Electric Storm

Chapter 1: Becoming Whole Again

Part 1

The pink blossoms on the trees are now in full bloom; a delicate reminder that spring is alive. I brush a few from my hair, the brown locks a tangled mess in the breeze. Time, no matter how small, has allowed it to grow once again. What once reached my shoulders now lies just above my chest. The way it was before. 

Ivy still entwines its way around the building I regretfully haven't visited in a while. My leather jacket and Stark glasses are out of place amongst the flowers and perfume. I sign my name in the reception book:

Katherine Carter, April 12th 2015

Loki grabs my wrist. His eyes widen at the blackened scar. 

"You are killing yourself!  You are dying!"

"If I stopped using my powers, would my body begin to heal?"

"Probably, yes but-"

"Then that's what I'll do."

I smile at the lady on the desk and begin my walk through the familiar corridors to a little room filled with a tangible nostalgia. As I lift my hand to knock on the door, my sleeve rolls back. The scar is gone, fully healed, and my skin is no longer translucent. 

"Where in God's name have you been?" Dad shouts. 

Black blood drips down my nose.

"I'm fine." I say sharply. 

"Katherine, no one is letting you leave this house. You are grounded until you tell us what is going on!"

'Aunt Peggy?' I call softly, carefully opening the door. 'It's me, Katherine.' My eyes scan the room, still admiring the black and white photos and dried out flowers. Her old, tired face rolls over to look at me, framed by hair that is still a soft, fluffy grey. Determination glistens in her eyes. Despite the years, she still looks beautiful. 

'Stark? You look so much like your father.' She smiles, a hesitant hand strokes my cheek. I clasp it gently, my eyes falling to the ground. 

'I'm here to tell you something Aunt Peggy.' Tears prick in my eyes. 'I need your help.'

'Anything my dear.' She whispers, squeezing my hand reassuringly.  

Steve holds my petite frame as I take gentle steps up and down the hall. After two weeks, I've been allowed out of the hospital bed. It hurts to walk. My muscles are weak, and each step takes a significant amount of effort. 

"Come on Katy, you've got this." Steve encourages. 

I take a couple more steps but after three or four my feet give way under me and I stumble forward. Steve sweeps forward, rapidly grabbing my falling weight.

He grabs my hand. 

He forces me into a wall and traps me with the weight of his body

I can't get out.

His hands slide up and begin to...