Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What? What do you mean by my daughter?! I don’t have children.... and least of all in Texas! God knows I avoid that place like the plague”

Tony Stark’s day was shaping out to be not at all what he had planned it to be, or in reality what Pepper had planned. But waking to a call from a police station outside of Austin claiming that they had a five-year-old little girl who was allegedly his was comically shocking to say the least. Within hours Tony had canceled everything in his agenda and found himself boarding a private flight with Rhodes to confirm that without a doubt he was still a care and stress-free bachelor.

Lots of things were going through his mind, like the fact that he’d always been cautious... right?! Even in the wildest of parties and countless one-night stands Tony prided himself on making sure there wouldn't be a little bundle of consequences nine months later that would derail his life plans. But being told that there was a little girl who could potentially be his simply dumped at a police station was striking a new kind of fear deep within him that we simply couldn’t place much less explain or vocalize. It was the whole reason Rhodey was there to begin with. Not just as witness to the whole ordeal but as the unspoken emotion support Tony didn’t realize he needed.

“So, you really can't think of a single woman you might have had any kind of entanglement with that could've lead to this? I mean you’ve had scares before but this seems a bit too legit even for you...” Rhodes was trying his best to help jog Tony’s memory is any sort of way to clear him of potential parental burden, but Tony was at war with himself after seeing the file sent containing the details of one little miss Evie, alongside a picture of the five-year-old in question. At first glance he dismissed it, almost immediately. It took Pepper’s comment on how similar she was to his mother that he took a closer look at the photograph.

The first thing he noticed with new eyes was how sad her’s were. Like she had been sad since, well forever. And it truly bothered him in a way he wasn’t prepared for. But they were indeed the same dark golden-brown color as his mother.... as his. Evie had the same shade of deep chestnut brown hair. Much like him. She was small too, almost frail looking, sickly. Had she been getting the proper care a kid needs? And what five-year-old has dark circles under their eyes that severe?! When was the last time this kid had gotten any sleep? These were some of the questions that came to him during the flight the more he continued to see her picture. Pepper had been the one to convince him that he had nothing to lose by simply complying with the local authorities and taking a paternity test. After all, if he truly was sure she wasn’t his, he could go to Mexico and celebrate over some strong margaritas since he would be close by already.

Upon arrival Tony and Rhodes had gotten a direct escort to the station where the child was being held while everything was being sorted. “So there really wasn’t an adult with her when she got there? She Just walked right in?!” Tony was quite shocked when the officer who greeted them at the tarmac informed him of the details; he failed to pay attention to them in their initial phone call. Evie had apparently been dropped off at the station door after being kicked out of a black SUV, with just a backpack with nothing more than a coloring book, broken crayons, and a note. Pinned to her shirt. A note from her mother stating that she wasn’t in the mind set to care for a kid and had grown tired of trying to do so. That she too deserved to live her own life. In the mother’s own words, "I'm still young and honestly a kid is a major party killer. Plus, it's about time her father took care of her. I never wanted her to begin with, but figured I could eventually get a major payday with her. But this isn't worth it anymore. I just need her off my back so I can better focus on my own thing. It’s the least Tony Stark can do since I did all the hard work already. P.S. she's potty trained and doesn't talk much (thank God imma right?!)” It simply ended with “GOOD LUCK STARK” in big bold letters as if the whole situation was some sort of inside joke among friends concerning the watering of a house plant and not the entire livelihood of child.

Once inside the headquarters, Tony was immediately taken to a small office with a nurse prepped to draw a few DNA samples. Promptly taken and sent for analysis, he was asked if he wanted to meet the girl or just wait for the results that would arrive within a few hours. James was quick to see the signs of panic written all over Tony’s face, “hey man, if it's too soon or even if you don’t wanna see her at all, its completely up to you. No one is forcing you... But it might help if you just see her through the glass. They said she's in the officer’s breakroom with one of the secretaries having lunch. You won't even have to interact with her directly”

“Yeah ok, I can do that. I mean I don’t wanna scare the kid she’s already been surrounded by strangers long enough... right?” Feet suddenly feeling like cinder blocks, he cautiously peered through the small window on the break room door. There she was, with the same sad expression, eating what looked like a very bland sandwich for lunch. And who gives a kid just water to go with that? He kept surprising himself with how much he was growing concerned for her, some strange impulse to do something. Anything to better her current circumstances. But he said it himself. That he wasn’t going to care, because it would simply be another false alarm.

Just another quick money grab scheme from another gold digger who had nothing better to do than ring the alarms and set off a media frenzy for their ten seconds of fame. But this was the first time it wasn’t a fake pregnancy; this time there was a kid, of flesh and bone. And not just a baby, but one that could walk and talk (maybe)? Yet being this close to her, he couldn’t help but feel like all he wanted to do in that moment was to see what her smile might look like. Or at least get her better food that had actual flavor and color to it. And maybe even some new clothes cause what she had on definitely was a size too small, leaving her clearly more uncomfortable than what the current situation called for.

Two hours. Two hours was all it took for the results of the paternity test to come in.

Rhodes was left speechless, and Tony was instantly grateful he was seated. His legs felt like jelly at the sight of the document in his hands. He blinked once, then twice, then he ran his hand over his face just to be sure his eyes weren't failing him. There, written plain as day was a positive result stating that without a shadow of a doubt Evie was his.

A daughter. An entire human being is now being placed in his charge to raise and care for. He couldn’t seem to get his brain to stop short circuiting and form a coherent sentence. It wasn’t till the chief of police cleared his throat and spoke that the deafening silence was interrupted. “You're more than welcome to run a test through a lab of your choosing, but at the time she's officially being released into your custody. As for the mother, we're still looking for her. But with the few details we have to work with we can't say how long it may take. If we even find her at all. So, with that being said... congratulations Mr. Stark, it’s a girl.” James was unamused by the comment.

"Dude, seriously? Is there something funny we're missing?!”

“No of course not sir, just trying to make light of the situation... I’ll give y’all a moment to take in the news and get her ready”

“Yeah, you do that”

Finally, Tony’s mind was done with its hard reset. He pulled his phone from his pocket and blurted “I’m calling pepper to have that second opinion ready as soon as I land. And a nanny?” His mind was racing a thousand miles a second. He was most certainly not the type of man to be easily rattled... but this? This was more terrifying than anything he’d been faced with to date. Speaking to large crowds, easy. Demonstrating weapons and feeling their power up-close, a damn walk in the park. But being told he’s a father disrupted him down the foundation. How the hell had this happened?! He can’t care for a kid; he basically still was one with how he acted at times. How in God’s name was he being charged to raise a whole human being?!

Instantly after the first ring Pepper answered “Tony? What's the update?

“Hello?...”

“Are you there?”

…...

“She’s mine”

“WHAT?! Seriously? Wow I-I don’t know what to say? H-how is she? Is she okay at least? Have you spoken to her yet?”

“Not yet... James and I thought it best if I didn’t frighten her even then she is. But I need you to set up a second opinion...”

“Yeah of course I'm already on it... Tony?”

“Yeah?”

“What about her, should I get anything ready for her?”

“Uh, yes?”

“Are you asking or telling”

“Both? I mean what do little girls need?”

“Well... that’s certainly the million-dollar question, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, no shit”

This was it.

This was the moment of truth.

The make-or-break time, where at this precise point, he knew his course of action would make an ever-lasting imprint on Evie. He needed to meticulously pick and choose this next set of actions and choice of words. Cause this was going to be the first impression that will change their future forever....

“Just take it easy man, they already broke the news to hear that you’re her real dad. All you gotta do now is introduce yourself. And she's only 5, I mean how hard can it be?” James’ pep talk was doing very little to stave off the creeping mix of nerve-wracking anxiety and stress Tony could feel crawling it way up his spine. Taking as much air as his lungs could hold, he tried to steady himself, and remember what Pepper had told him.

What did she say again? Oh right....

“Just be gentle, turn off the showboating. She isn't a potential investor, nor a rivaling CEO. She's a little girl currently scared out of her mind. She’s looking for any sort of safe place and can feel at ease with. You need to be a source of serenity and safety. Can you be that?”

Could he? Releasing his breath of air, Tony turned the knob and walked in. Instantly she looked up at him with those brown orbs... fully taking in the man. He felt a strange pang in the pit of his stomach. A weird sensation he couldn't quite put a name to. Clearing his throat, he took the seat across from her.

“Hello Evie, I'm Tony... Tony Stark... I’m your dad... but you already knew that,” he tried his best to school his features into what might resemble a small yet kind smile.

His greeting was met with nothing. Just the continual gaze from the small child. Clearing his throat again to attempt to ease his discomfort Tony continued, “um I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not as shocked as you are because I can promise you that’s its more, but um” damn it why was it hard to try to communicate with a little girl? He’s Tony Stark for Christ's sake he's addressed hordes of people with ease and confidence without even breaking a sweat. Yet here he found himself, feeling suddenly very hot, as if struck with fever. “It seems your mom isn't coming back kid, a-and it's going to be me taking care of you now. Um in a minute here my buddy Rhodey and I are going to take you with us back to my home in Malibu. That’s uh, well, that’s a long way from here, really far away actually. But that’s okay cause my plane is pretty fast so we should be there before dinner time.”

Before Tony could continue to ramble a small and quiet voice rose “California” He just barely heard her. Had he been speaking a few octaves louder; he would have missed it entirely. “I'm sorry what?” Startled by his response she cowered in her chair so that she was just barely able to look over the table. Yet she answered him in an even more hushed tone than before “Malibu, that’s in California."

“Yeah, that's right, where did you learn that?” Without breaking eye contact she simply answered, “travel channel.” The travel channel? What kind of five-year-old is willing to watch the travel channel?! “Well, that’s impressive. Do you like watching the travel channel?” Hesitantly she replied, “kind of, it’s the only channel that work on the tv” Okay what the actual fuck? What the hell kind of life had this kid been living? But when she would say next tore him from his internal dialog “you're really not sending me away?”

Dumbstruck, Tony was once again stunned into silence. Rhodey stepped in saying, “send you away? What do you mean, why would anyone be sending you away? To where?!”

Cautiously she responded in a barely audible voice, eyes now glued to the floor, “mommy... mommy said that if no one wanted me... that... that they would just send me away... to the place where the trash kids go to. She said that’s what ‘not wanted’ kids go. It doesn't sound like a nice place. It scares me...” Her voice dropped off at the end as eyes glossed over. Seeing the unshed tears gathering at the corner of her eyes, Tony felt an unmistakable shift within him. That urge from before was back, this time full force.

In that very moment all he could think of was how the hell he could get her to smile because that sad broken look plaguing her features was slowly breaking his heart in a way, he didn’t even know was possible. In a swift movement he left his chair and kneeled at her side. “No, of course not. No one is sending you anywhere that you don’t want to be at.” She turned back to look him in the eye, tears now rolling down her small face. “Really?”

Warily, Tony gently used the back of his right hand to brush away the tears; feeling a few of his own threatening to gather and desperately willing them away. Giving her a reassuring smile he said “really, no one here is going to force you to do anything you're not comfortable with. That being said, no one is sending you away, and don’t ever for a second think that no one wants you kid. Cause your dad is here now, and I promise, I'll always be here from now on, okay. You and me, we’re sticking together. And as a plus I can tell you my house has a tv with all the channels working. So, you can watch anything you want. Not just the travel channel anymore.” Slowly while still holding his gaze she gingerly held his hand in place on her cheek. And the ghost of what resembled a shy smile dawned on her, much to his relief.

Within the next few hours, he’s once again in the sky. Although this time a small hand was still found wrapped in his. Once the plane had started to ascend, he felt the trembling growing within her. With awe, James witnessed a new side of Tony take hold. Realizing Evie was fearful from the takeoff, Tony was quick to reassure her that everything was safe. That there was nothing to fear because he’d made sure to have the best plane... one that came with lots of snacks.

Rhodes leaped at the chance to establish a good start with the kid and quickly retrieved a variety of snacks from Tony’s personal secret stash. With wide eyes she combed through her gifts offered. Chocolates, cookies, pretzels, different colored fizzy drinks, a few juice boxes, and what could only be described as the world’s best smelling cheese pizza. Famished, she threw open the small box and eagerly tore a slice from the nine-inch dish from heaven.

“Well look at that, she likes pizza, want a drink with that?” Both James and Tony were watching with sly grins how she hardly looked up from her meal to reach for a juice box. Seeing her struggle with the straw Tony reached over to assist, gaining a smile from Evie. Although it was still not quite reaching her eyes, it was still enough for his heart to skip a beat. A warmth unlike anything he’d ever felt, grew deep in his chest. Sharing a glance with his best friend, they shared a look of both relief and glee.

