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Chapter Text

“Angel, it's just a few days till Christmas… shouldn’t you be making plans to get home? I’m sure your parents can’t wait to see you.” She rolled her eyes and even though he couldn't see it Matt still smirked at her reaction. They were spending another peaceful morning in his apartment. Cuddling close while having breakfast on the couch with the news playing for background noise. 

“You and your cute little pet names aren’t gonna rush the renovations at the tower. I’m almost done, but I still need to oversee the final touches y'know. Plus my dad and Pepper know I always make it home on time.” He chuckled, “Why do you call her by her name? You see her as your mom more than a friend. You told me yourself.” She glanced up at him before taking a sip of her coffee, “first off I said that while very drunk and second you swore never to let that slip out!” she narrowed her eyes at him as he once again chuckled, putting an arm around her shoulders bringing her closer to him. 

“I promise your secrets are always safe with me. But I meant what I said that night. You don’t need to be scared of Pepper rejecting you. She loves you like her own kid.” Evie snuggled closer. Tucking her head under his chin and relaxing as she took in his scent and warmth. “I know Matt, but I can’t help it. The ‘what if’ still makes me anxious.” she muttered softly. 

Evie and Matt Murdock had reconnected shortly after the events in New York, she had reached out seeking legal counsel and a friend to confide in. But it quickly led to them rekindling the old flame. And they were content, two lonely souls finding shelter from their demons in each other. He hummed when she placed a small peck on his neck, “In any case, Pepper said there’s no rush to get home, she's been a bit worried with the Mandarin making his reappearance and all.” 

She started to pull away saying, “but if you're in a rush to get rid of me Murdock just say the word.” He was quick, pulling her back to him, “you know I could never. You're too addictive to go cold turkey Angel.” She giggled about to plant a kiss on his lips when her attention was stolen by the news broadcasting the president’s address. “What the fuck? When did uncle Roe change the name?!” She sat up as Matt adjusted himself beside her. “What is it?” He said as he picked up on her heart beating slightly faster. “They changed his name from War Machine to Iron Patriot, that's so lame! What was wrong with the one I helped pick out?” 

Matt placed a hand on her knee giving her a slight squeeze, she was getting agitated. “I’m sure it’s just a publicity thing, don’t take it personally.” She pouted huffing in annoyance. “Still he could’ve at least told me he was getting a makeover to go with the rebranding.” He knew she felt bad for not being around as often, but she liked her new life in New York. And Matt loved her being around. She was one of the very few people he entrusted with the knowledge that he was more than just a lawyer. 

She grabbed the remote, turning the tv off. Opting instead to push Matt back into the couch so she could lay on him. Resting comfortably on his chest, as they warped each other in their arms, legs tangling together. She smiled softly listening to his heart beat. He kissed her crown, inhaling the smell of her shampoo. “Why are you sniffing me again?” she said, closing her eyes trying to stifle her laughter. “I love your scent sweetheart. Can you blame me? I can’t see but everything else works on overdrive. This is how I memorize you.” She was about to respond when his phone started to ring.

They got up once more, Evie handing him his phone. “Foggy… I told you I’m not coming in till later today…” But whatever Foggy was saying was enough to hold his attention. She decided to get out of her pajamas and into some jeans and a t-shirt. “What's going on?” she whispered as she sat down on his lap putting an arm around his neck. He didn’t answer, instead he went for the spot behind her ear, causing her to hum in pleasure. This time since she was close she heard Foggy’s voice, “What was that? Was that a moan? Do you have somebody in bed with you?” He was buzzing with excitement for some reason, but the next question made her shove Matt back. “The paralegal? The para over at- You know what, nevermind. I don’t want to hear about it” 

Her actions made Matt shake his head as he smirked. “No, it's not, I told you there's nothing going on with her. She was just friendly, that's all.” He kept a firm grim on her waist when she tried to get up, digging his fingers slightly into her side making jump at the sensation. Foggy didn't seem convinced, “Nevermind I do wanna hear about it, what’s she like?” Just then she smacked his chest playfully in hopes of being released. Matt in a casual tone chipped back, “violent” making her wack him again. 

“I gotta get the blind thing going. It's so unfair” He went on to tell Matt about a potential case for them. Something about a girl being charged for murder. But Evie didn't pay much attention as she was typing away on her phone. Already getting a late start on her agenda for the day. Matt ended his call and went back to sprinkling kisses on her neck. “Ugh, you better stop or we’re both gonna be late for our meetings.” He sighed reluctantly pulling away from her. “I guess you're right, Angel. Am I gonna have you back tonight?” 

She threw her head back, shoulders slumping. “I dunno know Matty. But I'll call you if I can. I kinda have a packed schedule today, of all days. And sounds like you do too, a possible murder type thing?” He maneuvered her to straddle him with his hands on her hips, “Well then in that case let's be late because of a good reason.” She couldn't contain the laughter that escaped from her lips as he pushed her down into him more. Crashing his lips to hers in a heated kiss. She bit his lip as he went to lift her shirt, however halfway off, her phone rang.

They bursted into laughter as she adjusted her shirt again, “This better be a good reason otherwise you're getting fired, new girl.” It was the new receptionist at the now Avengers tower, Clara. Her worried voice came through the receiver, “Um well Ms. Stark. There’s someone here and he said he won't leave till he talks to you in person.” She blew a raspberry, ”Ugh god. Lemme guess tall, dark hair, and kinda menacing yet oddly attractive?” “Ummm... Yes?” She got off Matt getting her shoes and jacket. Then it was his turn to leave as he went to change, sensing that they weren’t going to be able to finish what had started.

“Put him on, please.” She heard a slight shuffle before a deep smooth voice greeted her. “Hello baby. Why are you avoiding me?” Matt felt a slight swell of jealousy but ignored it. “Hey cowboy. Why are you harassing my receptionist? I told you Stark Industries doesn't need private security from Anvil.” She could practically hear his smirk as he was quick to respond, “all business now and no pleasure? Who said I'm here for work?” She was quickly getting tired of turning him away. Ever since her debut he kept trying to come back into her life, seeking more than just friendship again. “Fine since you insist. I'll be there soon. But take a seat I'd hate for your legs to get tired.” He chortled amused at her retort. “As you wish, baby. See ya soon.” 

She hung up, and Matt came up from behind in a fresh suit. He hugged her, nuzzling into her hair. “I see you have many suitors Angel.” “Oh please, he’s a bad habit I kicked a while back. Don’t worry about him, and don’t tell me this is your way of saying you want something serious again. We both know we're not each other’s endgame.” She turned around giving him a sweet kiss. “I know, still. I can’t help it, I like having you to myself.” He gave her a peck back. “I gotta go Matty, I’ll call you tonight. Well, I'll try. And if the Devil comes out to play, please be careful.” She looked into his eyes, as she cupped his cheek. “I’ll be careful, always. Now get going before he gets too comfortable at your desk.” She shook her head as he kissed her hand letting her go. 

As she walked into her office, she saw Billy Russo looking quite comfy on her chair with his feet on the desk. She raised a brow and he promptly removed them. “So cowboy, what brings you to my little slice of the Big Apple? And don’t say it's cause you miss me.” He stood and came around the desk as she put her purse and keys on the coffee table. “But I have missed you Evie. It's been a tough couple of months without you.” She picked up on the slight feeling of grief, and maybe even remorse? Her brows furrowed in confusion, “what do you mean Billy?”

His face dropped, a grim look taking over. “You remember Frank and Maria, right?” “Um… yeah. We had dinner with them once.” She answered warily, already knowing where the conversation was heading. “They passed away. The whole family…” He trailed off at the last part voice shaking slightly. She threw her arms around him, face buried in his chest. “I’m so sorry Billy. What, what happened?” 

He glazed over the question quickly and then they spent the next few hours catching each other up on what life had brought on, the ups and down they had experienced. 

“I still find it crazy that you’re an actual superhero now.” She waved him off, “whatever, I’m just me. The only thing different now is that you know what I was keeping from you.” “Yeah hell-of-a bomb to drop on a guy after you dumped me.” 

She jabbed his ribs with her elbow, “hey first off, it was a mutual break-up. Plus, it’s not like you were squeezy clean either.” His smile dropped as he stared at her with a serious look. “What? Why are you making that face?” He shook his head, snaking an arm around her waist. “You always surprise me with how well you can read me. Tell me, is that a super power or you’re just really intuitive?” 

“Well, let's just call it intuition. Y'know, you might be complex to everyone else, cowboy, but you’ve always been transparent to me. I just choose not to pick at your brain. Whatever it is you got tucked away isn't for me to prod at.” 

“And I thank you for that. You wouldn’t like the stuff I keep inside.”

“Oh please. If that's the case. I should let you see Void. She’s the scary one.”

“Void? Is that your alter ego?” 

She laughed, shaking her head no, “It’s just what I call it. Technically I’m just Widow’s shadow. My dad calls me ‘White Widow’ since I'm always flanking her. And one of the agents called me ‘Black Wolf’ cause I lurk in the dark corners.” She looked down at her feet. It was a white lie, only Coulson had called her Black Wolf in secret. He tried to brainstorm a good code name for her, but they never actually settled on one. And she didn't really take to it till after her confidential meeting with Loki when he was still in lock-up. Something about the way he used the name made her both smile and grimace internally at the memory.

Yet the youngest member of the Avengers couldn’t quite decide on how to address her alter ego. The media had mixed opinions too. Black Smoke was thrown around often. But online it was a frenzy of different names such as Enchantress, Black Witch, or even Nightmare. She didn't care though. That was on the back burner for now. 

A knock at the door interrupted their quiet moment. 

Clara peeked her head in cautiously. “I’m so sorry to interrupt your meeting but I have Alexander Pierce’s secretary on the line asking again about meeting with you. It's the fourth time this week they’ve tried to reach you directly. Also your 12:15 appointment was pushed back till 1pm seeing as you were... Uh, um… busy.” She said the last part glancing at Billy and the way he was holding her boss. 

