Whole Lot of Leaving
The Man looked through the binoculars as Hulk roared and leaped through the broken window of Stark Tower.
“Was it a success?” The other man asked.
“You doubt my accuracy?” The first man asked.
“Of course not” the second man said.
“I shoot to kill-she’s dead” the first replied.
“We need to call him then” the second said.
He reached for his phone, “its done sir” he said when their boss answered the phone, listening to whatever was being said then hung up.
“He wants us to continue to watch them” he said turning back to the second man.
“Is this guy worth killing your daughter over?” the second man asked.
The first man shrugged “Not paid to ask questions” he replied.
The second shook his head “I know. It’s just surprised me he wanted his only child killed- I thought my father was a bastard” he replied.
“Better not let him hear you say that” the first said. “He will make sure you aren’t found” he added.
“Don’t worry you’ll be found” Another voice said as a Bucky emerged out of the shadows.
“What the hell” the men yelled scrambling for their weapons-shocked at the appearance of this mysterious man.
Bucky shot the first one down without breaking his stride. He had the man with the binoculars in a head lock and a quick twist snapped the man’s neck. He kept both men where they fell-glancing out the window to see if anyone noticed the gun shots. He turned to grab the phone and glanced once more out the window freezing when he noticed her-the red head from Steve’s team. She was in a lower window from the party but she was looking straight at him. They kept eye contact unwilling to be the first to break. The sound of the approaching police made Bucky flinch-finally breaking the trance they were in. He glanced down the street and figured he only had a few minutes to make a clean getaway. He glanced at the phone and knew THEY would be able to track this better then he would. He lifted his hand making sure she saw the phone and pointed behind him. She raised an eyebrow but nodded in understanding. He nodded and turned making a quick escape before anyone else saw him.
“Nat what do you see?” Clint asked coming up behind her.
“We need to go up there” Nat said pointing to the building across the street. “That’s where we will find the shooter” she added.
“Is he really that dumb to still be there?” Clint asked.
“He’s dead he has no choice” Nat replied.
“How do you know he’s dead?” Clint asked.
“I just saw Bucky up there. I am pretty sure he wouldn’t leave any of them alive” she said.
Clint stared at her “I’ll go up there. Maybe take Steve. I’ll call you if we find anything” he said glancing around and giving her a quick kiss before he left.
NCIS LA
Hetty slammed the phone down and cursed. Luckily there was almost no one else in the office to hear her.
“Problems Henrietta” Owen asked.
“Betty Ross was just shot and killed by a sniper” She replied.
Granger just blinked at her “Why is not shocking he would kill is own daughter” he replied. “Do they know who did it?” he added.
“Yes there are two dead bodies that were found in an abandoned apartment across from the tower. Mr. Callen said a cell phone was retrieved and Mr. Stark is tracing it as we speak” Hetty said.
“What’s going on?” Deeks asked as he and Kensi walked in-seeing how tense Hetty was.
“Dr. Ross was shot and killed by a sniper in New York” Granger replied when Hetty didn’t respond.
“Wow- Is Nate ok?” Kensi asked.
Owen and Hetty looked at one another guiltily. Nate hadn’t entered either’s mind when they heard about Dr. Ross.
“I am afraid that hasn’t crossed my mind” Hetty admitted softly. “Although I would presume so or Mr. Callen would have said something” she added.
“I’ll call him and see” Kensi said and reached for her phone.
They watched as it rang and rang-Kensi looked worried as she hung up. “He’s not answering” she replied.
Deeks looked at her “I’ll call Callen” he suggested and called from his phone.
“Hey Man its Deeks-we just heard. Let us know if we can do anything. Call us” he said as he left the message. He paused in thought before he added “If he wanted to make a statement why not go after Jen?”
Hetty looked over at him “Ross knows to get to Bruce is to attack in stages. So it affects him over a long period of time. Chips away at him piece by piece until he strikes and makes his last blow” she said.
“And his last blow is Jen?” Kensi replied.
“I believe so” Hetty said.
“Perhaps we can get Mr. Beale or Miss. Jones to pull up surveillance of the area to keep a better eye on her” Owen suggested.
Hetty nodded shaking her head “Quite right Owen. Good suggestion” she said. “As soon as Mr. Beale or Miss. Jones gets in we will do that. I now have to call Leon and explain this new development” she said getting up to leave.
“In the meantime isn’t there another case the two of you should be working on?” Granger asked looking at Deeks and Kensi.
Both looked like they were going to argue but knew since they were two people short they DID need to get back to their own case.
“Let us know if we can do anything” Deeks said looking at Hetty as he turned to leave-pulling Kensi with him.
Hetty and Owen watched them leave-he turned when he noticed the look on Hetty’s face.
“This isn’t your fault Henrietta” he said.
