Misunderstood

Twenty-Four

Sophie stood at the podium, in front of the reporters. Tony had arranged it for her, like she asked. The Avengers and Hill, were stood behind her in their uniforms, showing their support of her. If it wasn't for them, she would probably have had a breakdown. Taking a deep breath, she gave a nervous smile to the horde in front of her.

'Thank you all for coming. I know you all have questions about me and the 'other' side of me, and I'll answer them all after. First off, I know you were informed that I am a 'monster' and while some may construe it as that, I'd rather you all make up your own minds with first hand information, rather than second hand gossip..'... Sophie told them everything, and informed them she would be sending all documents and proof, whatever they wanted for their articles. She had told them about the attack of the 11 men, and everything after.

She tried hard not to cry, but a few tears did slip from her eyes. She explained what she had done with her life since then. She kept the names of her clients out of her speech, and the work she had done for the goverments around the world. She answered their questions honestly, and began to feel overwhelmed.

She took a deep breath, looking around the room, and nodding at Tony. He stepped forward, as did the others... 'That's it for today folks. I know it's a lot to take in, but Sophie has my support, and that of the Avengers and SHIELD. She was with us during the battle of New York, and created the foundation to help support those who suffered from it. She has the biggest heart of anyone in this world. She would rather protect-..'

His words were cut off, when he felt blood spattered against his face. People started screaming and he turned, seeing Sophie fall backwards, Bruce catching her and lowering her to the floor. Tony couldn't move, seeing her with a bullet wound to the head.

He could faintly hear Hill screaming orders, while the others began running about. He slowly dropped to his knees, next to her, a ringing in his ears... 'Tony? Tony, take her! I can't control the big guy!..'... Tony could hear someone talking to him, and then Sophie was shoved into his arms. His eyes still on her face.

He heard a roar, and looked up, seeing Bruce shift to Hulk. Thats when Tony snapped back into reality... 'Listen to me big guy..'.. Tony cradled Sophie in his arms, looking up at Hulk... 'Don't do this, don't give them what they want. She wouldn't want you to be hurt. She worked hard to get you free, don't throw it away..'

Hulk huffed down at him, and Tony could see sorrow in the big guys eyes, as he looked down at her. Tony watched him huff and pace about, as though he was thinking over Tony's words... 'Look, I need you to trust me ok. We need to get her back to the tower, fast, without anyone stopping us, or taking her from us. Can you help me?'

Tony watched him clench his fists, then sigh, grunting. Hulk carefully picked her up in his arms, staring at Tony... 'I'll flu above you. Get her there as fast as you can alright. Keep her safe..'.. Tony stepped into his suit that was off to the side, and his display came up in front of his face... 'Jarvis, Where's the others?'

'Currently searching for the shooter sir. Trajectory shows it came from 600ft, 76° North. The building across the street sir. 34th floor, 6th window from the left...'..

Tony called out for the others, telling them exactly what Jarvis said.

'I'm on my way there Stark. Barton with me now..'.. Romanoff called out.

'Stark, can you run facial recognition on everyone who was present at the conference, including all staff of the building, and guests?'... Hill asked through the comm.

'Jarvis, you heard the director. Cap, where are you?'... Tony makes it outside with Hulk, and flies up, watching the big guy jog down the street, being as careful as he could. It amazed Tony, that she had tamed Hulk.

'Chasing down a lead..'.. Tony heard him pant out...'Black SUV, pulled out the moment people began running. Windows are dark, I cant make out the driver. Currently heading west on 86th..'

Tony saw the tower ahead of them, and came low, close to Hulk... 'We're almost there big guy, when you get to the lobby, we're going to need to have Banner back. Trust me ok. We can save her..'

Tony wasn't sure if that grunt from Hulk meant he understood, but he hoped it was.

'Stark, you got incoming. Another two SUVs coming your way, unmarked. Romanoff and I are on our way to your location. One is coming up E 45th, the other is on Lexington. You need to haul asd and get to the tower, now! We're just on Madison, 2 minutes from you..'... He hears Hill call out to him. He was thankful they were literally across the street from the tower. Hulk rushed through the doors with her, and Tony took stance, at the doors, just as two SUVs pull up.

He wasn't surprised to see Fury get out of one of them... 'Oh Nicholas, good to see you again. How've you been?'... The venom in Tony's voice, was heavy, as he raised his hand.

'Move Stark, or you will be moved..'.. Fury stood about 10ft from him, anger and hatred etched in his face.

'Yeah, I don't think that's going to happen. See here's the thing, you really underestimate her. You think she didn't know that there was a hit out on her? She knew the shot would be taken, today, right then..'.. Tony chuckled at Fury, seeing his rage start to get the better of him... 'You say she's the dangerous one, you issued a kill order on an innocent woman, who is renowned across the world...'

'She deserved it. She took my son, killed him with her bare hands. I've waited years, and you won't stop me for killing her myself..'.. Fury raised his gun, and shot at Tony. He emptied the entire clip, before moving forward... 'Take the perimeter. I want her now!..'

Tony blasted both vehicles, in hopes of creating a distraction. There were 8 men and Fury, that now surrounded him. He wouldn't let then get past, if its the last thing he'd do. Hearing a helicopter above, Tony knew it was Furys. He smirked beneath his mask, knowing that this was going, exactly as Sophie had told him would happen.

Knowing he couldn't actually kill anyone, as those were her orders, he went hand to hand, keeping his blasts to a minimum, knocking a few out. He just had to hold on, until he heard the order in his ear.

'Let them in, it's time..'... Tony feigned a loss, and then shot off up onto the balcony. He watched as 6 men got their asses handed to them, and he just chuckled. Walking inside, he looked over at Tia, shaking his head.

'Shame you can't kill them, they deserve it..'... He said, as his mask flips down.

Tia looked behind Tony, nodding at Bruce as he stood up, from behind the bar... 'A large gin please honey, mama is a little thirsty..'

Tony chuckled seeing Bruce blush... 'You good?'... He turns back to Tia, seeing her lift her shirt to wipe her forehead. The wound was gone, and the blood was now smeared on her face.

'Its a good thing, I can do her voice and act like her. Plus, I think Hill and Romanoff put way too much make up on me..'.. She caught the bottle of water Tony threw to her, from the bar, as he grabbed himself a drink. She opened the bottle, and poured in over her hands, and then rubbed them together to get the foundation off her skin. Her veins began to show through, and then she set about removing the contact lenses.

'These are so irritating. What floor are they on now?'... She asks, as Bruce comes over, handing her the glass. She takes it, giving him a wink and drinks the glass clear in one.

'5 floors away. Come on Bruce, it's time to take position..'.. Tony nods at him, and the two of them take stance in the corner, out of sight, ready.

😘