My Uncle, The Avenger

Chapter 6: Yay. Another Threat. Can't Wait

Tony

I woke up that morning to the ground shaking. 

I bolted up immediately, and my suit came flying towards me, surrounding my body. "Fri," I said, addressing my AI. "What's the situation here?"

"There seems to be an earthquake, boss," FRIDAY answered. "Source?" I questioned. "Your nephew's room, boss." I headed over there, and knocked down the door. Percy was on his bed, shuddering and shaking, moaning and sobbing. 

I froze. I squeezed my eyes shut as memories of these night terrors came back to me. The suit fell off me and I crouched next to him, placing a hand on his face. 

It's what I did when Peter experienced them. "Percy," I addressed, trying to keep my voice steady. "You've got to calm down." Percy jerked towards me, and gripped my wrist. He twisted it, and I yelled out in pain after hearing a crack. "God dammit kid," I said, gritting my teeth in frustration. 

I pressed a hand on his chest, and his breathing slowed down, becoming calmer. The ground stopped shaking, and I looked at the kid in confusion. His eyes suddenly bolted open. 

He let go of my wrist and I sighed in relief, clutching it. "You okay, kid?" I asked him, lifting my hand off his chest. 

Percy averted his gaze as I turned on the lights. "You okay?" I repeated, my voice cold. Percy didn't answer, and I shook my head. "It's okay," I muttered. "I experience them too." 

I was about to leave when Percy said something that grabbed my attention. 

"Were you abused?" 

I turned, and looked at him. "What did you say?" I snapped. "Were you abused?" Percy repeated, eyes full of mock concern. I closed my eyes, and felt myself stagger back. My heart started beating faster and faster. "Are you okay?" Percy asked, standing up and walking towards me. 

"Yes," I said quickly. "Just...leave me alone."

---

"You sure that kid, Percy's okay?" Rhodey asked Peter who was in the infirmary. I was sitting next to him, my hand on his. 

"I mean, he said that he got out of a really bad breakup after his girlfriend made out with another guy who was like, a pedo, and he seemed really chill about it and said that's why he's acting out," Peter answered. 

Rhodey and I stared at him, confused. "I mean, that's what he told me. I was on pain meds so I probably don't remember it correctly," Peter said shyly. 

I smirked, but my eyes drew back to his stomach. It wasn't that bad of an injury, but he still needed healing. 

"Where's he now?" Peter asked, the question mainly directed to me. I shrugged, and Rhodey slapped me. "Ow!" I exclaimed. "What?" 

Bruce came back into the room before Rhodey could answer. "You have a broken wrist," he told me, and I nodded. The ice pack slipped off but Rhodey picked it back up and placed it back onto my swollen wrist. 

"'Kay," I replied, nodding my head again. I stood up, and walked over to Bruce's medicine. I plucked one up after reading the tag: Bone Healer - Fixed in less than five minutes

I uncapped it and drained it. 

"Whoa, whoa, what are you doing?" Bruce asked, rushing over to me. 

"Getting myself fixed," I said. I wrinkled my nose in disgust as the taste of the medicine got stronger. "What's in this?" I asked him, ignoring his racing around. 

Peter was closing his eyes. Rhodey was ignoring me and Bruce and talking to Pepper who had just walked in. 

"Tony," Bruce said. "I am the scientist-"

"So am I," I interrupted. 

He glared at me, and I raised my hands. "I am the scientist so I decide what's safe and what's not. And what you need a prescription for and-"

"There was an earthquake last night!" I yelled, cutting everyone in the room off. "And I got my frickin' wrist broken by a teenager - a sixteen year old to be exact. The rogues are downstairs, and I don't know how I know but a new threat is rising so I want to be in good condition when it strikes. Okay?" 

Bruce nodded. "Okay," he confirmed. "I'm just...wound up. What, with the Rogues being here and the whole Civil War thing and..." He stopped himself. 

I nodded stiffly, and walked outside. "Fri, what's my location on Percy?" I asked, walking to the kitchen. "With the Rogues, sir." 

I swore, and slammed a fist on the counter. I groaned, and gripped my aching hand. "Friday," I said. "Send the Rogues a little message from me: Hey Rogers - everyone else. Just wanted to tell you to stay-out-of-my-life already. If you make a small slip-up, or make contact to any of my family or friends I will end you."

"Sending," FRIDAY informed me. "Received." 

Sitting down, shakily, I placed my head in hands and let out a tired sob. Why must the Rogues always have to mess with my life? I asked myself silently. 

As usual, I have no answer. 

The aching of my wrist had faded, so I stood up and slammed it into the wall. It didn't hurt. But I was still in pain. 

---

I woke up that night by screaming. 

Surprisingly, it didn't belong to me. So, I got up, and walked outside my room. "Fri, where's the noise coming from?" I asked. "Percy's room," she replied.

"Crap," I muttered, and walked in there. Percy was thrashing and shaking. I crouched next to him, and he grabbed my wrist. 

I tried to get back, but he held his grip. 

God, this kid was as strong as Steve. Stronger, even. 

His eyes snapped open and he stared at me, sea-green eyes full of fear and anger and wildness. "Tartarus is coming," he whispered, voice hoarse. "He's coming."