Chapter Forty-Four:
Tyron waved at the departing jet that next morning with Rashaad at his side. The rest of the Avengers were going to Europe for the next few days to attend a funeral, and so Natasha could go to the signing of the Accords in Vienna.
Tyron would've came, but planes make Rashaad nervous and he refused to get near one. Wanda offered to watch him if he wanted to go himself, but Tyron didn't want to leave Rashaad by himself, especially after the Accords were introduced.
Tyron turned to go back inside when they could no longer see the jet, but Rashaad grabbed his arm, frowning. "Wha'?" He asked and the boy motioned to the field. "We gotta play later - I have work to do."
"I'll play with him," Wanda offered and Tyron looked up, surprised. "What does he want to play?"
Tyron glanced down at Rashaad, who made a sign of throwing a frisbee. "He wants to play Discs."
"How do you play?" She asked, but the Vision spoke up.
"Maybe we should all go inside?" He suggested, "It is forecasted to rain this afternoon."
Tyron glanced up at the clouds that were admittedly heavy. He shrugged at Rashaad who poured immediately. "Maybe she'll play ball wit' ya," Rashaad didn't say anything and Tyron tugged gently on his chin. "I can't change th' weather, kid. If I could make it not rain, then it wouldn't be rainin' today." Rashaad still wasn't pleased, but Tyron decided he'd get over it soon.
"C'mon," he nudged the boy, and begrudgingly, he went back in the house.
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Tyron sat on his bed, filling in the answers in his math packet. Rashaad was taking a nap beside him, occasionally flitting Tyron with his tail or hitting him with his wing. Tyron had played Mario Kart with the boy and helped him build a base foundation for his Legos before having to go back to work. Rashaad was tired after and decided to snuggle up against him. Soon, he was out.
There was a gentle knock at the door. "One minute!" Tyron called, checking on Rashaad, who was still dead asleep.
Tyron got up and went to the door, closing it softly behind him. Vision was watching him curiously, "Sorry. Rashaad s'asleep. Wha's up?"
"Well, I am aware you do not eat," Vision began. "But, I wanted to know if Rashaad was hungry? Wanda is fixing a snack, and she asked me to see if he would like any?"
Tyron smiled, "Yeah, sure. I'll get him up." He turned back to his room, and in seconds a groggy Rashaad stood next to him and yawned. He sniffed and his superb senses led him down the hall, straight to the kitchen.
Wanda was making a veggie tray, and smiled up at Rashaad. "Hello," she smiled. "We were going to watch a movie. Did you want to join us?" Rashaad nodded and reached for the vegetables, but his hand hovered, waiting for her permission. "Go ahead."
Tyron smirked and turned around. "Well, m'gonna go back to m'room," he said, but Vision moved in front of him.
"Maybe you would like to bring your schoolwork out here?" He suggested. "That way, we are all together."
Tyron knitted his eyebrows together, but saw no harm in it. He could just put in ear buds as the movie played. However, the way the android suggested it... It didn't exactly sit right with him. "Yeah, fine," He nodded. "Lemme grab m'stuff."
Vision nodded, and Tyron left down the hall. He came back minutes later with a few school books, a phone, ear buds, and a laptop. He scattered these items on the coffee table, and began to set up.
In minutes, he was working, listening to music as the others watched a movie. A few hours and a couple texts to Peter, consulting his intelligence later, he had finished.
Soon, it was time for dinner, and Wanda whipped up a very nice looking cooked chicken and tossed salad. Rashaad nearly ate all the chicken, and he would've if Tyron wasn't there. Once he finished, he practically passed out, snoring lightly at he table.
Tyron rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Wanda," he said gently, picking the lightweight boy up.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Wanda asked and he nodded.
"Yeah, I'll eat after he's in bed, don' worry." Tyron nodded goodbye to Vision and carried Rashaad back to the bedroom.
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Everything was perfectly fine for the next couple of days. Rashaad ate food, flew and ran around outside, came back inside to sleep, then repeated the process.
Sometimes, Tyron would join him. Sometimes, Wanda and Vision would. Vision would also fly around, playing a funny game of tag with the boy.
Tyron had the news on as background as he finished typing up an English paper. Rashaad was playing a board game with Wanda and Vision in the other room. Tyron promised to join as soon as he finished writing the paper for class.
