Retaliation

Chapter 47 Confrontation

Bucky, Sam, and I all ran up to the warehouse where Steve said to meet him. We all came to a stop near the entrance, careful not to run and barge in. 

"So, what do we do?" I asked. 

Bucky peaked inside the window. "The shield is just laying on the ground." 

"What?" Sam asked. 

We all peeked inside and there was Steve's shield, laying in the middle of the floor illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. 

"This is definitely a trap," I said. "Do we just waltz in and grab it?" 

"We know nothing about this Steve doppelgänger, he may have been alone then but who knows how many more are in there waiting. Even then, the way that thing threw Walker like he was made of paper makes it more dangerous. Even if there is just one, outnumbering may not be enough." Sam explained. 

"I don't see any other options." Bucky piped up. 

"I have an idea," I said. 

"What is it?" Sam asked. 

"I'm going to walk in and you guys are going to wait out here." 

"I shouldn't even have to explain to you why that is a bad idea. You're still bleeding all over the place."

"If I'm right about this... we shouldn't have to worry at all." 

It couldn't be, could it? 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Sam asked. 

"Just trust her Sam, after all, she can see the future." Bucky defended. "She probably has a plan, something you always seem to lack." 

"That was just uncalled for man." 

The two continued to bicker and I took that opportunity to calmly walk through the front door as the guys stayed hunched down outside. I heard protesting for both of them but I ignored them, hoping they wouldn't follow me. As I neared the center of the room I discarded all my weapons on the floor, leaving a trail of guns and knives behind me. The further I went in the more cold it got. I could almost see my breath leaving my nose. I finally reached the shield, I kneeled down to pick it up when I heard a shout from Sam. 

"Behind you!" 

I wiped around but saw nothing but Sam and Bucky's faces peeking around the door. Suddenly, a couple of feet away I saw the air begin to morph. I watched in awe as the shapes moved in a mesmerizing pattern before color started to come through and form a figure. Looking back at me was Tony. A beaten and bloodied Tony. 

His eyes were cold, his expression was blank. I slowly stood back up. I tried to keep my composure as I was starting to get triggered by how much this resembled my nightmares. 

"Thank you for stepping in back there." I tried to smile. "I kind of got a little beat up." 

It tilted its head as if to examine me. I didn't dare move a muscle as I didn't want to somehow frighten or startle them. 

"Did you want to talk? Is that why you left the shield on the floor?" 

"Who are you?" The figure asked. 

"I'm Elara. But you probably know me better as Kai-Ness." 

"How do I know you?" They said more forcefully. "You...seemingly know me better than I do." 

"You've been following me?"

 "You better tell your friends to not get any closer." 

I look around her to see the guys sneaking further into the building. I held up my hand and mouthed the word 'stop' to them. Thankfully, they listened. The figure's eyes analyzed my every move.