Evie thanked her while getting up, “well cowboy this was fun, but duty calls,” she said sarcastically as she went over to her desk. “When do I get to see you again? I meant it, what I said earlier. I’ve missed you...” He was giving her hopeful puppy eyes as she tried to focus on her computer screen. “Billy, you and I both know what we had was never real love. We’re great together, but you’re not the committing type and I can’t handle serious relationships. Plus I don’t think my dad approves of you.” He made a face, faking offense. “Damn ouch, way to shut a guy down baby.” 

He placed his hands on her desk creeping close to her, “still. Doesn't mean I don’t want you... We could go back to before, or a ‘friends with benefits’ type thing if you want.” His voice was deep and dangerously low. She narrowed her eyes at him, “you’re unbelievable, offering such things to a lady!” He was quick to throw back, “Evie you’re no lady. Trust me I have… intimate knowledge.” She felt her cheeks warm up and couldn’t hold back how her lips twitched upwards slyly. Mimicking his pose she rose planting her hands near his, face centimeters away from each other. In a low and seductive tone she said, “well consider yourself lucky Russo, not many have had that privilege.”

He closed his eyes ready to kiss her till her lips were rosy from his attention. But instead he felt a chill run down his spine. Leaving a trail of goosebumps. He opened his eyes to see her gone and the lights returning to their normal state after flickering. He snickered to himself, before turning to leave. From her spot in the shadows of the adjacent office she watched him walk away, with a smug grin plastered on.

Clara came in, flicking the lights on and nearly jumping out of her skin when she saw Evie by the office window peering out to the hallway. “Goodness, Ms. Stark! Why are you standing in the dark?” She patted the girl’s arm before apologizing and heading back to her desk to set that much insisted meeting with Pierce.

Chapter Text

A few hours later she was just about to leave to get ready to meet with Natasha for dinner when her phone rang. “Uncle Roe, I hope this is an apology call for trashing all my hard work on War Machine.” Her playful smile quickly fell when she heard his voice full of concern. “Hey pumpkin. Have you talked with your dad lately?” She gathered her things as she spoke with him. “Not lately. I’ve been texting him and we had a video call maybe five, six days ago… why what's going on?” She heard him inhale sharply before replying. “Well we were just having lunch together when some kids came up and all of a sudden, I dunno what happened. He got up and ran out to the suit. I tried to get him to talk to see what was going on but then he just bolted. Has he mentioned anything to you? Anything about not sleeping or maybe there’s something stressing him out?” 

She tried to remember anything but couldn't. “I noticed he looked tired but he said he’s been working on some upgrades to the suit since he has a lot of spare time now. But nothing that would have me worried.”

“Don’t worry about it then, maybe he’s just getting too caught up with the suit he’s just forgetting to sleep. Just do me a favor and come home soon, we miss you baby widow.” She smiled to herself hearing his choice of nickname. “I’m already working on it. Just gotta tie up some loose ends here before I head out for the holidays. And I miss you guys too, especially my favorite uncle!”

 “Oh no, don’t go buttering me up missy. You can’t get your way if you're not here.” She gasped dramatically, “Uncle Roe! Are you accusing me of something? I haven’t even done anything!” His cackle had her picturing him doubling over holding his belly. “Yeah I’m not dumb sugar bear, Christmas is coming up and you’re gonna ask for something wildly unobtainable and unreasonable. Like last year when you wanted to fly a fighter jet to: ‘add it to my resume,’ not happening young lady. You’re gonna get all my love and affection, only!” She blew a raspberry into the receiver before saying her goodbyes with the promise to see each other as soon as she landed back in California. 

As she rode the elevator up to her floor, Evie went through the emails she had missed during the day. “Welcome home Ms. Stark” Jarvis greeted her as soon as she stepped out, kicking off her shoes. “Hey Jarvis, anything I need to know?” She made her way to the kitchen still glued to her phone.

“None miss, did you need anything from me?”

“Nope, all good Jar, thanks bud!” “Of course, Ms. Stark, my pleasure. Enjoy your evening.” She scrolled absentmindedly, till she came across one from Darcy Lewis. They had never met in person but Phil gave Darcy her information after they met in New Mexico, He’d told her about Evie possibly helping them recover their tech. And she was more than happy to do so. Even throwing in a newer model iPod for Darcy. They quickly became e-pen pals, always emailing each other. Darcy was with Jane and professor Selvig in London, and had decided to give Evie a little life update. She smiled as she wrote a quick response back.

Later on that night as she was settling for bed, her conversation with Rhodes crept back into her mind. “I’m sure dad would tell me if somethings up… right? I’ll call him tomorrow.” She turned to her side letting sleep take over. 

She blinked her eyes. Evie was frozen in place as she faced a nightmare. She was looking down at the five year old version of herself. She sat on a bed, balling her eyes out. Crying, begging her mom to come back. She was shaking with anger looking at the memory replaying before her. Her mother was just beyond the door, she could hear the muffled yelling between her and some man. Typical! she thought, leaving me to give some random douche bag attention. Just then something that hadn’t ever happened in her other nightmares occurred. 

The door swung open, her mother bursting in. Her face was a muddled blur as she rushed past the crying girl. “Evie please, mommy is a little busy right now.” Her tone was pleading as if something else was going on that was more urgent than tending to her distraught child. Evie balled her fists, fury rising within her. “Mommy please! I don’t wanna be here…” cried the small child. Her mother stopped in front of her, Evie stared daggers to the back of her head. Her mother bent down and put her hands on the girl’s shoulders.

“Evie please, I need to work, I promise. Soon we’ll be outta here. Just you and me…” As her mother muttered the last few words, a glass smashing was heard from the other room. The girl jumped at the sound of a male voice booming with rage, “SHUT HER UP OR I WILL!” Her mother flinched slightly, as Evie just watched in shock. Her mind raced with questions. But as the steps of the unknown person kept looming closer, she was dragged out of her nightmare. 

Her phone was going off with Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire playing. She shot up, covered in sweat. She stuck her hand out reaching for her phone. Clearing her throat she answered in a slight raspy voice. “Hey Pepper, it's four in the morning. Everything okay?” Frantic and clearly crying herself, Pepper tried to communicate, “oh sweetheart I’m so s-sorry to wake you.” 

Evie threw the blankets off alarmed, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. “Pepper what's going on? Is dad okay, are you?!” “We’re okay sweetheart, it's Hap-Happy…” wrecked sobs over came her and she heard shuffling before her dad picked up. “Baby, are you at the tower? Please tell me you're there and not out with your lawyer guy.” She huffed, irritated by his response. “Yes dad, I'm in my room. Now what the hell is going on? Why is Pepper crying? What happened to Happy?!” 

From the back of a taxi Evie was nervously chewing her nails. She looked out the window as the city flashed past her. It was currently noon, New York time. It was the fastest the private plane could meet her ready for take off at the airport. Her dad had told her over the phone all about the accident Happy was involved in. The famous Chinese Theatre had gone up in flames after an explosion went off. Unfortunately, and for some unknown reason, Happy was there. Caught right in the middle of it and was now fighting for his life in the hospital.

She tried to remain calm, but the hot tears rolling down her face showed otherwise. She wiped them away with the sleeve of her shirt inhaling deeply. Arriving at the airport, she quickly made her way through the private gate. Boarding and taking off in no time at all. 

In the air waiting patiently to land, she busied herself with anything. She tried reading one of her books, but she kept reading the same sentence over and over. Eventually the book was thrown aside in favor of some television. Yet as it sprang to life, her eyes narrowed as she saw her dad on the screen. Tony had just walked out of the hospital when a swarm of reporters with cameras crowded around him. She had just barely caught the tail end of the last question he got. 

He was infuriated, turning slowly to the man with a cell phone shoved in his face. “Is that what you want?” He said to the guy. There was a short pause and she held her breath. “Here’s a little holiday greeting I’ve been wanting to send to the Mandarin. I just didn’t know how to phrase it until now.” Oh no. no, no, no, she was at the edge of her seat now. “My name is Tony Stark and I’m not afraid of you. I know you’re a coward. So I've decided that you just died pal. I’m gonna come get the body. There’s no politics here. It’s just good old-fashioned revenge.” He continued to goat the notorious terrorist even going as far broadcasting their home address. After he concluded his speech he promptly chucked the reporter's cell phone smashing it into a brick pillar nearby. 

Her face lost all of its color. Had he lost his damn mind? What the hell did he just do?! She jumped when her cell phone rang at her side. She fished it out from her pocket quickly, “Evie please tell me you're on the way home?” It was Pepper once again frantic. “Um, yeah I’m still in the air but I should be landing in about two more hours. Did you see the news?” Exasperated Pepper sighed. “Yes… your dad finally lost his mind! I’m heading home right now. I’m packing up some overnight bags for us and as soon as you get there we’re all leaving to some place safe.” Her hand was running through her hair in an attempt to remain calm. “Yeah Pepp, that's a solid plan. Just keep him home till I get there. Taze him if you have to but just-” she put the phone to her chest as she took in a deep breath to steady herself, “just make sure he doesn't take off before I get there, please.” 

As soon as the plane had touched solid ground she practically threw herself off the plane. Completely ignoring the continuous ringing from her phone. Some friends, including Matt had been trying to reach her after the televised threat her dad had made. But all that was shoved aside as she climbed on top of her bike. A sleek all black BMW HP4, her last birthday gift Happy helped her dad pick out. With her backpack secured. Holding what little things she packed for the trip she took off, zooming through traffic, heading home. 

Meanwhile at 10880 Malibu Point, Tony was greeting an unexpected guest. 

Maya Hansen, his old botanist pal from his college days. As she tried to get Tony to talk someplace less surrounded by the media’s helicopters, he kept trying to piece together why her features were so familiar. As Pepper came down, throwing their luggage over the bannister, he grabbed Maya, pulling her close. “Please tell me that my math is wrong!” He had a serious look as he searched her eyes. But the look of pure distress confirmed his suspicions. The last time the two had shared a space was for New Years almost twenty two years prior. When they also shared a bed.

