Next day, next chapter. Onto the Ranch. And, another character.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avengers, Marvel, or TMNT. Ranch, Heather, and plot is mine. Story origin is Crystal Violeta's.
The car ride to the Ranch was long. Leo was easily bored. Heather helped him read a few books and tried to pass the time with coloring that she brought with. She knew how much he loved to draw. He mainly drew Captain Ryan or Heather. After about half an hour, Leo was asleep in her lap.
Steve drove the whole way stopping only once at a gas station to fill up. Then they were back on the road and soon drove through the dome's entrance and parked in the open garage spot. Heather shakes Leo softly. "We're here," she says. He cracks an eye open and looks around the garage. It is dark, but he sees the tools needed to fix cars and such.
"Okay.." he mumbles, noting that this was indeed a different place. Heather picks him up and carries him into the A-house. She takes a moment to look around.
"It's good to be back," she admits. She sets him down and and lets him look around for a little while she walks up the stairs and stows his stuff in the half of the closet she doesn't use.
"By Odin's Beard, who is this young one!?" Heather freezes as she hears Thor's loud voice echo through the house. She quickly darts to where it originates and sees little Leo staring up at Thor's big frame, in complete awe and fear.
"Thor, mind if you keep it down. It's late," she says, walking closer.
"I apologize, Lass of the Country. I was not informed of a guest," the demi god says, looking back at Leo.
"This is Leo," she introduces, "He is a turtle mutant." Leo backs up a little. "Leo, this is Thor Odinson. He's another Avenger."
"Whoa.." Leo's face changes, replacing the fear with respect. Thor drops to a knee and holds his arm out. Leo looks at it and reaches for his hand.
"No no, little one, here," Thor moves his hand so it grasps as far up Thor's arm as it can reach, "That is how we greet on Asgard."
"Can you fly?" Leo asks. Thor's deep rumbling laughter shakes the house.
"I will show you another time, little turtle. I believe you need to sleep." Leo rubs his eye, proving the statement. Heather takes Leo's hand and leads him up the stairs. She shows him her room and let's him get ready. She walks back down to talk to Thor.
"Is anyone else here?" She asks.
"Not that I am aware of. I arrived after the Man of Iron left for a meeting of some sort. But he neglected to say anything about your little friend. Where is the Captain?"
"He is at the garage. He won't be staying. I'm going to be teaching Leo self defense."
"Why does one so young, need to protect himself?" Thor questions. Heather sits on the couch and gives Thor the short version of the winter. He is appalled by the brutality, but admires Heather all the more for helping one that is not of her kind. "If thou needs of any help, do not hesitate to call on me," Thor reminds.
"Thank you. How long will you be here?" Heather asks.
"Until the annual feast in Asgard. It begins when your days of school end."
'So, he'll be here for spring. Good.'
"Then I must assist the Avengers. Ah," Thor says, seeing Leo peek around the wall at the stairs, "It seems young Leo is ready for slumber. I will walk you all up." The two heroes stand and join Leo at the stairs. Heather picks him up and they split ways at Thor's door. She walks into hers and gets under the covers. Leo snuggles to her chest.
"You are going to love it here, Leo," Heather whispers to him, "There is open spaces, sun, forest, a mountain, and no one that will judge you for being different." She looks at the turtle and finds him already fast asleep.
"Good morning, sir. How are you?" Leo cracks an eye open and sees no one. Heather isn't next to him and the voice is not accompanied by a body.
"Who's there?" Leo asks.
"I am JARVIS. I am a computer. I do not have a body, therefore, cannot hurt you, sir."
"How do you know who I am?" Leo asks.
"Ms. Morse has informed me of your, predicament."
"Ms. Morse?" Leo asks, confused.
"You address her as Heather," the computer answers.
"Where is she?" Leo asks.
"Ms. Morse is in the bathroom, relieving herself." Leo gets up and walks out the door. There is a bathroom at the end of the hall and he turns the knob.
"It's in use," Heather says quickly. Leo shuts the door and waits for her to be done.
When she walks out, Leo says, "Sorry. I forgot to knock. He said you were in the bathroom."
"Who?"
"Jarvis." Heather stares at him.
"Jarvis..?"
"Hello, Ms. Morse. I trust you slept well," Jarvis says from a wall speaker.
"How did you survive? Ultron-"
"That was at the Tower. My services here are not attached to the outside world. I was safe here."
"That is why he didn't come here," Heather realizes. She looks at Leo, who is staring at her. "Jarvis is a friend. If you need anything, tell him, okay?"
"Okay."
"Let's get ready. Jarvis?"
"Yes, Ms. Morse?"
"First, change to Heather. Second, check the breakfast inventory." Heather and Leo walk into the bedroom while Jarvis lists off what they have for breakfast.
"I want the cereal," Leo says, shrugging off his night shirt. Heather hands him a pair of comfy pants. "Can I train without clothes?" Leo asks.
"Leo," Heather says, using the tone she found Leo listens to. He nods and puts them on. "And yes, we'll have cereal."
"Shall I get it ready for you?" Jarvis asks.
"Why?" Leo asks.
"I am a servant to assist the Avengers with anything they need."
"A servant?" Leo asks.
"Jarvis is a machine. Programmed. You," Heather bops him on the beak, "Are a living being. You can't be programmed to do anything."
"Oh, cool," Leo says. He isn't used to having a servant to wait on him, but he has a feeling he will like it.
"No, Jarvis. But in future days, that would be lovely." Heather has Leo eat while she gets dressed. He asks Jarvis a few questions and he gets them answered, leaving more questions open for discussion.
Heather walks into the kitchen with her training gear on. She's decked out with her brown Avengers hat, light blue athletic shirt, black sweat pants, and her sneakers. "Jarvis, will you find a suitable school program for Leo and download it?"
"Yes, Heather. I'll get started right away. Anything else?"
"Update sim glasses for self defense and adjust one for Leo."
"Any self defense method you prefer?"
Heather looks at Leo. "Ninjutsu," she answers.
"As you wish, Heather."
Heather finishes her bowl and then holds her hand out for Leo. "Let's get started."
Training! Yay! And Leo met Thor. How cool is that?