In that moment, whether it was conscious or not, Anthony Edward Stark wholeheartedly committed to his newfound role of fatherhood. Seeing that smile with a sudden light flicker in her eyes overwhelmed him with an uncanny sense of pride. An electric feeling of joy Tony never wanted to grow used to, and just as abruptly, he never wanted to see her ever without that sweet and innocent smile gracing her features.

Then and there he knew even without the second opinion in; that she truly was his. His little girl, to raise, to care for, and to love. Which he planned to do endlessly. He also knew even if the road ahead might be rough, that it was going to be the start to a beautiful relationship with his little Evie, who definitely needed a new birth certificate to proudly and undeniably establish her as a Stark, as his kid.

Oh, Pepper was in for a shocking surprise. Yeah, never in a million years would anyone expect Tony to shift so swiftly into dad mode so suddenly, without putting the least amount of resistance. All because she gave him a smile. Although he would never admit it out loud, she had him wrapped around her finger and she didn’t even know it yet.

Chapter Text

“Genevieve Maria Selene Stark, this isn't up for discussion.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Painfully”

“But technically, it has vegetables... it’s all in the sauce. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil. I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of them all. Plus, I'm also getting calcium from the cheese. Cause ya know... that’s dairy. And the crust is made of wheat, so that qualifies for grains.... I am one hundred percent getting a balanced meal here”

Running his hand over his face he tried his best to bite back a smirk. Pepper had been adamant about letting Tony know that cheese pizzas were not a suitable breakfast for a twelve-year-old. But the logic the kid was throwing at him was definitely clever enough that even he had to recognize the signature Stark sass that was being masked as an innocent excuse. But it was Happy who broke into a chuckle breaking the stand-off, “well with that reasoning can you really deny her pizza for breakfast? Look Evie; seriously though, you know Pepper is going to give your dad AND me. Your favorite uncle might I add, an earful about it. So today is the last time. FOR REAL. Seriously this time, okay?! No more charming your way out of it by batting your lashes at daddy, or making sad puppy eyes to me, with that little pout that just kills me... okay?! Okay!” It was Evie’s turn to giggle, “Okay, I guess so. I honestly don’t know why daddy is even so scared of Pepp or you uncle Happ. It’s not like she’s married to him, she just works with him” Earning a slight dirty look from Tony, she knew that the gab had landed. She has been secretly trying to force her dad to leave behind the life of a rockstar bachelor he’d been leading so far. To seemingly no avail.

Pepper was sun and even if he was oblivious to it, he was hopelessly lost in her orbit. The little girl could see it, but it seemed his dad just couldn't break old habits long enough to see the gem at his side. Bad habits like Christine Everhart, who quickly signed her name on her shit list. Not only did she take the chance to be his most recent fling and write a very unfavorable article about her dad. The morning she was there doing her ‘walk of shame’ out the house she was rude to Pepper and when Evie had the misfortune to come across her, she had to audacity to say, “oh wow so Tony Stark really did keep the little accident.” Christine didn’t think she had been heard by the kid. But right before she left the house Evie made it her life’s mission to dump a large glass of cranberry juice all over her freshly dry-cleaned clothes. And for Evie? Pepper was the second-best person on planet earth, second only to her dad of course. Pepper had single handedly out lasted the string of failed nannies. Evie had only ever warmed up to her when all other women tasked to care for her would leave after being thoroughly rejected and defied at every opportunity. It was something that at first troubled her dad. But after a midnight meeting with cookies and warm milk his daughter had confessed that she wasn’t doing it intentionally. That she just couldn’t adjust to the newcomers. That the only “girl” she felt truly at ease with was Pepper, because she was always patient and kind. She informed her father that Pepper was the only woman that she truly felt at ease and safe with.

Tony wasn’t sure if it was due to the troubled past with her mother. Or the fact that Pepper had truly been the first to really help her ease into this new life and break her shell. Always being patient, sweet, understanding, and calm. No matter what the case may be. On nights Tony was away due to business and she would wake crying due to the nightmares or loud thunderous storms, Pepper was the one to come rushing in. Pouring love into each one of her ministrations, gently soothing her into a state of peace and tranquility. If she was sick Pepp was at her side with warm bowls of chicken noodle soup and books about fantastic stories of great adventures. When tears would stain her face due to accidental scrapes or dumps, she was more than happy to wipe them away, and remind her that she was tough and strong, like daddy. And Pepper was always there alongside Tony when school events called for mothers to come share a special moment with their child so Evie would feel love and support always.

And Evie would always go to her whenever Tony wasn’t available; or the topic was a bit too embarrassing to bring up with him, and she needed a woman’s guidance. Sure, Uncle Rhodey and Uncle Hap were there too, but Pepper?

Pepper was the sun.

But of course, all good things simply cannot last as they are forever. The universe just couldn’t allow it. School had been exceptionally grueling for her on that day, with the resident mean girl and her posy putting her through yet another round of relentless teasing and ridicule about Evie not having a real mother. She had a quiet drive home with Happy uncharacteristically silent as well. She thought at first maybe he too had been through a rough day.

But as soon as she walked through the door and saw the grief-stricken expression on Pepper’s face, she knew something legitimately awful had happened. Their home was filled with men and women in uniforms and suits coming in and out. Speaking in hurried hush tones that instantly ceased when Pepper rose to her feet to greet her wiping away at her face. Promptly she took her in her arms and to the couch. Sitting her with Happy at their side. He was looking somberly at his shoes, while Pepper through puffy red eyes looked deeply into her’s, taking a deep breath to steady herself “Evie, sweetie I have a bit of bad news... it's your dad”

“What's going on? Why are there so many people here Pepp? Where’s my dad...”

“Sweetie there's been an accident well... an attack really. A-and your dad...” another deep breath “T-Tony was attacked by some very bad people, and Uncle Rhodey and his friends are doing all they can to find him. Their doing their very best to try a-and get him back, but right now it's not looking so good”

Shaking and overwhelmed Evie couldn’t even feel the stream of hot tears rolling down her cheeks. Blinking rapidly, she shook her head, “No, no that’s not possible! No!” She stood. Still holding on to Pepper’s hand she turned to Happy then back to Pepper. “That's not possible, it’s not! M-my daddy has to come home! H-he promised me he would always come home no matter what! That we'd always be together!” She didn’t even register that she was growing louder with each word, voice quavering. The air in the room had become heavy with the somber reality the young girl was facing. Everyone in that room couldn’t deny the tugging of heart strings, the poor girl was being told her one connection in this world was suddenly gone. Dragged under the overwhelming feeling of despair, she threw herself back into Pepper’s embrace sobbing uncontrollably into her blouse.

Happy hearing her heartbreaking cries for her father, he too was also reduced to tears. Placing a comforting hand on her, he gently rubbed her back. “Listen kiddo, I can tell you for a fact that everyone here and Uncle Rhodey are working tirelessly to find him. We’re going to bring him home, no matter what it takes. Okay?” He did his best to give her a reassuring smile to help calm her, but it was fruitless. The girl was inconsolable. Even days later when Rhodey had called to attempt to coax her into a lighter mood all she would do was quietly weep, and simply keep asking if they had found any new leads regarding Tony’s whereabouts. Eventually the dismal days turned into weeks, and eventually months.

Three months to be exact.

Three months of mind-numbing sorrow. Evie had stayed away from school, in hopes of not missing a single update as it came through. Pepper, Happy, and Rhodes, ever present in support and solidarity, hardly left her side. She had even taken to sharing her room with Pepper because the nights would be especially harsh. Taking a massive toll on her. Evie's own piercing cries would wake her. Sweating and trembling from her terrifying visions; from basking in Tony’s warm embrace and hearing his affectionate praises, only to be ripped away and dragged into darkness repeatedly. Night after night.

But then the break everyone had been praying for. Tony had been found alive. Rescued from the sandy dunes of the desert by Rhodes and his team.

Chapter Text

After sharing a bone crushing hug, a sea of happy tears, kisses, and a round of cheeseburgers Evie could breathe again. Relief finally soothing her distressed heart. Arriving at the impromptu press conference alongside Pepper, Evie wouldn’t take her eyes off Tony. As if she looked away, he would evaporate into the air like smoke. She barely paid attention to the conversation Pepper was having with one Agent Phil Coulson from the department of who knows what because; good lord, it was a mouthful, she did however instantly deduce that the appropriate anagram was S.H.E.I.L.D. but whatever...

With Obadiah Stane drawing the room’s attention towards him, Tony began speaking while resting at the foot of the podium. Evie took hold of Pepper’s hand, joining everyone as they took their seats on the floor at his request. He started his speech reminiscing about his father, and how he had missed his opportunity to properly say goodbye. And how during his imprisonment; he was witness to how the very weapons his company was creating in the name of freedom and defense, were in fact murdering the very troops they were made for.

Evie was undeniably smart; she was a senior in high school at twelve, she was a Stark after all, but even at the tender age of twelve even she had to admit that she was never actually okay with her father’s occupation. After all, she was a pacifist at heart. However, when Tony proclaimed that “effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark International.” She was just as astonished as every other person in the room. The press erupted into a frenzy. But as Tony’s eyes locked in on her and she held his gaze, she put forth the biggest and brightest smile she could summon. Because all she felt after hearing her dad’s news was a boundless sense of pride in his decision.

Initially the glowing device adorning Tony’s chest affected Evie in a way she couldn’t quite place yet. She worried about him after he explained how the piece of technology was essentially protecting his heart from shrapnel. And then it dawned on her what exactly her dad had assembled in a cave. It was the blueprint to a potential new energy source, a clean, renewable flow of theoretical power. Her mind was blown, and once again pride overcame her. She urged her dad to convince his partner “Obie”; as Tony would affectionately refer to him as, to turn a new leaf within Stark industries and continue to explore this new realm of uncharted technological advances.

She felt at ease about it till the day she was working on homework in the living room of their Malibu mansion next to Pepper who was currently being distracted by the obnoxious man on the t.v. ridiculing her dad’s choice for the company when Mr. Stark himself came through the comms system asking Pepper about the size of her hands. Odd she thought initially, but her dad was an eccentric man, so she disregarded it as soon as Pepper left the room telling to keep going with her assignments.

Sometime later when she didn’t return Evie grew curious and stood to go and see what was keeping both her dad and Pepp. Heading down to the in-house lab, Evie walked into Pepper with hands covered in goo and her father’s chest fully exposed with monitors beeping, “what is it that Pepper doesn't want to do again?”

Breaking from their sudden contemplation of each other the adults turned to see Evie with a look of bewilderment at the scene in front of her. “Oh, nothing kiddo, Pepp here was just helping your old man out with something minor”

“Whatever this is, it certainly doesn't look minor” Evie cocked her head and raised an eyebrow intensely at him. “It was nothing serious sweetheart I promise” feeling her dad would only continue to be dismissive of her apprehension she shrugged her shoulders in surrender. Pepper was quick to disrupt the sudden tension in the room, “what do you want me to do with this?”

“That? Destroy it. Incinerate it.”

Puzzled, she looked at her dad while Pepp simply asked him if he didn’t want to keep the reactor as both girls looked over it more closely. “Pepper, I’ve been called many things, ‘Nostalgic’ is not one of them.”

As they stepped back and left Tony to resume his work, she whispered to Pepper once out of earshot, “I might have a few ideas for it since he doesn't want it” lips quirking up into her sly mischievous smirk. Pepper only shook her head not wanting to imagine what the young girl was plotting.

From that day forward Evie would always be fixated on her dad’s health. Always taking the extra step to make sure he was always making healthy choices and sticking with them. Green smoothies added at breakfast and a well curated assortment of vitamins to follow. Among other things she did for him.

Despite his protest both Evie and Pepper would always make it a point to periodically check on Tony in the lab. One day she had grown bored of academic responsibilities and went to the lab to place googly eyes on his robotic assistants when the tinman her dad had been tinkering with, came crashing down from the ceiling. Completely scaring the daylights out of her. Nearly jumping out of her skin she was frozen in place watching her dad made his way out of his precarious situation.

Shaking her head to return to the present she ran over to help. After settling down from the sudden commotion and handing Tony an ice pack Evie pointed to the package Pepper had brought in earlier. “Here’s your caffeine, it should help keep you up while Jarvis and I make sure you're not concussed. Also, Pep got u something”

“Okay little lady as much as I enjoy our late-night lab sessions and the cute little prank you pulled; you” wiggling a finger towards her “need to hit the hay. You’ve got school tomorrow. Three months was more than enough, break time is over.” Without whining she stood and made her way over to him wrapping him in a tight embrace. “Okay, but promise your taking all the steps needed to make sure your tinman suit is safe...”
“I promise sweetheart, scout’s honor, its completely harmless”
She rolled her eyes at his words “yeah, okay sure if you say so... love you daddy, good night" placing a kiss on the top of her head Tony squeezed her back before releasing her. As she made her way up the stairs, she could see the look of fondness in his eyes as he admired his gift.

