. I am getting out of here.

'Where is my bag?' I yelled.

'Camila, go along with Rogers here. He will take you to the medical team, they-'

'No, stop it! I want my bag, now!' I yelled again. I was hurrying across the room trying to find it when Clint ducked at me, grabbing my waist in an attempt to heave me over his shoulder and away. That was the last straw.

In that split second, I felt it, power coursing through my veins, pulsating, raw and uncontainable. Then I released it, and Clint was sent sprawling to the side.

Then there was this great throbbing sensation in my head, and it was like something was inside, banging all over and around. It was too much, and I tried to keep my balance, but the world began to sway and I crumpled to the floor, clutching my head in pain.

I couldn't fight as they carried me over to the lift, in it, and onto some other level. The pain made me feel queasy and I couldn't breathe. Them moving me around made it worst and I could feel a sweat break out over the areas of my neck and back, and my face, flushed.

I was brought into this maze of light blue curtains and finally settled in a room with trays of medical equipment, of scalpels and knifes. I was going to throw up. I heard someone distantly saying 'Trust me.'
_

They stood there as if they were rooted to the stone floor. Him, Banner, and Clint. They were now in one of the laboratory levels, made into a temporary clinic. How S.H.I.E.L.D. got Tony to do this, he couldn't even imagine, but considering the circumstances, they couldn't take any chances.

Natasha had just left them after briefing them on the situation, and as she walked pass the clearance doors, he bit his lip. Of all things to do, of all levels in the building, they had to leave her with Loki, and now- he didn't even want to consider it.

He wished he had something to do, seeing Banner occupy himself with blueprints and charts of some project on the table to keep himself distracted. Clint on the other hand, was looking straight at the entrance, as if preparing himself to rush in there for any emergency.

There were a few shouts, and then more deafening silence. The atmosphere was so tense and heavy, Steve felt he needed to step out into a balcony to escape. He wanted to say something, ease the tension, but that tension couldn't be compared to when the screaming started. Over and over again the girl screamed, yelling in rage, and strings of obscenities followed. He thanked god for not having to see the scene unfold for it would have been a crazy frenzy. Now he wanted to run out, because the tortured screams were giving him goose bumps, and it was so intense and horrifying it was as if whatever pain the girl was going through, it would seep into his bones from her screams.

Natasha joined them again, after about 20 minutes of the ordeal. Everyone stopped whatever else they had started doing in an attempt to shut out the screaming.

'She's fine, there were no signs.'

'What happened back there?' Bruce questioned.

'She got hysterical. Really hysterical. Camila didn't know anything. Whatever Loki did, he must still have his magic, or it was the alcohol.'

'Thor said-' Steve began.

'He's blinded by his love for his brother. You know that. If it wasn't for him, this wouldn't have happened.' Clint interrupted.

'Wait, you're blaming it on him now? You are the one that sent her to the very level Loki was on.'

'Guys.' Bruce.

'But none of this would happen without Loki. When you bring him here, something has to happen.'

'Stop denying it. You had your part to play in this.'

'Are you actually siding for Loki here?'

'GUYS.' Natasha spoke, and they fell silent. 'All that matters is that she is fine, the team has checked and she's a little shaken but Loki did nothing to her. So quit it.'

'Its Loki. You can't tell right from wrong with him' Bruce said quietly.

'What's going to happen with Loki then?' Steve asked.

Natasha only replied with a blank stare.

When Camila appeared later, what Natasha reported about her seemed like an understatement. Her hair was messily strewn all over her face and her face – that was when he could see something was really wrong. It was no longer defiantly nonchalant, no trace of that previous rebellious attitude. She looked so rattled, it was like the world had shattered around her. Steve could easily recognize the look – he had seen this on the faces of many during the war.

'My bag. Where is it?' She said flatly.

'Camila.' Clint held out her crumpled black backpack, and she went to it, grabbing it and heading to the lift.

'Is she allowed to-?' Steve began.

'Don't even try.' Camila said from the lift. Her voice shook slightly. She had apparently heard him.

'Let her be.' Clint said, and so they let the lift doors shut, and watched the numbers on the panel slowly decrease.

'Excuse me, Sirs and ma'am' Jarvis' voice was heard, 'You are requested to meet Mr. Stark at level 100 immediately.'

'What for? ' Clint says, exasperated.

'Nick Fury, sir.'

The others began to fill into the second lift on the right of the one Camila exited by.

Steve walked out of the room and into another one by the side of the building, with the full length glass windows. He could see her on the street below, pausing for a while, before heading left, crossing the street carelessly, and turning into a corner of the street, disappearing.

'Steve?' Banner called.

'Right.' He said, remembering himself and joining them on the lift.

When they stepped on level 100, with Tony by the counter putting the finishing touches to his sandwich (which surprised nobody, because only Tony would act as nonchalant), they were greeted with Fury from a screen on the wall.