“Isn’t it?” She said bitterly. “If I hadn’t gotten Nate to involve her-she would have stayed in the background and out of trouble” she said.
“You don’t know that” Granger pointed out.
Hetty sighed “That may be true but all I can think is if I hadn’t gotten her involved she’d be alive” she said as she turned toward the Ops room.
Avenger’s Tower
Jen walked into the room a whirlwind of emotion. She was obviously upset and worried about Bruce-everyone knew what Hulk was feeling because he had no problem expressing his anger- Bruce on the other hand-not so much. But she also felt anger and guilt at herself. She hadn’t finished her assignment yet and if she had this wouldn’t have happened. ‘This wasn’t supposed to happen. Why her?’ she thought to herself. Suddenly she turned and paused when a sharp pain shot through her. ‘Breathe” she instructed herself and gently rubbed her abdomen. She glanced around and was relieved she was alone for the moment.
“Well Hetty is pissed” G said from the doorway.
Jen smiled “Of course she is” she replied then gasped as the pain intensified.
G was next to her in a second “What’s wrong? He asked.
Jen gasped as she scrunched her face in pain “I hurt” she mumbled.
G turned when he noticed Natasha in the doorway “She says she hurts” he replied.
Natasha nodded “Jarvis informed Clint to get the Quintjet ready and alert Dr. McCoy we are on the way” she said to the A.I.
“Yes Agent Romanov” Jarvis replied.
G was on one end of Jen-Natasha on the other as they gently lead her out of the room toward the garage. They had to stop every few feet when the pains hit. When they finally got there Clint, Coulson and Tony were pacing-waiting for them.
“Good god-what did you do crawl?” Tony snapped.
Jen glared at him “I am sorry Tony-but it takes some time when I have crippling pains that take my breath away” she yelled then almost collapsed.
Tony’s eyes widened then rushed to catch her.
“Damn Jen I am sorry- I am just worried. Is it the-them?” Tony rushed out.
Jen turned her head trying to hide the tears that were threatening to fall. “I don’t know” she whispered.
G glared at Tony “Just breathe Jen okay-you need to try and calm down” he said. “We will get you to Xavier’s and have him look at you. You’ll see everything will be ok” he said.
Jen smirked “You can tell you lie for a living” she said.
G smiled and chuckled “yep” he said rubbing her back.
Coulson cleared his throat “Someone mind informing me what exactly is going on?” He asked sternly.
Everyone glanced at one another no knowing what to say. Jen glanced at Coulson trying to breathe through the pain. “Come with us and I’ll tell you” she whispered.
G and Tony guided her inside the jet to get her comfortable. Clint was in the pilot seat checking gauges-he glanced back worriedly at her.
Tony stood up and glanced at everyone “Someone needs to stay to tell Point Break and the big guy” he said.
“Are we certain all the guest have left?” Natasha asked looking at Tony.
Tony startled with the realization he didn’t know. Then he sighed “I’ll stay start damage control” he said.
Natasha looked at Jen “I’ll stay too-help with tracking these people. Maybe distract Fury” she said with a quick smirk.
Jen smiled weakly at her joke “Thanks” she said.
Natasha glanced at the others uncomfortably but reached down and gave Jen a quick hug “positive thoughts” she whispered in her ear then stood and exited without looking at anyone.
Clint watched Natasha leave then turned and started the jet. Coulson grabbed a seat quickly keeping one eye on Clint and the other on Callen and Jen. He stayed quiet until Clint had leveled off then he unbuckled himself and cleared his throat.
“Okay what is going on?” he asked looking at Jen.
Jen looked up at Coulson “I am pregnant Phil” she said simply.
Phil nodded “well congratulations Genevieve but what does that have to do-“he paused when it clicked. “Wait are you-you are carrying Bruce’s child?” he said slowly in clarification.
“Children” she whispered.
Phil’s eyes widened a fraction but nodded “I see why you are trying to keep it a secret” he said.
“They’ve gone to Hank McCoy and Helen Cho for their –what’s it called again?” Clint asked.
“An OBGYN Barton” Phil supplied.
“Right- Hank and Helen have been the OBGYN” Clint clarified.
“Is it customary to have two doctors?” Phil asked.
“No. But Hank is the only one we trust with Bruce’s radiation” Jen said. “Since Hank is more scientist then medical doctor he asked Helen to help. Since it was her machinery that started this” she added.
Phil nodded glancing at her in thought “The procedure you had to regrow tissue in D.C” he said.
Jen just nodded, “Phil I am trying to keep this as quiet as I can-until I can’t anymore. We’ve already seen how far HE will go to get to Bruce” she said. “Even Fury” she added.
Phil raised an eyebrow but stayed silent “I know your history with Fury-as well as Bruce’s. But you do realize he oversees an organization that protects the world” he said.
