𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆
→˚₊· ܴೈ I'd rather die with them than let them suffer alone ❞

IT HADN'T TAKEN long for the aircraft to make it to New York. Elain was seated comfortably as she played with her hands in worry. She knew that her brother would be there. Her Uncle would be there. That's why she was so anxious, she was worried about the change in image her family would share.

"Stark, we're on your three, headed northeast," Natasha called through the coms as she and Barton controlled the aircraft that four of the seven Avengers were in. 

"What? Did you stop for the drive-through?" Tony joked through coms, a bit annoyed at their lack of speed, "Swing up Park. I'm gonna lay 'em out for you."

Elain knew that meant to hold on to whatever was near. Natasha started shooting rapidly, as did Barton but she was still quite worried. Everything was going great till Loki blasted the aircraft causing everyone to tumble as they lost control.

The aircraft began to swing in circles. Steve hung from the ceiling while Elain began to bounce from wall to wall, she could've stopped herself but this was rather terrifyingly fun. It wasn't much longer till they hit the top of a building before roughly landing in the concrete.

Elain let out a groan as she landed on top of Steve, who helped her to her feet as he was quick to unmount his shield from his back. The small cluster of the Avengers all ran out of the aircraft.

"We've got to get up there!" Steve yelled as they ran through the streets before stopping in front of a bank as many ran.

Elain winced at the amount of celestial energy that seemed to pulsate around. It was overwhelming her senses and not in a good way. More and more Chitarui came through the portal, it was terrifying.

"Stark, are you seeing this?" Steve called through coms while they spun in circles trying to get a full view.

"Seeing. Still working on believing," Tony's response would've made Elain laugh, if under different circumstances, "Where's Banner? Has he shown up yet?"

"Banner?" Steve questioned confused.

"Just keep me posted," Tony requested simply before going quiet.

Elain caught the eyes of her brother flying on one of the alien's vehicles. She glared before hiding as the fire began to blare. She was quick to move beside Clint.

"They're fish in a barrel down there," Steve stated as he looked down at the people in the madness.

"I could go down there," Elain states as her eyes scan the sky.

Clint moved over to a different vehicle before a loud series of crashes filled the air as the aliens crashed onto vehicles.

"We got this, It's good. Go," Natasha spoke to both Steve and Elain.

"Do you think you can hold them off?" Steve questioned Clint as he looked over at Elain.

"Captain," A series of clicks were heard before he finished his sentence, "It would be my genuine pleasure."

In seconds, Clint was on his feet rapidly shooting arrows. Never missing a shot as he took down as many Chitarui as he could before Natasha stepped in with her guns. Steve grabbed Elain's hand and had her running in front. Helping her jump and land on top of a bus as the aliens fired at them.

Steve put an arm around her waist before jumping onto a vehicle that flipped due to the weapons, both then landing on solid ground before continuing their path. Elain used her abilities in whatever way she could but she wasn't going to overdo it, she couldn't.

Steve jumped over vehicles while Elain grabbed as many civilians as she could, helping them move from harm's way. Elain turned hot on her heel and used a wave of celestial energy to make one of the aliens explode causing an explosion. 

"You need men in these buildings! There are people inside and they're going to be running right into the line of fire," Steve spoke sharply to the officers who stood in the chaos. You take them to the basements or through the subway. You keep them off the streets," The order was direct and simple, "I need a perimeter as far back as thirty-ninth."

"Why the hell should I take orders from you?" One of the officers questioned rudly. 

 Before anything else could be said, an explosion was sounded. Elain rushed over to Steve once everyone was out of reach. The blast of weapons sounded as both fought against two Chitarui members. Clashing with Steve's shield and Elain's energy.

"I need men in those buildings. Lead the people down and away from the streets. We're going to set up a perimeter all the way down to thirty-ninth street," The officer immediately ordered through his coms.

"This is madness!" Elain yelled as she and Steve joined Clint and Natasha once more.

Aliens swarmed the group and they fought the best that they could before lightning struck a few as Thor landed. He leaned heavily against a vehicle. Worrying his niece who was quick to be at his side.

"What's the story upstairs?" Steve asked as Elain helped Thor walk over.

"The power surrounding the Cube is impenetrable," Thor spoke.

"I could've told you that. The Cube is really affecting me," Elain whispered.

"Thor's right. We got to deal with these guys," Tony spoke as he flew right above the group.

"How do we do this?" Natasha questioned as she breathed a bit heavier than normal.

"As a team," Steve states as he looks around along with Thor and Elain.

"I have unfinished business with Loki and Sirius," Thor states, and Elain notices how his gaze shifted on her.

"Yeah? Well get in line," Clint states as he fixes his arrows.

"I won't fight them. I'm not going to. When the time comes for that I'm helping the civilians," Elain's tone went sharp, she wasn't going to fight her family.