He only had a few paragraphs left when suddenly, the television began to blare. Tyron looked up, to see 'BREAKING NEWS' displayed across the title. Then, the news anchor began to speak.
"In Vienna, Germany just moments ago, an explosion was recorded at the United Nations Conference. It is chaos, we don't know how many are dead or wounded. First responders are on their way, but everyone inside is recommended to get to stay where they are due to the now compromised structure of the building."
Tyron stared at the television, his heart thundering. Natasha was in there.
He looked around frantically for his phone, but it wasn't on his bed. "Fuck!" He swore loudly, dropping to his hands and knees, still unable to find it. "Fuck!" He snapped.
He stood, hands laced over his head, and began to pace. Was she okay? What if she died? Was she hurt badly? Did anyone die? Of course people died, it was a fucking explosion.
Tyron bent over, looking under his bed, his hands shaking. The news seemed to get louder and louder. "... Several news band affected, and many are badly wounded. The culprit has not yet been found, however the police have discovered footage of a man leaving the building in a news van. They identified him as James Buchanan Barnes, commonly known as the Winter Soldier. He was also responsible for the fall of SHIELD a couple years ago."
Tyron froze when he heard the name. He learned about him in class. Wasn't he Steve's best friend?
"Several bodies have been identified," the news anchor continued and Tyron held his breath. "Including King T'Chaka, leader of Wakanda. His son, T'Challa is unopen to questions at this time."
Tyron tried to breathe steadily, if Natasha was dead, someone would have said it, right? He found the remote, and began flipping to other news channels, seeing if they were saying anything else.
The door opened and a smiling Wanda and Rashaad stepped in. "He won," She said and Rashaad grinned proudly.
"Good job, kid," Tyron said to Rashaad, but then looked seriously at Wanda. "There was an explosion at the signin' in Vienna a few minutes ago. D'ya have ya phone?" Wanda, stunned, stared at the television, tossing her phone to him.
He turned swiped it open, found Natasha in her contacts, and called her. The first call went to voicemail but she picked up on the second.
"Are you okay!?" Tyron demanded. "What happened? They're saying Steve's friend did it, is that true?"
"Calm down," she assured. "Yes, I'm okay, just a few cuts and bruises. We were attacked, but I'm sure you know that too. We're not positive that it was Barnes, but the video footage was too similar to give up the lead."
Tyron nodded, "Okay," he said softly, thankful the woman was alive.
"Good, I have to go."
"Get home safe," Tyron said. "And alive, if you can manage it."
Natasha chuckled, "Sure thing." Then, she hung up.
Tyron sighed, falling back on his bed, but his head hit something hard. He reached up to grab it, and found his phone, which was hidden in the folds of his bed.
"Is she alright?" Wanda asked as Tyron scoffed, throwing the phone at his pillows.
"She's fine. Just cuts and bruises," he said, noticing Vision now standing at the doorway, watching the television. Tyron sighed, putting a hand over his eyes.
"Maybe a dessert will cheer everyone up?" Vision asked awkwardly. "Tyron, Mr. Stark left one of his older suits here for you, if you wanted it."
Tyron's eyes lit up, "Seriously?" His mouth watered at the thought. Last time, it was delicious, like someone provided a steak dinner for him.
"Seriously," Vision repeated, and Tyron turned the television off, and they all migrated to the kitchen.
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Tyron was content until the following morning when he woke up, his phone was blowing up with Avenge-Watchers news. When he finally opened up the app the headlines, he gasped.
Rashaad stirred beside him, hitting Tyron with his tail, and frowning. Tyron swallowed hard, his eyes scanning and re-scanning the news. This couldn't be true. They had to be lying.
Steve and Sam were now criminals, on the run with James Barnes, the same man who allegedly blew up Vienna.
This was bad. Vision, Tony, Rhodes, and Natasha signed the Accords. They would be forced to take Steve in, along with anyone who associated with him. Tyron had nowhere to go, not with Rashaad always around him. If they took Tyron in, they'd take Rashaad too. Tyron couldn't do that.
He picked up his phone, going through his contacts. Who could he call that would be willing to hide Rashaad for a few days.
