V I G I L A N C E ~ (MCU) ~

C H A P T E R 2 5_

"Not the worst plan," Nat says regretfully.

"...War doesn't ever shut us down. It wakes us up," I say as I watch all of these people who have lost so much. I'm going to keep this from happening as much as possible. I know we can't save everyone but we are as sure as hell gonna try.

ESTHER:

It's sunset when we finally arrive at Plymouth; the first sight of land in days. We have slept most of the time to save up as much strength as we could. Other than that and game plan discussing there wasn't much talking.

"It will be dark by the time we reach London," I say as I load up ammunition into my rifle, looking out the window.

"Oh that's convenient," he sighs.

I shrug. "We've been through worse."

"Not for how many of those would be crowded around the brain protecting it. We don't know what conditions we are heading into." He comes to my side and looks out to where I do.

"Well bringing this massive thing wouldn't help us. Those creatures are drawn to loud noises like zombies."

"So you're saying we have to be on foot?" he lifts a brow and looks at me.

"When I saw the vision of the hole under the London Eye it looked big enough for us to get through but not a massive ship like this. And luckily the brain isn't directly below it either so we can't just drop the bomb and get out."

"Luckily," he sasses back.

I give him a look that agrees with his annoyed behavior. "Our best option is stealth."

"Sneak in? That's not exactly your strength."

"Well it's a good thing I have the god of deceit with me then," I give him a look with raised brows.

He smirks and looks away.

TONY STARK:

I gasp and my body flies forward, heat taking my senses as I stare into the darkness. Images fade from my mind as I blink and catch my breath...

Slowly the world comes about again, my heart rate too intense. The room comes back into view and I look beside me... She's still asleep. Which is good.

I shut my eyes again and wipe my damp forehead. I stand up and pull the covers off me, careful to not disturb her as I climb out of bed and walk to the balcony of our base apartment.

It's not really cold out but the air is cool at night. And it feels nice since I am so hot.

I just put my hands on the railing and catch my breath for a long moment.

"Captivity nightmare again?" Pepper's gentle voice asks behind me.

Damn. I hoped I didn't wake her. But it's like she can just sense when something is wrong.

"...No... This one was worse."

"What was it?"

I look out into the distance at the city buildings covered in light from the moon. The images flood back as I try to remember... six gems... a wicked smile... and complete destruction. "I don't know..." is what I answer with. To be honest it's true...