I'm Not A Weapon {Avengers}

Chapter Twelve

"Jamie!" I called. It had been a few weeks since we defeated the Chitauri and prevented an alien invasion. But it continued to affect all New Yorkers. Businesses and homes were reduced to rubble, and despite our best efforts, my best efforts, lives were lost. Structures closest to the epicenter of the attack suffered the most. The Central Cafe was definitely no exception. While Dad organized a clean-up strategy, I decided to take action personally.

Jamie turned around when she heard my voice and immediately crushed me into a sisterly hug. "Oh, thank goodness you're okay," she breathed into my hair.

"I was out of town with my dad on one of his business trips. I'm just so glad you're okay," I replied. Then my eyes wandered to the crumbled restaurant. "Oh, man. Is the owner going to rebuild?"

Jamie shrugged. "We don't know. We just came here to help clean up, make sure we're all okay. Right now, we're just glad to be alive."

"I can imagine."

I shoved my hands in my pocket and commented. "Saw you on the news. You really don't think this is their fault?"

"No, Captain America saved me. He saved so many people. Do you disagree?"

Looking around at the destruction, I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know what to think. Do you need help with anything?"

"No, we're finishing up for today, but if you'd like, you can come back tomorrow. It never hurts to have an extra two hands."

I nodded and offered her a small smile. "I'll be here. See you then, Jamie."

"See you soon, Serena."

With my hands still in my pockets, I walked away, climbing over large debris that clogged the streets. As I went, I saw many people talking to one another, helping one another clear the sidewalks and their storefronts. I couldn't help but wonder if this was the first time they had ever really seen each other, had a real conversation. Tragedy shouldn't be the only thing that allows people to forget their differences.

I came up upon a newsstand that had a small TV off to the side. The vendor and I shared a friendly smile before watching the screen together. As per the norm these days, the news was covering the fight and people's reactions to superheroes.

Senator Boynton appeared on screen and said, "These so-called heroes have to be held responsible for the destruction done to the city. This was their fight. Where are they now?"

I was inclined to agree. Dad's only response is to deploy a clean-up crew. No one was willing to get their hands dirty and help. That's why I was kind of excited and proud that I would be a part of it tomorrow with Jamie.

"She protected us with her powers," a voice from the TV said, making my head pop up in question. I immediately recognized the woman from the business building that hadn't been evacuated. I used my powers to create a shield and protected them from a Leviathan. "She created this... it was like a golden forcefield. I don't know who she was or how she had such amazing abilities, but she saved my life."

The screen changed to a shot of the skyline, and I saw Dad zoom by in his suit, but I also saw the familiar golden tendrils swimming through the air and taking down Chitauri chariots.

A female reporter's voice said, "Unfortunately, we have no visuals on this person, but our reports say that the light doesn't belong to any of the other heroes. The only thing we know is her gender, and that she helped save countless lives. But many people have questions and concerns. Who is she? Where did her powers come from? Is she dangerous? Where is she now? We will keep you updated as more and more reports pool in. This is Savannah Guthrie on NBC News."