'Camila's meeting with Loki has come to the attention of the council and it's been decided. Let me put it straight - considering the circumstances, the Avengers would be staying at Stark Tower. Yes, your living quarters, and conferences – all here. Tony will see to that.'

'I didn't agree to this' Tony mentioned as he was met with stares from across the room. 'Just to let you all know.'

'But he did. All your belongings would be transported here by today latest. And if there's anything missing, report it, and they'll do something about that. Thor will be informed about this. Yes, the whole group of you are banding together here.'

'Is Camila in on this? She just left the building.' Steve asks.

'Camila is a part of the Avengers Initiative now. She will join you all later, after we recover her.'

' How old is she?' Bruce adds.

' 18? 19? She's a teenager. You're letting a teenager, with their confused feelings and uncontrollable mood swings, join us. Can we all see how there's something wrong here?' Tony responds sarcastically. Another one of his rows with Fury was about to start.

'I was ready for missions at that age' Natasha mutters.

'She's doesn't seem ready. This is wrong.' Steve addresses Fury directly.

'Was she led into this willingly? I mean, from yesterday things were-' Bruce said.

'That who scene was because somebody was having a temper. She's complicated.' Clint snapped.

'See? This is proof that the girl should not be with us!' Tony says, a bit of anger in his voice.

'Do I have to discuss with you this, when you all know that the decision will not change? Let's not waste your time, and mine.'

'This is the welfare of someone we're talking about!' Steve bursts a bit.

'She is staying. End of discussion.'

'I don't know how to deal with teenagers! I'll get you if the place explodes.' Tony grumbles.

'Now on to your schedules.' Fury says, purposely a little louder. 'You still have freedom for your lifestyles, but from time to time, S.H.E.I.L.D. would send down some operatives to check on yourselves, and there are some programmes for you all.'

'What exactly are those programmes?' Bruce asks.

'You'll know soon enough. Do not make me come down and have you cooperate with them.' He adds sternly.

'Sure we won't. Just don't bring them. There's no need.' Tony replied snarkly.

'Other than that' he continues 'you'll be on a low-level threat stand by. Basically theres nothing much for you to do. If you want to invite friends and family over to stay, that's up to Tony.'

'There's no more space.' Tony says, throwing up his hands in the air dramatically.

'That will be all.' The screen turns to black.

Tony sighs. ' I'm telling you, don't make yourselves at home. Jarvis will direct you to your rooms. No tag along pals.'

Clint and Natasha had reported to a corner of the room, having a serious conversation between themselves.

He overheard Natasha asking Clint 'Tell me more about this girl.'

'Well that was a friendly reminded that S.H.E.I.L.D. is the boss of us.' Bruce says, standing up from sitting on the sofa to stretch. 'Hey, could I have my room near the laboratories?'

'Yeah maybe. Sandwich?' Tony offered the stack of bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and ham to him. Bruce accepted that. Those two had a deeper relationship than the rest – only Tony was this loose with Bruce and Bruce this tolerating with Tony.

The bell from the lift rang, and Potts dropped in.

'Ms Potts.' Steve greeted her.

'Hello, just call me Pepper. I'm just here to deliver some documents that somebody,' she glares at Tony ' forgets to collect. And when I say forget, I mean always forgets.'

'You should have come earlier, so I wouldn't have to deal with-' Tony gestures at the screen, making a stony face.

'I also have to discuss with you some decisions to be made about the company's shares.'

'Wait, what about Loki? Fury didn't mention anything about him. What are we going to do with him?' Steve blurts out, suddenly remembering.

'Loki? He's here? What? Why didn't anybody-? What is the mad men doing here?' Pepper begins, all flustered, pacing around. 'He opened a portal from space and started an alien invasion here! Isn't he supposed to be back at- at where Thor has gone?'

'Well thank you so much, Capsicle.' Tony mutters under his breath.

'Is he still in the building though?' Bruce asks as Pepper says angrily 'We have to talk. Right now.'

'I fill you all in with the details once this is over.' Tony manages to say before Pepper has him dragged into the lift. They could see her frowning at him as the lift doors shut.

With that over, what was left for them to do? They weren't even familiar with the place. Steve just grabbed his jacket and left the building promptly. He just seemed to be wandering out aimlessly. It wasn't before walking by one and a half streets that he realized he was tracking down Camila's path. He would look for her then.

Making his way around the place was strange. It was accompanied with a strong sense of Déjà vu, because every corner felt familiar, yet different, with the modern times. The crowd too, had the same feel. People rushing around for different reasons, to different places, everyone in some race. He noted that now they juggled with mobile devices on top of the brisk walking, and things were more hectic.

He wondered if he could find her in such a place. There were just so many possibilities in which a girl like her could be headed for. But he had to. He needed to talk to her, ask her more about what was actually going on, because Steve knew she could provide the side to the story they were all missing out.