Winter's Daughter

Chapter 20

James met Steve and the other officials in the conference room. Word had broken out that Hydra declared war on S.H.I.E.L.D. and they were on their way.

"Buck, how long do you think we have?" Steve asked his friend, concerned for the millions of lives at stake.

"It's tough to say. I'd say we have about two months, maybe three in order prepare defenses. Depending on how long it takes for them to recover and reorganize." James said grimly.

Steve sighed and closed his eyes. "Alright. I guess that concludes this meeting for today. Make a trip to see friends and family as soon as possible."

The officials present all stood and shuffled out the door except for James. He sat quietly in his seat, staring at the dark hardwood table.

"Buck, you alright?"

James nodded slightly. "I'm just worried about what we're gonna face."

Steve nodded and sat down next to him. "How's the project going?"

"Pretty good. I finished it a few days ago, so everything is ready." He said softly.

"Have you told her yet?"

"Not exactly. She knows that an invasion is coming, but she doesn't know what I've made." He admitted.

"You should make the most of the time we have left."
Steve patted his friends shoulder.

James nodded and went to the gym, knowing he'd find his daughter there.

"Hey." He walked over to her.

"Hey," she replied, punching that large bag in front of her.

His eyes traveled to her hands and he noticed something was off.

"Vic, you're bleeding," He grabbed both of her hands away from the bag, unwrapping them from the protective fabric.

"I'm fine." She gently pulled her hands away from her father.

"You gotta stop this. You won't be able to fight if your hands are bloodied and bruised." He told her seriously.

"I have to fight no matter the condition of my hands." She told him.

James sat there silently. He hated to see her go to this length. She didn't need to do this. He wanted to tell her that she wouldn't be involved, but he couldn't.

Not yet.

So, he just sat back and watched the girl cause more damage to her hands.

"Steve says we've only got two or three months, give or take, to get everything together and ready for the fight."

"Yeah, I know." She said after taking a sip of water.

"This isn't going to be easy. People could die."

"I know that too. But this is why we have each other." She told him.

'I wish it could be that way.'