DAYWALKER | n.romanoff

SIX

CHAPTER SIX
' I'VE GOT HIM '

The Blade's brain was silent for the first time in many years. A hum encased her head, and standing beside Pierce, with her hands clasped behind her back, felt like the most natural place in the universe. Without the constant chattering of the voices, she was left in the darkness of her mind with only his hand to lead her.

To her exhausted brain, his words were the only thing she could process - something left over from her childhood training. Momentarily, she would contemplate walking away to find somewhere dark to curl up and sleep, but she would catch sight of Pierce in the corner of her eye, and it would cement her to the ground.

While her mind crumbled around her, the dosage had altered her body again. As the stiffness of her body began to chip away, she could feel her muscles flex faster and stronger beneath. Adrenaline charged through her veins, but her foggy brain blocked the effect.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. officer uniform scratched her still sensitive skin, and the dark-visored helmet was tighter than her bronze one. Instead of her swords and knives, the Blade held a gun.

A group of people approached Pierce, the Blade standing behind him under the guise of a guard. He greeted the World Security Council with a smile, exchanging pleasantries before beckoning them to follow him. The Blade stepped to the side, letting the group pass before bringing up the rear.

He collected some badges from another guard and distributed them. "This facility is biometrically controlled, and these will give you unrestricted access."

The Council pinned the badges onto their clothes and followed Pierce to his office. They entered the spacious room, a lady handing the Councilmembers glasses of champagne as Pierce readied himself in front of a projector.

The Blade took station in front of the door.

Pierce looked between the gathering with a smile. "I know the road hasn't exactly been smooth, and some of you would have gladly kicked me out of the car along the way. Finally, we're here, and the world should be grateful."

A buzzing over the building's intercom cut off their laughter.

"Attention, all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, this is Steve Rogers."

The Blade repeated the name in her head. She knew it. Some part of her knew it. He was important. It meant something important.

"You've heard a lot about me over the last few days. Some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it's time you know the truth. S.H.I.E.L.D. is not what we thought it was. It's been taken over by Hydra; Alexander Pierce is their leader. The Strike and Insight crew are Hydra as well."

Hydra. She knew that word, too. That was important also. It meant something important.

Something bad.

"I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want: absolute control. They shot Nick Fury, and it won't end there. If you launch those Helicarriers today, Hydra will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way. Unless we stop them.

"I know I'm asking a lot, but the price of freedom is high. It always has been, and it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not."

There was something she was missing. Something was wrong. All of those words meant something to her. Her jaw clenched. Did that mean they were bad words?

One of the Council members furrowed his eyebrows, scowling at Piece. "You smug son-of-a-bitch."

Another one turned to the Blade. "Arrest him."