Bang Bang - Sky Ferreira.
"My family is my strength and my weakness." - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
**Potential triggers mentioned in note below.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Katie started to feel herself coming to, though she really wish she couldn't. She must have had a restless night's sleep. She felt just as tired and exhausted as she did before she went to bed.
She could squeeze in five more minutes. Five more minutes of sleep before she pushed herself out of bed to go on a morning run with her father. Besides, if she was late this one time, she'd doubt her father would mind.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The alarm. Her bloody alarm. If she was going to get a few more moments of rest before getting up and braving the world, she'd have to turn off the blasted noise. The only problem was, turning off the alarm meant moving. And Katie was pretty damn comfortable in her bed right now.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Katie groaned internally. She really didn't want to move…. No. She really couldn't move. Katie tried to will her hand to reach over and turn off the alarm, but it wouldn't move. She couldn't move.
Her senses slowly came back one at a time, her mind working slower than normal. She could feel herself lying on a hard, cold, uncomfortable, surface. Definitely not her bed at home. And the more she woke up, the more pain she felt. Even taking a breath caused a sharp pain to shoot up in her chest.
Katie rolled her head from one side to the other. She tried to open her eyes, but they felt far to heavy right now. And she felt too drained and exhausted, and weak to even open them.
The pain became worse with every possible second that passed. Katie suddenly wished that the black hole of slumber she'd just been in would swallow her up again. Her head was pounding. Her skin felt like it was on fire, especially her torso and legs. She could feel the crushed bones in her right arm. She couldn't breathe. She was in pain.
Katie tried to think. The last thing she remembered was exploring Camp Lehigh with Natasha and her father. What happened after that? Katie started to think back, but even that caused her pain. Did they find anything? How long had they been looking?
Wait. Where were her father and Natasha now? Did something happen?
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Katie swallowed and tried to open her mouth. She tried calling out for someone, but she couldn't. No matter how hard she concentrated and tried to will herself to open her mouth, to speak, she couldn't. However, she was able to slowly open her eyes now.
Katie slowly blinked her eyes open, only for them to snap shut again when a white light blinded her.
Her first thought was hospital.
It would explain the beeping and the bright lights. But then her sense of smell started to kick in. She could smell the drugs and sterilization that came with being in a hospital. But there was something else. A dirty, musky smell. Maybe this was a secret, underground hospital. Besides, it wasn't like she could just walk into any hospital for help. She was a wanted fugitive.
Plus, how did she get here? Or why was she here? Were Steve and Natasha here too? Did someone find them at the camp? Was there a fight? Maybe she was the only who was hurt?
Then again, Katie didn't even know how much time had passed. Maybe she was at Camp Lehigh not a few hours ago. Maybe it was weeks ago. She couldn't remember. If she wasn't so drained right now, she would be so frustrated.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Katie's ears peaked up. Her hearing suddenly started to come back to her. And though there was a fading buzzing nose in the back on her ear, Katie could hear now. Voices. She could hear voices.
"We haven't done anything yet, sir."
She wasn't alone. There was at least one other person in the room with her. A man. A doctor maybe? The man who put her here? Katie sure as hell hoped not. The way he all but hissed did nothing to calm her down.
Katie turned her head towards the voices. She tried to open her eyes again, but even though she wasn't facing the light, it was still too bright.
"She has only been here a few hours. And upon your request, we were to wait for you before going any farther."
Two. Two male voices. And by the way they were talking, it sounded like there was at least a third.
It took Katie a few more tries, but she was finally able to keep her eyes open. Though it was blurry, she could pick out the dimly-lit, dirty room she was in, along with some hospital equipment. In the far corner next to the door, she could see the outline of three men.
"Well, now I'm here. So what do you propose we do, doctor?"
Katie drew in a breath, a sharp pain shooting up her back. She knew that voice. She'd know that bloody voice anywhere. But why the hell was Pierce here-
Then it all came back to her. In one, giant flood of memories and emotions. Exploring the camp. Old S.H.I.E.L.D.. The pictures of her mother, Ches, and Uncle Howard. The secret elevator. Zola. HYDRA. The explosion. Darkness.
