Echo [11] (ON HIATUS)

Chapter 2

I watched Martha disappear upstairs, a smile on my face. She was such a sweet woman, I can't imagine life without her, she's a joy to have around and such a big help. Besides, I don't have to go home to an empty house after school, and she helps me with my homework when I get stuck. I moved into the kitchen, where the adults were talking. "I hope you like lemon tea," I said to Agent Coulson, handing him the cup.

I passed my parents their coffees before taking my seat with my own cup. I moved to take a sip when my mother gave me a pointed look. Withholding a sigh, I stuck out my pinky and sent her a look that screamed There. Happy? 

"So, Mr. Coulson, you're saying that our daughter is one of these...what did you call them?" My father asked. 

"Inhumans," Coulson supplied.

"Right. She's one of them?" My father asked.

 "According to our program," He nodded soundly.

"That's impossible. Are you sure your program is correct?" My mother scoffed. 

"It hasn't failed so far. If you agreed, we would take her to a safe place to go through the procedure that grants abilities. While she was in the procedure, she would be carefully monitored. Afterward, she would be trained to control her power. Optionally, she could also learn to become an agent of the organization," He said. 

"And what is this organization called?" My father asked.

"The Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division. Or S.H.I.E.L.D. for short," He explained. 

"Mm. And what if she isn't Inhuman?" My mother demanded.

 "She would come home, with no memory of this interaction," He said. 

"Very well. And if she is?" My father asked.

 "She will have to stay with us. Permenantly. We cannot risk having untrained Inhumans running loose. And, even when she learns to control these powers, she would have to stay with us as S.H.I.E.L.D. is meant to be a secret. When I leave this building, with or without Ms. Panzer, no words can be spoken of this interaction. She would be allowed a monthly call home if this is the case," He said.

My parents opened their mouths to argue, and he continued. 

"Of course, she would be allowed to visit for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas," He said.

 "And does Ms. Panzer get an opinion in this?" I asked, finally speaking up.

 "Of course. It is your decision, no one is going to stop you," He said. 

I reviewed all the information I had received.

The logical side of my brain said that this man couldn't be trusted, but when I looked over and saw a friendly man sipping tea on my couch, I deemed that he could hardly perform harmful actions. The more curious, and less sensible, side of my brain was itching to know what my ability was.

 "Have you made a decision?" He asked. 

"I'm going to do it," I said firmly. I saw my father's face flash red before he regained his composure.

"Very well. Pack your bags, we'll be leaving in an hour. Also, this tea is excellent," He said with a smile. I was shocked at the short packing time but went up to my room to start packing. I was well aware that my father was trailing behind me, he sounded like an angry bull. I entered my room, and made my way over to my closet, acting oblivious to him following me. 

"What the Hölle are you thinking?!" My father shouted, and I turned around.

"I'm thinking that this is the opportunity of a lifetime," I said coolly. 

"This could ruin us! You've just put the entire business at risk because of some...some crack dream!" He bellowed, spit flying from his mouth.

 "I don't care about your goddamn business! This is not a crack dream! I'm tired of being ordered around like a soldier! You don't own me!" I spat back in his face, losing my temper. 

"Don't yell at me!" He shouted.

 "You heard the man downstairs. No one is going to stop me. Besides, what will you do about it? You don't even know where I'm going!" I countered.

Poor Martha must've been woken up by the shouting because she came bustling down the hall. 

"What is all this racket? Mr. Panzer, I thought you were better than this! Yelling at your little girl," She scolded. 

"Shut up, Martha," He spat.

 "Hey! You leave her alone! She actually cares about me, which is more than I can say for you or mother," I sneered. Huffing like an angry bull, he stormed off.

"What's going on, sweetie? Are you going somewhere?" She asked, looking at the suitcase on my bed. 

"The man downstairs is taking me somewhere where I can gain powers and learn to control them," I explained.

 "Powers?" She asked, surprised. 

"Apparently, I'm something called Inhuman. I'm going to stay with them, permanently. But I promise I'll call and come back for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could never miss out on your cooking," I said.

 "Oh, Tessa," She wrapped her arms around me, and I quickly returned the hug.

"I'll call you as soon as I can. But I have to pack, I'm leaving in...45 minutes," I said, looking at my clock.

 "Then we better get started," She said, moving to my closet and taking down a bunch of clothes. We swiftly sorted through them, until I only had a bunch of graphic tees and American band shirts, alongside my jeans and flannels. I packed one dress, my least formal one, in case it was necessary. Then I packed my boogie board, my roller skates, a picture of myself and my friends, and a picture of Martha. Then I put on the necklace she had gotten me two years ago, which had If you can dream it, you can do it. inscribed. I put my suitcases on the floor and walked them back downstairs into the lobby, where the man was waiting.

 "Ready to go?" He asked, and I nodded.

 "Say your goodbyes," He said, nodding towards my parents. 

I gave my mother a brief hug, which had very little warmth and love in it, and did the same to my father.

"Don't mess up," He hissed in my ear before letting go. I went over to Martha, giving her a big hug. 

"I promise I'll visit," I whispered before letting go. I pecked her on the cheek, then followed the agent out the door.

And for once, I didn't look back.

a/n Aight, before we get to the school, I'mma give you a list of all the characters that are gonna appear, alongside the relationships established before the book started.

Marvel Characters - Yo-Yo, Daisy, Lincoln, Joey, Kamala, Loki, Thor, Gordon, Carol, Val, Stephen, Peter, Steve, Bucky, Janet, Nat, Wanda, Clint, Hank, Tony, Bruce, Mack, Trip, Rhodey, Sam, T'Challa, Shuri, M'Baku, Coulson, May, Fury, Hill, Ward, Fitz, and Simmons

Unsung Hero Characters - Ellie, Tanya, Ahmi, Misha, Tessa (obviously), Kyrie, Inola, Becca, Aya, Ian, Asya, Rue, Ch'tasi, M'ahni, Addi, Isa, Andi, Jordan, Jehlani

Relationships - Daisy and Lincoln, Nat and Clint, Hank and Janet, Yo-Yo and Mack