The name glowed out at him and Tyron suddenly felt his stomach twist. He was his only option. Tyron had nowhere else to turn to.
He dialed Dr. Bek's number.
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"I'm sorry... Can you repeat that for me?" The man said, a bit groggy.
"There's some... Complications goin' on 'ere," Tyron said again. "I might have to leave, but Rashaad can't come wit' me. He's only twelve an' he's well-behaved. I just... If ya could look after 'im until I get back?"
"How long will that be?" He asked, curiously and Tyron blew out a sigh.
"I honestly don' know. Look, I'll pay ya, if ya want. I jus' can't have 'im 'ere... He's too young, an' if somethin' happened to 'im 'cause of me..." Tyron closed his eyes, breathing again.
Dr. Bek was silent for a long minute. "Is he a mutant?"
"He has wings an' a tail. But, they're easy to cover up. He knows how to," Tyron insisted and Dr. Bek was silent again.
"Alright. Bring him over. I'll text you my address." Tyron practically melted in relief, thanking the man profusely. "When will you be here?" He asked.
"I dunno. I'll text ya when m'ready," Tyron said. "Thank ya, Doc. I really appreciate this."
"As long as the kid is safe," Dr. Bek said. "That's all that matters." Then, he hung up.
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Tyron had Rashaad pack his things quickly. And, although he complained, he did as he was told. Tyron got a text from Clint, as he helped Rashaad pack. He hasn't been able to talk to him much after he retired.
To Tyron from Clint: 'Picking you and Wanda up. Be ready.'
Tyron sent a quick, 'OK', and told Rashaad to hurry. As he was finally zipping the bag up, there was a knock at the door.
Tyron was fast, taking the bag and shoving it under the bed. He turned to get the remote and turned the television on. It was more need about Steve and Sam being missing. "Come in," he said, and Vision fased through the door.
Tyron felt his heart jump to his throat at the sight of the andriod. He forced himself to calm down. "'Ey Vision, wha's up?" He asked, sitting on his bed. He turned to look at Rashaad, who was watching Vision nervously, his leathery wings twitching every now and then. "Rashaad, can ya clean up ya Legos?" Tyron asked. The Legos were across the room, farthest from the andriod that Tyron could get him.
Vision watch Tyron suspiciously. "It's very clean in here," he commented and Tyron shrugged.
"We only got a few days left, then we're back down at th' Tower," Tyron said, half-truthfully. "Wha' do ya need?"
"I'm sure you've heard the news about Captain Rogers," Vision said, stepping in and glancing warily at the television. Tyron turned it on mute and walked around the large bed.
"I got a notification this mornin'," Tyron replied. "Are ya gonna go over to stop 'em?"
Vision glanced up, "You would want me to?"
"Not really," He admitted. "But ya did sign, so ya gotta do what ya gotta do."
"And what of you and Rashaad?" Tyron narrowed his eyes. "You were quite adamant on how mutants and enhanced individuals would be treated had we signed the Accords."
"I'll figure somethin' out," Tyron said simply. "I don' think ya would let us leave anyway?" It was a question. Was Vision really willing to fight Tyron? He wasn't sure if he could absorb vibranium, but he'd be willing to try.
"Not if you're planning on leaving," Tyron gritted his teeth, walking to the side of the bed where the metal frame was. He pressed his leg against it, absorbing the metal. Vision noticed and heard the bed creak from a quick failing support. "I don't want to hurt you, Tyron."
"An' I don' want Rashaad gettin' in th' middle of this."
"We can protect both of you," Vision said. "It doesn't have to end in a fight."
"If this," Tyron motioned to the building around him. "Is ya idea of protection, then ya can count us out." Tyron saw his yellow rock glow and he winced, feeling the energy inside it.
"Vision?" Wanda called from down the hall. Then, the door opened, and Wanda watched the two of them, an eyebrow raised. "Uh... What's going on?"
"Nothin' Wanda," Tyron assured. "Vision jus' wanted to know wha' we were up to." Tyron forced a chuckle. "We must've been so quiet, he probably thought we left. Right, Vision?"
Vision was silent for a long moment as everyone looked at him, waiting to see what he would do.
His gem stopped glowing and he nodded briskly, "Yes. I was... Worried."
