Viper : Enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chapter 5: Whoopdy-Frickin'-Doo

Chapter 5: Whoopdy-Frickin’-Doo

            Slightly disoriented form my fall; I hear a robotic voice from behind me.

             “You know, you are much better than Fury lead on.”

            “Awww thanks Metal Head.” I say back to him, while Hawkeye guides me towards the jet. Feeling uncomfortable in the silence, I ask,

            “So, who’s Sticky Fingers over there in spandex?”

            “Really? You don’t know who I am? Do you just not look up at signs anymore?” Spandex asks.

            “Sorry, I’ve been a little busy lately.”

            “You’re telling me. How did you get in and out of Paris so quickly anyway?” Iron Man asks, but before I can answer, Red butts in.

            “Shut it Stark. We can ask questions later. Right now I just want to know what bitch sliced my arm open.”

            “Ha, yeah, sorry Red, you were in my way. Nothing personal.” I say as I’m shoved into the jet.

            “Hey, so where’s Big Bad Bruce and God of Red Capes?” I ask sitting down casually.

            “Back on the Tri-Carrier, but don’t worry, you’ll get to meet them.” Big Bird answers, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

            “Joy.” I mumble as we take off.

            We’ve been flying for about 15 minutes now and all I’ve been doing is playing with my claws behind my back. Stark standing across from me, his helmet off, is fiddling with his arc reactor. Man I really went to town on that thing. Not even looking up I see his suit spark. I snicker and glance up at him to see he’s staring.

            “What?” I spit out at him.

            “Nothing, it’s just, it’s hard to get a read on you.”

            “Yeah, let’s see about getting this mask off.” Spangles says, walking over to me. The closer he gets the more tense I am. When he reaches down to pull my mask off, I jerk back and prepare to kick him in the gut, or lower, if need be.

            “Don’t touch me.” I say through gritted teeth. Straightening himself, Cap looks down at me and I relax. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later, but I hadn’t really prepared myself. My identity is the one thing I want to keep. They can do whatever they want to me, but take my mask.

            “C’mon, Handsy, let’s see that pretty face.” Iron Buns says. Sitting back up, I realize this is the one battle I can’t win. Not in handcuffs anyway. Scooting forward, I allow Captain America to take my mask off. Flipping any loose strands of hair out of my face, I focus my eyes and look around the jet. Everyone’s staring at me.

            “What did you expect?” I ask to no one in particular. Stark’s the first one to speak.

            “Well I didn’t expect that.”

            “What’s that supposed to mean, Metal Head?” I retort, growing edgier.

            “Nothing, its ju-” He tries to explain, but is cut off by Spandex.

            “Do I know you?”

            “Well I’ve been mentally calling you Sticky Fingers and Spandex and I doubt that’s actually your name.” I say, my voice clearly annoyed.