“He’s also the man who told all of them you were dead after New York. And let them believe you were dead for MONTHS Phil. He’s man who is just waiting for ANY reason to put Bruce away. I am not saying he’s the bad guy but I won’t give him any ammunition to use as leverage” she replied cryptically.
Clint cleared throat “we are approaching Xavier’s landing now” he said.
As they neared the ground-Hank and Xavier were rushing to meet the jet.
Halfway back to New York Hulk landed and growled gripping his head. Thor landed next to him and placed a hand on his trembling back.
“My friend are you well?” Thor asked.
“Banner upset” Hulk growled. “Want to leave” he added.
Thor looked at Hulk at a loss for words. Loki was always better at this then he-he was more a man of action.
“For once you are the one who wants to stay and he the one who wants to flee” Thor said. “Let Bruce come back and I promise you I won’t let him flee” he added.
Hulk looked at Thor and nodded “Don’t worry Hulk come back if Banner leave” he said.
“I believe you will” Thor said with a smile.
“Don’t let Banner leave” Hulk begged.
Thor nodded “You have my word” he vowed.
A few minutes later Bruce was laying there disoriented.
“Bruce are you ok?” Thor asked when Bruce began to stir.
Bruce groaned sitting up blinking around. He looked at Thor in confusion “Umm Thor-where are we?” he asked.
Thor looked around “I am not sure my friend. I came searching for Hulk-had convinced him to come back with me when he landed” he said.
Bruce looked confused then his eyes widened when he remember the events of the night. “Oh god Betty” he whispered brokenly.
Thor nodded gravely “I am sorry my friend” he said.
Bruce climbed to his feet starting to pace and fidget. “I can’t go back-I’ll be putting them in danger” he muttered. “I need to go” he said turning only to stop short when Thor spoke.
“You would leave Genevieve when she is with child?” Thor asked in shock.
Bruce deflated “Thor I am putting them in danger if I go back. Look what happened to Betty. Jen will be fine-she’ll be pissed at first but she’s strong and will be able to raise them” he said.
“I agree Genevieve is strong and would be able to raise your children by herself if she needed too. But you aren’t going to battle- you are willingly choosing not to return to the women that you claim to love and help raise the family that is growing inside of her” Thor said.
Bruce flinched at Thor’s choice of words “You leave the women you love numerous times” Bruce reminded him childishly.
Thor nodded “Aye I do. And I miss her every time I need to leave” he said.
Bruce hung his head “I am sorry Thor that was childish” he said.
Thor smiled and gripping the man’s shoulder “I understand you meant no real harm my friend. I too have lashed out when I am scared and angry” he said.
Bruce nodded gasping “I love her but I am going to put them in danger. Look what happens when people love me-they die!” He said loudly tears falling down his face. “It always happens! I don’t know why I felt this would be any different. First it was M-Mom, now its Betty-It’s only a matter of time before he goes after Jen or the kids. I can’t let that happen” he yelled.
Thor looked at Bruce “My friend I understand your fears. But does Genevieve not have more enemies than you? She is in danger every day from her job-it has nothing to do with you. If you do decide to leave there is no guarantee that someone else won’t attack them. It would seem to better plan is to stay to help protect them” he replied.
Bruce shook his head and turned his back to Thor. “The team will help protect them” he argued.
“Bruce why are you trying to leave? Are you not happy with the idea of raising your children? Of having a family” Thor asked softly.
Bruce’s shoulders slumped “I am scared Thor. You know my background-what my father did! I have HIS DNA inside me! I don’t want to be him” he whispered.
Thor frowned “My friend do you actually believe you could EVER hurt your children?” he asked.
Bruce shot him a look “You’ve sparred with what happens when I get upset” he shot back.
Thor’s patience almost snapped but he took a calming breath before he spoke “Bruce I know you are upset and that you and Hulk have your issues but I KNOW for a fact that HE would never hurt your children-they would also be HIS as well” he said.
Bruce nodded “You’re right” he said quietly.
Thor sighed looking at the rising sun “We have been gone far longer than I had hoped. We are going to go back to the tower. I cannot make you stay but I WILL make you tell Genevieve that you are leaving. You owe her that much” he said.
Bruce opened his mouth to argue but looked at Thor and stopped. Most of the time he forgets that Thor is centuries older than the rest of them. But he is reminded in times like this when Thor speaks with authority and purpose from what must be his centuries of experience. Thor was right-he owed Jen an explanation before he leaves her to be a single parent.
Bruce nodded “Okay let’s go” he said with resignation.
Thor raised an eyebrow at Bruce’s demeanor “Come my friend I am taking you home not to your execution” he said with a chuckle scooping up Bruce and taking flight.
Bruce kept his thoughts to himself.
