Whisper

The Twins

A/N: Hi, don't feel like you need to be a silent reader. I love hearing from everyone. Comment with kindness.

O - O - O

Steve and Niobe stood on the U-Gin Genetic Research Lab roof. Over the comms, he warned the team. 

"Two minutes. Stay close," Steve said.

The pair rushed into the lab to find Helen lying against a wall holding her side. A first gripped Niobe's heart. She dropped next to Helen, examining the damage.

"Helen!" Niobe said.

Niobe's eyes burned. She had not been there to protect Helen.

"He's uploading himself into the body," Helen said.

Niobe ran her hand along Helen's cheek, fighting back tears.

"Where?" Steve asked.

"The real power is inside the Cradle. The gem, its power is uncontainable. You can't just blow it up. You have to get the Cradle to Stark," Helen said. 

"First we have to find it," Steve said.

"Go," Helen said.

Steve stood. Niobe held onto Helen.

"Go," Helen said. "I will be fine. My team is on the way."

Down the hall, they heard footsteps.

"Go, I will be fine."

"Did you guys copy that?"

"We did," Clint said.

"I got a private jet taking off, across town, no manifest. That could be him," Natasha said.

"There. It's the truck from the lab. Right above you, Cap. On the loop by the bridge. It's them. I got three with the Cradle, one in the cab. I could take out the driver," Clint said.

Niobe clung to Steve's back as he prepared himself.

"Negative! If that truck crashes, the gem could level the city. We need to draw out Ultron," Steve said.

Steve jumped onto the roof of the truck. Niobe pushed off standing behind him.

"No, no, no, no, no. Leave me alone!" Ultron said.

"I'll go ahead and try to get in. Stay here for when he comes out," Steve said.

Niobe nodded, crouching down on the roof. Steve jumped down to the door, pulling the doors open. Ultron blasted the truck door as leaving Steve hanging on as the door swung open.

"Well, he's definitely unhappy! I'm gonna try and keep him that way," Steve said.

"This does not seem like the wisest approach," Niobe said.

"I agree," Clint said. "You're not a match for him, Cap."

"Thanks, Barton," Steve said.

Ultron released a blast of energy onto Steve as he tried to enter the truck. Instead of flying off again, Steve returned to Niobe's side.

"Give up?" Niobe asked.

Steve rolled his eyes. Ultron rose up from the back of the truck to stand in front of them.

"You know what's in that Cradle? The power to make real change, and that terrifies you," Ultron said.

"I wouldn't call it a comfort," Steve said.

Steve took the first swing. Ultron went on the defense, and Niobe brought out her lightsaber. When Steve stepped back, Niobe hit. They were making progress breaking through Ultron's armor.