Strange Start

Chapter 9

Gone in a moment.

Steve's P.O.V.

"The system is down. We couldn't trace how long it has been like this because Stark hasn't been able to reboot the system yet." Sam explained as we rushed to Tony's lab. We arrived to see Tony tinkering on his computers (since I don't really know what he's doing).

"Tony, talk to me." Fury commanded while walking towards Tony's side to see what's going on.

"Well, since the back-up of the back-up of the system was also damaged, I am currently uploading my last wall of back-up from my toolbox." Tony said as he shows us the little black box while still tinkering on the screen.

"Where are the rest?" I asked.

"Securing the area." Tony said nonchalantly.

"You mean, someone might have gotten in the building?" I asked, uneased with the situation.

"Maybe. Let's hope not." Tony replied. "Oh. Here it is." The rest of the screens and holograms flared up.

"It's only been 6 minutes and 48 seconds since the shut down, thankfully. And there has been no further damage." Tony said merrily, then the alarms started. "Well, until now." he then hurriedly checked his gadgets to seek for answers.

"It's coming from the lounge." he said.

"James."

Nat's P.O.V.

I ran as fast as I possibly could. I knew something bad was gonna happen, I felt it, even before Sam came. And I regret not running to check on James earlier. Steve's just behind me when we arrived at my room. The windows are wrecked and my belongings are everywhere, but that's not the problem. I moved to the wounded Wanda near my bed and helped her up.

"W-what happened? Where's my son?" I asked, alarmed. I feel my eyes moistened, secretly hoping that James is somewhere safe. Then something moved, a person with a mask. He was aiming his gun right at us, thankfully Vision beamed at him with his stone. I did not notice him laying there, Steve was helping him up. I haven't seen Vision like this until now.

"What happened?" It was Steve's turn to ask.

"I heard noises from this room, so I came to see Wanda fighting with those men. I was about to help her but I was greeted with a squad and they surrounded me. They shocked me with a high voltage of electricity and I was down. I did not know what happened then." Vision explained. We turned to look at Wanda for answers. She was teary while holding the dagger strucked deep in her left shoulder. She bit her lower lip while clearly stopping her tears from falling. I knew what was coming, and I'm trying damn hard not to cry.

"Where's James? Whe-where's my son?" Please tell me he's safe. Please tell me he's in your room. Tell me he's playing with Bucky or. . or. . . Scott. Just please don't tell me he's gone. In that moment, I can feel my tears gathering and threatening to fall with all the silent pleas and fear in my chest.

"I'm sorry."

Then I lost it.

Steve's P.O.V.

Nat has completely shut down. When Sam and Maria arrived, they helped Vision and Wanda to the infirmary. Bucky came to check in but quickly sensed our need to be alone. Nat hasn't spoken a word since. I was pained when James was taken, but this scene pained me more. I felt the need to comfort her so I sat down beside her. Silence has filled the room.

"I haven't even hold him much yet." she spoke with a cracked voice. It was only then that I saw tears streaming down from her face when I face her. She started sniffing and wiping her tears, still trying to act tough with a poker face. I couldn't help putting my arms around her for comfort. She sobbed, hugging me and burying her face in my neck. I can only think of one assuring thing to say to lessen her pain and maybe mine too.

"We'll bring him home."