Xavier’s
Hank gave Jen a reassuring smile as he inserting the needle and drew blood as she laid on the examining table.
“Can you explain the pains? When they started?” Hank asked.
Jen sighed “Tony threw a party today-well I guess it was yesterday now. Umm everything was good until what ended up being the end of the night. Betty Ross came and was gunned down by a sniper.” She said.
Hank nodded “That’s terrible-how is Bruce taking that?” he asked.
“Not sure he Hulked out and ran” she replied.
“So as well as expected” Clint replied from the other side of the room-earning a chuckle from Jen.
“The pain happened after that. I was-am upset. I guess I feel a little guilty. Then the pain started” Jen said.
Hank smiled “I have to run a few tests but it’s my experience that fetus’s do respond to the stress of the parent” he replied gently. “A person who is carrying multiple babies is already at high risk. Add onto that your job as well as your environment is another risk factor” he said.
Jen blinked at him “So I have to quit my job and move?” she asked.
Hank smiled “No-no. I merely said thinking that may be why you felt pain” he said rubbing her hand.
“Have you experienced anything different lately?” Charles asked quietly.
Jen rolled her eyes but smirked “Yes I have” she said. “I have been experiencing empath powers” she replied. “I don’t know if it’s my changing body or if the power is one of theirs” she added pointing to her abdomen.
Charles nodded “May I read you?” he asked as he rolled toward her.
Jen nodded “sure” she said.
Charles reached over and touched his hand on either side of her of head. He closed his eyes for a few minutes then opened them and ran his one hand across her forehead before he rolled back.
Jen smiled “You haven’t don’t that since I was little” she whispered mimicking the hand across her forehead.
Charles smiled “I know” he said. “The babies are still underdeveloped that I cannot tell whither the powers are yours or theirs” he began as he rolled more in the middle of the group. “But for the time being they are yours Genevieve and empath powers will add to a high risk pregnancy” he added.
Jen stared at Charles “Is that all you saw?” she asked.
Charles stared at her “I am afraid you were blocking me subconsciously-but that’s to be expected. I can tell you they will be powerful-but that’s not unexpected” he said with a warm smile.
“Yeah look at their parents” G replied earning a smile from Jen.
“So am I going to be getting MORE unexpected powers?” Jen asked.
Charles sighed “I am afraid I don’t know. A women’s body does change during pregnancy-or so I am told. It is a possibility that you might get more powers before they are delivered” he said.
Suddenly alarms started going off and the sound of running feet could be heard outside the lab.
“Chuck, Hank unidentified group of mutants heading straight for us” Logan yelled as he ran by the lab. He paused when he noticed the others. “Damn might want to get them somewhere safe” he said as he ran off.
Charles glanced at them “Stay here-you will be safe” he said as he rolled away.
Hank nodded “Charles is right. I need to go make sure everything is ok. I’ll be back down as soon as I can” he said as he rushed out.
Clint looked around “Listen I am not one to get into someone else’s fight. But I hate missing action” he replied.
G smiled “me too” he agreed.
Jen smiled as she sat up “Let’s see if they need help” she agreed as the four of them headed for the elevator.
Avengers Tower
“Ms. Potts” Jarvis said quietly from the speaker in her office-causing her to jump.
“Yes Jarvis” she replied.
“Someone is in reception looking to speak with Dr. Banner” he replied.
She glanced at the ceiling in confusion “Um do you know who it is?” she said slowly.
“It’s Jennifer Walters ma’am” the A.I replied.
“And Jennifer Walters is?” She asked.
“Bruce’s cousin” Tony replied from the doorway of her office.
Pepper stared at Tony in shock-at the news and at seeing Tony.
“Why is Jarvis calling me? Why not call Bruce?” Pepper said staring at Tony.
“Bruce isn’t here. But even if he were here I don’t want him to see her until I figure out why she is here” Tony said.
Pepper rolled her eyes “You didn’t answer my question” she said.
“I need someone there to reel me in-make sure I don’t upset her” Tony said.
Pepper raised an eyebrow “And you called me?” she asked.
Tony cleared his throat “Pep believe me if there was anyone else I wouldn’t have call-um bothered you.” Tony replied to his shoes.
Pepper looked at Tony impressed that he called-even if she was at the bottom of the list.
“Okay lets go” Pepper said as she stood.
“Really?” he asked. “I expected more of a fight” he added.
Pepper stopped when she was at the elevator and stared back at Tony “Bruce is my friend too Tony. I want to protect him in any way I can” she said. “Why hasn’t she been here before?” Pepper asked as they descended to the main floor.
“When the accident happened-Ross said Bruce had died. To try and cover up his end of the failed experiment. Bruce let his aunt and cousin believe he was dead-to protect them” Tony said slowly. “And never told them otherwise-even when he became an Avenger” he added as the door opened.