Katie's heart started to quicken. She tried to flex her fingers, but she couldn't. Glancing down at her hands, she found her wrists strapped to the table along with an IV sticking in her hand. And she could now feel the same, uncomfortable straps around her ankles and one giant one around her stomach. There was no way she could move even if she had the energy to do so.
She was drugged. That much she knew now. She wasn't sure what the drug was, but it was strong. Katie was also guessing that because of the explosion, she had a few broken ribs, some burns on her torso and legs along with some broken bones and a bad concussion. That would explain all the pain.
"We could use her," The first man spoke again. "To bring in her father and the rest of The Avengers."
"And what good would it be to bring them in?" Pierce spoke. Katie could heat the annoyance starting to make its way in his voice. "Besides, Project Insight will take care of all them once it's launched."
"Then let us stick with your original plan," The first man snapped. "We have no use for her after all. And I do not see you coming up with any ideas, sir. We cannot just leave her lying there."
"Doctor." Pierce snapped. "What do you… Ah, look who's awake."
With slightly blurry vision, Katie watched with heavy eyes as all three man turned towards her. Her heart started to pick up pace and she could feel her breathing quicken with every painful breath.
There was nothing she could do. There was no way for her to fight this or get away as all three men walked towards her. She was strapped to a table. Even if she could get out of the strips, there was no way for her to fight three grown men. Not in the state she was in. Not with third-degree burns, broken ribs and broken bones. Not when she really couldn't even tell the differences from right and left in her stage of mind. She was trapped.
"Well hello, Agent Rogers." Pierce smiled down at her. He came to a stop just in front of her while the other two men walked over to her other side. "It's good to see you awake, though you have looked better."
Katie tired to send him a glare as she opened her mouth to speak. Unfortunately it only ended in her closing her eyes in pain and biting back a groan.
"Now, don't strain yourself," Pierce placed a hand on her shoulder, causing Katie to shiver. "You have some severe injuries. You see, because of the explosion, you were buried under rock for some time. You have some nasty burns and a bad head injury. Along with some broken bones and internal bleeding." Pierce slowly walked from Katie's side to the end of the table. "It's lucky for us actually that you, and your father and Agent Romanoff found Zola and plugged in the drive."
Pierce trailed off, his eyes never leaving Katie. He watched with amusement as her eyes snapped at him at the mention of her father and Natasha.
"Ah yes. Captain America and Black Widow." Pierce let out a laugh. "I'd imagine their injuries are just about the same as yours, maybe worse. Of course, it would seem that it will be nothing for your father to heal. Agent Romanoff on the other hand, is a different story."
Katie couldn't even look at Pierce. She turned away in a mix of horror and confusion. The way Peirce was talking kind of sounded like he didn't know what happened to her father or Natasha. Which could be good. This could mean they got away. But Katie doubted that. Pierce said she was buried under rock for some time. The explosion would have knocked her father and Natasha out just like her. Meaning HYDRA would have gotten to them. Just like they got to her.
"Ahh," The first man spoke up, amusement in his voice. "It would seem you are just confusing her more."
"Yes. The Golden Girl's not so quick now." Pierce looked from the man, back to Katie. "Agent Rogers, let me introduce you to… your doctors. Strucker and Dr. List. Fellow HYDRA agents."
Katie's heart felt like it was about to beat out of her chest. Out of all the places in the world she didn't want to be right now, a secret HYDRA base was definitely on top of the list. And being here with three HYDRA agents just made it all that much worse.
"You see Agent Rogers, your precious S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't so secure as you all believed. You were all so busy protecting it and the world from outside forces, you never thought to look within, did you?" Pierce slowed walked back over to Katie's side as he spoke. "HYDRA has been living within S.H.I.E.L.D. for years and years, Agent Rogers. Working to create a world so chaotic, people would give up their freedom and be under our control. And I have commanded this force for years."