Unfortunately, greed had overcome Obadiah quite some time ago. Revealing his true intentions with the arc reactor and his plans of cutting Tony out of the company had led Pepper and him to dig deeper into Stane’s illicit activities. With Potts uncovering the truth about the attempt on Tony’s life, prototypes weaponizing the reactor, and ultimately seizing all control, Obadiah saw no other alternative than to openly attack Tony in his home.

But he failed to realize Tony wasn't home alone. Evie had witnessed his actions, all while hidden in the dark shadows of the house. Desperately trying to suppress her fearful whimpers. When he left, she rushed to her father’s side seeing the panic and pain take over his features. Realizing he didn’t have much time, they tripped and stumbled to make their way towards the lab, fetching Pepper’s gift to replace the stolen tech. With shaky hands she placed the glowing device into his chest just as darkness was creeping into the corners of his vision.

As Tony slowly regained his bearings, they heard James barge into the house desperately calling for them. With a shaky voice wiping away the last of her tears Evie responded, relieved that help had arrived. Gathering all his strength, Tony peeled himself off the floor with his friend’s assistance, while searching wildly into his eyes, Stark asked about Pepper. “She’s fine. She’s with five agents, about to arrest Obadiah.”

“That's not going to be enough” With a fierce determination the small band made its way towards the back of the lab. Where Jarvis assisted Tony into the iron armor. “You need me to do anything else?”

“Keep the skies clear, and glue her-” pointing at Evie, giving Rhodey a pointed look, “to your back if necessary. Keep her safe.”

Rocketing into the skies, James and Evie marveled at his exit. “Damn...” Turning to see a silver model, he looked at the little girl with a cheeky look “next time, baby” “you bet, dude! I’ll make sure your suit is just as cool uncle Rhodey don't worry” winking playfully she turned to lead the way out.

The following morning; while waiting patiently to greet her dad before he faced the press, Evie stood outside the office where Tony, Pepper, and Agent Coulson were having an “important conversation” as Pepp had put it. But she knew it was code for what had occurred the night before. After a few moments went by, she saw the agent come out and Coulson walked towards her with a polite smile

“I’m really glad to see the youngest Stark is okay after the... chaos of last night”

“yep, my Uncle James took it to heart when dad said to ‘glue’ me to his side.” Sharing a giggle she looked up at him to thank him for protecting Pepper and all his help. "Well as an agent of...”

“The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division?” Chuckling once again he simply replied “Just call us SHIELD kid”

“About time you figured out the anagram was better than that mouthful you were being subjected too"

“You’re a smart kid, and quick too. Maybe you could even be an agent in SHIELD one day”

With a jovial look she shook her head slightly, “I don’t think my dad would like that very much, even if it does sound like a cooler title then whatever office tittle I'm to hold in Stark Industries”

As Coulson walked away, Tony emerged from the suite in a freshly pressed suit and oozing confidence. “Hey! There’s my girl, what do you say if, as soon as I wrap up this circus show, we go out for some cheeseburgers and shakes?”

“Only if I can get chocolate and strawberry in mine, then you have a deal”

“Well that sounds reasonable” sticking out his hand to shake on the settled proposition they shared the moment.  

“So, I know it's all being swept under the rug, but I just wanna let you know that; I think Iron Man, although technically not the right metal, is my new favorite superhero.” With a sparkle in her eyes, she beamed up at her dad before crashing into a tight bear hug. “Good luck with the vultures, daddy.” Peering down at her with adoration, he responded, “thanks kiddo.”

Watching her dad leave to face the sea of reporters and cameras, Evie joined Pepper behind closed doors away from prying eyes. But nothing prepared her for the bombshell Tony would drop. With a stunned and speechless Pepper, Evie jumped to her feet with her jaw on the floor and in awe of his bold revelation. Tony cemented his moment in history by bluntly stating the truth.

A few months after the infamous “I am Iron Man” speech, Happy was behind the wheel. Pepper as usual was buried deep overlooking paperwork, and Evie was wholeheartedly singing along to Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl in the back seat. They were blissfully at ease in the moment. It was a normal day. Evie had just gotten off the phone with Tony who was in New York on a business trip, and the trio were on the way home after picking her up from school. It was just another day.

Just another ordinary day for the Stark household.

Pulling up to a red light, they were unaware of the black SUV currently barreling right behind them. Without warning they came lunging forward. Pepper’s documents littered the front cabin, and Happy instantly looked for his phone. “Damn it, you girls, okay? That idiot just rear-ended us!” In unison both quickly replayed their confirmations. “Good. Tony? Tony, we’ve been in a car accident!”

But before Happy could relay any more information, they felt the car getting slammed into from the left and before they could react, a second full force impact on the right. Pepper slumped over unconscious, still tethered to her seat. “HAPPY?! What the hell is going on?!” Shrieked the scared girl from the back. Suddenly the distinct sound of a motorcycle engine could be heard approaching them head on. Happy scrambled to try and escape the cars boxing them in, when shots rang out. Rendering the tires useless “EVIE GET DOWN!” Happy threw his body over Pepper as the second wave of bullets descended, aimed at them directly.

Evie while ducking for cover could make out the sound of heavy footsteps landing on the hood, the scattered fragments of glass could be heard crunching as they made their way over the roof of the car. “Happy? Pepper?!” leaning over the center console to try and wake her only two lifelines, she desperately shook them. Pleading them to rise, she looked down at her hands. Noticing blood staining them; Happy was hurt, and bleeding profusely.

Suddenly, the sunroof came crashing down into a waterfall of shattered glass. Evie screamed as she felt a firm grip take hold of her shirt collar, yanking her away as she clung to Happy in a futile attempt to hold on to her dear friend. “HAPPY!” NO, PLEASE?! LET ME GO YOU MOTHERF-” Cut off, the girl squealed in terror as she was tossed effortlessly into the hood of one the SUVs that had corralled them. The rough landing knocked the wind from her. As she gasped for air, she faced her assailant.

It was a man with towering height, dressed in an all black uniform. Face hidden behind bulky goggles and a mask. His leather jacket and tack vest covered almost everything except his left arm. Perplexed, she couldn’t look away from his silver sleeve as the approaching figure made his way over. Scurrying to try and make a run for it, she jumped off the vehicle. She landed straight into the arms of another man dressed in similar attire.

“PUT ME DOWN, YOU SON OF A BITCH!”

“Hey now, is that any way for a sweet little girl to talk?” Hysterical, she flailed in his grasp trying anything to break away. Laughing darkly at her attempts, the man only tightened his hold on her. The one with the silver limb stood before them speaking to the other in a language she couldn’t understand but quickly recognized as Russian. Taking the opportunity of temporary distraction Evie bit down hard on the arm wrapped in a vice around her form. “FUCKING BITCH” Throwing her to the floor she was quick to her feet. Breaking into a sprint, she made it all of two feet before a cold clamp came down around the back of her neck. Abruptly she was dragged back; and before her brain could process what was going on around her, a hard blow to the back of head left her immersed in darkness.

Chapter Text

A splitting headache and a ringing in her ears are what she first met with once she woke from her involuntary nap. Then the slick sticky feeling of the blood that had trickled down her neck. After her sense of smell picked up on the musky, damp odor surrounding her. She tried to open her eyes, but quickly realized that she had been blindfolded. Trying hard to keep calm, she tried moving her arms and legs. It was pointless. She was strapped down to what seemed to be a metal table of sorts. “Happy? Pepper? Hello” her voice was faint, barely a whisper. 

 A voice laced in a thick accent disrupted the silence “Ah she’s awake, finally. I was starting to worry that our soldier had struck you a bit too hard.” She snapped her head towards the booming voice, body trembling in both fear and the biting cold nipping at her skin, she summoned every ounce of courage she could muster.  

“Who the fuck are you, and what did you do with my friends?!”

“I wouldn’t worry about them right now; I’d be more concerned about yourself.”

“WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THEM YOU ASSHOLE! WHERE ARE THEY?” A sharp crack was heard, and her cheek burned from the impact with the large hand. “QUITE, Insolence will NOT be tolerated!”

Tears made their way down the side of her face, as she willed herself not to let them hear her whimpers. The one who appeared to be in charge and the one who greeted her initially had kept to the shadows. Never allowing his face to be seen yet, but she often heard others refer to him as Strucker. 

Meanwhile back home Tony and James were exhausting every resource within their reach. Happy was in critical condition and Pepper being kept under close observation due to her serious concussion, Tony was a desperate man. His daughter was missing, and two of the closest people to them were hospitalized after being found in a crushed car with zero indication as to who the perpetrators were or where they went. With zero clues as to why they went after his little girl, or what they wanted with her. Any surveillance in the area had been scrambled and rendered useless. To top it off there were no witnesses either.

Absolutely nothing that could aid them in their search for Evie. And with each passing minute, Tony was becoming more frantic, “what the hell are they waiting for, huh?! It's been twenty-four hours since they took my daughter. And nothing, radio silent. Not a damn thing. No phone call, no televised threats demanding for an obscene amount of money or even Stark tech. Or even for me to give myself up and hand over the suit. SO WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY WAITING FOR? FUCK!” In a heartbeat the contents of his table were on the floor, causing James to jump back slightly startled. Tony placed his head in his hands as he took a seat.

“TONY! We have got to keep our heads here, freaking out or going headfirst; blindly, into a fight we don’t yet understand, won't help us here.”

“Then what the hell I'm I supposed to do here then, huh?! Stick my thumb up my ass, while these bastards have MY CHILD, doing who the hell knows what to her!” 

Twenty-four hours. 

It had been twenty-four hours of grueling pain and torture. Evie had been poked, prodded, and tested in almost every way. When the men in white lab coats were finally done with her, they threw her into a dark cell and hosed her down with freezing cold water. Left shaking, she curled into a ball against the corner wall. “I-I want my d-daddy. I j-just want m-my daddy” whimpering she muttered the phrase repeatedly like a prayer.  

Then, there they were again, those heavy boot steps. Cowering more into herself, she pressed her knees tightly into her chest. They kept coming closer; nearing the sliding metal door, she started to hyperventilate. Panic taking over her weary mind. She looked around wildly for anything to help her escape, or at least put up a fight with. But there was nothing there, just her and empty darkness surrounding her. But then they stopped. The footsteps ended in front of her cell. Through the small opening in the door, she could see the slight outline of a head with long hair framing it. It was the man from the attack, the on who pulled her away from Pepper and Happy.

Terror and dread flooded her, she started to cry harder, shaking more violently. What now? She turned away, closing her eyes tightly. What else did they want now? Her limbs were on fire. Every prick of the needles they used on her was having a reaction. They were affecting her, but in that moment the fear and adrenaline coursing through her veins was numbing her to the pain.  The door creaked on its hinges as it slid open. Peering into the room, a sharp exhale was heard before the door slammed close again. Was he just seeing if she was alive? Making sure she hadn’t succumbed to her injuries? Or simply satisfying his need to see her reduced to a quivering mess on the floor?  

When Evie finally was able to take a steading breath, she decided to keep a close watch over the door. She prayed they’d leave her alone but; the Soldier, as they called him, didn’t move from his post. But then the adrenaline dissipated and the burning sensation settled in. Her cries picked up again, yet they fell on deaf ears. No one came to comfort her. Not like at home, when she was sick or hurt. And Tony or Pepper, or even both would rush in to soothe her, showering her love and affection. Like that time when she was seven.  

Playing around in the lab she broke her dad's mug and; in her attempt to quickly hide her mistake, she earned a rather large cut on her palm. Jarvis alerted Tony of her wound when he heard her crying. Her dad came flying in with Pepper right behind him. In no time at all he scooped her off the floor and settled her on his lap as Pepper threw open the first aid kit fetching all the necessary items. “Eyes on me sweetheart, focus on daddy, okay?” “o-okay d-daddy" he held her gingerly, kissing the top of head. 

Pepper came over, wiping away her tears. Concerned, she gently took the girl’s hand, “I need you to take a deep breath for me, okay?” She looked into the child's watery eyes, giving her a reassuring smile, “everything is going to be okay, but I need you to breathe and stay calm. It’s going to sting but the pain won't last long, just remember that okay. It's only temporary” Nodding her head Evie drew in a deep breath; holding it as Pepper pressed a disinfecting wipe to her hand to clean the wound. Releasing it in a sharp wince, her free hand clutched her dad’s shirt tightly as did his grip on her, letting her know he was there. Placing his hand over hers on his chest, he whispered into her ear, “breathe kiddo; like me, nice and easy... okay.”  

Copying her dad’s actions, she focused on the rise and fall of his chest, on the warmth she felt on her hand and body. As he held her closely to him, Pepper was quick to dress her hand. He caressed her hair, whispering praises and words of love and affection. When it was all said and done Tony led them upstairs to a promised scoop of ice cream. And as they ended the evening, Tony asked Jarvis to play their playlist and September by Earth, Wind, and Fire came through the speakers. The three danced around the kitchen singing along to the words loosely.

