Hell's Children

Chapter 29: Escape Plan

WARNINGS: Graphic Violence; Supernatural Violence; Experimentation

Talia shuffled around in her sleep until she opened her eyes. Of course, she was in the hospital.

"Talia?"

She looked up at her niece, Kate.

"How are you feeling," Kate asked.

"I've been better. What're you doing here," Talia asked.

"I heard you were in the hospital. I wanted to see you. Also, I was hoping to meet the Avengers in person," Kate confessed with a small smile.

Talia chuckled, knowing how much she adored the team of heroes. She especially loved Clint Barton.

"I don't think you'd meet them here," Talia said.

"I also have a question. You're not really my aunt, are you," Kate asked.

"I'm afraid not," Talia said softly.

"To be honest, you're the closest thing I have to family," Kate confessed, "So if you don't mind, I would still like to be your friend."

"Kate, as long as I'm alive, you'll always be my niece. Even if I'm not truly your aunt," Talia said.

Kate hugged her gently, grateful that she didn't have to give her up. A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Ms. Bishop, we have the test results for you," the doctor said.

Kate walked out to give them privacy.

"Is everything okay," Talia asked.

"Your results happen to be unusually good," the doctor smiled.

"So I can leave," Talia asked.

"Not yet. We still have a few more tests to run before we let you go."

Talia narrowed her eyes at the doctor. Why did he seem so rigid? What was he hiding?

"I see. Can we do the tests later?"

"Unfortunately, the tests cannot wait. A nurse will be escorting you to the lab," the doctor said.

"Lab?"

"As I said, your results are unnaturally good," the doctor said, his hostile tone breaking through his gentleness.

Talia reached for the IV.

"You try anything and your niece will be killed," the doctor threatened.