Katie didn't know what to make of all this. She knew all he was saying already. Zola told them just before she ran out of the room and the place was blown to bits. But… She'd never liked Pierce, he was a dick, but to know that he was working for HYDRA all this time. To know he was the leader. If she could have her time back, she would definitely punch him all those times she felt like it.
"We were hoping the explosion would have killed you, your father and Agent Romanoff." Pierce continued on. "But as you can tell, that plan didn't work. Now, we just have to figure out what to do with you."
"And it would seem we're are not sticking to the original plan." Strucker sent Pierce a look. But Pierce shook his head.
"No. No, killing her would do us no good now." Pierce look at Katie, a thoughtful look on his face that made Katie shiver. "Think of the opportunity we have. Killing her would be too easy.
"I have an idea." List spoke up. Katie realized that she'd rather listen to Pierce and Strucker argue back and forth again. The voice of the doctor sounded ten times scarier.
Katie wouldn't take her eyes off Pierce. She didn't want to see the look in List's eyes when he described what he had in store for her. Because killing me would be too easy. So instead, she watched as a cruel smile curled on Pierce's lips.
"I knew you would, Doctor."
"As you said, we have an opportunity here," List said before explaining. "She is Captain America's daughter, yes? Which means she has Dr. Erskine's serum in her DNA." List paused for a moment. Katie heard him take a few steps before stopping and picking something up. "Her whole being is enhanced."
"Are you suggesting we study her DNA?" Struker questioned.
"Not just study, but harvest." List spoke with an edge to his voice the made Katie squeeze her eyes shut. "We already have some of Dr. Erskine's notes, but if we compare her DNA to that of a normal human, we may be able to find the differences and recreate them."
She didn't like how they were talking about her as if she wasn't there. She didn't like the way they wanted to study her, experiment on her. She wanted to cry and scream. She was just their lab rat now. She couldn't get out of this. She was no different than a frog you'd study in science class.
She'd rather have them go through with the original plan to recreate her DNA.
"Has that not already be attempted? Many times now." Pierce spoke in an irritated voice.
"Yes," List spoke. "But no one has ever studied the actual DNA of a living super soldier. Now, we'll have more than just blood samples."
Katie heard metal hit metal and she couldn't help but slowly turn her head towards List. Her eyes widened slightly - only because it hurt to do so - when she saw List pull out a long needle. Definitely not one you'd use for blood work.
"Doctor," Strucker spoke up as if an idea came to him. "If we can figure out what makes her age slowly and heal faster, we may be able to work some miracles."
Katie watched as List and Strucker shared a knowing smile. She didn't like that smile. It was as if they had their own secret. A secret they were keeping from both S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Meanwhile, Pierce let out an annoyed sigh from her other side.
"And you're sure you can make this work?" Pierce asked List, who was preparing the needle.
"If worse comes to worse." List glanced up at Pierce. "We can always go back to the original plan."
"Wonderful." Pierce let a smirk form on his lips. "And what will you need?"
"Space," List sent Pierce a look. "I know what I'm doing sir. Besides, I believe you have other matters to attend to."
"Very well doctor." Through Pierce looked anything but happy, he nodded. He then glanced down at Katie. And oh, how she wished she could move a least one hand so she could punch him. "Don't worry, Agent Rogers. You're in good hands now."
Katie watched with a look that was a mix of a glare and pure horror as Pierce turned and walked away. He opened the door only for it to slam close behind him, echoing off the walls of the dirty room she was trapped in.
"What do you need Doctor?" Strucker questioned once Pierce was gone.
Katie felt tears well up in her eyes as she reluctantly turned to head to List and Strucker. She saw Strucker studying List with his arms crossed as List finished prepping the needle.
"Everything, sir." List slowly turned towards Katie. "Everything from blood samples to bone marrow."
Slowly, List walked over to Katie. She couldn't help it. As he came closer, she started to squirm, started to fight against the straps that were holding her down. Bad idea. Pain shot up her broken arm as the straps rubbed her skin. The giant strap on her stomach rubbed against her burned skin, causing it to feel like it was on fire all over again.