The two met at a party in Switzerland after taking a break from their college studies, attending the Tech Summit Convention. Of course… how the hell did that bit of knowledge slip his mind? When Tony was informed about a daughter almost fifteen years ago, he had racked his brain trying to think who he could have fooled around with that had landed him in such a place. But after falling in love with his little girl it was all but forgotten. The question of who her real mother was discarded, as all it ever did was upset Evie. Her memories were plagued with horrible flashes of a terrible mother who rejected and mistreated her. 

His blood boiled as he watched Maya’s sight land a portrait of him, Evie, and Pepper on their last vacation together. “Is she here?” Maya’s voice was hushed and hesitant. “Why are you here Maya?” His tone was low, yet deadly. “Here to finally claim the daughter you threw away?” Her eyes flickered back to his, pain etched into them. “No, I need your help.” Was she not acknowledging their kid? “What for? Why now?”

Just as Maya was telling him that she had kept up with the recent news, and expressed her concerns about their safety. Tony brushed her off instantly as he regained his composure when Pepper came closer. Pepper’s introduction to Maya quickly turned to an awkward conversation about Tony’s past dating history. Pepper was left oblivious to the revelation her boyfriend had just had about his daughter’s parentage. And soon he was bickering with her about not leaving the house and telling Maya not to touch their bags when she tried to help carry them out.

Just as Maya started to try and tune out their discussions and focus back on the portrait. Her focus landed on the tv, “Guys, do we need to worry about that?” All three sets of eyes saw how a missile was rapidly approaching the house. Tony didn't even notice the sound of an engine racing towards them when the glass wall facing the sea shattered. 

Evie skidded to a stop, not even pausing to properly set the kick stand. She portaled inside just in time to see her dad be saved from getting crushed by rubble by Pepper wearing his Iron Man suit. As she took a quick glance around the room she saw a brunette unconscious on the floor not too far from them. Evie was about to ask what the hell was going on, when she was thrown off her feet with a second explosion. Her dad was flung further into the house and away from his girls. 

“Move. I’m right behind you!” He yelled hopping over the couch to follow the women out of the house. As Evie went to help the mysterious woman on the floor, she watched in horror how the floor began to split and caved in. Isolating her dad. She ran towards him but Pepper was closer. “Get them. I’m gonna find a way around.” He said. “Stop stopping! Get them, get out!” The instructions came with such a firm tone that Pepper wasn’t about to counter. She quickly turned on her heels and scooped the lady off the floor with Evie holding her up from the other side. A strange sense of eerie familiarity came over her when she made physical contact with Maya, but she pushed it aside as more pressing matters were at hand.

Evie saw how Pepp struggled to work the blasters and so to speed up their exit. She gripped the other two tightly before her dark cloud enveloped them. A second later they appeared beside her discarded motorcycle. “Pepper, you look after her, I’m going back for dad!” Pepper grabbed her by her wrist. “No, wait” The ground below them shook as yet another blast was detonated making part of the roof come down. Riddled with worry Pepper yelled out, “TONY!”

Maya watched in awe as she witnessed Evie phasing back into the house in a puff of black smoke. Whispering to herself, “wow, she's amazing...”

Back inside the house, Evie portaled to where she last saw her dad. Jarvis had just informed Tony the women were clear of the structure. So when she finally spotted him on a beam threatening to fall into the ocean, he was summoning the suit back to him. “Honey, I said get out of the house!” With hands in the air, she held up a protected shield blocking any debris that was crumbling from above his head. “Not a chance, this is our home! Those fuckers want it they gotta get through BOTH of us!” Just then shots were being aimed at him. She teleported to block her dad and deflect the bullets as he scrambled to rejoin his armor. 

Just then, the exterior supports to the house were targeted next, causing them to start sliding towards the edge facing the sea. And a new wave of bullets cascaded down on them. Tony’s prototype suit had yet to get all defense systems online, so as they watched their grand piano slipping away, Evie used her powers to line up a shot for Tony. 

He fired his blaster, sending the piano crashing into one of the helicopters firing at them. It was one down, and two more remained. “That’s one,” they said in unison as they scurried away from the collapsing wing. As they dashed towards the other side Tony threw a small missile that was lodged in his suit at the second chopper, and Evie guided it further as her dad shot his blaster again taking it down. 

Unfortunately; in the heat of the moment, they didn’t anticipate the damn thing would be coming down crashing on them. She projected a protective shield, but upon impact the two were hurled into the air in different directions. As she gasped for air, having had the wind knocked from her lungs, she watched in despair as her robotic friends were meekly trying to cling to each other. She tried to will them towards her but the weight of the house coming down mixed with more implosions caused her to lose focus. 

With tears stinging her eyes she watched impotently as they fell into the ocean. Alongside her dad’s prized collection of cars and all his first prototypes of the Iron Man suits combusted. 

Just then the rest of the floor collapsed with Tony still attempting to hold on as he met the cold waters. “DAD!” She tried to reach out for him, but another bomb flung her further back towards the opposite side of the manor. Her system was flooding with fear and adrenaline. Did he just fall in?  Just as she was about to jump in after him when Pepper pulled her back, “Evie no! It's too dangerous!” 

Anger started to simmer up, through the tears and gritted teeth she tried to pull down the third helicopter. However, the pilot acted fast seeing her darker side possess her and turned to fly away, having completed his mission to take down Tony Stark. 

Defeated, she slumped down. Impatient, Pepper cried out for Tony again as they held each other. Evie buried her face in Pepper’s shoulder crying her heart out. Maya watched how the girl seeked comfort in her adoptive mother. Blinking away her own tears, she silently turned to walk away giving them privacy.

After help arrived to assess the damage and provide first aid. Evie studied the other woman from a distance. Glaring. Her every instact telling her not to trust her, but it was also saying that she knew who she was. Yet she just could not put her finger on it. Who was she, and why was she there? Today of all days! 

Frustrated and still upset, she opted instead to just leave. Revving the engine loudly before peeling out.

Chapter Text

Hours later Evie sat somberly in Happy’s hospital room. She left the ruins of her home, unable to bear the sight of her childhood home reduced to ash and rubble. Her fingers were lightly rubbing small circles on his knuckles. Faint black lines ran up her arm as she drained his pain away. She didn't trust the drugs in his system to keep him comfortable while in his coma. The room was dimly lit as she watched over him from the shadows. “I just know dad is alive, Happy. But everyone seems to have lost hope…” her voice cracked a bit, “they’re presuming him dead already when there's no body to prove it! The cops told me I needed to leave, and prepare for the worst.” 

Laying her head by his side, her quiet tears stained the bed sheets. “I could really use some of your jokes, Happy. I need something to hold me over till I get word from him. He’s out there, I know it.” Sighing deeply she whispered, "I feel it in my bones, I know dads out there..." She was using her phone to track down the prototype her dad had been wearing but since it wasn’t added to her systems, she had to manually try and find its GPS signals. Tampering with her dad’s software in hopes to find him. A ping from her phone alerted her to a message from Pepper. 

You were right! Your dad is okay! He sent a message through the secured line. Maybe it helps you find him. Good luck, I’m taking your dad’s friend Maya with me to a hotel, don’t worry I have security already set up for us. Love you sweetie

A sharp inhale and release of air brought on a wave of relief over her. She started inputting codes and sequences into her phone locking down his current location.

To say she was confused was putting it mildly. She was completely dumbfounded. According to the information on her screen Tony was last pinpointed in Rose Hill, Tennessee. Determined to bring him back, she set off in search of Tony, kissing Happy on his forehead before walking out. Once outside she took off like a bat out of hell, revving her bike as she flew down the highway towards the runway where she already had a ride waiting. 

Concurrently; Pepper and Maya were on an awkward drive towards the hotel. Pepper decided to break the silence and confronted Maya. “Why were you at the house tonight? What was so important you had to speak to Tony?” Warily, Maya proceeded to confess her suspicions regarding her boss. Aldrich Killian. And how her research had been corrupted to better fit his needs and that of the Mandarin.

As Evie emerged from the plane in a fresh outfit and nice warm coat, Evie went to get a rental car before heading into town. She turned off the radio and focused entirely on her dad. To try and feel his presence by sending out her energy through the dark shadows surrounding the sleepy little town. But it seemed that wouldn’t be necessary. The closer she got to the center of town, she could see people running away, fleeing some disturbance. 

Just as her car screeched to a stop, a massive fireball erupted from the local bar. Evie got out of the car, and ran towards the building on fire. Once she was just a few feet away the dreadful red glow caught her attention. The side of the water tower was heating up rapidly thanks to some super freak. Just as she recognized her dad not too far, the stranger completely melted the pillar supporting the structure. Causing it to come tumbling down. With hardly any time to react, it burst open. Dumping thousands of gallons of water. Evie used all of her strength to redirect the flow of the water away from Tony and the townspeople. The water hit an invisible wall and it drained towards the woods beside them. 

Astonished Tony looked up to see his savior. “Evie?!” Grunting, she strained to answer him. “Move it dad! I can’t hold it back much longer!” Tony could see her being pushed back and she fought the immense weight of the water. But just as she lost her footing the water finished dispersing. Tony ran in time to catch her from falling forward. 

Just as he got her steady again, they heard a small cry of struggle. Evie vanished in a ball of darkness and Tony turned around to see the boy he had befriended being held hostage by the same guy who just tried to kill him. Again. The man took a seat, unaware Evie was now lurking from the shadows. “Mr. Stark, I am so sorry-” The boy was cut off by the man demanding Tony hand over some files. 

Right when she was debating about approaching from behind, she picked up on Tony’s little plan. “It’s not your fault kid. Remember what I told you about bullies?” With slight nods to each other the child pulled out a tube, setting off a flash bang. Evie rushed in, taking the boy in her arms and vanishing as Tony used his last blaster to blow the guy’s face off. “Hey let me go!” She put him down promptly, apologizing for snatching him so abruptly. “Hey it’s okay! I’m here to help! I’m Evie, Evie Stark. Are you okay?” He took three steps back assessing her carefully. “Your related to Mr. Stark?” With hands still in the air she shrugged “yeah… he’s my dad. Come on, let's find him.” “Hold on, are you the hero no one knows the name to?” She gave him a sheepish smile, “yeah sorta, but it's cool I haven’t even decided yet.” 

