With Open Eyes [An Avengers Story] {DISCONTINUED}

Chapter 3

            Tony sat there in a dumbfounded state.  He just couldn't believe what he was hearing.  Slowly he began to speak,

           

            "Well, it's nice that you two have been reunited and all, but why the hell's she here, doc?  You know damn well about the dangers of –" Bruce immediately cut Tony off.

"Yes, yes.  I know," Bruce spoke in a quickened tone, "So, how did you two meet, anyways?"

            Olyvia rolled her eyes.  She wasn't stupid.  She knew very well that he was covering up something.  Something important.  And that really annoyed her.

            "I'm going to go use the restroom, now," with a little huff, she left the two men alone.  Bruce gave out a sigh.

            "So, you didn't answer my question."

            "Oh, right.  She got lost.  Simple as that," Tony turned towards Bruce to see a troubled look on his expression, "What's with the face?"

            Bruce took a seat across from Tony.  As he spoke, it was very much laced in insecurity and worry, "I don't know if I can do this, Tony.  I mean, I know a lot of things, but raising a child is not one of them."

            "Look, I've never had kid myself, but what I do know is that you are thinking way too damn hard.  Just treat her like the normal, average person.  That's what she is, after all, and most importantly, tell her the truth," Bruce nodded slowly at Tony's words.  He knew this usually, egotistical man was right.

            'I just need to relax,' Bruce thought to himself with a soft sigh.  Both men turned their heads as they saw Olyvia return.  Bruce looked her over.  She was mad; that was very easy to see.  He was beginning to think that maybe it was time to take her to Director Fury.  If she didn't get answers soon, Bruce was sure Olyvia would blow a gasket.  He didn't want to overwhelm her, but time was running out and the truth would show itself eventually.  It had to be done.

            Bruce cleared his throat, "Olyvia, I think it might be time that you get some answers," now this had caught her attention, "Though, I can't tell you myself.  I'll have to take you to the Director for that."

            That word made her nervous.  The Director?  To Olyvia, she wasn't fully aware of the situation at the moment, but she wanted to know the reality, even if it wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear.  In thinking, Olyvia passed Bruce a small nod in both agreement and understanding.

            "Well, alright.  Let's do this," Olyvia spoke, trying to seem more confident than she actually was.  Bruce threw Olyvia a small nod and motioned her towards the door as he slipped off his lab coat.  Both walked out the door, leaving Tony alone.

~~~

            Olyvia felt a nervous knot twist in her stomach.  She was hoping that all she was about to hear were good things, but she knew that that thought was hardly ideal considering the situation she's been going through.  The two walked side by side in silence.  Olyvia surely would've attempted in making conversation if she weren't so nervous about it all.  As for Bruce, it seemed he never really started conversation, anyways.

            After many twists of hallways, that felt like forever to Olyvia, they finally reached a door.  It was a typical door that didn't seem to serve of much importance, but Olyvia knew that soon a new life would commence.  Olyvia watched as Bruce's hand reached out to knock on the door, just loud enough for the person on the other side to hear.  After a bit, a gruff, authoritative voice cut through the air,

            "Come in," the man spoke.  The voice was nearly intimidating to Olyvia, but she kept her cool.  As they entered, her eyes searched over the man in front of her.  He was dark-skinned and dressed in black.  Though, what caught her sight the most was the eye patch strung along his features.  The young girl couldn't help but wonder what caused his eye to come to this state.

            The newly found man threw a confident smirk, "Miss Olyvia Banner.  Welcome to Stark Tower.  I hope you're enjoying your stay so far," Olyvia noticed his words were practically seething in amusement, "I'm Director Fury," he stood and walked to Olyvia, coming to a stop right in front of her.

            "Hey," Olyvia's words were small and barely audible, though it seemed that Fury heard them all the same, for he gave her a sharp nod.

            "Doctor Banner," Fury turned his one functional eye towards Bruce," Leave us alone for a bit.  I'd like to speak to her alone."

            The doctor agreed to this, but couldn't help feeling a little nervous.  Bruce wasn't entirely sure just how much Fury would share with her.  Especially about Bruce, himself, and in his mind, Bruce didn't want his daughter to see him as a complete monster.

            Olyvia heard the click of the door behind her, indicating that her father had finally departed from the room.  At this, she finally shifted her eyes to Fury's, waiting impatiently for an explanation.  Olyvia watched as he returned to his desk and sat himself down.

            "Olyvia, have a seat," Director Fury motioned to the chair in front of his desk, "Stay a while," his signature smirk crossed his features once again.  Olyvia really wasn't sure how she felt about this guy, but nonetheless took the seat across from Fury with her fingers fiddling in a nervous manner.

            "So, let's get started, shall we?" the Director searched through the numerous papers on his desk.  It was a mess to Olyvia's eyes, but Fury made it look easy to find whatever he needed in his hands, "I'll just cut to the chase.  We've got your typical alien race.  Wants war.  Most likely going to try to take us over –"

            "Wait, what?  What the hell kind of prank is this?!" Anger started to bubble within Olyvia's stomach.  She couldn't believe it!  All of this push and pull and chaos of pure anxiety.  And to think, she might have actually found her dad.  Olyvia started to think that he wasn't even her real father with the way things were going.

            "Do not interrupt me. Do you understand, Miss Banner?" Fury's voice nearly made her jump out of her seat.  He was practically yelling and the sternness of his manner was enough to make anyone start bawling, but she kept calm; the best she could to her ability, anyway.  The way he was acting...maybe it wasn't a huge joke.  Or maybe this 'Director Fury' was just a great actor.  Either way, Olyvia took in a shaky breath and nodded.

            "Much appreciated," Fury cleared his throat, "Now, back to what I was saying, we have our normal alien shenanigans, but there's something different about this whole situation," there was a halt in his speaking.

            "...And what's so different?"  Olyvia questioned slowly, trying ever so carefully as to not upset him again.

            "They want you."