"Now now, Miss Rogers," Strucker walked over to Katie's right. He placed his hands on her stomach to stop her from moving away. He pressed down a lot harder than he had to. "This will hurt less if you stop moving."
Katie looked from Strucker on her right to List on her left. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest. She could feel sweat start to form on her brow. She was in pain all over.
Her eyes wouldn't leave the needle in List's hands as it moved closer and closer to her hip. It was only when the sharp point was millimetres away that Katie turned her head. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain to coming. A sharp needle going into her bone on top of burned skin would definitely not feel pleasant.
She couldn't help it. She lost it. The needle pierced her skin and started to dig into the bone. A scream ripped through her throat while tears rolled down the side of her face.
"This place is amazing, Tony." Katie commented as she pulled the chair back to sit down.
"I know." Tony sent her a smirk from the head of the table. "Did you ever doubt me?"
"This is why I never give you compliments."
"I can think of a lot of reasons to doubt you, Stark." Clint spoke up from his seat. Tony ended up sending a glare his way.
"JARVIS, remind me to remove Barton's level later on."
"You can't remove a whole level, Tony." Bruce pointed out.
"Fine. JARVIS, remind me to replace Barton's level with a new lab later on. Or maybe another gym. Oh! An inside pool!"
"Tony," Pepper warned as she came out of the kitchen with a bowl of salad and placed it in the middle of the table. "Let's play nice, just this once."
"Yes dear."
Muffled laughs were heard from around the table before hunger took over and everyone started to dig in. Tony had called over all the Avengers and spent the day showing them around the newly finished Avengers Tower. And it truly was amazing. It was the perfect headquarters for the Avengers, adapting the needs of each and every member, as well as having a personal level for everyone. There was a launch pad for the quinjet, a number of labs and a giant gym just to name some features. There was also a giant living room, dining room, and a kitchen area for when they all got together. Like tonight.
"You have truly outdone yourself, Man of Iron and Lady Pepper." Thor smiled through a full mouth of food.
"Thank you Thor," Pepper laughed.
Dinner carried on in a carefree fashion. Everyone laughed, joked, ate, and talked comfortably with one another. They talked about everything and nothing. Laughed at Clint's awful jokes. Ate all the mouthwatering food that was made for them. Everyone was at ease. And Katie never felt more at home. Sitting here, eating supper with her friends, with her family. Knowing that she was never going to be alone, it brought a smile to her face.
"Excuse me one and all. I have a few words I'd like to say." Tony raised from his chair, tapping his glass. A laugh escaped some lips as Clint jokingly boo'ed. "Can it Barton. Now, I'm not a sentimental person, but I just want to say that I'm glad I got stuck with all of you on that helicarrier. I couldn't have asked for a better team, or better friends."
"Don't get too sappy on us, Stark." Natasha smirked as she leaned her head into the palm of her hand.
"I'm not done, Romanoff." Stark continued on. "I also wanted to add that on behalf of the team, I will take it upon myself to teach Thunderbolts and Spangles all about this wonderful, modern world that they know nothing about."
"Thanks, Stark." Steve rolled his eyes as laughed broke out around the table. Katie jokingly patted his arm in a comforting fashion.
"Anything to make you feel more comfortable here, old man."
"I'm grateful for your help," Thor said. "But Lady Jane has taught me a lot about your ways."
"Oh, I bet she has." Tony wiggled his eyebrows.
A bang echoed around the room before anyone had time to comment. No one moved as they looked at one another, all of them wondering what the hell was going on.
"Tony," Steve stood up from his chair. Everyone followed his lead, staying on guard. "What was that?"
"How should I know?"
"Please tell me it's one of your many special features." Clint said, but another bang echoed before anyone could comment.
Soon, there was another bang. And another. And another, before the door finally busted opened and hundreds of men dressed in black came running into the room.
Everything happened in a blur. They all started fighting left right and center. All of a sudden - Katie really wasn't sure how - Thor had his hammer, Steve his shield, Tony was in his suit, Clint had his arrows and Natasha her gun while Bruce was hulked out. Everyone was fighting as hard as they could. But, Katie suddenly felt weak. She lost all her energy and will to fight.