“Then why is she here?” Pepper asked.
“No idea” Tony replied. “Ms. Walters?” he asked.
“Yes?” The women pacing by the window asked turning toward the duo.
“I am Tony Stark” he said flashing his customary smile.
“I am Pepper Potts” Pepper said.
“I am here to see Bruce” Jennifer replied.
Pepper stared at her “Please follow us and we can try to answer any questions you might have” she replied with a fake smile.
Jennifer stared at the duo but nodded and followed them. They lead her to a conference room off of the lobby. Once the door was shut and everyone was seated Tony began with the questions.
“How did you hear Bruce was here?” Tony asked.
Jennifer looked at him “I talked to Anthony DiNozzo yesterday” she replied.
“DiNozzo told you?” Tony asked.
Jennifer nodded “He called and asked for Mom. He always seemed to have a thing for her so when the caller ID said it was him she made me answer it” She replied with a chuckle.
Tony blinked at her “He didn’t seem like the type who liked older women but who am I to judge” he replied.
Pepper shot him a look as Jennifer looked confused for a few minutes before her eyes widened in realization.
“Oh god no not Tony-his father Anthony” she replied.
Tony nodded “Haven’t met him yet” he replied.
Jennifer smiled “I would assume Tony is protecting you from him-he’s always had ideas of getting rich quick schemes that involve billionaires. They’ve never ended well” she replied.
“What we were wondering is why are you here today in particular?” Pepper asked successfully and effortlessly changing the topic.
Jennifer sighed “If I called him-I knew he wouldn’t answer. The only way I would get to see him I had to surprise him and just show up” she replied. “Is Bruce even here?” she asked.
Tony and Pepper looked at each other for a moment. “Ms. Walter’s Bruce isn’t here at the moment” Tony began. “But I’ll be honest with you even if he were here-you’d still be in this conference room. He is my friend and I try and protect him as much as I can” he said simply.
“I am his family! Why are you trying to protect him from me!” she argued.
“Not from you per say” Pepper jumped in. “But you might be very upset-understandably -when hearing your cousin who you thought was dead for a last 10 years is in fact alive. We wouldn’t want you to take out your justified anger on him” she added.
“Why did he let us believe he was dead?” Jennifer asked. “I just don’t understand. I cried-he-he was my older brother. I mourned for him and now I hear he’s alive” she added.
“He was on the run for years. For all intents and purposes he was dead. Afterward-I think he was just trying to protect you. But I am afraid you’d have to ask him” Pepper replied.
“But even now-he’s been back as an Avenger for a few years now. I don’t understand” Jennifer replied.
Tony sighed “Sort version he was protecting you. There’s a much longer version-which stems from childhood-but I don’t have to tell you that” he replied.
“Sir I am sorry to interrupt” Jarvis replied.
“What is it buddy” Tony asked.
“I need to inform you Xavier’s school is under stack” he replied as Tony straightened in his chair.
“What!” Tony snapped.
“I just received a text from Agent Coulson sir” the A.I replied. “But I also wanted to inform you Thor is about to land on the landing pad” he replied.
Tony was already up and heading for the door “Don’t let them inside” he said. “Pep got to go. Ms. Walter’s it’s a pleasure” he said not even turning his back toward them.
“Tony” Pepper yelled to his back.
Jennifer looked across at the women “What is going on?” she asked.
“I don’t know” Pepper replied in worry.
Thor and Bruce landed gracefully on the landing pad.
“We have arrived” Thor announced. “Now you need to go find Genevieve and talk with her” he added.
“Yeah she not here buddy” Tony said as he walked toward them.
Bruce turned and frowned toward his friend “What where is she?” he asked.
“Clint and Callen-and Coulson took her to Xavier’s. She um-she was experiencing pain and she was worried so we rushed her there” Tony said.
Bruce paled “The-the babies. A-Are they okay?” he demanded.
“I don’t know I haven’t heard” Tony said. “But you two need to get there because Jarvis just informed me that the school is under attack” he added.
Bruce growled his eyes changing green-but didn’t change “We need to go” he said.
“You aren’t changing?” Tony asked.
“Not yet” he said. “Come on Thor” he said.
Thor smiled and scooped him up again “Aye let’s go” he said.
“I’ll be right behind you” Tony called as he called his suit.
Xavier’s
Once Jen and the other’s reached the top level of the school the battle had already began. Coulson surveyed the scene before he spoke.
“Barton and Callen see if you can help them out there. Maybe stop those who are lucky enough to get through and think they can get in here. Jen and I will stay inside-make sure the students are protected and safe” he instructed. “Any questions?” he added.
“Nope got it sir” Clint said already heading for the door.