With the pleasant image conjured, she didn’t even notice when she had slipped into a restless haze.  

Time was impossible to track during her captivity. The days and night melted into a blur of white coats and tears. When they finished pumping her full of inky black chemicals, they started rounds of torment. First they kept hosing her down with cold water. Leaving her to shiver and shake in her cell just like the first day. Unsatisfied with their progress they stepped it up to physical abuse.

Using belts, boots, fists, and even batons, they were apathetic to where they landed. She would be left bloody and unconscious. Breaking ribs and other bones just to see how her body would react with the drugs that coursed within her. Yet every time it was an unsatisfactory outcome. Nothing noteworthy would be produced. Growing impatient with his experiment, Strucker ordered the team to ramp up the pain. “Electro-shock might just jump start the progress.” And they did just that.  

The first round had her screaming with such pricing cries it almost tore her vocal cords. Yet after a few days of observation with nothing new, they muzzled her the second time. Making her bite down on a rubber mouth guard and taping over her mouth. Again, the electricity flowed through her small body.  

This time at a higher level, her muffled howls ended rather quickly as she surrendered to the pain, blacking out on the hard metal chair she had been strapped to. When they ended the session, the guards dragged her limp body to her cell. They became carried away and threw her down harshly against the concrete floor. Furious, Strucker yelled. “Careful you IDIOTS, kill her and I'll have you executed publicly to serve as an example that careless mistakes are unacceptable!” Turning towards the Soldier he promptly instructed him to stay with her and closely monitor the girl. 

However, what they didn’t anticipate however, was that whatever they were doing was indeed transforming her. An undetectable change was occurring that even she was unaware of. Waking slowly with ragged breaths she suddenly became hyper aware of the environment around her. As if her senses were now working in overdrive. But there was something on a deeper level at play as well, as if the shadows itself were trying to speak to her.

Facing the darkest part of the cell, she barely made out the silhouette of the intimidating man analyzing her every movement closely. Weak from her ordeal she struggled to scamper to the far end away from him. Seeing her struggle, he swiftly took hold of the tattered and dirty gown she was in and propped her against the opposite wall. In the moment of brief closeness, she held her breath. Too frail to even whimper from fear. But in the sudden proximity, she was able to fully realize that what she had originally mistook for some sort of armor or even a strange fashion choice was really a metal prosthetic. Now placed upright against the wall she was able to fully take him in before he resumed his position away from her.  

Although still clocked in black, and masked, she could see how his dark brown hair was cut off at the shoulders. The loose tendrils hung from him, almost covering his face entirely. Everything except his eyes were shrouded in darkness. Even with the distance between them she was entranced by the pools of deep blue that studied her. As her breathing evened out, she was able to cut through the haze clouding her mind a bit. Something new; deep within, told her that he was here against his will too. She tilted her head to the side slightly, reading him. 

A strange gut feeling was making her aware of something caged and buried within him. Something that had tried to claw its way to the surface but was left defeated in an empty abyss. Unaware of what she was doing, she called out to him. “Soldier? What happened to you? Are you one of their guinea pigs too... is that why you have a metal arm? Why they don't even call you by your real name?” She spoke in a hushed tone that would have otherwise gone unheard. Yet with the enhancements of his own, he did. Seeing him remain unresponsive she continued to question him “mister, are they going to stop soon? I’m not giving the results they’re looking for, so does that maybe mean I can be let go? I... I just wanna be back with my dad again, please. I won’t tell anyone. I'll even make sure he doesn't try to find you or anyone here. I just want to go home… please.” Her voice dropped with her last words giving way to a fresh stream of tears.  Yet he remained silent and still, like a stone. 

Her personal hell would continue endlessly. After every round of shock-therapy they would administer, she was tossed back into her dark hole. And again; after she regained consciousness and regather her bearings, she would have a small one-sided conversation with the statue of a man who guarded her door. Only to end her days once again crying, begging for her dad. Till the day came that it seemed the small girl might not recover from the brutal ordeal. Face down on the cold floor, she struggled to breathe. Short, ragged panting could be heard echoing off the walls of her enclosure. It went on for hours with Evie unable to peel herself off the ground.  

For some unknown reason; breaking protocol, the stoic man ‘Robo-cop,’ as she started calling him, discreetly came into the cell. In a moment of rare compassion, he kneeled leaning over Evie, taking in her state of despair. Before anyone could potentially interrupt the slight interaction, he placed two firm hands on her. Lifting her off the floor and placing her upright against the wall gently. Without thinking she placed a small hand on him. Cupping his cheek and looking deeply into his eyes. It was a minor and short-lived gesture. Yet it was enough to snap something internally. One of his many chains broke. 

A small portion of his mind had been cleared of the thick fog that shrouded him for so long, and cleared just enough for him to reflect on the current state of the circumstances they found themselves in. Just as he took in the faint warmth of her hand on his cheek; it dropped, and her eyes closed slowly. As she fell back into a dreamless trance, something became free and was clawing at his insides. He left just as quickly as he arrived, closing the cell and resuming his position at the door. But the gnawing feeling eating away at him was persistent, screaming to him to get the girl out. Set her free and out of this infernal compound. To save her.

Thousands of miles away her father was on the verge of madness. Pepper was inconsolable. Happy would spend most days ensuring Tony would at least eat, and not drink himself into a coma. Rhodes would hardly ever step away from his work. Pouring his entire being into the search for his beloved niece. 

It had been plastered all over the media. ‘Young Stark heiress violently kidnapped,’ is what most of the outlets had placed in their headlines. Most of the world’s law enforcement agencies had joined the collective effort to find the missing girl. But as time passed and nothing turned up during their search, most had resumed their previous positions simply stating that this far into the disappearance of Genevieve Stark, it was highly unlikely they would find her, much less alive. The once large-scale task force was now reduced to Tony, Rhodes, and a few of their military and social contacts. But even with the handsome reward of two million dollars as bait, no viable information could be produced. It was as if she vanished into thin air.  

Until James caught a break in the case. He didn’t even bother calling his best friend. He took to the PCH like a bat out of hell flooring the pedal of his car. Pepper ran outside when she heard the screeching of tires. “James? What's wrong, what's got you so riled up?”

“Pepper, where's Tony? I need to talk to him right now!” As both turned to dash into the house, they found Tony in his lab asleep on his workbench over a heap of documents, blueprints, Evie’s photographs, and an empty bottle of whisky. “TONY! Tony wake-up man we got a hit!” Bolting upright, nearly falling over, his eyes shot wide open, “What?! What are you talking about man?”

“Your daughter, remember?! The one we’re all still looking for, while you drink yourself into an early grave! Damn it, Tony! When's the last time you saw daylight, or had a shower for that fact?!”  

Happy walked over with a steaming mug of strongly brewed black coffee, handing it to Tony.

“I don’t know, maybe two or three days?” Pepper was quick to retort, “try four weeks Tony.”

“Fuck, seriously?” With a stern expression James continued, ignoring his question. “We just got a call from Interpol. An anonymous tip saying there's a clandestine research lab off the East Siberian Sea, near some uninhabited Islands” Happy spoke up next, skeptical about the update, “and how do we know this isn't just another hoax, some asshole trying to make a quick buck off our misery?!” Pepper placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and looked at him sadly.

“We triple checked our sources. It seems to be legit, and the more time we waste here the smaller our window to go in and check it out gets. SO, LET'S GO TONY! Get your sorry ass up and outta here. Let's go get our kid! COME ON. MOVE IT, NOW!” 

In captivity Evie was once more strapped to an exam table. Her nose was inhaling the coppery smell of the blood flowing from there. They were force feeding her, having refused their meager meals of moldy bread and water. She also dawned dark circles under her eyes, Strucker had issued a new command to keep her awake. So for three days they kept her in a tiny, dirty padded room, with bright lights on and someone on the speaker system reciting an unintelligible script in a monotone voice. When her eyelids grew heavy and she would start to drift away, a high pitch shrill over the speakers would blare. Resonating in the small space. She would scream covering her ears, unable to stand the screeching. And today she barely had any energy left to get off the ground, much less fight off the guards who came to haul her towards the testing room. 

As the crew of scientists and guards alike buzzed through the room the lights went out, replaced with an ominous red glow. A siren roared to life; everyone ceased their activities instantly. Strucker started to bark orders furiously. Everyone dropped what they were doing and started to run in different directions collecting their research and throwing anything of value into crates and boxes to be carried away by the guards. Her body was struggling to cling on to life, to hope. Lethargic and barely holding on to reality, Evie couldn’t comprehend the commotion around her. 

Unfamiliar with the language they were communicating with, she couldn’t even perceive the exchange with one of the lab assistants who asked about the fate of the girl still tied down and hooked to the machinery. Curtly Strucker instructed them to leave her there, “she’s proven to be a failed subject anyways. It was a mistake to think that perhaps the intellectual capabilities of a Stark and their genetic make up could amount to anything great. But she’s just another useless socialite. Right now, we must focus on preserving the research for future projects and leaving immediately. We’ve been betrayed. Exposed!” Enraged he threw the glass beakers and instruments on the table next to him to the floor, “SPEED UP THE MOVE, they’ll be closing in on our exact location soon enough. The only thing I want them to find once they arrive is her corpse!” 

And so, as they fled the facility, they really did leave her there. The icy air nipped at her skin while her heart struggled to perform. Her mind was flooded, only registering pain. She couldn’t take a full breath. Her eyes gradually closed submitting to her weakness. The thumping in her chest slowly came to a stop. She released a small sigh, the last of her tears rolling down her cheek and the bloody nose ceased its flow. She was cold and lifeless. Gone.

But hidden away, no one was there to witness the event that followed. The lights in the room started to flicker, the frigid room grew colder. Her small body started to exude a black smoke that surrounded her in its dark cover flowing off the table and spilling to the floor. Her eyes fluttered open, black as a moonless night. Soulless. Dark veins took over her features emanating from her eyes, her skin turning to a ghostly shade of white. Gasping, she took in as much air as she could, before collapsing once on the table. The lights returned to normal, the space once again quiet and still. 

A few hours later the full force of the U.S. military descended on the small frozen island along with one very fiercely determined Iron Man. Blowing apart the reinforced stronghold gates the small army entered the compound. Tony led the way with the Lieutenant Colonel close on his tail. Tearing apart the place; they were searching door to door, when someone called over the comms, “We found her! Sub level 4 in a lab!” The men quite literally blew holes in the floors to get there faster. Bursting through the doors of the lab, they pushed their way through the gathered team members, finally they caught sight of her. 

Evie was a bloody mess of cuts, bruises, tubes, and wires. “Jarvis check vitals” Tony's voice was even, but his mind was in a state of dismay, paralyzed by shock. Rhodes cautiously approached her, unable to believe what his brain was registering. “Vital signs are very weak sir, she needs immediate medical attention.” As Jarvis continued to disclose her status Tony couldn’t contain himself any longer. Ripping apart the connections to the mechanism around her he did quick work to detach her. Leaving James to slowly and with steady hands, to remove the tube from her nose. Careful not to injure her more.  

Once she was fully released from her confines Tony took her in his arms tenderly. The shallow rise and fall of her chest gave him a small portion of relief after seeing the shape she was in. Lifting her feeble body off the table, he held her close to his chest as they made their way out. His helmet shielded his face from all except Jarvis. His eyes were red as tears streamed down silently. His heart was shattered. Unable to comprehend what had happened to his baby girl. Guilt was eating away at him instantly. How did this happen to her in the first place, her dad was Iron Man for fuck’s sake. Was it to get to him? A scorned enemy getting even? How can anyone have the audacity to do this to a child? 

Right then and there he swore never to let something like this happen again. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. Anything. They left the place, leaving the rest of the team to continue their search and seizure.  

Back state-side Evie was in a coma for almost an entire week before being able to open her eyes. The first thing she saw was the back of a head lying on her hand. Perplexed, she blinked rapidly trying to absorb the present. “Am I dead? Or am I imagining it again?” her small broken voice rang out. Jumping up, alarmed, the person on her bedside bolted upright facing her, “Evie? Baby you’re awake!” It was her dad, her heart started to race, the monitor’s accelerated beeps confirmed it. Her pupils dilated, reeling in the fact that she was no more than a few inches from her dad, “d-dad, daddy? Is it really you... this isn’t a dream, right? You’re really here? With me?” Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to touch his face.  

Lightly placing two fingers on his brow line and tracing the curve of his cheeks, she started to sob softly. Reality hit her like a freight train at full speed. Grabbing her hand while holding it against his cheek Tony gave a look full of relief and adoration, “I’m really here sweetheart, you haven’t lost it yet baby girl. It’s all real.” At that moment Pepper walked in holding two cups of coffee, nearly dropping them at the sight. “Oh my God! Evie you're awake!” She darted across the room setting the cups down on the small bedside table. She threw her arms around the girl and held her in a tight embrace, tears flowing from her as well. She buried her face in the crook of Pepper’s neck, relishing the warmth and love. When she pulled back to take in the sight of her, Pepper sprinkled her face with loving kisses. Tony watched them with joy, but could help himself and wrapped both of them in a tight hold caressing Evie’s face and giving Pepper a yearning look with a broken smile.

