The misfits

14: Emma

"Emma, you don't have to do this." Will pulled her aside while she was fawning over a saber on the wall. She began to feel the smoothness of it against her palm of her hand, as she softly crooned, "Beautiful saber, and who might you belong to? People say pretty pictures go on the wall, but you're so beautiful you might as well be one too. Pity you won't be seeing any blood today." It was the most beautiful thing Emma had ever seen. The handle was a metallic blue, comfortable in Emma's grip. The blade was a dull metal colour, a length of 88cm that curved slightly like a saber should. It made a satisfying swishing sound as Emma lifted it gingerly out of its handle and pretended to spar.

"I don't. I want to." Emma replied, eyes still on the saber. Will had decided to stay because he could not handle the pressure of being on a fight scene. "Em, I'm worried for you. It's not normal for someone to be so excited over an opportunity of getting yourself killed. Until the extent that you're talking to inanimate objects."

"Ms Saber isn't inanimate. She's my new best friend. Look at how beautiful she is! She's on the wall like pictures. Pity she's never been in a fight." Emma turned to Will, her eyes bright as she sniffed and threw her arms around the saber. "How'd you know she been used?" Will asked as he stared at Emma, unsure of how to react. "I just know. I'm a genius." Emma answered cheerfully.

"Her name is Cortana. Emma's right. She has never seen battle, ever since the invention of guns, swords have been uncommon. " A voice said from behind her. Emma spun around to see Agent Coulson standing there, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Can I borrow her, please?" Emma stammered, as she suddenly felt shy. "Yes, you may. I must say, it is uncommon for girls to be so excited over weapons. Will, are you extremely sure you don't want to come? Not that I would encourage you to." Agent Coulson turned to Will, while Emma squealed in delight and slid the saber out of its holder. "No, I don't think I can handle going without even being trained. I have no experience with guns. Emma's a natural though."

"Emma, we got to go. Last chance to back out." Ward called. Emma had no intention of doing so as she waved goodbye to Will and followed Agent Coulson out of the door.

꧁꧂

"A few things to be clear about. No one is to show yourself until I say so. Emma, do not, reveal your abilities unless you really have to—and yes, S.H.I.E.L.D. knows about your profile." Ward instructed strictly as he looked at Emma, making sure she nodded in understanding. "We go on...five." As Daisy counted quietly.

"Five." As Emma followed them into the lab. It was dimly lit, the walls splashed with black paint while the hallways were lined with strings of blue LED lights. Emma walked through the hallways, careful to check if there was anyone hiding in the corners. "They're in the private lab. The camera picked up one of the team members typing in a code." Agent May—the lady with a really serious face reported quietly. Ward nodded and led the way, gesturing for the rest of them to follow. They landed outside a room, where Daisy glanced around to make sure no one was looking, before punching in the code, where the door slid open. There was no one there. "They're not here." Emma said nervously as she glanced at May for an answer. "The camera said Raina was in another room, but it picked up her walking here. Element of surprise. Now shh, try not to breathe so loudly." Emma turned and managed to fit under a table in the far end of the corner, where she was obscured from view, should Raina decide to enter and see someone under the table. A million thoughts ran through her mind. What if she got caught? What would Raina do to her? Doesn't she have school? Yesterday was supposed to be Wolverine Appreciation Day. She missed it. She shrugged as she reassured herself, there are more than enough superheroes in the world for the school to create more holidays.

"We will not hurt you. You will be famous. Absolutely fabulous. You will be noticed, remembered. Isn't that what you wanted?" A low voice carried into the room, accompanied with the click and clack of high heels. That must be Raina, Emma sucked in a breath as she sat as still as possible. She tried to steady herself as she heard her own nervous breaths.