As they walked back he couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “Do you have any names in mind?” She scrunched her nose as she tried to pick what to say, “well when I start to lose my cool, a darker version comes out. A friend once suggested Black Wolf, but I dunno. I’ve also thought about just using Void. Since darkness is my thing.” He laughed at how she said the last bit very animatedly. “I like Void, sounds cool, but so does Black Wolf... Man, that's a hard choice.” She chuckled, “I like you. What's your name kid?” “Harley Keener, and I like you too. You’re cool!” Just then they spotted Tony walking down the main road with the aforementioned file in hand. 

“Your welcome,” the kid spoke up from her side. Her dad didn't miss a beat brushing him off. “For what? Did I miss something?” “Me, saving your life.” As she approached him she threw her arms around him. They held each other tightly long enough for Harley to clear his throat. “Yeah about that, A: I saved you first and B: thanks, sort of. She did most of the saving at one point. And C: If you do someone a solid, don’t be a yutz. All right. Just play it cool, otherwise you come off grandiose.” Evie scuffed audibly, “unlike you?” She said with an incredulous smile. 

Harley took his chance to try and stick with them seeing as they were fixing to take off now that Tony had secured a car. Evie’s rental was wrecked when the water swept it away. He turned to Tony, “admit it, you need me. We’re connected.” Tony took off the boy’s oversized cowboy hat telling him that what he needed was for him to go home. Stay with his mom, keep his mouth shut, and guard the Iron Man suit which was still recovering from its power failure. “And stay connected to the telephone because if I call, you better pick up. Okay?” He placed a hand on Harley’s shoulder, “you feel that?" He patted his shoulder for emphasis, "we’re done here. Move out the way, I’m gonna run you over. Bye kid.” She rolled her eyes, shaking her head as he climbed in the driver’s side. 

She smacked his arm, “Dad, be nice.” Tony rolled his eyes at her and then his window came down to look at Harley once more. With an exhausted sigh he said “I’m sorry kid. You did good.” Harley came closer making the biggest puppy eyes she had ever seen. “So now you’re gonna leave me here. Like my dad?” She would never admit it, but that pulled at her heartstrings a tiny bit. Tony however felt zero remorse as he said, “yeah.” Quickly adding, “Wait, you’re guilt tripping me, aren’t you?” Evie stifled her giggles by biting her lip. Harley, in the most innocent, childish voice proclaimed, “I’m cold.” Again with those big puppy dog eyes, ugh it was killing her. Mockingly, Tony threw back, “I can tell. You know how I can tell? Because we’re connected.” At this point she couldn't keep in any longer and busted into laughter. Hunching over holding her stomach at their antics.

Tony sped off, and smirked as she tried to recover from the fit she was having. “Can we keep him?” She asked in between gasps for air. “Y'know, since you and Pepper wont make me a sister.”

“Hell no,” As her giggle spell subsided she turned to take in her dad. Grateful to have found him relatively okay. They took advantage of their impromptu road trip to catch up and fill in the details the other was missing. Even calling Rhode for some assistance to hack into AIM servers. After driving for a while they came across some new vans broadcasting a local beauty pageant. They seized the opportunity to use that since all the major tech they had was her phone. And even though it was a top of the line Stark tech, it wouldn’t be enough for what they needed. 

They blended in with the crowd and discreetly made their way into one of the vans. Tony was about to ask Evie to assist in boosting the internet speeds when the rear door opened and the van’s owner caught them red handed. Her eyes went wide in anticipation of the man’s reaction to seeing strangers in his vehicle. But when he got a load of Tony Stark, he almost immediately started to fan-boy. Without hesitating she shushed him, while Tony told him to get inside without causing a scene. Gary would turn out to be quite the admirer of her dad, even admitting he had styled his hair and beard to that of Tony, and he even went as far as getting a tattoo of what was sort of his face on his forearm. Evie just covered her mouth to try and hide her amusement and disbelief. 

He was so enamored with her dad he didn't even notice she was there till she cleared her throat to steer the conversation they were having away from his love of Tony Stark. “Oh hey! I know you, you’re his kid! Genevieve oh my god, I’ve died and gone to heaven you are more gorgeous in person! Holy shi- wow,” he wiped his hands on his pants as he went for a hand shake. “I have dreamed of you every day since I first saw you in a magazine alongside your dad.” She gave him an apprehensive smile as she gave him a low five instead of taking his hand. Tony’s protective dad mode kicked in and he took Gary by the shoulders. “I don’t want to clip your wings, here. We’re all a little over-excited... We’ve got an issue. We’re chasing bad guys. I’m trying to grab a little something from hard-crypt data files. And I don’t have enough juice...” As he proceeded to instruct Gary to recalibrate the satellite dish to help boost their connection, he told Gary, “It’s a mission. Tony needs Gary.” Hypnotized Gary responded with “And Gary needs Ev-”he shock his head recovering quickly from what was about to slip out, “Tony!” 

As they waited on Gary to do as told. Evie nudged her dad, “hey can I ask who that lady was? Back at the house. Who is she and why was she there?” Her senses picked up on his hesitation, “that was Maya Hansen. We met way back when we were in college. She's a botanist friend.” She hummed in response. She knew he wasn’t lying but he was holding something back. “She came by because she wanted my help with something but I didn’t get a chance to find out what, because… well, the house got trashed.” 

Her face fell at the memory of seeing the house fall apart and into the sea. He patted her arm, squeezing it as a sign of reassurance. “Don’t worry baby, we'll recover from this. We always do.” She looked up to him with glassy eyes, “I know daddy.” The loud tap on the roof indicated they were ready to infiltrate AIM servers. And the damning evidence they found against Killan was appalling to say the least. With a grimace she watched how he had used military veterans as test bunnies for his, “next step in evolution.”

Back on the road, with still no clear destination in mind Tony called to check in with her new favorite person. “Harley, tell me what’s happening. Give me a full report.” 

“Yeah, I’m still eating that candy. Do you want me to keep eating it?” 

Her brows furrowed in confusion, “how much have you had?” Her voice was laced with concern over his sugar intake. 

“Two or three bowls”

“Bowls?!” Her eyebrows now went up to her hairline as Tony took over the call again.

“Can you still see straight?” 

“Sort of.” 

“That means you're fine, give me Jarvis.” Harley did as told because they then heard Jarvis coming through the speakers. Through jumbled words, he was able to communicate that he had located the Mandarin’s broadcasting signal. It was coming from Miami, Florida of all places. But when Harley told them that the suit wasn’t charging Evie had to thank the inventor of seat belts for not going face first into the dash from how hard her dad hit the brakes to pull over. He started to breathe heavily even when Jarvis clarified that it was due to the power source that the thing wasn't juicing up. She didn’t miss the way his hands started to shake as he argued with Jarvis about powering the suit.

“It’s my suit, and I can’t… I'm not gonna… I don't wanna… Oh, God, not again.” Worry started to take over as she felt his panic start to rise. “Dad?” He was struggling to take in air opting to get out of the car as Harley tried to talk to him as well. “Tony? Are you having another attack? I didn't even mention New York!” Evie unclipped her seat belt as she went to follow him, disturbed by what Harley said. “Another attack? Dad, what's he talking about?” Gasping, Tony threw back at Harley, "right, and then you just said it by name while denying having said it.” He slid down the side of the car to sit on the ground as she rushed to him. Together Harley and Evie coached him to just breathe. She placed a firm hand on his chest as she tried to emit the feeling of ease and tranquility. “Oh god, what I’m I gonna do?”

“Dad, breathe. Like he said, just breathe. In. Out. Nice and easy.” 

As he battled to soothe his racing heart and take in oxygen, Harley came in with a brilliant distraction. “You’re a mechanic, right?” She doubled her efforts taking his face in her hands still coaching his breathing. “Right,” he said in between pants. 

“Right, you said so,” 

“Yes. Yes, I did.” 

“Why don’t you just build something?”

Just then her efforts and Harley's paid off as she felt Tony relax and finally his lungs resumed it’s normal rhythm. Together they got off the ground as Tony had a revelation, simply responding with, “okay. Thanks, kids!” a cheeky smile spread across her face as she knew he was suddenly back in his element. 

After an undercover trip to a hardware store and stopping at a motel to rest and fabricating some makeshift gadgets to aid in their track down and take out Killian and his ‘friend’ the Mandarin. They soon found themselves outside of the Mandarin's compound in Miami. Both of them were dressed in black and dark colors. Evie got them on the other side of the massive fence and together they stalked and took out the guards outside. Evie proved to be more efficient with her powers then Tony, as he used all his gizmos and home made explosives.

He even called her a show off when she took out three guys almost simultaneously by phasing from dude to dude, knocking them out with one hit or sending them flying into the closest hard surface. All while he dropped a bomb; in the form of a Christmas ornament, into a fountain where some poor goon had fallen. 

Inside the house they found what appeared to be party central. The place was wrecked. Littered with drugs, alcohol, trash, and girls in skimpy clothing sleeping off their hangovers. They found a guard having a brainless conversation with one highly intoxicated blonde. Tony was quick to use his taser glove to render the man useless and take his gun. The woman didn't even seem to register what happened as she pointed a finger gun at them before quickly falling asleep herself. 

When they found the main bedroom Tony aimed at the lumps under the blanket as Evie, with the flick of her wrist, whipped the blanket off to uncover two women in lingerie. Her ‘ew’ face took over as her dad made a subtle gesture to the two in bed to stay quiet. The sound of the toilet flushing was Evie’s queue to phase out of sight, as Tony ducked behind the headboard to ambush the person coming in. 

The man known worldwide as the notorious terrorist and mass murderer, The Mandarin, turned out to actually be just Trevor Slattery. After Tony Held him at gunpoint demanding answers they quickly realized this man was without a doubt a decoy, and a complete idiot. Evie locked his two female companions (or ‘birds’ as he had referred to them in hopes of enticing Tony to let him go) in the bathroom. Her dad fired a round to get the man to start spilling the beans on who really was behind the attacks using people as nuclear explosives. 

