Amelie Stark - Burden
Amelie Stark - Burden
The breeze rustled through my hair as I stood on the balcony, the Avengers had left and I was now alone.
My grip tightened on the railing, knuckles turning white with frustration and anger. I couldn't believe they were leaving me behind... again! This was something that really mattered to me, something I needed to be involved with.
Tony's words echoed in my mind, fuelling my irritation, and my heart ached at the memory, but still I couldn't help feeling like a burden to the team. They all cared for me, but did they truly see me as an equal? Or was I just playing at superheroes, always needing constant protection?
As they'd boarded the Quinjet, I hadn't been able to shake the thought that I was letting them down, that I wasn't living up to the potential they saw in me... But what could I do, standing here alone while they went off to save the world?
I retreated inside, pacing back and forth as I relived my outburst.
Suddenly I froze, pausing mid-step. A faint memory unexpectedly bubbled to the surface from being held hostage in Deer Valley, when my captors had been monologging to me in my cell.
Something about it was bothering me, tugging at my consciousness like an insistent fly, or the sound of a clock that you make the mistake of focusing on in an otherwise quiet room.
"Friday?" I called out, my voice unsure. "Can you please pull up the schematics for the enemy base in Phoenix?" Maybe looking at where I'd been kept would jog my memory.
"Of course, Miss Stark." Friday replied, instantly projecting a holographic map in front of me. "I have the layout including every room that Mr Stark entered during the mission to rescue you." The intricate plan of the remote mansion sprawled across the room, its complexity daunting despite the large gaps in the floorplan.
I studied the schematics intently, my eyes taking in every corner, searching for something that the others might have missed.
Nothing jumped out.
Still, the niggling thought refused to leave. I looked out the window, my eyes unfocusing. What was it that was bothering me?
I thought back on what the leader of the terrorist group had said to me, concentrating hard on his choice of wording.
A sudden realisation struck me.
"Shit... Shit shit shit!"
I spun around, desperation to act quickly managing to instead slow my reaction time. "FRIDAY!" I shouted. "Put me through to the others! Now!"
"I am sorry Miss Stark, but I am under strict instructions that the Quinjet is to remain incognito until their return."
"Fuck!" I quickly pulled my phone from my pocket, tapping Peter's contact as my fingers trembled with urgency.
"Amelie?" Peter answered, his voice tinged with surprise. "Everything okay?"
"I need your help!" I blurted out, struggling to contain my racing thoughts.
"Oh... okay...?" He stammered, trying to keep up with my frantic pace. "Uh, just tell me what you need me to do."
"Meet me at the tower as soon as you can!" I instructed, hanging up the phone. As I waited for him, I rushed around and gathered supplies – Bruce's notes on the serum, a flashlight, and an earpiece. The backpack Bucky had retrieved when the group attacked the tower was still in the kitchen. I pulled it open, sweeping everything into it in one swift movement.
With my bag of supplies slung over my shoulder, I took a deep breath and stepped into the hallway. The tower seemed unnervingly quiet, as if it too understood the gravity of the situation. My heart pounded in my chest.
I walked briskly, doing everything in my power to avoid any distractions – all the memories that clung to these walls like cobwebs. My mind raced with thoughts of my uncle, of my adopted family that I loved so much, each step echoing through the empty halls.
"Friday, keep an eye on their location." I said quietly. "I need to know when they get to Phoenix, especially if they drop Loki off."
"Of course, Miss Stark." Friday replied, steady and reassuring. "I'll guide you both as best I can."
I sighed as I continued, pressing the call button for the lift.
Friday made a sound like she was clearing her throat. "Do you think it wise to go without any weapons?"
I paused. "What would you suggest?"
"I believe a gun is customary."
Reaching the ground floor, I could see the revolving door just ahead. Sunlight was streaming through the glass panes; the world outside painting the perfect image of peace and normality.
My pulse quickened.
"Amelie!" Peter's voice rang out as he ran into view, appearing suddenly in front of me. His mask and suit were absent, revealing his concerned brown eyes. "Are you okay? You sounded really worried on the phone."
"Peter, there's no time to explain right now." I said hurriedly, noting the worry etched across his face. "We need to catch up to the others before Loki walks straight into danger."
"Alright." He nodded. "Just tell me what we're up against."
"Once we're on our way, I'll fill you in on the details." I promised, feeling grateful for his unwavering support. "For now, let's just focus on getting there as fast as possible."