The next thing she knew, she was being grabbed. She yelled and kicked and punched as they pulled and carried her to the door. Just before they walked out the door, however, she managed to escape their grasp. Katie expected to see everyone still fighting when she turned around. But there was no one. No men in black. No Avengers. Everyone was gone.
The hands suddenly grabbed her again. Katie tried to fight her way out again, but she couldn't move. She felt drained and weak. Her eyes were heavy. Then, someone pulled out a needle. They jabbed it into her side and Katie screamed out in pain as she felt darkness take her under…
Katie woke with a start.
Panic started to set in as she looked around the small area she was in. Her breathing started to quicken and pain racked her ribs and lungs. However, it only took her a few moments to remember where she was. But that didn't make her calm down any.
The dim lights in the hallway lit up the area just enough for Katie to pick out the shape of the cell she was in. There wasn't anything in here. Not a bed. Not a toilet. Not a sink. The place made a jail call look like a palace.
She was curled up in the corner, her back against the wall. It was far from the best position she could be in at the moment, especially in her state. But what else could she do? At least she was no longer in just her bra and underwear, as she was during earlier experiments. At least they were nice enough to give her an old, off white, hospital gown.
It had been a dream
Being home. Being at Avengers tower with the Avengers. With her friends. It was all a dream. A longing wish at a time like this. Hell, she'd never even been in Avengers Tower before. She was pretty sure it wasn't even 100% done yet.
It was all a dream. She was here, by herself. Her father wasn't here, Natasha wasn't here. Neither was Tony, Clint, Thor, Bruce. No one was here with her. And as far as she could tell, no one was coming for her. Not anytime soon.
Katie curled up in a ball, her arms hugging her legs to her chest. She tried to ignore the way her right arm throbbed. Or how her legs burned and her stomach caused pain to shot up her back. But she couldn't help the few tears from rolling down her face.
She wasn't sure how long she'd played lab rat. It felt like forever. Which was saying a lot because Katie knew what forever felt like. She was poked at with more needles than she could count. List took bone marrow, blood samples, hair samples, skin samples, he even pulled out one of her teeth. Her second molar on the right. Katie knew. Because she'd been wide awake when he did it. She was awake the whole time. She was even sure they cut off the drugs at some point. Because she felt everything,
Katie wanted to be strong. She tried to be strong. She was The Golden Girl, Captain America's daughter. She fought aliens for the love of God. She is strong… She was strong.
The problem was, she couldn't be strong. She didn't want to be strong anymore. She couldn't hold it together. Not this time. She didn't know where her father was, where Natasha was. She didn't know if they got away. Or if they were captive. Hell, they could be just down the wall from her for all she knew. Or maybe, maybe they were dead.
God, her father could be dead now, and he hadn't even heard his daughter call him dad. Come to think of it, all Katie ever did was put him through crap. She never even told him she loved him. She was a horrible daughter.
Katie dropped her head on her knees. She wished she could think positively right now. But she couldn't. HYDRA had her. But more importantly, List and HYDRA now had her DNA. They had everything they needed now to figure out the serum. Plus they no doubt had the technology to do so. And they already said they had some of Dr. Erskine's notes. God only knows what that would use it for - or who it would use it on - if they ever figured it out.
Katie leaned against the wall on her left. With her head still on her knees, sobs rocked her body as she curled up in a tighter ball, pain ripping through her once more. She didn't know where she was. She didn't know how long she'd been here. She didn't know how long she was going to be here. She didn't know if her father was okay, if Natasha was okay. She didn't know what to do.
Katie was used to being alone. Alone in the sense that she was independent, always on her own but always around people. But for the first time in her life, Katie was really and truly alone.
So, what do you guys think? I've never written anything like this before, so I'm excited and nervous to see what you guys have to say. And big hugs going out to Tospringe for being an amazing beta!
Just a quick warning: physical and psychological abuse, mental breakdown, and torture for upcoming chapters.
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All your reviews on last chapter were overwhelming! I love hearing from you guys, so keep them coming.