As they got more details from Trevor the drug addicted, plastic surgery loving actor, they were able to put two and two together to deduce that it was Aldrich Killan who was the real terrorist. Already fed up with the bladdering imbecile. Evie told her dad she was gonna look for clues as to where he could be by searching the house a bit more. Leaving Tony to practice extreme patience with the man.

As she walked the hallways of the mansion, she got the feeling that someone had arrived. Right as the hairs in the back of her neck stood in attention she reflexed just in time to block a punch. But what she couldn’t anticipate was that her attacker knew her moves and abilities. Right as she geared up to push him away and propelle him through the adjacent wall. She felt a sharp pain just beside her belly button. 

He held a high grade taser rod to her till she fell back unable to move. Her mind was still fully aware of what was going on around her, registering all of the the pain. But the powerful discharge of electricity had all but paralyzed her. Trapped in her mind, all she could do was start to pant as she felt panic start to take over. She couldn’t phase out, or even summon the void to fight the asshole. But she didn't get much time to process her predicament because as soon as he caught her he delivered a hard blow to the head and knocked her out.

Chapter Text

Sometime later she woke up strapped to a metal bed frame. Groggy and still feeling the effects of the jump she received she turned her head taking in her surroundings.

“Ms. Genevieve Stark, it is quite the pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” At the foot of the bed stood Aldrich looming over her. “I bet you're pretty confused right about now.” He pranced closer to her. “Why aren’t my powers working? Where’s my daddy? Where am I? Who are you?” He mocked, flailing his arms. Unable to speak yet, she glared at him. Wishing she could set him on fire with just her look. 

He crouched down to come face to face with her, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Well Genevieve I know a dirty little secret about you. I did my homework, you see. You are the only child of Anthony Edward Stark, mother. Unknown. Your birthday is presumed to be in June of 1992, so you're almost twenty-one years old. Allegedly. At the age of five, Tony took sole custody over you after you were abandoned by your mother. And at twelve you were kidnapped and held hostage for roughly six months before being rescued. While not many know what they did…” He closed the distance and whispered into her ear. “I do.” 

He leaned back taking in her face, which had shock and horror written all over. He chuckled darkly, “oh yes, I have friends in very low places. And I was able to acquire a complete copy of the report on you.” He stood up pacing at her side, looking down at her like a lion circling its kill. “I know all about the experiments and the serums they tested on you. Using that and everything the internet has collected regarding the mysterious, rebellious daughter of Iron Man we were able to figure out what would help us keep you still and out of our way. At least till I find a good use for you.” With the snap of his fingers two guards walking in carrying jumper cables and two large car batteries. 

Shaking involuntarily with tears gathering in her eyes she watched petrified as they connected the batteries and cables together. She knew exactly what was about to happen. Flashes of her time strapped to a cold metal table being administered shock therapy came rushing back. Her fear was invoking her darker self to peek through. Killian observed how her skin paled, and faint black lines traced away from her eyes. He took the two ends of the cables and tapped them together, sending sparks fling with a loud zapping sound echoing off the walls, causing her to flinch. As her eyes started to gloss over with an inky black cover he smiled maliciously at her right before attaching the two ends to the metal rods of the bed. Her back arched as electricity coursed through her body. Her head was thrown back and she gritted her teeth, unable to do anything but just take the excruciating pain. 

A boisterous laugh could be heard as he severed the connection. Heaving, she tried to regain her breath. “See, the electricity only renders you useless but your mind should still be sharp. It's why you're still conscious. That and taking in our healing factor. Which is also why this hasn't stopped your heart and killed you.” He was very pleased with his explanation and demonstration. “Anyways, I’m gonna go pay your old man a visit. You hang tight,” another round of laughter, “oh that’s priceless. But seriously make yourself comfortable. It might be a while.” 

During this time Tony found himself in a similar situation. However, instead of an old wine cellar, he was in a lab or sorts. Maya was sitting at her desk typing away when he came to.

His frustrated sigh made her swivel around to face him. He tested his restraints as she half smiled, ”it’s just like old times, huh?” 

“Oh, yeah. With zip ties, it’s a ball.” He said sarcastically before throwing her a dirty look. Dropping the faint smile she solemnly told him, “it wasn’t my idea.”

“Okay. So you took Killian’s card.”

“I took his money.”

“Ditched our kid, and here you are fifteen years later, in a dungeon.”

“No.”

“Yeah.”

“No. You’re in a dungeon. I’m free to go.” 

“Yeah?”

She sighed deeply before standing to approach him telling him all about how far she’s gotten with her research, almost entirely stabilizing EXTREMIS, an advanced form of genetic manipulation created by Maya and Aldrich, using nanotechnology. Tired of her farce Tony shouted, “and I’m telling you it isn't! People are going bang. They’re painting the walls Maya! You’re kidding yourself...”

Through pleading eyes she lifted an old name tag with the words; ‘You know who it is,” written on the front. “Then help me fix it.” Later flipping it to reveal the formula he used to help her advance her studies all those years ago. “Are you kidding me? Is that really all you can think about? WE HAVE A DAUGHTER! One that you threw away, and for what?! To move up in your career?!” His nostrils flared in anger, he couldn’t believe it. 

Maya shook her head adamantly, “no! That’s not what happened. And we are not about to bring up that subject.” “WELL TOO DAMN BAD! I am. See you dumped her covered in bruises and so damn thin, I could see her ribs through the shirt she was wearing. She had dark circles from not being able to even sleep, and she was jumpy. Constantly scared, afraid of everything!”

Maya blinked away her tears biting her lip, “You have NO idea what really happened Tony!” 

“What happened to you? You used to have a moral psychology. You used to have ideals. You wanted to help people. Now look at you...” The air was dense with the mixed emotions of disdain and disappointment. “I get to wake up every morning with someone who still has their soul. And an amazing daughter who actually does mean the world to me.”

As they locked into a staring contest, Killan sauntered in. “You know what my old man used to say to me?” He descended the stairs with a briefcase in hand. “One of his favorite of many sayings… ‘the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.’” Tony asked if he was still pissed off about him blowing him at the Switzerland thing. “How can I be pissed at you, Tony? I’m here to thank you. You gave me the greatest gift that anybody’s ever given me… Desperation.” Killen stepped close to him, giving him an earnest look deep into his eyes. 

Killian carried on telling him all about how that became his lowest point. His rock bottom. Waiting for Tony to show up and have that promised conversation with him. Only to spend hours all but forgotten on the hotel roof top contemplating his life’s value. That moment in time had led him to live in anonymity. Ruling from behind the curtains, pulling the strings.

Maya quietly made herself scarce. Drifting back to her corner of the space as the two men covered lost history. Cynically, Tony asked, “What’s next for you in your world?”

Aldrich opened his briefcase taking some metal beads and rolling them onto the floor. “Well I wanted to repay you the same selfsame gift that you so graciously imparted to me.” The orbs hummed to life producing a hologram of Pepper attached to a contraption getting a dose of EXTREMIS and Evie straining against her ties. Electricity making her twitch, her face contorted in pain much like Pepper. “Desperation. I’m not sure if you can tell. But at this moment Pott’s body is trying to decide whether to accept EXTREMIS or just give up. And if it gives up, I have to say the detonation is quite spectacular. But until that point, it's just a lot of pain. And the brat, well.. I’m still making plans for her.” Both Maya and Tony looked away from the images of the two women in distress. 

Tears stained her cheeks, she was unaware Evie had come with Tony, much less that she too was being used to manipulate him. 

With a click of his remote the images faded and he stood, “We haven’t even discussed salary yet.” He went to choke hold Tony, a red glow simmering just below his skin. “What kind of perk package are you thinking of?” From behind the men Maya grabbed a lethal dose of their creation. “Let her go.”

Incredulous, Killian told Tony to, "hold on," before turning to see Maya with a needle pointed to her neck.

“Maya…” He said warningly.

“I said, LET HER GO!”

“What are you doing?”

“Twelve hundred CC’s. A dose half of this size, I’m dead.”

He looked at Tony, his annoyance laced in his tone, “it’s times like this my temper is tested somewhat. Maya, give me the injector.” He tried to approach her but she backed up questioning the future of his planned army and products. “What happens to you? What happens if you go too hot, Aldrich?” Frustrated by her actions he lashed out addressing Tony. 

“This is all because of your little mistake, y'know? She never really got over it. Having to let her go. Hiding her from me.” Tony’s eyes darted to him. “Oh yeah, did she not tell you yet? Soon after she came on board Maya here, told me we were having a baby. I was so excited! I was finally a whole man with an intelligent, beautiful woman at my side. And soon a bundle of joy to carry on my legacy. But imagine my surprise when the baby comes ‘early’ and has zero resemblance to me. I of course, didn't voice my concerns. No, no, no, of course not. I did a paternity test, and shocking, She isn't mine. So after beating the truth out of her, Maya told me who the real father was… You.” He pointed at him before walking back and forth retelling his brief time with Evie. “She was such a whiny little snot nosed bitch! Always crying, always so needy . Clingy! Constantly distracting Maya from our main objectives. Till one day; I guess I have to admit, I went too far and I hit her a bit too hard. Maya lost her shit. Disappeared! Took off to the middle of nowhere, Texas. Hoping I wouldn’t find them, but I did, and then I gave her a choice. Work with me or have a dead baby.”

Tony had heard enough, but it was futile to try and do anything at this point. Without warning, Killan pulled a gun from behind his back and shoots Maya, startling Tony. With a heavy heart he watched her collapse behind her experimental plants as the other man left the room. Yet not before adding, “the good news behind all this is that a high level position has just been vacated.” 

Unknown to the father-daughter duo. Another close friend was also being held against his will. Rhodes remained barricaded inside Iron Patriot, as Killian’s henchmen did everything to try and pry him out in order to take over his suit. But after Killian himself had super heated the metal to infernal levels he attempted to fight his way out. Sadly he wouldn’t make too far before blacking out after kissing a stone wall. 