Callen smiled “No questions-but I am not calling you sir. I don’t even call my boss sir” he said with a smirk.
Coulson laughed “Barton does it mainly to annoy me” he said.
Callen chuckled as he pulled his gun and headed after Clint. Phil watched them go then turned to Jen.
“I am afraid I am not familiar with the layout of this place. Where are the easiest access points? We need to check those points. We need to make sure the students are safe while we wait for backup” Phil said.
“Backup?” Jen asked.
“On the way up here I sent a message to Jarvis. I figure some of the team will come and help” Phil said.
Jen smiled “Of course they will” she agreed. “I doubt this place has changed this much” she said as she grabbed a piece of paper and sketched the layout of the place for Phil.
He glanced at the sketched and nodded “okay and where do you think the kids would be?” he asked.
Jen thought for a second “That could a couple of places. Charles has a few secure places back then-but I am sure they have changed since then” she said.
She was interrupted by a scream down the hall.
“Or we could follow that scream” Jen said.
Phil nodded and took off down the hall. He and Jen rounded the hall and saw a mutant chasing after a girl. The girl screamed as the man gained on her and grabbed her. He laughed at her, she shifted out of the man’s grasped.
“Hey Stop” Jen yelled at the mutant motioning with her hand. Suddenly a beam of power shot out of her palm and headed toward him-hitting the corner of the wall over the man’s head. The mutant yelled and jumped away from the wall-wheeling around to face them. When nothing else was shot his way he ran the opposite direction. Phil grabbed Jen before she could start to run after him.
“What the hell was that?” he demanded looking at her.
Jen blinked at him looking down at her hand “I don’t know” she mumbled.
“You don’t know?” he asked incredulously.
Jen pulled away but pointed her hand down “That’s right Phil-I don’t know. I wanted to stop him and that happened” she exclaimed in agitation.
Phil looked at her shaking his head “I’ll go follow him you go make sure the rest of the students are okay” he said.
Jen looked like she was about to argue when more screams came down the hall. She huffed and nodded her head in agreement “Be careful” she said as she turned and ran down the hall.
“You too” Phil said as he ran the other direction.
Thor flew as fast as he could toward Xavier’s school. He was impressed that Bruce has stayed so calm the entire ride. But as they neared the school they both could see the battle in action Bruce tensed in his grip.
“Are you alright my friend?” Thor asked.
Bruce closed his eyes nodding slowly. “Let’s just get down there” he said.
Iron Man’s mechanical voice called from beside them “Jarvis did a scan. Legolas and Callen are down there-no sign of Agent or Jen. They must have stayed inside the school” he replied.
“Why don’t you go inside and make sure while Thor and I stay outside?” Bruce called.
“Why don’t you want to go inside?” Tony asked.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’d hate for Hulk to ruin parts of the school or god forbid hurt a student if he shows” Bruce replied.
Tony nodded “okay that makes sense” he said as they descend toward the school.
Jen ran down the hall-grabbing the corner and using it as leverage as she whipped around it. She saw two women blocking the door in black leather.
“Really? How typical” Jen replied loud enough for the two women to turn toward her.
“Who are you?” one asked.
“None of your business” Jen replied.
“Do you actually think you are going to stop us?” The other sneered sniffing. “Especially in your condition” she added.
Jen’s back straightened at the comment-she hadn’t thought of the fact that SOME mutants have heightened senses and would be able to tell. She knew she had the upper hand and that this would be easy but rule 16 popped in her head and she knew she needed to play it cool.
“My condition?” Jen asked coyly.
The other women laughed and Jen saw she had a snake’s tongue. “Oh please-we have heightened senses and you reek of expected motherhood” she said.
Jen smirked “Well guess there’s no use in denying it” she replied.
“Are you a part of this?” the other women sneered motioning around her.
“Is that what Xavier is doing? Building his army with children who aren’t even born yet?” the first women continued.
Jen cocked her head in thought “whatever I say you aren’t going to believe me so think whatever you want” she replied. “But I will not let you hurt these kids-they aren’t a part of this. They aren’t superheroes yet-they are trying to learn how to control their powers and live their lives” she added.
One of the women rolled their eyes at her “Oh please why do you think we are here. To stop these kids before they turn good. Give them a chance to turn to our side before we kill them.” She said.
Jen scoffed “come to the dark side or die? That’s your line?” she replied.
The second women walked toward her “Our boss would LOVE a chance to groom someone into his ultimate solider. The only way that would happen is to groom them before they are even born yet” she replied.
Jen sucked in a breath at the comment. Images flashed through her mind of pictures of her mother-of the lab that Peggy Carter found her in-of Jethro-Shannon and Kelly-Of Bruce. There was no way in hell she was going to allow that to happen. She was deep in thought and didn’t sense the one talking was in front of her until her nail ran down her arm.
