The War Within | A Tony Stark Series

c: Caged

Monroe's POV

I watched as every armed authority figure rushed to arrest us. Rhodey still held his repulsors up which was extremely insulting. Barnes was the first to be shoved down to his knees. Rogers was lucky to have a non-threatening reputation, so they were gentle enough when forcing his hands behind him. I wasn't sure what I was expecting when they're under orders to collect an enlarged canine such as myself, but nothing could've prepared me for what came next. A couple of men inched toward me with a muzzle as I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I could only assume more of the government's slaves were coming to make sure I didn't resist. They needed as many men as they could to get me locked up. Unfortunately, I had to keep my composure or I'd have hell to pay.

"You've got to be kidding me," Rogers spoke up for me. "She not just some animal."

"According to the government, she's A animal. Therefore, she's treated like one," Rhodey justified. It wasn't until I heard electric sparks from the men behind me that I panicked. A flash of traumatic memories rushed in my head at the sound. Suddenly, I wasn't so intimidating. My tail hid between my legs as I back away with a ducked head. Not one dared follow without holding out their batons once they realized the effect it had on me. The sounds of electrical sparks are what caused me to tremble.

"Is this necessary?!" Steve shouted, struggling through his restraints.

"This wasn't part of the deal..." Rhodey let out. Clearly, he had been misinformed.

The more I crouched down, the smaller I became. It was as if those charged batons were the one thing that gave them the upper hand. I was no longer in power. I was eventually hunched over enough for them to strap on the muzzle over my snout. I whimpered as they backed me into a large truck, caged away. Through a small window, I watched the panther reveal himself as the new labeled King T'challa. That's why the voice in my head seemed familiar. I recognized it from the press conferences and mentions from the media. The death of his father was his motive to come after Barnes. Seconds later, the wanted assassin was shoved into another large vehicle with high security. The King and Captain were cooped up with me with whatever space my large form didn't take. I curled up on the floor of the truck, ashamed and lost in my past experiences. I drowned out my surroundings as I drifted alone in my thoughts.

***

"What the hell is wrong with you, get your hands off her," A familiar scent had made itself know, bringing me relief. "Leave before I stick those batons up your asses," Nat shouted at the men who circled around me. Her hand reached out to me and I backed away in hesitation. Nat would never hurt me, but the trauma was taking over. She pulled back, noticing I needed a second. "What did they do to you..." she let out in barely a whisper.

Nat reached out a hand, waiting for me to give in. I snapped back to my senses and let the palm of her hand rest on my head. She gave my fur a few stroked before reaching around to unstrap the muzzle. The sounds of the buckles brought me anticipation. I tugged away, thinking I was free of it.

"I'm almost done, I promise," she reassured. In one last motion, Nat pulled off the muzzle, causing me to fall back from the sudden detachment and opposing force. I shook my head, followed by a sneeze-like gesture. I stood tall before her with ears perked up. I was clearly in high alert, unaware I was in a safe zone."You're okay now. You can show yourself."

I hid behind a car and shifted in seconds, catsuit still worn. Tears started to form in my eyes, but couldn't let myself break. Instead, I blinked them away, a sniffle revealing the facade. Nat came from around the vehicle, catching me as I stared into nothingness.

"How could he do this to me?" I blamed without making eye contact. Nat placed a hand on my shoulder to console me, but I jolted at her touch.

"Woah... it's me remember?" She affirmed, setting my mind at ease. I immediately fell into her arms. I felt safe with Nat. As she hugged back, I couldn't hold back. All this time I've been fighting it. I didn't want to seem weak, but so much has led me here. My legs gave out as I sobbed, bringing us lower to the ground. We found ourselves leaned against the car with my head on her shoulder. She stayed with me until I was ready to set foot inside.

***

My sorrows had been replaced with anger and betrayal. I was headed over to make sure Rogers hadn't been convinced to sign the Accords. It seemed I had arrived on time, hearing their conversation from the entrance. I stopped in my tracks, early enough so that I stayed hidden from the two. I listened in with the enhanced senses.

"So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone, if you sign," Tony pushes. Stark threw in his one true weakness. His buddy... his Bucky. My eyes were glued to the floor, waiting for Steve's response.

"I'm not saying it's impossible, but there would have to be safeguards."

"Sure. Once we put out the PR fire, those documents can be announced. I'd file a motion to have you and Wanda reinstated-"

"Wanda? What about Wanda?" Steve questioned in confusion.

"She's fine. She's confined in a compound, currently. Vision's keeping her company."

My eyes shot up at his words, and without warning, I rushed over and let myself in.

"Confined in a compound? You let them make her a prisoner?!" I interject. Anger fueled my growing fangs and glowing eyes. Tony stood up in shock as they both turned their heads to me, unaware I was listening.

"Every time I think you see things the right way-" Steve sighs.

"It's 100 acres with a lap pool. It's got a screening room. There are worse ways to protect people"

"Is that what you think you're doing? Protecting her?" I scoff. 

"It's internment, Tony" Steve corrects.

"She's not a  U.S. citizen-"

"Oh come on, Tony," Steve lets out in disbelief.

"They don't grant visas to weapons of mass destruction."

"She's a kid," Steve defends.

"Give me a break!" Tony raises his voice.

"No, you give US a break!" I shout back. Silence filled the room until I continued, "Are you listening to yourself? A weapon of mass destruction is that what you think we are? ...what I am?"

"Of course not-" Tony tries while reaching his arms out to my shoulders. 

"Don't touch me," I say, taking a step back. I laughed in anger. In irony. Shaking my heading, I look up in frustration. I avert my eyes back to their dimmed state. "Take a hard look in the mirror Tony, you're just as dangerous."

"I'm doing what has to be done, to stave off something worse," the billionaire justifies.

"You keep telling yourself that," Steve remarks as he sets down the pen and leaves with me alone with Tony.

"Honey, please..."

"You don't get to call me that anymore. Not after today." I started as I moved toward the door. I stopped myself just before exiting and turned back to meet his eyes. "I told myself I could take it, Tony. The limits were sky high with you, but this...I told you what was going to happen." I took a moment to let him think over what I said before leaving him with my final words.

"And now you've lost me forever."