Back at the lab, Tony jumped when he heard a gasp. Groaning, Maya pulled herself up to her computer. “Hey. Hey, take it easy.” But he was ignored as she downloaded and transferred everything she had against Aldrich and her work with EXTREMIS to him along with other files. Only after she hit send, did she face Tony again with a sad smile. “I never wanted to let her go. But you heard him. He was too dangerous to have her around. And to top it off I never realized how exposed I was to everything before I found out I was pregnant. All these genetically-altered plants and chemicals I came into contact with while researching.” She chuckled halfheartedly at her revelation before wincing in pain. “I never needed you to help me find the key to stabilizing EXTREMIS.”

Through tears and a broken expression she confessed to him, “it was her. Something about her was special. Whatever happened during my pregnancy made her the perfect key to reprogramming the entire human body. To create the ultimate upgrade he hoped to receive. As soon as I made that discovery I knew we had to leave.” As her tears flowed, so did her blood, as she coughed it splattered all over her shirt and hands. “Maya stop, you can finish after we get you some help.” But again she chose to ignore his request. Knowing this would be her only chance to admit her sins. 

“When I caught wind he had tracked us down. I did what I had to do to ensure her safety. So using what I knew and what I had, I took a chance and chemically subjugated her into forgetting all about Killian and me. To only remember the bad things with no clear face in mind, so she would hate or fear me and never be tempted to find me. That way he could never know she was his master key. I took his 'choice' and begged him to let me send her away. By some miracle he took pity and agreed and that's when I prayed that my Hail Mary would work and she would find her way to you. Because even if you didn't take her in, at least she was far away from us. From his anger.” 

A sob wrecked through her as Tony’s eyes were reddened with tears pooling at the corners. “I loved her so very much… It broke my heart not having her at my side! Not knowing if she was okay and being well cared for.” Struggling for air, more cries left her. “I sent you everything to take him down. But Tony please, you have to believe me. I-I love her… And I’m so relieved she had you and Pepper to give her the love and life I couldn’t…” He was torn, everything in him wanted to hate her, but this was breaking him.

The stories Evie had told him growing up about the murky memories of a neglectful and abusive mother infuriated him beyond words. But learning the real story. He knew he would have done the same had he been in her shoes. “Maya, listen to me. It’s going to be okay… We're going to get you some help. And you can tell her personally, everything. The whole truth. She deserves to hear it from you, her mother!” 

Resigned to her fate she shook her head no. “I’m not her mother, Tony. Pepper is... Just promise me that you’ll tell her.” Her breathing was slowing and he knew she didn't have much time left. “Tell her I did it because I loved her, that I always loved her... my sweet baby girl. I just don’t want her to hate me anymore...” 

He nodded in confirmation, “I promise, Maya.” Humming her relief, she continued to struggle for air, “Thank you… for being such a great dad... Who knew that the rich, arrogant, playboy would turn out to be an amazing father. The armor she needed to protect her whole world.” as her last words left her, Maya finally succumbed to her wound. 

In a different part of the compound Evie was still struggling against her restraints. But the current flowing through her left her incapacitated. Suddenly a speaker came to life informing everyone that her dad had managed to get loose. At the same time Rhodes had recovered and was punching his way out of his confinement trying to find Tony. Barging in through the doors he found her. “Oh my god! Evie!” He ran to her side, ripping the connections off. She slumped into the metal frame supporting her. Every muscle was screaming in agony. She was exhausted, still unable to fully recover. “Hey pumpkin you okay?” Weakly she nodded her head. He picked her up. Throwing one arm over his shoulder and balancing her weight against him. “Come on, your dad is waiting for us at the main house.” 

After a few minutes of them dragging along towards the rendezvous point. Evie was finally regaining her strength and in small waves her heightened senses. “I think I can walk uncle Roe.” “You sure?” He asked, helping her find her balance. “Yeah, I’m feeling more in control of my limbs again.”

Chapter Text

After disposing of the remaining hostiles, the Starks introduced Rhodey to the moron casted for the role of the Mandarin. Stammering out his words. They got him to reveal where Killian had gone, taking Pepper with him, much to her dismay. With her dad’s suit still charging and no other options. The three hopped on Trevor’s speedboat racing to Pepper and now the President of the United States as well.

Since Trevor decided to drop that last bit of knowledge at the very end of their conversation. 

Unable to rescue the president from the hijacking that occurred on Air Force One, Tony was forced to pull an act of God. Saving thirteen people from plummeting to their death. Using the suit to very lightly shock everyone into keeping a tight grip on one another. Basically playing Barrel of Monkeys with them till they all landed safely in the water. Only to have it crushed and dismantled at the last second after it was hit by a truck when it was making it's exit. Tony was absolutely okay. He had been remotely piloting the armor from the speedboat. Her uncle, fearing the worst, exclaimed, “you couldn’t save the president with the suit, how we gonna save Pepper with nothing?” Turning to look at her dad inquisitively, Tony asked Jarvis “is it that time?” Scrunching her nose she leaned in closer to him. “Time? Time for what?” Tony looked at her with a slight glint in his eyes, mouthing 'House Party'.

A broad grin spread across her face and he winked at her. Oh yeah a house party is exactly what they needed right about now.

Using the cover of night, Evie held their hands as she ghosted their way through the docks. Finally once they were in position they ducked behind a container to devise a quick take down strategy. Rhodey was the first to speak-up, “God, I'm never gonna get used to that...” He brushed off the shivers and goosebumps as Evie and Tony just smirked at his reactions. “You’re not gonna freak out on me, right dad?” with zero hesitation he blurted, “I hope not.” Causing the other two to either grimace or make an awkward smile. Stealthy snaking through the shipping containers and dark corners, they caught a glimpse of the president. He was in the Iron Patriot suit, hanging from the high beams like a piñata, “He’s strung up over the oil tanker. They’re gonna light him up, man.” Rhodes' voice had a hint of disbelief.

“Viking funeral.” “Public execution.” Both Starks blurted their individual conclusions in unison.

“Yeah, death by oil.” Answered Rhodes. Her uncle then turned to her, “Evie, can you get us to the landing up there?” She looked to where he was pointing, “yeah.” He then turned to Tony. “Is your gun up?”

“Yep, what do I do?” 

“Stay on my six, cover high and don't shoot me in the back. Evie, you're back up. Use the dark to stalk them and take them out as we draw the attention.”

Nodding, she agreed to his plan. As they aimed she took hold of their arm and shoulder, respectively, before emerging at the desired point. As soon as they were steady on their feet, Evie looked up and vanished in a puff of dark smoke. Almost immediately the men were spotted by a searchlight. Gun fire broke out and she was quick to pop up where the massive light was. With a swift spartan kick to the chest of the guy shooting, she sent him falling backwards and over the railing. Then she closed her fist in the direction of the spotlight, instantly crushing the bulb. 

She turned to see her dad poking his head from above their hiding spot as the hairs on the back of her neck stood. Confused, she turned to see behind her. Only to quickly lose count of the amount of glowing bodies sprouting from every inch of the harbor. She summoned the fog, resurfacing next to her dad. “Okay… I don’t know if you’ve seen, but we’re surrounded on all sides. I’m fast, but not ‘take out over fifty science freaks that control fire,’ fast.” With a deep sigh Rhodey chimed in, “God, I would kill for some armor right now.” Thinking quickly Tony set in motion his own idea. “You guys are right. We need back-up.” As her uncle agreed she thought it was kind of too late to send out a notice to Steve or any of the other Avengers, but then she just mentally facepalmed herself.

Duh, the House Party was in effect.

A whooshing could be heard as the dark sky was lighting up with multiple star-like dots rapidly approaching. Pleasantly surprised, Rhodes asked, “Is that…?”

Together they answered, “Yep.”

“Are those...”

“Yeah.” 

Over thirty Iron men came to their aid in an astonishing display of her dad’s latest work. “So this is Iron Legion…” she muttered to herself as Tony patted his best friend’s back. “Merry Christmas, buddy.” A wicked smirk took over her lips as she heard Tony instructed Jarvis to, “target EXTREMIS heat signatures. Disable with extreme prejudice.” 

All the armors echoed with Jarvis’ voice, “Yes, sir.”

“What are you waiting for? It’s Christmas!” Throwing his hands in the air, Tony very happily decreed, “take them to church.” Screams and groans of pain started to resonate throughout the docks as the suits started to take down the enemy in brutal manner. Almost feral with excitement she barely heard her dad tell Jarvis to get Igor (his biggest armor to date) to steady the platform before taking off in a twisted game of peek-a-boo with the attackers. 

After some time fighting, Evie managed to get the drop on a woman who was busy trying to tear the head off a suit. However, one of the others flew off course and collided with an airborne container filled to the brim with oil barrels. Evie pushed the woman towards the flames, using her as a human shield, while she rolled off the platform and disappeared into a thick black cloud mid-air. Upon landing with a thud, she skidded to a stop on a container positioned at a safe distance from the flames and falling debris.

Using her sleeve to wipe the sweat off her brows, she looked up to see her dad had now engaged in the fight back in his armor. James however wasn’t so lucky. He had just been dropped by Jarvis as the AI fought off an attacker. At once she was at Rhodey’s side blocking a falling piece of steel. “Thanks honey.” With a tired smile and a thumbs up she said, “you got it, dude.” Reciting their little inside joke. A reference to one of the shows they watched together when she was little. But her senses kicked in fully alarmed. Her face fell as she looked around frantically trying to spot Pepper and her dad. Something was wrong, the danger already present, and multiplying ten fold.

Evie closed her eyes tightly, focusing on them. Their presence. 

She picked up a sharp edged piece of metal off the floor before being engulfed by her black fog. As she stepped out of it , she swung it just in time to sever Killian's arm before he could deliver a final blow to her dad as he tried to rescue Pepper. With the wave of her hand he was thrown several feet away from them. However, the discarded arm was still red hot, melting through the floor where Pepper was currently stuck under some rubble. It caused a ripple effect, making the floor sink beneath her and she landed painfully on a moving crane. 