The much-awaited reunion was filled with endless tears, joy, and lots of love pouring out from everyone. Happy and Rhodes came running once they got the call letting them know she was finally up and out of danger. Her hospital room became crowned with all the important people in her life soaking in the sight of her, and enough flowers to consider the space a small greenhouse. A sense of relief washed over everyone equally, ecstatic to have her back and on the road to a full recovery. And yet everyone was apprehensive about asking about her captivity for fear of how she might react. The team of doctors tasked to care for her, had done their best to investigate the extent of the damage done.  

With what little evidence they found in the labs where she was rescued from, they concluded that whatever goal they had tried to obtain was apparently unsuccessful. They were abhorred when they revealed the extent of the abuse she had been subjected to. The men felt their blood boil, and Pepper nearly fainted as all the color drained from her face. It was disturbing on a new level. All the guys could think about was how they wanted to hunt down the ones responsible and make them pay, before sending them off to rot in hell.  

The following days were filled with constant monitoring, physical therapy and psych evals. Pepper had taken it upon herself to tend to her personally. Everything from bathing to feeding. She cared for her with such compassion and devotion; it left the girl stunned, often crying at such expressions of love. From then on, it cemented how she saw Pepper as more of a mother than just a close friend. Although she would never say it out loud for fear of rejection. Tony delegated most of the work to his employees and anything that needed him personally, he would handle from home via phone calls and video-conferencing. He did anything to keep him at his daughter's side. Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.  She regained a healthy color, and the bruising started to fade. Even her broken bones were also healing nicely. 

Until one of the nurses came in with a tray holding a syringe, an iron dextran injection to help aid her anemia. Evie freaked out instantly. She threw her arms around Tony’s neck, screaming frantically that she didn’t want any needles, “daddy please! Make her go away. I don't want it! Please daddy, please!” She was crying hysterically. Pepper was startled by her reaction. Urging the nurse to leave and call the doctor at once.

Tony held her close, shushing her, tenderly brushing her hair back trying to quell her anxiety. “It’s alright she left, there’s no needles. She left sweetheart, breathe. You’re safe, I got you; we’re not going anywhere. And no one is doing anything you don’t want.” Tony and Pepper shared a concerned look, clearly the path to recovery was going to be hard and tedious. But they were determined to get their girl back, no matter how long it took. Tony was aghast. What had they done to her? The once bright and cheerful girl was nowhere in sight. Evie was anxious and panicky, terrified to be left alone. Weary of anyone who was new in her environment. 

Much like when Tony had disappeared, her night terrors returned. This time much worse. Tony would wake straddled by her screams and cries for him. Pleading for him to come and rescue her. In her narcosis she would beg an invisible enemy to stop, reliving the experiments she endured. His heart broke every time he heard it.

Chapter Text

It would be years before Evie regained her sense of normalcy. Pepper had encouraged her to try therapy, but after a few sessions she couldn’t handle the anxiety induced jitters she would get whenever the “incident” was brought up. Although both Pepper and Tony were deeply concerned, they decided to let her cope in her own way, even if it meant total evasion.  

She’d become fiercely protective of her family, borderline paranoid. Which often led to Happy struggling to keep her from physically injuring any harassing paparazzi.  And then there were the inappropriate outbursts of crude jokes or witty comments. Regardless of her internal struggles, she graduated summa cum laude at MIT age seventeen, just like her dad.  

But she topped it off by also receiving a degree in business, history, and law.  She also became fully fluent in five different languages. Evie took on a plethora of hobbies such as gymnastics, cross-country running, and swimming. The young woman stood with Pepper taking the initiative to be a part of the family business as her intern. 

 On the other hand, she had grown to love the more adventurous and wild side of life, much to Pepper’s dismay. Whenever she wasn’t found at home; nose deeply buried in a good book, she would be off the grid in search of an adrenaline high. Or at Tony’s right during extravagant parties dishing out back-handed compliments to any of the overly friendly women who tried to distract him or taking over the dance floors. Pepper would live in suspense at her antics. 

It wasn’t just her father making the front pages of tabloids anymore. Pepper was often left in the middle of PR nightmares trying discreetly to clean the messes they left behind. Anything from street races, rooftop parties, or impromptu trips to skydive in the desert, she was often found in the middle. 

Tony couldn’t do much to reprimand the girl when he  repeatedly found himself feeling quite proud or laughing at the behavior displayed. Once even stating, “damn why did I think of that first?!” As much as Pepper, Happy, and Rhodes tried, they truly had their hands full with the Starks.  

When the time formalities and business came however; Evie was the model of grace and confidence. Evie had also worked to train what she called her; “gut feeling,” the strange ability to genuinely read a person. To zero in on their emotions and at times even thoughts. Feeling their presence before they walked into the room. Making her essential in business meetings. Tony often calls her his secret weapon for the ability to influence everyone present to sway in their favor. No matter how opposed they may have been initially. 

Alongside Pepper, she was Tony’s eyes and ears within Stark Industries. So, it was no surprise that they were often spotted close by him in trade-related events. 

Events such as the Stark Expo. “Great intro, a very humble speech indeed” 

Tony snickered, “oh come on kiddo, you loved it”

 “hm yeah sure, whatever you say dad... how are you feeling?”  

“I’m great, we just launched the Stark Expo successfully” 

She made a serious face, “That’s not what I'm talking about to dad, I know you're trying to hide the fact that you're sick or something. So, how bad is it getting?” 

“First of all, I'm not hiding anything. Your old man is as healthy as a horse! Secondly, what have I told you about using The Force with me? It’s technically an invasion of my privacy.” He kept his positive attitude. Even though she was right, he wasn’t ok. She scuffed, “Alright old man, keep your secrets then” 

“Really Evie, Lord of the Ring reference?” “Really dad, Star Wars” Shrugging shamelessly, she took off to find Happy before their departure. Leaving Tony to discreetly check his blood toxicity levels. 

After their tumultuous exit through the horde waiting for them in the back, they found a young lady leaning against the car. “Well, this is going to be interesting,” she muttered, eyeing her suspiciously. “Honey, play nice, maybe she comes with the car.”Tony said casually, then Happy chirped in, “I certainly hope so” earning an eye roll from her. 

After an exchange of greetings with Ms. Marshall coyly telling Tony she was looking for him. Evie, however, was checking out the two-seat car. Which meant she was heading elsewhere; more than likely reuniting with Pepper. But what was taking her focus was the intuition that her dad was in for a rude surprise. Wholley focusing on the other woman who was shamelessly flirting, she started to poke at her mind.  

Bingo, there it was. It was all a ruse to throw him off, catch him unprepared. She wasn’t just some groupie seeking attention; nope, this was a well-planned serving of subpoenas. “Damn, you’re clever.” With a sly smirk she gave her dad a knowing look, wiggling her brows at him. “Excuse me?” turning on her heels the red head gave her a wary look, “she’s not your typical Stark-skank dad, this one has a badge.” The woman’s face turned into a confused grimace as did Tony’s and Happy’s. “Sweetie, didn’t I say play nice?” “Oh but I am dad, but Ms. Marshall here is about to serve you a subpoena. Looks like we'll be in D.C. tomorrow”  

She didn’t even look up from her phone as she tapped away. As Happy and Tony settled the car, the other woman pulled out the legal documents from her purse. Tony simply responded with “Yikes”, as Happy leaned over to grab them, telling her that “Mr. Stark doesn't like things handed to him.” During the exchange the woman confirmed what Evie had said. Letting Tony know he was being summoned to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He asked to see the badge with Happy adding, “He likes to see the badge” all while Evie was giggling. Right before the men took off, Tony looked at her humorously, “sweetie...” “My ride is pulling in now dad, and I've already informed Pepper. Also before you even ask, D.C. is two hundred and fifty miles away. So, we’ll see you there in the morning. Bright and early” Giving her dad a bright smile, taking a step back from the car as Tony sent her a wink driving away. 

As promised, bright and early the next morning Evie was seated next to Pepper at the hearing trying hopelessly to hide her smirks and giggles. As the proceedings went on with the bickering between Senator Stern and Tony, she wasn’t the least bit worried about the outcome even when her Uncle Rhodey appeared or even the sleazy Justin Hammer. Her instincts were telling her everything was fine. So, she sat there projecting ease and assurance.  

She took hold of Pepper’s hand when she nervously started bouncing her knee when their friend entered the courtroom. At the contact her emotions seeped into Ms. Potts, who relaxed instantly. Releasing a deep breath, she turned towards the younger Stark mouthing “thank you.” 

 Evie smiled at her sweetly before turning her attention back to the front. When the whole show ended in a round of applause for her dad, and one seriously pissed off senator Stern telling Tony, “Fuck you, Mr. Stark. Fuck you, buddy” the girl could no longer keep her composure when she stood, joining the crowd clapping as she laughted delighted. 

Back home in California Evie was heading downstairs with Pepper who was currently very annoyed and frustrated. As they got closer to the lab, she got a very peculiar feeling. From within, her internal alarm started to sound indicating something was wrong. It wasn’t the first time though. It was a small nuisance that slowly escalated every time she was near her dad. But she urged it to go away. She loved her dad; and even though she didn’t listen to him often, she trusted that whatever was going on he would tell her if it was truly serious. Using her talents against those she loved was something she was adamant about not doing. 

 As Pepper went at it with Tony, walking around the lab bickering about art and the Stark Expo. Evie took a seat at her dad’s desk, scrolling her phone absentmindedly trying to decipher why her insight was letting her know that dad was about to drop a bomb. In a good way though. She tucked her phone away as their argument heightened, crossing her arms, she pouted as Tony jumped down from the counter telling Pepper that he wasn’t interested in boring topics. For Pepper to just do it. But then he cut her off blurting, “Pepper, you’re not listening to me! I’m trying to make you CEO. Why won’t you let me?” 

 Stunned, Pepper asked him if he had been drinking. Evie blinked, staring at her dad curiously, as a smile creeped its way on her lips. “I hereby irrevocably appoint you chairman and CEO of Stark Industries, effective immediately.” Pepper stood perplexed, while he patted her arms stating it was a done deal. Evie’s jaw was on the floor, equally as shocked. Tony made his way over to one of the bots holding a bucket with chilled champagne and two flutes.  

“I’ve actually given this a fair amount of thought, believe it or not. Doing a bit of headhunting, so to speak, trying to figure out who a worthy successor would be. And then I realized, it's you. It’s always been you.” As he continued Evie stood making her way over to where Pepper was taking a seat nearby, still stunned into silence. As he told Pepper about how he’d even checked to make sure legally there’d be no issue, he handed her a glass. “Congratulations” Shaking her head to clear the trance, Pepper looked up “I don’t know what to think, Tony. But what about Evie, she’s your daughter. The company should be going to her. Not me.” 

 He sat alongside Pepper, instructing her not to think, just drink. And winked at his daughter who was debating about stealing a swig of booze for herself. “Evie isn’t quite ready yet. She still needs a mentor, and seeing as you're already filling that position, what's one more title? Then, once she is ready no one can deny the fact that she will be fully qualified. Because you prepared her.” The two women in the room shared a glance, as Tony clinked their glasses together and his daughter made a move towards the bottle. Without even facing her way, Pepper pointed a finger before taking a sip. “Oh no young lady, I don’t think so” 

Some days later as Tony and Happy were going a few rounds in the gym’s boxing ring and Evie was leaning against the ropes observing. “The notary’s here! Can you please come sign the transfer paperwork?” Pepper strode in gleefully. Tony quickly threw back, “I’m on Happy time!” The younger Stark left her spot when the men started to discuss “dirty boxing”, joining Pepper on the couch. All eyes turned to the door when a beautiful redhead came strolling in heading towards the other women in the room. “I promise you this is the only time I will ask you to sign over your company” Pepper announced regaining their attention.  

As the two went over where Pepper should sign, Evie broke into laughter when Tony kicked her uncle, effectively ending the match. When Ms. Rushman joined the guys in the ring at her dad’s request, Evie was getting a vibe that she wasn’t telling the truth about something. She leaned closer to Pepper, whispering “so, who is she?” “She is from legal, and she is potentially a very expensive sexual harassment lawsuit if your dad keeps ogling her like that” Ignoring her comment Tony sat with them stating he needed a new assistant. Not paying him much attention Pepper looked at her phone “Yes, and I’ve got three excellent potential candidates...” Turning out their chit chat, the young girl watched closely as Natalie and Happy went over the basics of boxing.  

