Bella sat on the back of the boat, enjoying the cool spray soaking her burning skin.
The exhaustion and pain had eventually worn off – the burning, not so much.
"We have to find Pepper," said Tony, addressing Rhodey, who they had met after escaping the Mandarin's house. "Before Killian does something awful to her because we escaped."
"Yes, and we also have to stop Killian from murdering the president," said Rhodey. "And some point, a doctor should take a look at Bella."
Bella turned her attention away from them to stare out at the ocean water, so invitingly cold. She suddenly wanted to take a swim – for just a few minutes, to cool off, while Tony and Rhodey talked.
Today was Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow would have been their second Christmas. In December of the year before, she'd seen lights and wreaths going up on houses, and upon seeing Tony putting up lights in the Iron Man suit, had asked why. He'd told her it was Christmas. Bella had asked him what that was.
The result had been several light bulbs breaking after he dropped the cord and a shocked stare lasting approximately thirty seconds.
Bella stood up and walked to the front of the boat. "So, we have a missing president and a missing Pepper, a lunatic who probably won't hesitate to kill either, and one suit of armor to use to save the day."
"That pretty much sums it up."
"Have you contacted S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Only about a million times. They think it's someone working for the Mandarin, because I'm supposed to be dead."
"Do you think they'd listen to me?"
"You did trick a couple of their agents into leaving you alone, so I doubt you're too popular with them right now. But Barton might be able to help if you –"
Bella's skin burned at the mention of her former friend.
"Never mind," said Tony quickly. "I'll call him."
"Actually, what about the House Party Protocol?" asked Bella. "We could split them into two groups to search."
"We need to find the Extremis soldiers," said Tony. "I sent out my last remaining suit to scan for signs of them, and I'm finding lots of them in one location. I think we should head there, scout it out."
A sudden burning sensation filled Bella's skin.
"Izzy?" asked Tony. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. It hurts, but I don't know what's going on."
Her veins began to glow.
"Deep breaths, Izzy."
"No," said Bella. "I have a better idea."
She took a few steps to the edge, inhaled deeply, and threw herself into the water.
The cold, salty water instantly cooled the burning. She dove deeper into the cold, hoping to find more relief. Opening her eyes, she stared at the surface. The boat was getting further and further away.
Bella shot toward the surface at a speed she never thought she could move before. It was the Extremis.
She surfaced and inhaled.
The boat sped further away. Without even thinking, she began to swim toward it.
Swimming had never been one of Bella's strong points. Now, she was actually overtaking the boat.
She laughed aloud as she came alongside. Tony grabbed her arm, pulling her up and onboard.
There was a long moment of silence.
"If that's Extremis, sign me up," said Tony.
Rhodey snorted.
"We're heading toward the Extremis signatures. They're on an oil drilling rig off the coast. We should get there before dark."
Bella nodded. "Have you tried contacting any of the Avengers?"
"Thor's in Asgard, Romanoff's on a mission somewhere, and Banner is… I have no idea where Banner is, I haven't heard from him in ages. Too bad, a Hulk would be good for taking care of Extremis soldiers."
Bella almost laughed at the mental image.
"What about Captain Rogers?"
"Haven't called him. Here, why don't you?" Tony handed her a cell phone.
Tony liked to take care of things himself, but really?
Bella stepped into the back of the boat and dialed his number.
"Hello?" greeted a voice.
"Captain Rogers? It's Bella."
"Miss Stark, I've been trying to get in touch with you ever since I heard what happened."
"About the house? Well, that's the least of my problems. We need some help." She began to explain everything that had happened.
"Wow," said Cap after she finished. "I've missed a lot. I wish I could help you, I really do. But I'm on the other side of the world right now. Have you contacted S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"No. They insist Tony's dead, and I have a feeling they wouldn't be particularly inclined to help me right now. It's a long story."
"I'd love to hear it – wait just a second, sorry." A moment of silence. "You're not going to believe this, but I have to call you back."
Bella stifled a groan. "It's all right. I'll just… we'll come up with something. Goodbye."
She hung up.
"Captain Rogers is currently on the other side of the planet."
"Great," muttered Tony. "Well, we've got our own super soldier now, right?"
Bella's skin burned. "I am not a super soldier. I have been given a dose of Extremis, and intend to find a way to stabilize it or get it out of my system as soon as possible."
"And I'll help you, once this is over."
"Yes. First, though, we actually have to make it be over."
Hey, everyone. I'm working on Nanowrimo this month, which is my excuse for updating my stories so little. 33941 words and counting. Yay!