Without You I'm Nothing

Chapter 9

My heart is in my throat while I search deeper into the files to find any information. I just can't seem to get over the fact of what they did to Elijah. Why anyone would put someone through that extent of pain just for some information. It's been a while since I've come across anything but then a folder appears, under the name 'Superhumans' it certainly catches my attention. with how deep this folder is into their files I'm not surprised there isn't a password. But upon opening the file my stomach drops. Everyone I know is in this folder. from the Avengers to the Fantastic Four. I open a few and almost choke as I see the words 'TERMINATED' next to the few I don't know. They're trying to kill off anyone with powers. But I can't understand why. As I scroll down the page a name catches my attention. My own. I hesitantly open the file and start to read the information on myself.

'Name: Crystallia Maria Stark

D.O.B: (supposedly) October 13th 1999

Parents: Unknown

-'

I freeze at the words and quickly push back from the desk, this cant be. They're lying. I shake my head in disbelief. Not wanting to carry on with the file. Even though I'm intrigued to read more. resting my head in my hands, I take a few moments to reflect. It makes sense. Elijah is the spitting image of our dad but I look like neither of my so-called parents. so many emotions are rushing through me right now. I'm angry I found out this way, I'm sad they're not my real parents, I'm intrigued as to where I actually come from. But the question mark gives me hope still. they may be. I guess I'll have to bring it up sometime. With a sigh, I get back to check out the file.

'Features:

Hair; Strawberry Blond hair- Eyes: Emerald eyes- Build: small and slender Key features: a birthmark on the right shoulder in shape of a crescent moon.

-'

Once again I freeze, no one should know that feature of me. I don't even wear strappy tops for people to know. the only people that do know are immediate family. It starts to worry me the information they have so far. For starters I'm not superhuman, I have no powers so why am I in this folder in the first place? I skip the rest of the file and head straight for the main details. a short paragraph about myself.

'Data: as far as we know she has not proven to be a threat. Though needed for further testing to be sure of that. Her heritage is unknown, something different runs through her blood. Must find out what it is. Brother was no help on the case, refused to give information on her or her whereabouts. kidnapping may be in order for us to continue our research. Her DNA could be used to make a bigger threat if our speculations are correct.'

I've had enough at this point and save the files to an external folder. I have to tell someone about this, its too soon for me to bring it up to Elijah. We all know he is still in a lot of pain from what happened and I'm sure we couldn't talk about it without getting upset in some way. Bucky maybe? I look down at the B pendant he got me and smile to myself. But that smile soon fades as I remember the phone call he had a few days back before my birthday. I'm still upset and angry and I don't know how to ask him about it but I should. So maybe not bucky with my current mood. I sigh in frustration and stand up from the desk. Time has flown by and I imagine dads outside to pick me up. After gathering my things and making sure everything is turned off I head out the building. I was right about one thing, where he was waiting for me in one of his flashy cars.

I head over and get in the passengers' side. "How was our first day?" he asks, obviously still not impressed that I now work there. "I... Fury got me on the tech side of operations. I helped hack into the files of the guys that took Elijah." I see his hands tense around the wheels as we drive home, his back becomes stiff. "You shouldn't be doing tha-"I cut him off before he could lecture me. "dad I found some stuff. Stuff that's bad for all of us." I hesitate before continuing. "There's a file of everyone that has powers or is in a supergroup. some said terminated. Everyone we know is in there... including me." He glanced at me quickly, obviously starting to worry. "why you? did you read it? " I nod slightly and swallow back the lump in my throat. "It mentioned a bunch of details about me but nothing serious it must be just because I'm your daughter." he nods slightly, though his body still tense. "was there anything else?" I shrug "Yes? They're terminating superheroes by the group. They know the avengers will be an issue, so they plan to weaken you all down first. take you out one by one." Tony is obviously gritting his teeth as his words are mumbled. "does anyone else know about this?" I shake my head and look at my hands. " I didn't know who to tell, I'm not sure fury should know just yet. I assumed you would be the best person." he nods again in an agreement which happened to be the end of that discussion. The drive home seemed longer than usual and I was very on edge the whole way home with the information I had kept from him. He must have felt the tension between us, as he pulls into his garage he stops the car's engine but doesn't let me out. "There's something you're not telling me, Callie. what is it." I look at him with pain in my eyes, not wanting to ask but know I needed to. I need answers.

"Dad..." I start, again swallowing the lump back that's now reappeared in my throat. His eyes were full of worry having seen my expression. After a deep breath I ask "...am I adopted?"