Jen’s eyes snapped up to the women in front of her “Don’t touch me” she growled.
“What are you going to do about it?” Nails snapped.
“This” Jen replied and shoved her hands out. A blast of fire and power shot out of them sending Nails though the wall into the battle outside.
Her sister screamed and ran toward her Jen turned and shoved her hands-the way she did the first time. This time actual fire shot out. The women jumped out of the way and the fire caught her pant leg on fire. The women came at her again and Jen closer her hand and punched her in the face. The women flopped back-falling unconscious to the floor. Jen looked down at her hands in genuine fear-this new power isn’t good.
Jen turned as she heard a familiar sound and turned just as Mjolnir came through the opening. Thor had seen the wall explode and had thrown Mjolnir inside to help. Jen extended her hand and to her surprise the hammer stopped. She gasped as she watched the hammer in suspension in front of her, she looked at her hand then motioned it down. The hammer flew to the floor with more power than she had expected-it dented the floor and the impact bounced her and the rest of the furniture in the room. Jen kept her hands out in front of her and slowly stepped away from Mjolnir. Her back it the wall and Jen slide down until she was sitting on the floor.
Tony found her there a few minutes later. He stomped up to her taking in her position and the destruction of the room with fear.
“Jen are you ok?” Tony asked as his face plate lifted.
Jen blinked then looked up at Tony “I stopped Mjolnir” she replied softly.
Tony turned and stared at the hammer and then at her “What?” he asked in confusion.
“I shot fire at those women-because they threatened to take the babies to raise as evil soldiers. Then when Thor threw Mjolnir in here I-I held my hand out and it stopped Tony. Then I motioned it to the ground and it-listened to me-I guess” Jen replied.
Tony blinked at her and whistled low “Wow” he said as he watched Thor call his hammer back to him.
“Tony don’t tell him yet-I-I can’t” Jen stuttered out.
“Don’t tell him what?” Bruce replied as he stepped through the opening. “Jen are you okay” he said as he rushed toward her.
Jen was trying to keep a straight face but the overwhelming emotions of the past 24 hours coupled with her rising emotions were too much. She could feel the tears falling before her brain registered what was happening.
“Bruce” she choked out.
When Bruce got to her he enveloping her in his arms. He pulled her into his lap-running a hand through her hair and rubbing one down her back as she sobbed. He whispered in her ear and listened as she choked out what happened between her sobs. Bruce felt guilty-if he hadn’t left she wouldn’t have had to deal with this on her own.
Jen shook her head-reading his mind “stop-I don’t blame you, you reacted the way anyone would have at her death-which is my fault too” she sobbed.
Bruce stared at Tony as he tried to calm her down from this new breakdown. “We need to find them” he mouthed-eyes flashing green.
Tony nodded “I am on it” he mouthed back. Out loud he said “In a couple of days we might want to test this new Mjolnir power with Thor” he said.
Jen chuckled wetly against Bruce’s neck “Do you think I am worthy?” she teased through her tears.
“Might need to ask Thor on that” Tony replied with a chuckle.
Bruce chuckled “I agree. Let’s go see if Hank and Charles need any more help then I say we need to get you home” he said staring at Jen.
Bruce typed in the code and the waited as the door opened to their floor.
“I am going to make us some tea” Bruce said as he turned toward the kitchen.
“Thanks” Jen called as she stepped into their room to change.
“I actually already made some” Another voice said from the kitchen table.
Bruce froze staring at shock at the women sitting there. He blinked and pulled his glasses off and wiped them off before putting them on again.
“Jen?” he asked in disbelief.
“Did you call me?” Jen said walking in behind him-freezing at the sight of the unexpected women.
Bruce glanced back at Jen then at his cousin “uh oh this might start to get confusing” he said.
His cousin got up and stood in front of him-staring at him hard. Then a slow smile appeared as she threw her arms around him knocking him gently into Jen. Bruce froze but then wrapped his arms around his cousin pulling her to him.
“I ought her hurt you for keeping me in the dark all these years” she muttered. “But I’ve missed you so much Bruce and I am so happy you are alive” she added as a few tears ran down her cheek. She pulled back and wiped at her face then extended her hand to Jen “I am Jennifer Walters” she introduced herself.
Jen smiled through her tears and took the offered hand “I am Genevieve Gibbs. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you” she said. Jen glanced at Bruce and could tell he was still shell shocked-she reached over and gently closed his mouth. “So I hope you don’t take this the wrong way-but how and why are you here?” she asked.
Jennifer chuckled “I talked to Anthony DiNozzo yesterday-well two days ago now” she said as she glanced at her watch. “He let it slip he had been in contact with you and that you were an avenger” she added.
“I might text Tony and tell him his father is in trouble” Jen said shaking her head.