"Save it," Steve gave Clint and Elain a look, "Loki's going to keep this fight focused on us and that's what we need. Without him or Sirius, these things could run wild. We got Stark up top. He's going to need us to..."

Everyone turned to look at where the new noise was coming from. Elain refused to laugh as the stuttering of Bruce's new motorcycle caught them off guard as he finally showed up to the fight. Everyone walked closer.

"So, this all seems horrible," He was slow to add as he seemed a bit awkward.

"I've seen worse," Natasha states easily as if it meant nothing.

"Sorry," Banner looked over at the redhead.

"No, we could use a little worse," Natasha states as a knowing grin pulls at her lips. 

"Stark, we got him," Steve calls out to his com.

"Banner?" Came Tony's voice.

"Just like you said," Steve seemed to hate those words coming from his mouth.

"Then tell him to suit up. I'm bringing the party to you," Tony was quick to say.

"Oh fuck," Elain yelled as she saw the alien hit a building.

"I don't see how that's a party," Natasha got out as Thor started to wield his hammer.

"Suicide party," Elain shrugged as she spoke.

They watched as it got closer and closer. Everyone got a bit uneasy before Banner turned and started to walk away. Steve was quick to make a move after him.

"Dr. Banner," He spoke up, "Now might be a really good time for you to get angry."

Banner turned back momentarily as the alien was head-on, "That's my secret, Captain. I'm always angry," In seconds he was turning green and punched the alien in the face before it began to flip.

"Hold on," Tony yelled before he blasted the back.

Clint was quick to grab onto Elain and pull her to safety, making sure she was safe while Steve caught Natasha and protected them both with his shield. 

In moments, everyone was in a circle. Hulk, Clint, Thor, Natasha, Elain, Steve, and then Tony. Everyone in their battle stances wielding their weapons or shields of choice. A determined look on their faces as they stared at the troubles ahead.

"Guys," Natasha spoke quickly.

"Call it, Captain," Tony spoke up as they began to line up.

"All right, listen up, until we can close that portal our priority is containment. Barton, I want you on that roof. Eyes on everything. Call out patterns and strays. Stark, you got the perimeter, anything gets more than three blocks out you turn it back or you turn it to ash."

"Can you give me a lift?" Clint turned his head to look at the red and gold suit.

"Right," Tony spoke, "Better clench up, Legolas," He states before grabbing Clint and blasting off into the air.

"Thor, you got to try and bottleneck that portal. Slow them down," Steve spoke to the god of Thunder, "You got the lightning. Light the bastards up."

Thor began to spin Mjölnir which caused wind before he was in the air, flying upwards to the portal. 

"You and me, we stay here on the ground. We keep the fighting here. Elain, take out any of them that you can with your abilities and make sure that civilians get to safety. And Hulk... smash." Steve pointed as the green monster roared before bolting off.

Elain nodded before running to find where she was going. Elain watched as electricity shackled over one of the buildings, roaring to the portal. Elain smiled a bit knowing her Uncle was definitely having the time of his life.

But she had to focus, ignoring whatever part of her was being drawn to the Cube - to the fight. She had to help the people. 

After a few minutes, Elain ran through the streets, helping who she could. The girl heard the scream and cry of children. Her heart shattered at the sound. She loved children, on Asgard she had always spent time with the children in the towns.

The woman immediately found the source of sound and noticed a boy, who couldn't be any older than five, carrying a baby as an apartment complex began to collapse behind them.

Elain was quick to use celestial energy to block any debris from hitting the boy and the small child in his arms, and she was quick to usher the two away.

Both held the same caramel skin. The eldest wore a ruana with a pair of tattered pants and had curly black hair that reached just below his jaw. The youngest wore some type of baby clothing that looked like it came from Target.

"Hey, hey," Elain spoke softly as she crouched down in front of the eldest who kept peaking behind him, his eyes going between a vibrant green and a doe-brown, "What's your name? What's their name? Mine is Elain."

She was being careful with her words. She could see how scared and upset the boy was. The crash of aliens behind them wasn't helping. 

"...Mi nombre es Bruno, este es mi hermano Camilo," He stuttered out.

Elain nodded slowly, "Can you understand me? I can speak Spanish if you'd like," She offered, wanting the boy to be more comfortable.

Bruno simply nodded before shaking his head, he was shaking a bit. Elain offered out her arms, seeing what he'd do in return.

He seemed hesitant but he placed little Camilo in her arms. The boy wailed loudly causing Elain to start rocking him softly, after a few minutes he calmed.

"Bruno, would you mind telling me..." Elain stopped speaking as soon as she saw the pout that began to form as he held back tears.

He wore a tiny ruana that clung to his body, covered in a bit of dirt, "I saw it happen. I saw this before it happened," He seemed panicked and Elain blocked an attack from the aliens easily.

Elain shifted Camilo into one of her arms and put the other around Bruno, "Hey, it's okay. I understand."

