Survivor's Guilt ~ A Marvel Story

~24~

Thor and I rushed into the tower, bypassing all the broken glass that was somehow still on the floor from the party. Guess no one has really been home to clean it. 

"The twins-" I murmured. "The twins are here. The quick one just unplugged the cradle," I explained, using the sight I had just gained.

Thor's head turned to me, his eyes going wide. "Your eyes- never mind," He shook off whatever he'd seen. "I'm going to charge the cradle, you keep everyone back."

I nodded as we burst into the room. A fight had issued and I dodged Steve as he went flying back from one of Tony's shots. 

Bruce attempted to run forward, screaming wait. I threw my energy sword out, using it as a barricade. Fear clouded his eyes as he threw his hands up. Blinding light streaked through the room as Thor summoned his lightning, slamming his hammer down onto the cradle.

I turned, watching the blue light scatter across the cradle. The light faded as Thor began to straighten. For a moment, I thought it hadn't worked until my brother was thrown back. Glass shattered from the cradle as a red android floated out of it. 

Everyone stood in silence, watching in anticipation. 

My eyes traced over its red and silver form, the golden gem in the center of its head. Thor was right. Ultron was trying to take the stone for himself. 

Just as Thor had stood up, the android went flying carelessly at him. My brother grabbed it and tossed it across the wide open room, surrounded by glass. I braced myself for the impact of the window that never came. 

Thor, Steve, and I all quickly ran closer toward it. I saw the anger on Steve's face as he went to make a move toward it. I grabbed his forearm, preventing him from moving and he agreed.

We all watched as it stared out the window at the night of the city, the bright orange lights flickering across the skyscrapers. 

A grayish-blue suit covered its body as it floated toward the team, the rest of them walking down to the room we were in. 

"I am sorry. That was... odd," It whispered, looking at my brother. It looked so human but so foreign. "Thank you," He nodded toward my brother, no doubt thanking him for the life his power gave him. 

He looked at my brother a second longer before he grew himself a long red cap, resembling my brothers. I smiled at the moment but my brother was still on guard. 

"Thor," Steve fumed, his gaze set angrily on the God. "You helped create this?

"I've had a vision. A whirlpool that sucks in all hope of life and at its center," He jabbed his finger toward the yellow stone in the middle of the android's head. "Is that."

"What, the gem?" Bruce asked, stepping into the group.

"It's the mind stone. It's one of the six infinity stones. The greatest power in the universe, unparalleled in its destructive capabilities."

"Then why would you bring-" Steve began to shout again.

"Because Stark is right," My brother continued, not letting him get his full sentence out. "The Avengers cannot defeat Ultron."

Then the android spoke. "Not alone."

---

When Clint said that Nat was in Sokovia, my heart dropped. Astrid, if I had your powers, I'd burn down the world for my family.

I needed to save her so she could do just that.

Steve gave us three minutes to grab anything we'd need but I already had everything. My armor was secure and I'd rebraid my hair in the ship.