When Tony pulled up her file he seemed quite impressed with the newcomer, proposing she be his new assistant. “She’s fluent in French, Italian, Russian, and Latin. Who speaks Latin?” Dismissing him Pepper said that no one does “it's a dead language”, to which Evie interrupted stating that she did. Tony gave her an amused look, “Well sweetheart that’s because you're creepily obsessed with useless information.” “Whatever, it's cool and you know it.” The banter over who the new assistant continued between her dad and the new CEO when Natalie turned to see Evie eyeing her sharply. 

 Right as Happy was repeating his advice about not taking eyes off opponents, he threw a punch. Everyone gasped in amazement as the ginger caught the throw with ease. In the blink of an eye, she locked his arm in and swung him over. Taking her larger opponent down at lighting speed and pinning him in an arm-lock. To which he submitted instantly. “Holy shit Happy, you okay?!” Jumping to check on her uncle, Evie couldn’t hold back the amusement as approached the ring. Tony rang the bell as Happy exclaimed that he just slipped trying to conceal his pain. Natalie exited the ring to finalize the paperwork with Tony’s thumbprint.

The younger Stark leaned with her back against the ropes watching the interaction with intent. Giving her dad a raised brow when he proceeded to flirt. When it was all said and done Pepper dismissed Natalie while Tony tried fruitlessly to have her stay. Evie decided to go after her, “Hey! Ms. Rushman, where’d you learn that move?” Turning on her heels she gave her a shy smile, “well a girl’s gotta know how to defend herself these days.” “True, I keep trying to convince Happy to teach me a thing or two, but him and my dad always veto it. But after today I may just ask you.” 

 “Sure, any time Ms. Stark” “Ew, no. Please just call me Evie, no need for formalities.” She shrugged dismissively. “Oh okay, well I hope we get to know each other then, Evie.” Evie gave her a sly look, “sure, I’d like that you also seem like a riot. I can tell we’re gonna have fun together.”  

Fast forwarding to a week later in Monaco the Stark crew had just arrived at the Hotel de Paris, when Tony was already managing to pester Pepper. “Whatever happens in the next twenty minutes, just go with it” “Go with what?” Evie looked up from her phone just as the trio walked right into Natalie, who was asking Tony about their flight. She subtly took a sidestep once the cameras came into view. As the flashes went off, Tony and Pepper started their squabbling. She leaned over to whisper in her ear, “Whatcha doing here Ms. Rushman?” “Mr. Stark hired me to be his assistant” “Hmm, interesting.” As the photographers left, Natalie stepped forward to lead the group to their table. Updating Tony on his itinerary, “well today is off to a fun start” Evie muttered to herself taking a seat. 

She earned a dramatic eye roll from her dad, who moved on with Pepper to greet some acquaintances and head to the bar. Perking up at the sudden unease, she didn’t even need to see who it was to know Justin Hammer had just walked in the room. Along with a very detested Christine Everhart, Evie stared daggers at the pair as they interacted with dad and Pepper.

“What seems to be the problem Evie?” Natalie had snuck up on her after speaking with the restaurant staff. “Oh, you know, I just don’t have a very good opinion of those two. Bad first impressions.” “Well, I certainly hope I did better then. I’d hate to be at the end of your infamous wrath” Evie was smiling shyly now. Not entirely accustomed to people being genuinely honest with her. When Pepper reached the table, the ladies settled into their seats to inspect the menu.

 Evie had seemed to settle the urge to ‘accidentally’ spill a tray of drinks on Christine, when something set her senses on high alert. Looking around the room she tried to spot her dad, she could feel the hair on the back of neck rising. Then she saw him, on the tv in a racer’s suit about to board the F1 decked out in team Stark colors.

“Pepper, why is dad on the track?!” She almost shrieked, pupils dilated wide with fear.

Perturbed, the blonde called Natalie over, “Yes, Ms. Potts?” “Did you know about this?!” After exchanging words, she instructed the assistant to fetch Happy. Unable to quell the anxiety constricting her lungs, she grabbed Pepper’s hand, “M-mo… hmm,” Think, Evie use your brain damn it. Pepper, not mom! Pepper gave her a puzzled look while she took a deep breath clearing her head. “Pepper, something is seriously wrong here!” her voice was just controlled enough to where it wasn’t broken as she spoke. “Yes, I know Tony is heading to the starting line.” Looking her dead in the eyes she tried to convey her trepidation. “Pepper. There is something very, very wrong here. Like deadly” Grasping the weight of her words, she nodded “Okay. Okay, can you tell me what's going on?” She closed her eyes, focusing intently on what could be provoking such a reaction.

Two things crept into her mind. Russian; plus, Tony in danger. Someone was actively trying to harm her father and she needed to find him. And with the word Russian jabbing her brain incessantly, it only brought back one thought. There here; the past had come back, flooding her with dread. “We gotta get dad off that track, NOW!” With their eyes glued to the screen her biggest fear was now infoldings and being televised. “That's it, that guy! Orange jumpsuit!” A man dressed as a racetrack worker was marching straight into the center lane. 

With the drivers unaware of the impending danger, they continued headfirst. Evie held Pepper’s hand tightly, taking short breaths, heart thumping loudly in her ears. They watched in anguish as the stranger pulled down his zipper uncovering a chest plate with a bright light emitting from the center. His suit peeled off his body, unraveling two long cables that began to emit lightning. The first few drivers zoomed by safely, but the ones that followed wouldn't be as lucky. 

As a red F1 barreled down the street, it met the charged whips. Effectively slitting the vehicle in fell swoop, sending it flying. She was practically dragged when Pepper ran towards Happy who stood at the entrance cuffed to her dad's special suitcase. In a mad dash they piled into the car with Happy flooring the gas pedal. With little warning he busted through the security fence, just as the intruder lashed out at Stark’s F1. Colliding at full speed. Tony went soaring into the air, crashing down the debris of the first victim.

Tony was now face down against the fence, everyone watched in horror as the remaining drivers began to amass into a ball of fire and charred metal. When Pepper demanded Happy give her the case, Evie stretched over the center console to grab the key from Happy’s pocket. The people in the stands ran for safety as the rescue workers scrambled to aid the survivors and put down the flames. Trying desperately to fend off his attacker, Tony used any means to block the strikes. Meanwhile his friends and daughter dodged the incoming racers, desperate to reach him. “THERE!” She pointed to her dad, as the other man began advancing towards him.

Seeing their car careening down the track Tony jumped up the fence, narrowly avoiding being crushed. The assailant was pinned to the barricade. Tony made it down and around the car. Pepper was hysterical in the backseat while Tony bickered with her and Happy. Meanwhile Evie had eyes glued to the man on the hood, “Dad! Get in the car!” The arguing and frantic shouts continued when a whip sliced the car door, “Watch out!” Happy tried hitting him with the car to incapacitate the guy while the others engaged in an ill-timed game of hot potato for Tony’s case.

In a flash a whip cracked the roof in two, with everyone screaming, Evie’s panic triggered something hibernating within her. When a second lash sparked, ready to finish off the car. Evie threw her hands in front of her, blocking the blow. When the buzzing sound of live wires filled the air without making contact, she looked up. They were frozen in place, with eyes wide she saw as the man was confused.

She felt a surge of energy pulse through her body and out her hands keeping the lines in place. Tony was baffled, as were the other two adults in the car. But he quickly snapped out of it, “Give me the case! The case! PLEASE! Come on” Recovering from their momentary stupor, Pepper chucked the case out the window. Without hesitation Tony activated the Iron Man suit. Suddenly a strike severed the driver’s side, and Evie’s hold broke when Iron Man kicked them out of the line of fire. The battle ended promptly with the new addition in place, creating a clamorous cheer to emanate from the crowd and the mysterious individual taken away.  

Placed into the protective care of Happy and a private security team, she was back in the privacy of her hotel room. There Evie and Tony shared a long embrace. “You sure you’re okay honey?” “Yeah dad, I’m fine. Are you? That guy had his own reactor. How is that possible!” Holding her at arm’s length Tony searched her eyes for honesty, “Evie that doesn't matter right now, what the hell happened back there?!” Brows creasing in confusion she struggled to reply “I-I don’t know, everything happened so fast. When I saw him trying to cut through the car again, I panicked. I tried to take cover, but really, I was bracing for impact” She went to sit at the edge bed. She looked at her hands on her lap trying to find words. “Sweetheart, has this happened before? Is this like your ‘gut feeling’? That Jedi mind thing you do.”

Coming down to eye level he took her hands giving them a gentle squeeze. With eyes closed she simply shook her head. “No? No what, honey. I need words here” In a hushed tone, she tried to reply, “No, to both. It’s never happened before... It was like-” she sighed searching for words to describe what she had felt, “like energy rushed through me, and some type of force pushed through. Reaching out and holding those whips in place.” 

 Nodding slightly, Tony stood heading for the door. “Listen to me very carefully. Please. Tell no one about this, if it’s not me, or the other two in the car. No one, is to know. I mean it, we don’t know what could happen if people find out about this. We’ll take this one problem at a time. Right now; we sort out this asshole, then we tackle whatever this may be.” She shook her head in agreement, trying to hold back the tears.

“Dad, I’m scared. H-he's Russian, what if that guy has something to do with...” she tailed off turning away. “That's exactly what I’m going to find out, till then. Stay here. If anything happens you stick to Pepper and Happy. I mean it, no more team rescues.” “Y-yes sir” She gave him a small smile.  Tony did as promised. He paid the guy a visit in jail. Learning what the motives Ivan Vanko had for trying to destroy Iron Man. Much to his relief Evie wasn’t a part of that equation. However, Vanko had intimate details on building an arc reactor, Stark tech, and even about the palladium slowly killing him.

The flight back was stressful for them in more ways than one. The younger Stark decided to sleep most of the ride, hoping to escape the unwanted memories. Senator Stern was on a smear campaign against Tony. And both he and Pepper were worried about the newly developed power Evie had displayed. Leaving Tony to feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. Struggling with himself about how to prepare his daughter for the possibility of life without him, while simultaneously trying to decipher what was happening to her. Over an offering of burnt eggs Tony and Pepper shared a fleeting discussion about avoiding responsibilities and taking the appropriate course of action regarding what had happened on the track.

Chapter Text

The second wheels landed; it was crisis containment mode. Pepper and Natalie were doing everything humanly possible to handle the onslaught of bad publicity and legal paperwork. The house was meltdown central. Endless phone calls, multiple screens showing the media frenzy, and documents scattered over the coffee table the ladies had their hands full. Evie was outside at the back of the house staring off into the ocean ignoring the chaos inside. 

Taking in the salty air as she contemplated what to do. Her instincts were nagging at her, saying her dad was struggling with his own body. But as much as she tried to turn it off her brain was on high alert. Something was consuming him, and she couldn’t do much to help. Just wait for the man to confide in her, which was as likely as pigs flying.  

Then there was the possibility of a new ability manifesting. Careful not to draw attention from the others, she went down to the pool. The cool night air felt nice against her fervid skin. As she closed her eyes, she tried to tune out her environment. She zeroed in on the small decorative statue on the other side of the pool. Deep in concentration, she willed the figure to budge. Reaching out she tried harder, willing the power from before to reaper and assist. But it was pointless. Giving up entirely, she went back inside alert to her uncle James’ arrival.

 As Pepper and Natalie were preoccupied with the mess at hand. As soon as she passed the entrance to the lab downstairs, an unnerving chill went down her spine. Evie beat her uncle to the door, not even letting him knock. “Evie, h-how do you do that?! Every time girl. It's starting to get scary, not going to lie.” Giving him a blank face Evie blurted, “Dad’s in pain!” They darted towards the lab as both women gave them a curious glance. They found Tony sitting in one of his prized cars, screens projecting everything about Vanko’s life. “Dad, you're in pain. What’s going on? What’s hurting you!” She stood a few feet back as Rhodes went to put a hand on his shoulder, “Are you listening?” He faced them with a pained look and glassy eyes. “Are you okay?”

 “Daddy?” Her hushed whisper went unheard as Tony grunted softly, “Let’s go” he said quietly attempting to exit the car, but stumbled. With both their help, they made it to Tony’s desk. Where he instructed Rhodes to get him the palladium he had stored. His reactor spitting out a charred core. 

 “Is that supposed to be smoking?” James voice expressing the concern both he and Evie had seeing the fried chip being disposed of. Handing Rhodes the reactor, Tony informed them that it was due to neutron damage from the reactor walls. Evie placed her hands on her dad's shoulders, massaging them gently. Looking down she noticed the circuit board patterns sprouting from his neckline. “Dad... why is there a high-tech crossword puzzle on your neck?” He took the reactor back from James simply stating it was road rash. Cynically they both just watched him, “what are you looking at?” 

“We’re looking at you Tony. You wanna do this whole lone gunslinger act and it’s unnecessary. You don’t have to do this alone.” 