Elain held Bruno close as he cried. Poor boy, he must be so scared and confused. Elain couldn't help but frown.

She couldn't leave them alone. She wasn't going to. It was clear that they had no one - and if they did, they weren't going to be the same after the rubble took its toll.

"Hey, why don't you two come with me? You have to stay close though," Elain whispered to Bruno.

Bruno didn't seem in a mood to argue, Elain easily put the boy on her hip before starting the journey. The greenness she had originally seen in his eyes had completely disappeared, it made her curious.

Elain was quick with her movements, making sure that nothing would hit the two kids. Bruno's grip tightened around her as he sniffled. 

"Don't go that way," The little boy mumbled as his voice cracked.

Elain looked at the path she was originally going to take and noticed how the building had blown up right as Bruno's words hit the air.

"Hey, Bruno? Is it alright if you and your brother stay with me for a while?" Elain questioned as she quickly changed her course, " It would be best if I protected you both."

Elain didn't expect him to answer immediately, she was leaving the question in the air until he decided it was time to answer. She held onto both kids tightly as she turned down a corner, following part of the crowd as she made sure everyone was getting away safely.

"Cuidado!" Bruno yelled quickly causing Elain to abruptly stop, she watched as her brother jumped down in front of her.

"Helping people isn't going to stop this," Sirius spoke to his sister, "They'll die and you might die with them."

"I'd rather die with them than let them suffer alone," Elain shot harshly, "Please, Sirius. Look at all of this! Families are being separated and torn apart. People are perishing."

"It has to be done!" Sirius exclaimed at his sister, "Can't you see that?!"

"Can't you see it doesn't have to be like this?" Elain questioned as her heart began to break.

Elain hesitantly placed Bruno back on the ground, placing Camilo back in his arms before placing a protective barrier around the two. Bruno's eyes looked so innocent but so pained. His expression made Elain worry, but it also made her grow protective.

"This can't go on," Elain looked at her brother, "I won't allow it."

Sirius walked closer to her causing her to back away. She noticed the pain flashing in his eyes but she knew his intentions wouldn't be good. She noticed the weapon in his hand, one meant for death.

"I've got to eliminate my weakness, systir. You must under-" Within seconds, a flash of red and gold took him into the air.

Elain had to focus on the safety of the two children. She couldn't let her emotions get the best of her. Elain wondered if she could get the two into Stark Tower, could she use celestial energy to make a sort of portal? 

But would it be safe, the Cube's power was messing with her rapidly. If she lost control with them around, it could end horribly.

Elain turned to look back at Bruno in the small protective bubble. His eyes glowing a vibrant green as the air around him seemed to spin, "It's okay. We'll be okay," He was struggling with his words but Elain knew that it was normal under these circumstances - and normal as he was still a child.

Elain nodded with a small sad smile. She let the energy flicker before it started to spin in a whirl. Getting bigger and bigger before she began to channel energy within Stark Tower. Elain let the barrier fall before she grabbed Bruno's hand and once more took Camilo. 

"Okay. Hold on tight, little man," Elain took a deep breath before walking through the portal.

Elain flinched at the newfound brightness, she heard voices over her coms and sighed in relief that every one of her friends were seemingly alive.

"Steve! I found two children, one has abilities and I'm protecting them. I've taken down quite a few aliens and now I'm on top of Stark Tower. I'm taking down whatever is in the skies. The energy will blow them to shreds," Elain spoke through the coms.

In seconds she saw her Uncle fall onto the platform before the roar of hulk sounded. Bruno whimpered in fear as Elain quickly closed the portal and ushered him to follow her. Camilo had somehow managed to fall asleep.

Elain pulled the two kids from harm's way and held them close. Bruno had attached himself to her leg. Elain had gotten them on one of the balconies and she used her free hand to have a bit more control of the energy.

She could feel her attention jutting and she wasn't completely sure why. Focus, focus. She repeated to herself as she sent a wave of energy at the aliens in the sky, causing them to explode.

"ELAIN? Are you okay? We haven't heard from you this whole time," Came Cap's worried, yet, out of breath voice not even a few moments later.

"Shh Bruno it's okay, Yeah! I'm fine, I'm more worried for the little ones," She explained.

Elain turned to see as Hulk began to have fun with throwing her Uncle around. Slamming him from one side to the other, hitting him harshly on the floor. Part of Elain felt bad.

"Come on," Elain's voice was soft as she looked down at Bruno, "There's someone I must see."

Bruno warily loosened his grip on Elain, but it didn't completely let up. Elain helped him to get into the room. She hesitantly sat him down behind the bar, putting Camilo in his lap with a soft smile. 

"Stay here please," She spoke softly as she placed a kiss on the boy's head before rising to her feet.

"Be safe," Bruno looked up at her, the poor boy had been through so much.

"I will," Elain whispered before she moved away, going to get closer to her Uncle.

𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