Wanda, still slightly confused, shook her head, "Well, come on. I reheated the paprikash from last night, and fixed it as well. It should taste much better."
Tyron rose an eyebrow and saw Rashaad eyeing him nervously. He nodded and Rashaad stood, coming to Tyron's side, hugging his arm. They all left his room, tensions still high between the mutant and the android.
Tyron sat on the couch, eating a long strip of metal. It was around dusk when the bright light of an explosion occurred in the field outside. "Rashaad, go to our room!" Tyron ordered, standing up. Rashaad did as he was told, racing down the hall, and closing the door to their room.
"What was it?" Wanda asked, and Tyron came to her side.
"Stay here, please," Vision ordered and fased through the door.
The room was quiet for a beat, then Wanda turned around abruptly, a knife whizzing through the air. Tyron's arms were metal ready to fight, but then they both froze when they realized who it was.
Clint was in the doorway and he moved the knife that was literally millimeters from his face away with ease. "Guess I should've knocked," he said wryly, stepping forward.
"Ya said ya'd text when ya were close," Tyron scolded, annoyed.
"I saw Vision. Didn't think it was safe."
Wanda turned to Tyron, bewildered. "What are you talking about? What is he doing here?"
Clint made a face, "Disappointing my kids," he said honestly. He shot two arrows on both sides of the room. He grabbed Wanda's hand and waved Tyron over. "I'm supposed to go waterskiing. Cap needs our help. Come on."
"Clint!" Tyron froze, all the hairs on the back of his neck rising to attention. He turned around to see Vision, who did not look pleased at all. "You should not be here."
"Really?" He scoffed. "I retire for, what, like five minutes, and it all goes to shit."
"Please consider the consequences to your actions," Vision continued.
"Okay... They're considered," Vision stepped forward and was caught between an electrical forcefield generated by his arrows. Clint turned back around, ushering Wanda away. "Okay, we gotta go. It's this way." He and Tyron ran to the door.
"I've caused enough problems," Wanda said guilty, staying behind. Tyron looked exasperated and Clint ran back.
"You gotta help me, Wanda," he said quickly. "Look, you wanna mope, can go to high school. You wanna make amends, you get off your ass." He glanced at Vision, paling slightly. "Shit." Tyron ran as Vision broke free of the force field. Vision punched Clint to the ground, making him skid. He groaned, muttering to himself, as Tyron faced the android.
Vision fased through him as he swiped at him with his bladed arms in key areas. Clint got up, trying to help, a baton in his hand, but that did no good too. Vision pressed against Tyron shirt, pushing him so hard he flew, landing across the room in the glass coffee table. It shattered under him and Tyron groaned.
When he looked back up, he had Clint in a headlock and his gem was glowing, pointed at Tyron. Tyron got off the glass table, ignoring the smaller shards in his arms, but kept his distance.
"Clint, you can't overpower me," Vision said to the struggling man in front of him.
"I know I can't. But she can." Wanda was behind him, her hands creating a sphere of blood red energy that was the size of a basketball.
"Vision, that's enough. Let him go. I'm leaving," Wanda said as the energy ball only got bigger.
"I can't let you," Vision said, and Wanda's hands came slightly apart. Vision grunted, but Clint was released from his grasp, falling to the ground. Tyron could see the yellow gem now a tinted red.
"I'm sorry," she whispered gently.
"If you do this... they will never stop being afraid of you," Vision warned straining, his limbs twisted at ugly angles.
"I cannot control their fear," Wanda said, stepping closer. The pulsing ball of energy getting bigger and more threatening. "Only my own."
Wanda pushed all the pent up energy into Vision and he dropped. Vision flew through the ground and was out of eight, creating a scarily deep hole where he was. Tyron steered far away from it, coming to Clint's side.
"I gotta get Rashaad," Tyron said, "He's gonna stay wit' a friend'a mine's. Can ya take m'there?"
"We'll have to hurry," Clint said, and Tyron nodded. That was all he needed.
He ran down the hall, and opened the door. Rashaad was on the bed, looking scared. "C'mon. We gotta to hurry." He slid to his bed, grabbing the duffel bag of clothes and enough money to last him a while. "Let's go."
With Rashaad in one hand, and the bag in the other, the four of them left the compound.