“He’s right, dad. We’re right here. Just say the word.” 

“You know I wish I could believe that. I really do. But you’ve gotta trust me. Contrary to popular belief, I know exactly what I'm doing.” Rhodey scuffed before walking out, leaving them in the lab. “Dad, I’m not dropping it this time. You’re in pain! And every part of me is screaming to do something. Anything! But you keep pushing me away. Let me help you… please” 

 As moisture started to collect in her eyes, she gave him a broken expression. She kneeled in front of him. Taking his hands in hers, “Dad you are everything to me. We’re all we got. You taught me that we don’t keep secrets between us.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she searched him deeply. “There’s no me without you. So, whether you like it or not I’m helping with whatever is going on”  

Without letting him protest, she left the lab. But little did she know that as he kept his eyes on their joined hands, he saw black marks run up her arm like veins. It went completely unnoticed by Evie. As she seemed unbothered, or even affected. Tony, however, felt an instant relief from his constant aches. It was as if his pain had been absorbed through a straw and dissipated. Dumbfounded, he remained gawking at his hands.  

Later the next day, as everyone geared up for Tony’s birthday party, Evie was in her room slipping on a pair of red bottom heels. She was contemplating just ditching the lavish festivities and avoiding the clusters of ‘Stark skanks’ as she so lovingly called them. Most times she would just deal with it. Enjoying the night, dancing and finding some hottie to make out with. Sometimes she’d also take delight in sabotaging any of her dad’s plans for any lingering ‘guests’ when parties were over.

But tonight, she felt her social battery drained. As she straightened out her silky black dress, she took a moment to take a deep breath. As she left her room in search of Pepper she bumped into Natalie. “Oh, please excuse me Ms. Rushman, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“No worries, Evie, and please I think at this point you can just call me Natalie.”

“Um sure if you say so, how’s my dad?” Seeing her brows furrow in faux confusion, she continued, “Oh well seeing as you came out of my dad’s room, I assumed you two were talking.” Taking the hit, Natalie smirked slightly. “Yes Evie I was there, but it's not what you might be thinking. He’s just about ready for the party and wanted a second opinion on his choice of watch.”  

“It’s okay, I know. You don’t seem like that type, although you definitely enjoy leading him on” tilting her head to the side she gave her a once over before crossing her arms. “Tell me Natalie, what's a woman with your qualifications doing in a boring assistant's job? You seem well educated, capable, and clearly not the type to take shit from anyone. So why are you here? I know you're interested in my dad, or maybe his work, perhaps both? Yet you’re not here to steal tech ideas or try and sleep your way up. I know you’re hiding something, but it’s not malicious. And still I plan on finding out.”  

A fleeting look of shock could be observed before Natalie regained composure. Looking down a small curve upwards appeared on her lips. “Well I'm very impressed Evie, most people never notice my cover, unless trained to spot it. And you blow the whole thing out of the water. All I can tell you at the moment is that I'm here looking out for the Stark’s best interest. That includes you, not just your dad. If there’s anything you’d like to talk about or need help of any sort. Please, don’t hesitate to find me. I’m here for anything you may need.” With that she returned to the party preparations. Evie knew she meant those words, but was also hinted at something else. She’s probably on to me, she thought.  

With the celebration in full swing Tony took it upon himself to really let loose. The music at full volume, people dancing away, and the booze flowing like water from a spring. There was no stopping the birthday boy from running amuck. When Pepper was begging Tony to send everyone home, Evie resorted to calling her uncle Rhodey to subdue the crowd and her dad. The man was a drunken idiot; tripping over his own feet, enticing the mob. Going as far as urinating in his armored suit.

When Evie tried to reason with her dad, taking the mic to send everyone home he dismissed her announcing the after party was minutes from starting. Slurring slightly, he added, “And if anyone doesn't like it, Evie , there’s the door” He raised his hands to show the way, but doing so an energy bolt was fired.  

Everyone ducked for cover as the glass wall adorning the stairs shattered. The rowdy mass was quick to cheer and applaud, further encouraging Tony’s bad behavior. As some girls in attendance started to throw props to be shot down, Evie, Pepper, and Rhodes all shared a look. “Evie, I’m gonna need you to show me that new suit you said was just my color.” “What for?” “I’m about to kick your dad’s ass. So, you can't get mad at your favorite uncle. It's for his own good.”

She just nodded, leaning down to the latest model she and Ton made with him in mind.

 The party died the second Rhodey’s commanding voice echoed throughout the house. “I’m only gonna say this once. Get Out.” There in all its silver glory stood a second Iron Man. The people fled in droves, rushing to avoid the consequences if they disobeyed. “You don’t deserve to wear one of these. Shut it down!”  

Tony politely asked the DJ, “Give me a fat beat to beat his buddy’s ass to.” Getting a stern look from Evie, she shook her head and walked out of the room. James proceeded to grab Tony from behind initiating a brawl between the two. As the house slowly became a war zone Pepper confronted Natalie. Suspecting her of something, but she didn’t get to go very far when the ceiling came crashing down in the kitchen. Tony and James were locked in battle in full display to the public. Happy rushed to pull Pepper to safety. While Natalie took Evie by the hand dragging her away from the fight, unbothered by her protests. 

Snatching her hand away Evie was about to voice some unfriendly choice of words when a small gas leak caused a fire ball to escape from the kitchen. “Oh fuck, I gotta check on them.” About to rush in she felt a hand tightly grabbing her arm, yanking her in the opposite direction just as every glass window in the house fractured into billions of tiny shards. The ground shook and a bright light was seen followed by a deafening boom. She was thrown off her feet, landing hard against the pavement. Lights out.  

When she awoke there was a horrible throbbing in her head. Grimacing when she tried to get up, her whole body was sore, if not already bruised.  “Would you like an aspirin?” She looked around panicked, registering that this wasn’t her plushy bed, much less her room. “Natalie. Where the fuck am I?!”

“It's okay Evie, you’re in a safe place.”

“Ha cute. But forgive me if past experiences have made me a little weary of people taking me places without my consent. Now before I really lose my...” She was cut short when Natalie drew open the window curtains, blinding her with the early morning sun. “You were right.” she stated simply.

“What about exactly? I’m kind of right about everything, so be specific”

“Me. Your little evaluation on me last night. How did you do it?” 

“I’m the one asking questions here. Natalie ” 

“Okay, fair enough. You’re still in California. This is a SHIELD safehouse.”  

“SHIELD? Why the hell is SHIELD getting involved with my life?” 

“Well first off Evie, I’m Agent Romanoff... Natasha Romanoff” 

“Agent? Is the fucking government kidnapping me?!” Furious Evie rose to her feet glaring at Natalie, well Natasha now. “I’ll have you know you’re gonna have a hell of a hard time with that” 

“How so? Is it because of your enhancements ?” Natasha tilted her head, studying the girl's every move.

She took a step back, stumped by the comment “I-I don’t know what the hell you're talking about.”  

Natasha went to sit on the bed, looking up at the girl with a neutral expression. But Evie knew she'd been caught. “Ms. Stark I'll make it quick and easy cause your dad is going to get a similar speech later. I'm a shadow agent for SHIELD. You and I both know your father is sick. Once SHIELD knew about your dad’s condition, I was tasked to oversee the Stark household. What we weren’t anticipating was that aside from monitoring your dad, you’d be manifesting unnatural abilities for a normal eighteen-year-old. And to answer your previous questions, no. We’re not kidnapping you. We just want to talk” Locked in a staring contest Evie could sense she was telling the truth. About everything. Still, she tried to play it off.

“And how do I know you’re being honest, Romanoff ? You literally just said everything I knew about you is a lie.” Giving her a knowing smirk Natasha walked towards the door, “Well I know, that you know, I’m telling you the truth. But if you need solid evidence. I have someone you already know who might help.” 

When she opened the door, a familiar face stepped through. Giving her a kind smile he walked towards her. “It’s good to see the youngest Stark hasn’t lost her wit and charm.” “Agent Coulson.” Shaking hands firmly, she felt a wave ease come about her. Coulson was a bit of a hero to her ever since he kept Pepper from harm's way years back, when Stane pulled a move on her dad. Visibly relaxed, Coulson and Natasha shared a glance before giving her the full details of their reason for meddling in Stark affairs.

 Suddenly all the missing gaps were filled. Cursing herself for not seeing it sooner, she blinked away the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes.  “How the hell did I miss all of this?” “Well Ms. Stark, according to Agent Romanoff’s report on you, you’re not in full control over all of your abilities. You also pick and choose who to target, which makes sense if you refrain from doing so with your father and close friends.” “Friends? I don’t have friends. Pepper, Happy, and Rhodes. They’re my family.” 

“Even more reason why not to break their trust and go poking in their minds. So, tell me, what else can you do? Aside from the possible telepathy, empath, and telekinesis?” Seated across from each other at a table, she looked down at her hand as she picked at her nail polish. “I understand your hesitation Evie, really, I do. But we’re here as friends. And I for one, just want to see you turn out okay on the other side of this.” Sniffling, she wiped away the stray tears, “I know, I can feel it. But I don’t want to break my dad’s trust. I gave him my word.” her voice broke a little towards the end.

As she straightened out in her chair she put on a fake smile “but then again, he hasn’t been so honest either, huh?” Natasha handed her a few tissues, giving her a sympathetic look, “Evie, in my time with you two, it's crystal clear he did it out of fear. He’s struggling with the idea of leaving his little girl behind. Especially with everything life has put you through.”

“Hm, right. That’s…  putting it mildly.” A darkness clouded her features at the thought of her past. Facing the rising sun, she attempted to soak in some light before proceeding. 

“Agent Coulson and I need to know all the details to better help: not just your dad, but you too. The people who took you may someday come back to finish their work. Or when word gets out about a girl with superhuman gifts, who knows who might be interested in getting a hold of you. You’ve seen first hand the reaction Iron Man had worldwide.” Swallowing thickly, she turned back to them, “Fine, but I need your word that this isn't gonna bite me in the ass later. Or that I'm going to be some sort of test bunny to produce a weapon for Uncle Sam and his merry band of old ass white guys in power. I want this off the book. ZERO records” She gave them a harsh look, searching them for any signs of deception. The two agreed at once, to which Evie followed by telling them the whole story. From when she first started to practice using her ‘gut feeling’, and the most recent incident in Monaco. Natasha gave her a small hug in appreciation, as Coulson escorted them out. 

Hours later Natasha paid Tony a surprise visit alongside SHIELD director Nick Fury. A meeting that concluded with Fury metaphorically spanking his ass like a spoiled bratty child and putting him to work on his own salvation. Leaving him with a case, a project, and under house arrest till the job got done. Fury left, leaving Tony under the watchful eye of Agent Coulson. “Hey by the way , where’s my kid at? I haven’t seen her since last night. And also, can we send someone for a coffee run?” Coulson stepped up as Natasha left, “Ms. Stark is okay and with Ms. Potts. Now I'm not here to coddle you. I’ve been authorized by Director Fury to use any means necessary to keep you on the premises. If you attempt to leave or play any games. I will tase you and watch Supernanny while you drool into the carpet. Okay?”  

After spending some time re-discovering his father, Tony searched for answers. He went to see Pepper at the office. After a peace offering of strawberries, he attempted to make amends with her. Unfortunately, he failed and quite tremendously too. After Pepper gave him a piece of her mind, Natasha walked in with Happy in tow. Informing her of the immediate departure, she handed over some paperwork. From the door Happy asked a simple question. Tony was conflicted when both he and Pepper replied to the inquiry only directed at her. Throwing his hands up dramatically he proclaimed, “I lost all three kids in the divorce.” Chuckling somberly earned him a disapproving look from Happy. 

Clearing his throat, he focused his attention on the spy. “Are you blending in well here, Natalie? Here at Stark Enterprises?” She gave him a cold look. “Your name is Natalie, isn’t it? I thought you two didn’t get along. And where is the third child?” Pepper unamused with his behavior once again, prepared to leave. “No. That's not so. And I thought she was with you.” He looked deflated for only a second before he quipped back “It’s just me you don’t care for.... No. Nothing?” Pepper kept ignoring him indignantly.

“Actually, while you’re here you and Natalie could discuss the matter of personal belongings.” As she left for her flight with Happy, Natasha sneered at him. “I’m surprised you can keep your mouth shut.” Sarcastically he hissed back at her accusingly, “Boy you’re good. You are mind-blowingly duplicitous. How do you do it? You just tear things... You’re like a triple imposter. I’ve never seen anything like you. Is there anything real about you? Do you even speak Latin? Cause Evie actually can, Speaking of which; where the fuck is my daughter at?!” He said the last part slapping the desk after each word.

Walking away she seethed, “Fallaces sunt rerum species.” 

