Kill Your Mind ⋙ Avengers

o n e

[E D I T E D]

KILL YOUR MIND
❝life is simply a mix of mayhem and magnolias, so embrace this gentle riot and gather flowers along the way.❞

01. Alleyway Alliances

IN THE BACKSTREETS OF BROOKLYN, Katherine and Elizabeth Tyler walked like ghosts; the pair had become nothing more than shadows. Living away from the warm streetlight glow, the busy streets surrounding them didn't bat an eyelid as they passed. People looked right through them. The men sent after them, men whom had seen Elizabeth personally multiple times during her stay in their establishment, didn't even notice as they passed each other on the street. With no identity, the two girls had become nothing more than a rumor. They were nothing more than a story, and that had soon become their biggest super power. The power to hide in plain view was one that only few could master; to look someone in the eyes only to be met by no recognition. It was an art form. An art that Katherine had luckily caught onto quickly.

Alongside this, the pair had earned themselves quite a reputation for getting themselves out of even the most impossible situations. Yet, of course, even with their skills, there would come a time when the pair would be noticed by someone, whether it be a concerned civilian or an underground network, and they would have to pick up the pace. A time when they knew they had slowed their movements. A time when they knew they had become sloppy. This acknowledgment from others had never resolved in a non-violent way. Thankfully Elizabeth Tyler had been graced with the gift of quick instincts, something that Katherine had not been born with, and it had become incredibly handy on several occasions. These 'incidents' always ended with the pair walking away unharmed which had seemed like a good thing to begin with. It all seemed as if it were turning in their favour.

That was until S.H.I.E.L.D agents were sent after them.

That had been the most recent and the closest call Elizabeth had had since escaping from the basement in which they had been held. The fight had been dirty. It hadn't been played safely and Elizabeth's pale knuckles were left mangled, bruised and bloody with frightening blue veins orbiting around the pain. The dispute had been very different from what the two had been used to. Being pitted against gang members had been child's play. Being pitted against heavily armed and extensively trained agents? Now that had been a lot harder.
Elizabeth Tyler, didn't know why they were being attacked. Hell, she didn't even know who S.H.I.E.L.D were at the time of their attack. All she really knew was that they were trained and that she couldn't lose to them. She didn't know who the bad guys were so how was she supposed to know the good guys?

❝You know, you remind me of my mother? ❞

Walking the streets of New York alone was a bad idea full stop. Adding a few semi-healed broken bones, heavy facial bruising and a loud child of the age of nine to the mix? It just a recipe for disaster. Elizabeth Tyler couldn't really understand why she had gotten herself into this mess to begin with. If she were being honest, Elizabeth Tyler couldn't really understand why she hadn't left Katherine to fend for herself yet either. Left her to survive by herself. Hiding would be a hell of a lot easier without another person to protect. So why hadn't she abandoned her? Perhaps it were sentiment. It would be foolish to deny that there was a small bond that had grown between the two in the six months they had been walking astray but even then, it was uncharacteristic for Elizabeth to stand someone for so long. Even as a child, she hadn't been what one would call 'friendly'. Yet here they were: together.

The cold air had begun to sharpen. It had begun snowing a little before the sun had reached its peak in the skyline and was only going to get worse at nightfall. The soft pleats of white surrounding their feet had begun to be more of an irritation. More of a reason for the crowds of people to notice them as they were severely under dressed.
❝Gee thanks - I really didn't need to fucking know that. I thought you couldn't remember her anyways?❞
Elizabeth breathes out, grabbing a hold of the smaller girl's hand and softly dragging her to a visible ladder nailed to the edge of a building. Katherine frowns slightly, nose scrunching up, as she grasps the bars and lifts herself off the ground. For a moment, the only sound is their ragged breaths. Both were tired, both were cold, neither would admit it.
❝Well I couldn't NOT tell you... and I don't. I mean: I don't remember her. I just get Deja vu every time I look at you, and I swear I have a memory of a woman with gold hair and nice hands. ❞
When Katherine was on the sixth bar, Elizabeth began her own ascension. Though she'd never admit it to herself, Katherine had become a rather good companion. She was loud, a trait that made itself very apparent during their escape, but she was also good company. No matter what the situation, Katherine Tyler could always see a positive ending. Something that Elizabeth admired about her greatly.

By the time Elizabeth had reached the top, and gotten her balance, Katherine was already beginning to walk north west. Even if she was loud, the small girl wasn't stupid. She knew to keep to the centre of the buildings rooftops, away from any civilians below, and she had become confident enough to lead the way.
Elizabeth quickly caught up. Her legs were both far longer and more powerful.
❝Hands? I always knew you were an odd one. Anyways, every time I look at your eyes, I remember the color a body goes when it's deprived of fucking oxygen - yet I've never told you that. Have I? ❞
Elizabeth smirks at a scowling Katherine as she strides past. A small chuckle echoes around the pair, coming from Elizabeth, at the sight of her companion angrily trying to keep up with her pace. After a while, however, she takes pity and slows her speed enough for the shorter legs to catch up. Still walking along the roof top, the two spot another ladder over twenty metres away on the side of a far taller building.
❝I was just trying to be nice❞
Katherine responds. Words dripping with false venom. Elizabeth merely laughs and shakes her head, earning her a small smirk from Katherine. It only took them another ten metres for them to notice the large gap between the two buildings, meaning they would have to jump to access the ladder. The task, though it seemed daunting considering the large drop, wouldn't be too big a hassle for the two.

By the edge of the building, Katherine watches as Elizabeth tactically backs up a few steps.
❝Trying being the key word.❞
With a small curl of her lips and a raised eyebrow, the elder of the two begins to run towards the edge. Using the ledge as a pedestal, Elizabeth throws her arms out ahead of herself and jumps, grabbing the steel bars solidly. Letting out a breathy laugh of relief, she begins to climb up the ladder before reaching the top. Katherine is still stood on the building below, looking up in amusement at the elder girl positioned on the taller building, before shaking her head and taking her own steps back, mimicking Elizabeth's movements. Though not a fighter, Katherine Tyler was graceful. She was soundless so it wasn't surprising that it took her half the time it took Elizabeth to get to the top.

❝Do you know what? I take it all back - you're not like my mother at all. The Deja vu was all in my head. ❞
Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth turns on her heel and walks alongside her longest known companion.
❝Oh really?❞
She says in mock offence, though the smile on her lips can be heard, which makes Katherine smirk to herself.
❝Total opposites really. My mother isn't a bitch.❞
This causes Elizabeth to gasp loudly before laughing out a 'you'll regret that' before the pair is childishly chasing after each other alongside the rooftops, all burdens forgotten in that moment.

It wouldn't be until they reached the end of the Starbucks coffee shop on 45th street that they'll be dragged into the problems of the 'Avengers.' It'll be then that they'll witness the only known ghost other than themselves. It'll be then that they'll become noticed by another organisation.

After all, it's rumoured that the Winter Solider never leaves witness'.