Tony peeled off the damaged suit in time to follow Evie to the edge of the hole watching Pepper be hauled away. Together they set off in a mad dash after the woman who was the sun in their galaxy. Evie provided the cover alongside Jarvis, while Tony did everything to get back into another suit. But when she heard her uncle yell, having to fend off two of Aldrich's minions, she took the split second decision to go help him. Dropping in behind them, Rhodey maliciously said, “bye-bye!” And she projected them straight into a suit flying by, blasting them into oblivion. The supports holding the suspended container they were on would give out at the worst possible time, forcing her to use her powers to carry him towards where the president was still dangling from. As she fell with the metal box, she disappeared seconds before it smashed into the oil tanker and the flames could reach her. 

Evie appeared on a deck to the side of where the men were, just as her uncle shot the line holding them to escape the roaring fire below. As they swung in her direction, she guided their fall to her position. Gently placing Rhodes on the ground beside her. With the president finally getting untethered and settled beside them safely, Rhodes thanked her with just a grateful look before he turned to the man still inside his tech. Telling him, “You look damn good, Mr. President, but I'm going to need my suit back.”

After trading places, Rhodes communicated to Tony, “the president is secure, I’m clearing the area.” Winded and looking around for his daughter he said, “nice work. Tell Evie, daddy needs a hand.” She chuckled at the shriek the president made as he flew away with Rhodey before taking off once more to rejoin her dad. 

Whimpering in fear and pain she found Pepper trying to reach for Tony as he told her, “honey, I can’t reach any further and you can't stay there. All right? You’ve gotta let go!” Fear started to take over her mind as she ran yelling, “you gotta let go! We’ll catch you mom, I promise!” Suddenly a loud clang and screeching of metal breaking was heard. Pepper was jostled, slipping off the crane. They both screamed out, “NO!” Evie strained every last bit of her energy to hold Pepper suspended in the air. Hopeful for just that moment that she had saved her, she let loose a broken smile. Tony just about brushed fingers with her, when from nowhere Evie was hit. Sending her to slam hard into the railing. Pepper’s screams made her heart sink to her stomach as she watched in despair how she fell into a pit of fire. A wrecked cry coming from her, “MOM!” Tony was frozen, as was she.

“A shame, I would’ve caught her...” Killian said arrogantly. Fury and the determination to kill him once and for all possessed her.

They took off running towards him. Aldrich leaped to try and hit them both, but Tony slid to his knees. Leaving Evie to go high, using the momentary distraction to sucker punch him to the floor. Landing on her hands and knees baring her teeth she ran back in to continue her assault as her dad suited up. Her anger was unleashing the bloodthirsty side she didn’t know she had, the Void taking over. Her skin turned a snowy white, as her sight darkened and the eerie veins slithered away from her eyes. Dread and perplexity flashed across both Killian and Tony as she viciously attacked him. Giving Aldrich hardly any time to block and fight back.

Tony joined her efforts, but Killian managed to use his fire breath to gain the upper hand. Making Evie vanish to avoid being burned. Tony would then be obligated to eject from his suit and quite literally fall into another mid-flight when Aldrich used the heat in his fist to punch a hole through the armor. Once in a new suit, her dad then grabbed him and flew them to a higher point on the docks. Evie followed soon after, tag teaming Killian. Exchanging blows in order to neutralize the threat. But the man knew how to use his power to his advantage, slicing Iron Man in two when her dad was expelled from the armor yet again. She then charged him, about to run a pipe through his chest, when he caught her by the throat. She released a choked out scream feeling the searing red hot hand clamped down around her neck.

“How disappointing it must be to know you lost two mommies in one day.” He threw Evie aside, stalking her as she held her scorched neck, coughing. Her body was attempting to heal so she could defend herself promptly but her mind was in a state of bewilderment. Two mommies? What the hell was he talking about? Her face must have given away her thoughts as Aldrich chuckled, “oh dear. You didn’t figure it out? The smartest girl alive and you couldn’t connect the dots, could you?” She searched her dad’s eyes for answers but could only see heartbreak.

“Oh man. This is great. I’m just dropping truth bombs today, aren’t I?” 

“Evie, don’t let him get to you!”

Her dad was getting off the floor crawling closer to her but was kicked away by the other man monologuing still. “Remember the woman who showed up at your doorstep? Right before my men did quick work in dumping that house in the ocean. Yeah, well her name was Maya Hansen. Maya and your dad here, bumped uglies twenty two years ago. But your old man was the hit em’ and quit em’ type so Maya never told him about the baby they made.” He tilted his head narrowing his eyes at her black orbs. “You... But that doesn't really matter anymore. Tonight I get a two for one special on Starks. And if I don't get the chance to kill you, well... let's just say I have ways of making you my personal lap dog.” He let a sinister laugh rumble from his chest. Killian had been so engrossed in his little speech he failed to see Mark 42 inbound. Tony sat up, awaiting its arrival. But a ding against a post sent the poor bot to scatter in fragments around the older Stark. Amused Killian turned to face Tony.

“You really didn’t deserve her Tony. It’s a pity I was so close to having her perfect.”

Tony rose his feet with his hands up in surrender. “Okay wait, wait! Slow down! You’re right. I don’t deserve her.” Dropping his arms a wave of confidence filled him, while Evie recovered and prepared to pounce at the first window of opportunity. 

“Here’s where you're wrong. Pepper was already perfect!” In a swinging motion, Tony commanded the broken bits to attach themselves around Aldrich. Slamming him against the metal landing behind him. “Jarvis, do me a favor and blow Mark 42.”

Killian screamed as the mask covered his face. Tony jumped off the tower knowing Evie was perched to catch him in the fall. She dove in after him just as Mark 42 imploded. He hugged her tightly as she wrapped her arms around him. The darkness covered them, just to spit them out on the ground level. They tumbled into a stack of crates and barrels, before coming to a rough halt. Somehow her dad had managed to slip on a robotic arm in his descent which was cradling her head. “Hey, you okay baby?” He held her at arms length to assess her injuries, only to see the branded skin, cuts, and bruises healing slowly. Leaving dried blood to mix with the soot and ash on her pale skin. He looked into her black pools, searching for a glimpse of his daughter.

“Was it true?” Her voice was hoarse and broken, as she held back the feelings of sorrow with the fury still boiling in her veins. “Was that woman at the house my mother?!” 

He brushed the hair from her face as they sat up together. “Yes, but baby listen to me. I will tell you everything. Whole truth as soon as we get outta here, ‘kay?” Her lower lip trembled as she whispered her agreement. Evie's gut telling her that he was coming clean when suddenly the sound of metal creaking drew their attention. 

From the flames licking at the wreckage, Aldrich stood limping towards them. His body and face singed and cracked with his own fire brightly lit from within.

“No more false faces! You said you wanted The Mandarin, you’re looking right at him. It was always me, Tony. Right from the start!” Rising his arms he proclaimed in a booming shout, “I am The Mandarin!” From the corner of her eye, Evie saw another figure emerging. With a swing that would make an MLB player blush, a glowing Pepper batted Killian away from her family.

Dumbfounded, they look up at her from their place on the ground still.

“I got nothing.” Was all her dad said in astonishment but Evie phased to her side as one of the Iron suits came rocketing towards Pepper and Killian.

“Jarvis, subject at my twelve o’clock is not a target, disengage!” 

Only then did Tony notice his earpiece on the floor as the whir of the repulsor powering up could be heard. Ignoring the sizzling on her palms Evie grabbed Pepper, blocking the blast. Potts turned to growl at her dad.

“What? Oh, what, are you mad at me?”

He tensed up as Pepper ran towards him, but instead of attacking Tony she used his propped up knee to bound into the air. In a smooth motion, she impaled the flying robot. Bringing it down in the most bad-ass way possible. Swiftly scooping the discarded metal arm, Pepper punched Killian who had tried to bum rush them. The action sending the small missiles inside to scatter on the floor. Taking her chance, Evie summoned one to her hand and portaled to Killian's side. With all her strength she pierced his chest with it, using her free hand to deflect the explosion from herself. Without flinching she stared at him down as he met his demise. Leaving everyone in a baffled silence.

“Honey?” Evie remained motionless as her dad and Pepper carefully threaded closer.

“That was really violent,” she said in an even but hollow tone. Like a ghost speaking through the veil of the afterlife.

Her parents knew of her abilities. But none of them, Evie included, ever knew how far she could push it. The anger still alive within her had taken over the reigns. As soon as she saw Pepper alive and well, she knew she’d do anything without hesitation to keep her that way. The monster she had always felt and kept at bay, was uncaged. Finally able to take the lead, fueled by pure rage, darkness and the desire to kill all those who dared cross her.

When she slowly turned to face them, her dark glassy eyes stuck fear into them.

“Evie, sweetie... It’s over... The danger is gone.” Pepper’s voice came calmly and reassuring, but Evie could taste the apprehension in the air. She snapped out of her trance, blinking away the darkness in her eyes. A sign of relief escaped from Tony as he saw her features return to normal.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get carried away!” Evie's words came laced with fear and concern to their reaction. They'd seen the vile side of her gifts and she was mortified. And In that moment it occurred to her what she said to Pepper as she darted her eyes to the floor, blinking the tears and Void away. Suddenly she felt like a kid again, scared of what the woman who had raised her would say to the events that just went down.

Her dad however, was the one to break the silence that had followed. “You scared the devil out of us baby, are you okay? Are you feeling ok?” Yet he was ignored by both as Pepper placed her hands around Evie's face, gently guiding her to meet her gaze.

“You called me mom?” A small yet sweet smile graced her lips, as tears welled up. “I’m s-sorry...” she stammered, suddenly trembling at the intensity of the moment.

“Why are you sorry sweetheart?”

“I dunno. I-I guess, I’ve just always been a-afraid you’d push me away. Not want me...” Huge drops of salty water rolled down her cheeks as she confessed what she had hidden for years. Tony stood off to their side, silently watching the scene unfolding. 

“Genevieve I have loved you from the day your father brought home this beautiful but broken girl. But I was more than happy to take my time putting the pieces back together, by smothering you in as much love and affection as I could give. And to see you grow from this fragile little girl, to the amazing and strong young woman before me...” Pepper brushed back Evie's hair, and wiped away her tears. Ignoring her own. “The day we lost you, it broke my heart. I prayed every day and every night for my daughter to come home.” She wrapped her up in her arms, tucking Evie under her chin. “You are as much my child, as you are Tony’s. And no matter what you do, or what may happen. I will always be your mother.” 

