CHAPTER 26

       Somewhere along the line, I decided that it would be easier to individually assassinate the rest (mostly intelligence agents, cataloguing data people). There's eleven of them and I have to destroy the blueprints for everything. Plus, I've also got Dr. Gulliver to go as well, but I'm saving him for last.

       To combat the electronic files, I've modified one of my old computer viruses to attach itself to files with the name Project TAHITI or REBIRTH or REPEAT in it to destroy them completely. Easy.

       Getting it in will be the problem, it's a self-loading malware virus but physically inserting it into the computer would be the issue. So, seems like I'd be visiting SHIELD one way or another to insert this lovely USB.

       The Offspring are disappointed, it seems. The compass just took them to the labs and started uselessly spinning around. "Don't give up." I shout absentmindedly as I hear the cluster of defeated groans and sighs. I try searching through the web for anything about Mum's weapons of death. Sure, I've seen them in my dreams, but nothing that a little web search won't help to reconcile.

       Night comes easily, and I search up the location of my targets, sending their updated locations to my phone at one-minute intervals. I'm armed with multiple handguns and the computer virus.

       My work is quick, I don't need to give you the long details, I take down one in an alleyway, stumbling alone, two on a date at a restaurant, three in their home apartments, two at the gym, another at a park and the last two were at SHIELD were, after sliding their lifeless bodies off the desk, I implanted the USB.

       "Too easy." I grin and straighten up, itching at the facial mask I've hidden myself in. I look at my work and am about to remove the USB when a hoard of SHIELD agents appear, armed, deadly and dangerous.

       One fires a gun and I shadow-travel away, near the Avengers' Tower. I crumple to the floor, realising I was rash enough to get shot. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." I curse to myself, applying pressure, hot, sticky liquid seeping through my fingers.

       You're going to have to pull it out. Something within me whispers. I crumple to my knees, favouring my thigh. "I don't want to do this." I wheeze. "I don't. I don't." I rip off my mask, throwing it to the side, next to a dumpster.

       Focus. The voice snaps. Use your telekinesis.

       "I don't, I don't." I gasp unevenly, I'm beginning to feel lightheaded. There's a metallic smell that fries my nose. Waves of pain radiate through me and I vow never to shoot someone recklessly again.

       With a whimper, I press harder against my thigh and focus. I can sense the piece of metal in my flesh. It's not supposed to be there. It's unnatural, weird and I need to pull it out.

       I grasp the metal with my mind, trying to move it. I have to bite back a scream, the pain almost makes me black out again.

       C'mon! The voice cries. You're losing blood!

       I cry out, but only a little, as the bullet becomes free, clattering to the ground. I bite my knuckles from shaking and the pain. I manage the energy to shadow-travel to the Tower, more specifically, Bruce's lab. It's early in the night, almost half past ten, he'll still be there.

       I'm assaulted by bright light and immediately collapse to the ground in pain. "Arugh!" I cry out.

       "Lana?" Asked a concerned voice. "Lana is that you?"

       "Need... help." I managed. "Was... Shot. Healing... Isn't.. Working."

       "Oh my goodness." Something hovers over me. "Lana? Lana stay with me, stay awake."

       But I couldn't help my vision swimming dark.

...

       I awoke to a much, softer, light. I'm in my room, propped up. I'm still in my blood-stained clothes but my leg is tightly wrapped. I can't help a whimper of pain, I'm not used to this fiery pain, mine is short and sweet, horrible but quick.

       "Lana?" A voice asks tentatively. "Are you awake?" I recognise it as Tony's.

       "What do you think... Genius?" I manage, my breathing laboured. He laughs, then it fades.

       "What were you thinking?" He growls, his voice is very different now. He's not happy.

       I manage to open my eyes; an odd effort. Across from my bed is the to flickering news coverage about the restaurant shooting. I quickly think up of a story.

       "Went to get a coffee. Got caught in that." I nod weakly to the tv, my voice is breathy. "Healing didn't work. Not sure why." Tony frowns.

       "We're not sure either. Bruce said once you wake we'll put you in the scanner." I nod slowly.

       "But don't think you're out of trouble yet, young lady." Tony stands and walks away to the door.

       I chuckle to myself, grinning, I already am.