Jennifer chuckled “I am an attorney so I grilled him until he told me the avenger part” she admitted. “As for how-I had a meeting with Mr. Stark and Miss Potts earlier today. Then the voice in the ceilling told him about Xavier’s school under attack and Thor-whoever that is-showing up and he ran out. I got lucky and Miss. Potts got called into a meeting and I told her I would see myself out but I wondered into what I found out was the residential area of this tower. I had a nice talk with the voice and he allowed me to come inside” she replied.
“Jarvis” Bruce chastised.
“I am sorry Dr. Banner if I crossed a line. But if Ms. Walters would explain what my stipulations were in allowing her inside” the A.I replied.
Jennifer smiled “He said he would allow me in and if I lied to him or in any way harm any occupants of this floor he would tranquilize me in 3 seconds time and my body would be disposed of in whatever way he saw fit” she recited with a shudder.
Bruce’s eyes widened “JARVIS” he exclaimed. “Does Tony know this?” he asked.
“No Sir does not know Ms. Walters is still in the building” the A.I replied.
“No I meant your unique security system” Bruce commented.
“No Sir does not know that either” the A.I replied. “He created me to watch over him and then the occupants of these floors and there are occasions where I need to put my preverbal foot down doctor” he added.
Jen smiled “He likes you and didn’t want her presence to upset you” she replied kissing him on the cheek, then her stomach growled “Sorry we are hungry. You two sit while I make us something to snack on” she said shooing the two toward the table.
Jennifer sat but stared at Jen’s back “We?” she asked finally looking at Bruce with a raised eyebrow.
Bruce flushed looking down at his hands “Umm Yep. We-are pregnant” he said.
Jennifer gasped head turning between her cousin and the women in the kitchen. “You-You are going to be a father?” she finally got out.
“Yes he is” Jen replied smiling from her spot by the fridge-closing it with her hip.
Jennifer jumped up and threw her arms around Bruce again. “I am so excited for you. I won’t ask all the questions I want to ask-I know you will tell me eventually. Can I tell mom you are alive? I won’t tell her where you are but she-she mourned you too Bruce. I think she took your death worse than she did dads” she replied.
Bruce’s eyes flickered with a mixture of sadness, guilt and fear. He glanced at Jen pleading for assistance.
“Hon you know I’ll back you up with anything you decide. BUT you might want to wait until we catch this guy. It’ll just be one more person that he could use as leverage” she replied.
Jennifer looked over at Jen “What Guy?” she asked.
“Not sure-but I have a guess” Jen replied-but then she glanced at Jennifer. “But it might be good to have someone that could get us information from another angle” she added.
Bruce stared at Jen like she had lost her mind “I don’t want to get her involved” he said quickly.
“Bruce she walked into Stark Tower and demanded to speak to you-then persuaded an A.I to allow her into our home. She’s not some innocent bystander” Jen replied.
Jennifer cleared her throat “How about you two not talk about me like I am not even here and explain what the hell is going on?” she demanded.
Bruce sighed and explained everything that had happened to him since the last time they saw one another-all those years ago. He talked about Betty and Ross, Hulk and Jen-he talked about joining the avengers and ended with everything that had happened in the year since he had reconnected with Genevieve. Jennifer blinked at him speechless when he was finished. If anyone else had told her that story she wouldn’t have believed them-but since it was Bruce she knew it was true.
“I’ll do anything you want-and I promise I won’t tell mom until you say it’s ok” Jennifer said finally.
“Why?” Bruce asked.
“Why am I helping you?” Jennifer asked. “Seriously Bruce-you are basically my older brother. I grew up with you trying to look out for me. It’s finally my turn to return the favor” she replied.
Jen smiled as she brought plates to the table “Good I am glad that’s settled. Now sorry it’s just sandwiches-nothing fancy after the day we’ve had” she said as she said down in the seat at the end of the table.
Washington D.C
The man hung up the phone and looked over at his boss with a frown.
“My men have been killed” he said.
Ross shrugged his shoulders “all they did was fail. It’s not like anyone is going to miss them” he replied.
The other nodded “True-do you have anyone else in mind to finish this?” he asked.
Ross nodded “men we can get-don’t worry about that” he replied. “I think it is time to show our secret weapon” he added with an evil grin.
“Secret weapon sir?” the man asked.
Ross nodded and reached for his phone “Release Banner” he said then hung up.
“Banner?” the man asked.
“The last piece of my plan. He’s the one man who still has the ability to tear HIM into nothing” Ross said.
“Where have you been hiding him?” The man asked.
Ross shot a look at the man “I think it’ll be best if we keep some mystery in this relationship” he said signaling that the meeting was over.
Once Ross was alone he turned and chuckled out into the skyline “This I can’t wait to see” he chuckled.