Tony ran to hold them both when Evie fell to her knees crying into Pepper's shoulder.  Together they basked in the moment of shared love and relief. And he rocked them gently, as the shared words of affirmation and tenderness

Chapter Text

In the days that followed, together Tony and Evie were able to reverse the effects of EXTREMIS in Pepper. And as Tony reached a new level of enlightenment he decided to finally stop depending on the arch reactor to safeguard his heart. From outside the operation room, Evie stood between Pepper and Rhodey. Watching in anticipation how her dad underwent surgery to remove the bits of shrapnel. She'd later give him the idea to use the metal bits as a symbol of his deep love for Pepper, in the form of a necklace. She would then spend her mornings with Happy watching his beloved Downton Abbey, patiently waiting for him to awake. Ensuring he was comfortable. And when he did wake, she smothered him in a tight embrace before retelling the entire adventure he'd missed while sleeping.

The Starks sent a generous thank-you gift to Harley, filling his garage with all the latest technology and items a kid could ever want. From that point on, Evie would always keep an eye on him, viewing him as a little brother. He had truly made a special place in her heart, and she held a special place in his as well, with the boy looking up to her.

When the wreckage of their home had finally been cleared away, father and daughter met at the site. Among the ruins of her childhood home, Evie was able to get the answers that deciphered the muddled memories of her troubled past, finally setting the record straight. She felt grateful to her dad for revealing the truth about her history. Tony learned that amid all the documents and evidence Maya had sent over, there was a file containing all of Evie's birth information. What surprised them both was that she had actually been born on December 2nd, 1991. Tony was taken aback by this revelation; his daughter had come into the world just two weeks before one of the worst days of his life. He wished his mother could have met her, as Evie shared some of her features and her kindness. He knew that Maria would have spoiled her rotten, just as his father, Howard, would have.

In the end, Tony gave Maya the clean slate she had wished for.

However, Evie found herself torn. Caught between the haunting impressions in her mind and the truth her heart now recognized. As she listened to her dad tell the story, she remained eerily calm, not shedding a single tear or questioning a single detail. She simply acknowledged the information and accepted what she was hearing. When everything was said and done, Tony also emerged as a changed man after his own profound self-discovery.

Afterward, they retrieved their two robotic friends from the sea, with plans to repair and restore them.

And for a while everything seemed to be okay.

.

.

.

Till Darcy called, panicking over Jane, and begging for help.

Evie had gone to London a few days prior for some business, but mostly fun. Finally having a good excuse to meet Ms. Darcy Lewis and Ms. Jane Foster in person. Yet she never imagined it would be under the circumstances of a missing person. It was currently going on the fourth hour of Jane not showing up after they ventured into a sketchy warehouse where some pretty freaky things were going on. 

Of course, Evie had agreed and when she got there she put everything into trying to sense Jane. But she was getting nothing. It was as if the woman fell off the face of the earth. “Darcy, are you sure she didn't just go home? I’m seriously getting nothing here.” Pouting like a child, Darcy explained that the keys to their only mode of transportation were chucked into the wormhole and didn't come back. Now there was a full-scale search of the premises with the police getting involved. Just as Evie was mentally preparing to be the one and say maybe something bad may have happened to Jane, her whole body shuddered quite violently. It was a horrible shiver that left goosebumps all over. 

“Are you okay? What was that?” Darcy asked, seeing her friend's sudden behavior. She also didn't miss how her skin paled slightly. Evie pulled her jacket more tightly to herself, eyes darting around for whatever triggered her danger alert. “I dunno, but something's not right here… I felt this weird power surge. Did you?” Very confused Darcy's brows knitted together, “ugh no. You don’t think Jane’s in danger do you?!” There was some slight panic in her voice and Evie knew she was going to have to stay level-headed if things went south.

But then Darcy’s eyes grew wide as she looked past her. “JANE! Where the hell were you?” They ran to meet their friend halfway and thunder was heard rumbling in the distance. “Tell me you didn’t call the police.” Jane sounded almost annoyed with Darcy. Evie instantly knew something was definitely not right. Jane was giving off a strange vibe and it was rubbing her the wrong way. “Or an Avenger for that fact…” Jane grabbed Darcy by the arm to whisper her ear, avoiding Evie’s gaze. “Why did you call Genevieve Stark?” Darcy pulled back, “what was I supposed to do?”

“Not call the Police, or Ms. Stark! She's supposed to be enjoying her vacation!” 

Evie came a bit closer in hopes of clearing Darcy’s name. “Hey, hi there. Evie Stark, It's a pleasure to finally meet you… but in her defense she really was freaking out a bit Jane. I understand your apprehension of me and the cops, but you were gone for nearly five hours.” Jane was stumped, “What?” Just as the rain started to fall, Evie felt someone else’s arrival. As Jane apologized to Darcy over her reaction, Evie looked up. It's raining yet she wasn’t feeling the drops hit her skin. All three women were completely dry.

“Guys you’re seeing this too right?” 

As the other two finally looked around, Evie spotted a tall blonde man observing them from not too far away. So she smiled as she grabbed Jane by the shoulders and swiveled her in his direction. “I think you have a visitor.” He had a serious face on, but that didn't stop Jane from handing over the device in her hands to Darcy and marching right up to him. With Jane’s departure, soon came the rain. The bubble of dryness followed her, leaving the girls to instantly get poured on.

“Typical,” Darcy said as Evie chuckled at her statement. She threw an arm over her shoulder, “sorry D, I can't really do much about us getting benched.”

It was the sound of a rather harsh slap that drew their attention back to the couple. And the second one made Evie drop her arm as they both grimaced. “What's that all about?” She asked. “Heartbreak,” Darcy answered rather quickly. She took this as her queue to interrupt whatever the love sick puppies were arguing about as she nudged Darcy, signaling her to follow. 

“Hey! Is this you?” Evie joked as Thor looked up and the rain stopped seconds later. “I’m sorry to kill your moment but I’m pretty sure the cops are gonna want to arrest you guys.”

Jane told Thor to, "hold on," as she dashed over to talk with the police.

“Look at you, still all muscly and everything.” Darcy said as she poked at the big teddy bear, “how’s space?” With a broad smile he replied that it was, "fine," before turning to address Evie.

“Lady Stark, thank you for coming to their aid.” He nodded as she brushed him off, “oh please, that’s what friends are for.” Suddenly a massive wave of energy rippled from Jane when an officer tried to grab her arm. Instantly Evie drew up a protective barrier around Darcy, Thor, and herself. Everyone else was thrown back, hitting either the police cars, or the ground. Jane included. Thor rushed to her side as did the other girls. 

As he helped her up, the same officer from before approached, baton raised. He tried his best to sound firm. “Place your hands on your heads. Step back!” Evie shot him a dirty look, sensing the tension in the air escalating quickly. Thor attempted to explain that Jane was not okay, but seeing how they were already labeling her as dangerous, Evie intervened. “Okay,” she said, drawing out the word. “They’re calling for backup, so everyone, hold hands real quick.” With everyone now connected, she covered them in darkness. The audible gasp from the other women was the only sound heard when they reappeared on the opposite side of the building.

“Wow, great. That bought us about five minutes to figure out our next move!” Evie rushed out as she and Thor scanned their surroundings.

“I’ll take her to Asgard. There, we can find out what's happening to Jane.”

“What?” All three of them blurted at the same time. Perplexed by his proposal Jane took a step back. 

“Wait, why?”

“Our healers will be able to see what's happening to you, what might be inside.”

“Inside?” Evie’s voice was an octave higher than normal?

“Yes, Jane, we don't have time. We must go at once!” Thor’s voice was full of urgency. Jane turned to see Darcy and Evie staring at her with anticipation. “Um well… I hate to do this but could Evie come with us?” She was pleading with her eyes as she turned back to Thor. “I suppose it would be wise to have someone accompany us who can wield magic. She could be beneficial.” When they turned to look at her, Evie had a look of both shock and surprise. Brows nearly meeting her hairline.

“Um I’m sorry, what?!” 

“Please, please say yes! I know we just met in person literally ten minutes ago and this is a huge ask, but I would feel so much better with another human there” She took a step closer and hushed out, “and a girl-friend at that too.” They heard footsteps approaching and Evie signed heavily. She pulled her phone out and handed it to Darcy. “There’s no code, call or text my dad. Give him the rundown and let him know I'm hitching a ride with Thor. And that as soon as we're back, I'm coming straight home. Can you do that for me, please?” Darcy nodded in agreement. “Also my credit cards are on the back, along with my hotel room key. Help yourself to whatever, my treat! Oh, and call Pepper Potts if you run into any legal troubles with these douchebags, she’s under mom, Now go, go, go! Do NOT get arrested!” The smile on Darcy’s face went from ear to ear as she stepped back before taking off in a sprint.

Evie turned around. “Okay Fabio, I’ll tag along for Jane’s sake. So, what's next?” 

“Both of you hold on to me.” He held them both at the waist very close to him. Jane and Evie both clutched him tighter when they were surrounded by a bright rainbow light. Evie screwed her eyes closed, not used to being the one beaming away at another’s request. She held her breath and dug her fingers into Thor’s armor, hanging on for dear life.

Now I get why people don’t like me doing the same, she thought. But before she knew it her feet felt steady ground and the three of them arrived at a golden room shaped in a dome. Jane very excitedly stated, “we have to do that again!” Meanwhile Evie was taking a step on wobbly legs. 

Before them stood a tall and broad man. Dressed in a golden armor and matching horned helmet, his piercing eyes studied them as they came through. The guard with amber colored eyes and a large sword gave them a glance. Evie was disconcerted by how knowing the look in his eyes were, like he already knew everything about her.

“Hi,” she breathed out as Jane took Thor’s hand for reassurance. His warm eyes were friendly as was his smile, which she quickly mirrored. 

“Welcome to Asgard.”