“Which means? Wait. What? What did you just say? Where is my kid at?” Turning back, she hissed “It means, you can either drive yourself home or I'll have you collected. And your daughter is meeting Ms. Potts in New York.” As she left tony yelled out “You’re good!” muttering to himself that Evie better be okay or else. Already he was wondering if maybe they suspected anything strange about her.

Now alone in his former office, he was about to leave when something about the Expo’s model caught his attention, prompting him to take it home.

Chapter Text

Stepping off the plane in New York triggered Evie’s private alarms. Something in the air’s cool breeze was making her want to reboard the jet and leave for the security of home. “Evie? Everything alright sweetheart?” Pepper looked at her with concern. "S'okay Pepp" Shaking her head lightly she continued down the steps.  

In her hotel room she was putting the final touches to her outfit. It was one of her favorites ‘power suits’ as she called it. Perfectly pressed black trousers, matching black blazer with silver buttons, and a red silky blouse with a beautiful lace neckline. She decided to ditch the traditional heels to accompany, she decided to go with some gorgeous black leather ankle boots, with short heels. One that made her feel like the future CEO she was supposed to be. As she placed her silver crescent moon earrings on, she heard a knock at the door. “Come in” Natasha pushed through coming over to help Evie sort out some stay hairs. “You seemed a bit on edge back on the plane. Anything I should know?” From their reflection in the mirror, she gave her a grim look. “I think there’s a dead man walking, my gut tells me that Vanko is alive. But from what I know, he’s dead.” Natasha gave her a quizzical look, ‘Hm, how can you be sure?”  

Turning to face her directly she gave her a serious expression “I don’t know where all these ‘gifts’ serge from, but I've never been wrong. Ever. At least not to date. Just trust me when I say that there's something dangerous going on. I can't pinpoint it yet, but Ivan Vanko is here. And bloodthirsty.” 

“Okay, I believe you, I'll make sure to keep all eyes open” Giving her an appreciative smile she left to meet with Pepper before heading to the expo.  

Sitting amidst the crowd the three women sat unimpressed with the presentation Justin Hammer was giving. Evie’s unease grew as the military drones slowly rose from the floor. Whispering discreetly “Dad’s here” to both ladies when Rhodes’ War Machine rose, she knew who was about to crash the demo. And sure enough he landed in front of James and Hammer.  

Tuning into her dad’s private conversation her suspicions were confirmed, “We gotta go, now!”She jumped from her seat taking Pepper’s hand. “Evie, honey, what's wrong!?” Alarmed Pepper stood as Evie led them away. Just then the souped-up Iron Man took aim at Tony. “They’re being hijacked. Vanko has control over the drones including uncle roe!”  

Shots began to ring out. The crowd started to flee, shrieking as the glass dome cascaded down on them. Tony led them away, initiating an air-borne pursuit. The women followed Justin, knowing he was behind the attacks. As Pepper berated Justin, he turned away trying to ignore her. But not before they heard him mutter “We gotta get these bitches out of here.” to one of his crew men.  To which Natasha responded by twisting his arm, and slamming his head against the table. “Where is he? Where’s Vanko?” Grunting in pain, Hammer whimpered, “H-he’s at my facility.” Natasha left the headquarters in search of the Russian.  

In a heartbeat Pepper had NYPD on the phone “No, no, no, honey. Don’t call the authorities.” He tried to no avail not to get the police involved. But as Pepper demanded he stepped aside. Evie was reaching her patience’s limit. Already having enough of his insolence, and his audacity to treat Pepper so poorly. So, as he moved out of the way, he turned to the younger Stark who was eyeing him dangerously. “And what are you looking at, princess ? Here to cheer mommy and daddy on, as they save the day?” He threw his hands in the air, sarcastically releasing the rest. “Oh, wait! That’s right you don’t have a mo-” Before he could finish his last words, he was laid out on the floor with a loud thud. “EVIE!” Shaking her hand and caressing her knuckles, she gave Pepper an innocent look before shrugging, “what? It’s self-defense he looked threatening” 

As the battle outside was wreaking havoc outside. Evie and Pepper were doing everything they could from their position to aid. But as she tried to keep her focus on the task at hand, Evie suddenly found herself distracted. Hearing Pepper yelling at her dad for his failure to notify anyone about his medical condition. A little detail Evie knew Natash slipped out on purpose. “Hey! Save it for the honeymoon. Dad we’ve got incoming.” From the other side of the screen Natasha confirmed, “Looks like the fight is coming to you.” Tony and Pepper finished off their banter in time for him to give his friend a heartfelt apology. Seconds later the cavalry descended on them.  

When Hammer was finally coming back to; the NYPD stormed in, giving him a smirk Evie pointed her finger at him, “That’s your guy here.” After his initial shock he laughed sardonically. “I see what you two are doing. I get it. You’re trying to pin this on me, huh? That’s good. You’re starting to think like a CEO Potts. Taking out the competition. I like it, and you even got the little orphan getting all the training up close and in person. Prepping her to be just like you.” Even as the cops hauled him away, he kept going “You think you’re making a problem for me? I’m gonna make a problem for you. I’m gonna be seeing you two again real soon.” Both women just watched as he was dragged away, when the warnings in Evie’s head came back again. “Pepper, I think it's time to go” 

As they left the building, Pepper gave the cops the details of the evacuation plans and their routes. “Are you ladies coming with us?” “She is” Pushing her forwards as Evie gave her a puzzled look. “Um, excuse me? What, no! I’m not leaving you, are you nuts!?” “Evie, please. I’ll stay till the park clears, but Tony will want you far away from all this mess.” “No. If you stay, I stay.” The determination in her face was enough to both make the boys in blue back off slowly, and Pepper to break her resolve. “I really hate how your confidence is so damn contagious at all the wrong times young lady” 

In that exact moment she felt the presence of Ivan making a brisk entry. “This isn't quite over yet Pepp, Vanko just got here.” Pepper gave her a concerned look, “then we stay vigilant, alert your dad and James for anything, okay.”

 A few moments later the glass enclosure that was the botanical garden erupted in a cascading downpour of tiny crystal bits following an explosion. Weakly from the floor Ivan spoke ominously, “you lose.” A red light started to flicker with a beep indicating a countdown. All around the iron men, the lights started to appear. Rhodes broke the tense silence, “All the drones are rigged to blow. We gotta get out of here, man.” “Evie, Pepper?!” Panicked, Tony took off in search of his girls.  

Every nerve in her body was on overdrive, “Pepper, you see that too, right?” Pointing at the floor where a trashed bot laid, Evie knew exactly what was happening. 

Distressed, her father put all thrusters into full power. Speeding towards the two most important women in his life.  

Heart racing and fear fully in control of her mind, Evie threw her arms around Pepper’s torso. All she could think of at that moment was one thing, her dad. Because he meant safety. 

She felt a cold chill sweep over her. Shrouding them in darkness, taking away all the surroundings. They shrieked at the feeling of the ground swept out from under, wind whipping their hair wildly. Suddenly they were falling through the air both letting out gut wrenching screams as they pummeled towards the ground. Holding each other for dear life. literally.

“What the fuck!” Tony was horrified at what he saw through his high-tech helmet. One moment they were standing outside the building watching the machine gearing up to detonate. When a black shadow swallowed them, all the lights around them flickered sporadically. In a blink of an eye, they were spit out mere feet above Tony. He came swooping in to catch them. It was as if they were tossed into his arms.

Fleeing the destruction, Tony took them to a nearby building. With the two still yelling frantically, Evie stumbled to the floor as Pepper pushed their savoir away panting. Taking off his tarnished headgear, Tony looked them over, ensuring their overall wellbeing. As Pepper proceeded to have a meltdown yelling at her dad about stress, Evie slowly scooted away from them heaving. Still reeling from the adrenaline coursing through her. Impervious to the sudden change in mood between the two other people. Evie felt a metal hand grab hold of her shoulders.  

Shaking away the bewilderment, she turned to see War Machine, her uncle. Stealthy in his moves he helped her to sit with him. “You okay Evie?” He whispered. “I’m okay uncle Roe, just uh, momentary shock.” Smiling half-heartedly, she turns in time to see Tony and Pepper finally share a kiss.

She giggled as James interrupted, “You guys look like two seals fighting over a grape.” Stuttering to defend themselves Evie cut them off while grinning ear to ear, “You don’t have to do that. We heard the whole thing.” Scuffing Tony told them to get lost, James rebutted stating he was there first, “get a roof. Before you scar my niece for life” Tony and James complimented each other’s skill before James left telling them he was taking the suit cause his car was totaled.

The newly formed couple turned to look at Evie. “You. You have some explanation to give missy.” Meeting them with a blank stare Tony kept going. “I saw the whole thing. How on earth did you teleport?! Just, poof! Gone. In a black cloud of smoke. Just to land on me. How?” All she could do was laugh nervously while giving him a face mixed with ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I have no fucking clue’.

The next day in a secure location Tony and Evie were sitting around a table, when Tony picked up a file labeled, Avengers Initiative Preliminary Report. Fury appeared from nowhere snatching away the documents. As the two men went over Tony’s assessment Agent Romanoff had so graciously made about him, they started to dispute facts from fiction. Ending with Tony baffled about being approved yet shut down for their group project. “This led us to believe that at this juncture we’d only like to use you as a consultant” Standing to shake his hand Tony quipped back “You can’t afford us. Then again, I will waive my customary retainer in exchange for a small favor.” Fury tilted his head and raised a brow. “Rhodey and I are being honored in Washington and we need a presenter.”  

Fury stood up from the table, "this was just about you.” He pointed at Evie, eyes still on Tony, “her on the other hand. Well, that’s a different story.” It was her turn to rise to her feet, “Me? What about me, is so interesting?” Seeing past her fringed innocence Fury gave her a knowing look. “You, Miss Stark, have just been a box of surprises lately.” Tony stepped in standing in front of her instantly, shaking his head and crossing his arms.

“Nope, No, uh, not a chance. My kid isn’t about to waltz into danger. She isn't taking any part of this.” “Mr. Stark, you haven't even heard our proposal. Plus seeing as she is of age, it isn’t your call to begin with. Listen, all we're offering is a few lessons to hopefully help her control her new abilities. If it makes you feel better, It will all be kept off the books. We know her history, and it's best to keep her under wraps. Plus Agent Romanoff has volunteered to train her personally. And Coulson could use a set of hands in New Mexico. Seems we might need a person with her…  skill set, to assist him out there”

Tony turned to look at her directly. “No. I forbid it. If we don’t know how to get a good grip on your powers how will they?” Holding his gaze, she brushed off his demands with a gleam in her eyes “Dad, maybe they have a method or two we simply didn’t think to try... I mean look at you and your fancy new element. They had the missing key there, why can’t that be the case with me? Plus, since when have I ever listened once you’ve forbidden something? I think it’s worth a shot.” She was giddy with excitement and he could see it all over her face. “Great sounds like we’ve got a deal, and as for your request, I’ll see what I can do”  

A few days after her dad’s award ceremony Evie was in the middle of the desert. As promised, just there to consult on what SHIELD had found. Evie was nearly done and set to return home the next day. At the center of the make-shift lab there was a peculiar object embedded in the ground. 

A hammer. Not a regular household type, used to tap nails in to hang pictures. Nope this was a special artifact indeed. Leaning closer Coulson spoke up, “So, getting anything on it?” She sighed deeply, “Well, it definitely isn’t from earth.” tilting her head to the side she studied its features, “If I'm not mistaken this is hundreds of years old. And quite possibly with a mind of its own. It's like it's trying to call for someone. But I can't get a good connection with it. It's… hard to understand.” Just then goosebumps went down her spine. She turned to look at Coulson, “We have an uninvited guest looking for this” Just a few moments later alarms blared signaling an intruder. “Okay Ms. Stark, don’t be afraid. I’m sure we’ll handle this promptly.” He gave her a resurging smile and led her away as she could feel the power emanating from the hammer amplify. Its master was drawing closer.  

A few hours later with the suspect in custody, she decided to take a break and escape the confines of the office she was in. Coulson was busy leading the interrogation, when an internal bell went off alerting her of a newcomer.

Mischief, the word flashed on her mind as did envy, malice and cunning. Pulled by instinct her feet took her towards what she thought would be the interrogation room. Back in the hammer’s chamber, she peered around stumped. Guards and scientists alike seemed to be in a trance-like state. They were completely oblivious to the man in the green trench coat trying to dislodge the hammer.

Disappointed the man with slick back, black hair buttoned up his coat before turning to leave. Every instinct (and now SHIELD training) told her not to follow. To alert the guards of his presence, because clearly, he wasn’t supposed to be here. But something about him drew her in. Curious, she followed him to an empty hallway, “Hey, how did you get in...” Before she could get an answer the mysterious man had left. Vanished into thin air. 

Once again, she frounded, once agin finding herself perplexed.” What the hell kind of crazy did I walk into?” Shaking her head, she decided to find Coulson again “I'm so glad I'm leaving, this place is fucking weird.”